Some advice on what you should and should do when writing Task 2 of the IELTS writing exam.
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2. task 2
Dos
• Read the question carefully before
you answer to determine exactly
what you are asked to do.
3. task 2
Dos • Make a plan to order and structure
your ideas before you start writing.
4. task 2
Dos
• Use the appropriate structure for
the type of essay that you are
going to write. It depends on the
question which structure you need
to use.
5. task 2
Dos
• If you are asked for your opinion,
make sure you make it clear
throughout your essay. Choosing
the right essay structure will help
you do this.
6. task 2
Dos
• Keep you essay simple and don’t
overthink the topic. The examiners
know you only have 40 minutes.
Simple answers often work best.
7. task 2
Dos
• Learn how to use paraphrasing and
synonyms in your writing. Being
able to do this is a key skill that is
required for a high score.
8. task 2
Don’ts
• Don’t try to show off. Although you are
marked on grammar and vocabulary,
you don’t need to use complicated
words and grammatical structures for
the sake using them. Use effective
language instead and only use
grammar and vocabulary you are sure
about.
9. task 2
Don’ts
• Don’t memorize or copy answers. You
will earn points for the correct
grammar and vocabulary but it is very
unlikely that you will answer the
question correctly.
10. task 2
Don’ts
• Don’t overuse linking words and other
cohesive devices like ‘however’, ‘with
regards to’, and ‘in contrast’, etc. They
affect your score negatively if you use
them incorrectly or awkwardly.
Overuse of these types of words is
very common.
11. task 2
Don’ts
• Don’t write under the word limit. You
will lose point if you do. On the other
hand, don’t go to far over the limit
either because it will cost you time and
you will be more likely to make
mistakes. Going 10% over the limit is
about right.
12. task 2
Don’ts
• Don’t write sentences that don’t add to
the argument you are trying to make.
Some students do this to reach the
required word limit. Phrases and
sentences that don’t have a purpose
should be left out because they will
hurt the structure of what you are
trying to say.