What is Task 2 and how is it marked?
Task 2 is the second part of IELTS Writing: an essay of at least 250 words on a general topic, written in about 40 minutes. Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1, so most of your Writing band comes from this essay.
The examiner marks it on four equally weighted criteria, and your Task 2 band is the average of the four:
| Criterion | What it measures | What Band 7 needs |
|---|---|---|
| Task Response | Answering every part of the question with a clear position | All parts covered, a clear position throughout, ideas extended with explanation and examples |
| Coherence & Cohesion | Logical order, paragraphing and linking | One main idea per paragraph; varied, accurate linking that is not mechanical |
| Lexical Resource | Range and precision of vocabulary | Some less common words and natural collocations, with only occasional errors |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | Variety and accuracy of structures | A mix of simple and complex sentences; most sentences error-free |
Task 2 question types
| Type | How the question signals it | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion | To what extent do you agree or disagree? | State your position in the introduction and keep it to the end |
| Discussion | Discuss both views and give your opinion. | One paragraph per view, with your own opinion in the introduction and conclusion |
| Advantages / disadvantages | What are the advantages and disadvantages? | One paragraph each; if asked which outweighs, answer it |
| Problem / solution | What problems … and what solutions? | Causes or problems in one paragraph, specific solutions in the next |
| Two-part | Two separate questions | Answer both questions separately and fully |
Four-paragraph structure and timing
- Introduction (2–3 sentences): paraphrase the question and state your position or the essay's direction.
- Body 1 (5–7 sentences): topic sentence, explanation, example and a short concluding line.
- Body 2 (5–7 sentences): the second idea or opposing view in the same pattern.
- Conclusion (2 sentences): summarise and restate your final view; add no new ideas.
Suggested timing: 5 minutes planning, 30 minutes writing and 5 minutes checking for grammar and spelling mistakes.
Sample question
Some people believe that university students should pay the full cost of their studies. Others think that university education should be free. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
This is a discussion question, so both views must be examined and your own opinion must be stated clearly. Supporting only one side lowers the Task Response score.
Sample answer (about 290 words)
In many countries, the question of who should pay for higher education is widely debated. While some argue that students should cover the full cost of their degrees, others believe that university should be free for everyone. In my view, although graduates gain clear personal benefits, the state should fund most of the cost.
On the one hand, there are good reasons to make students pay. A university degree usually leads to higher earnings, so it seems fair that the person who benefits most should bear the cost. Furthermore, students who pay fees may take their studies more seriously and choose courses that match the needs of the job market. Free education, by contrast, places a heavy burden on taxpayers, many of whom have never attended university themselves.
On the other hand, free university education brings important advantages to society as a whole. Doctors, engineers and teachers who are trained at public expense serve the entire community, not just themselves. In addition, high fees can discourage talented young people from poor families. For example, a bright student from a small village may never apply to university if the fees are equal to several years of the family's income, and the country loses a skilled professional as a result.
In conclusion, both views have some merit. However, I believe that because society gains so much from educated citizens, governments should pay for most university costs, perhaps while asking graduates with high incomes to contribute later through taxation.
Analysis: why about Band 7?
Task Response — about 7
Each view has its own paragraph and the writer's opinion is clear in the introduction (“the state should fund most of the cost”) and the conclusion. Ideas are explained and supported; the village-student example makes the argument concrete. For an 8, the first body paragraph could go a little deeper (for example, the effect of student debt).
Coherence & Cohesion — about 7
Paragraphing is logical and linking words are used accurately: On the one hand / Furthermore / by contrast / In addition / For example / as a result / However. Referencing is natural (many of whom, themselves). The slightly formulaic “On the one hand / On the other hand” pattern holds it back from an 8.
Lexical Resource — about 7
Natural, fairly uncommon collocations: bear the cost, a heavy burden on taxpayers, at public expense, discourage talented young people, contribute through taxation. An 8 needs more precise, less common items such as means-tested grants or social mobility.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy — about 7 to 7.5
A good range of complex sentences: relative clauses (who are trained at public expense), conditionals (if the fees are equal to…) and adverbial clauses with although and because. There are no noticeable grammatical errors.
This analysis is an educational estimate. The real band is set by an official examiner and may be half a band higher or lower.
Common mistakes that lower the band
- Not answering every part of the question — for example, giving no personal opinion in a discussion question.
- Writing fewer than 250 words, which is penalised under Task Response.
- Memorised, off-topic sentences; examiners recognise them and do not count them.
- Starting every sentence with a linking word (Moreover, Furthermore, Additionally…).
- Vague examples with no explanation — or invented statistics.
- A long introduction that copies the question word for word.
- No paragraphing, or one very long paragraph.
Checklist before you submit
- I have answered every part of the question and my opinion is clear.
- I have four clear paragraphs and each body paragraph has one main idea.
- I have given at least one specific example for each idea.
- The essay is over 250 words.
- I have checked verb tenses, subject–verb agreement and articles (a / the).
Want to know what your own essay would score? Paste it into Kajino's Task 2 correction tool to get an estimated band for each criterion, every error with a correction and an improvement plan in one PDF — or take a full timed Writing test.
Task 2 correction Writing mock testIELTS is a registered trademark of the British Council, IDP and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Kajino is not affiliated with these organisations; the scores Kajino's tools and guides give are estimates for practice.
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