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Writing Task 2

What will happen if I write less than 250 words in writing task 2

You should aim to write around 250 words. Any less than this and it is likely that you will not be able to develop your ideas fully, this will negatively affect the task achievement score.

Updated

What's a structure plan, and why do I need one?

A structure plan is basically an outline plan for every single sentence in your essay. If you don't plan every single sentence before you write your essay, you will make some (or all) of these mistak…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

How can I quickly calculate the number of words I've written?

For both the handwritten IELTS writing exam and the computer-based test, you can calculate the average number of words on each line and then multiply that by the number of lines written. So for examp…

Updated by Phill Burns

Can I have a partial opinion in an opinion essay?

You shouldn't use a partial opinion in an opinion essay. Chris has done many years worth of research to find out the most effective way to deal with particular question types, including opinion essay…

Updated by Damien Burton

I run out of time when writing Task 2 essays. What can I do?

First, you should only write under exam conditions if you can get the score you need when you write slowly. (Remember: the score is your goal, not 40 mins!) If you can get the score you need but you…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

How can I write better explanations in Task 2 essays?

Your topic sentence will have your main idea. Your explanation needs to say how or why your main idea is true. Here is an example: Topic sentence : New housing should not be built in the countryside…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

How can I practice writing examples in Task 2 essays?

There are two Challenges & Skills in the VIP Community to help with examples: Writing Task 2: examples Writing Task 2: converting statistics You can use the search bar to locate them easily. For exam…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

Should I write under exam conditions?

You should not write under exam conditions until you are able to get the scores you need. Why? Because the most important thing is your score. Think about this this way: if you fail your Writing test…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

Why can't I use writing Task 2 questions that are not on your list?

The main reason is that it ensures we maintain a high-quality service for you. It also allows us to include a sample answer for the question you've answered so that you can compare it with what you'v…

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In Discussion essays for Writing Task 2, do I have to discuss the weak side first?

In discussion essays, it's best to discuss the side you think is weak before you discuss the side you think is strong. Why? One of the criteria IELTS examiners use to grade your writing is Coherence…

Updated by Jennifer Gietzmann

Can I use a personal example in a Task 2 essay?

It is best not to use personal example because they don't give enough evidence to support your main idea because they often include only one or a small number of people. Let's say my main idea is tha…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

I have trouble generating ideas for Task 2 Essays. What can I do?

This is a common issue among IELTS students, and many times it's simply because students often think that it's necessary for them to think of unique and special ideas to set them apart from other stu…

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Why are the essay structures for sample answers in the Cambridge past papers books different from the structures on the Writing course?

There are many ways of writing a Band 7, 8, or 9 essay. However, Chris has shown you exactly how to do this on the course so I would strongly recommend that you follow exactly what he says as it has…

Updated by Tom

What's the difference between examples that are statistical, real/factual and general?

As always, here at IELTS Advantage we recommend you keep things simple. It is actually much easier to use real/factual or general examples than statistical ones. If you struggle with real/factual exa…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

How do I know if I need one or two ideas in my main body paragraphs?

In order to know how many ideas are required in main body paragraphs, you first need to be familiar with the recommended structures for each of the question types, which you will find in modules 8-12…

Updated by Thomas O'Brien

How can I practice question analysis for Task 2 essays?

The best resource for improving understanding of question analysis is Module 2 of the Task 2 Writing course : The Critical Thinking Course also provides invaluable extra help when it comes to improvi…

Updated by Tom

How do I know if my Task 2 main ideas are relevant and specific enough?

The best way to find out if your main ideas are relevant and specific enough is to submit an essay for correction by our correction service: How can I submit my writing for correction? You'll be give…

Updated by Tom

What's the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Advantages Disadvantages essays?

Here is a brief description of the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Task 2 essay questions. Type 1 - What are the advantages and disadvantages? = 2 advantages and 2…

Updated by Damien Burton

How many words should my Task 2 essay be?

The instructions say to write at least 250 words. You do not lose marks if your essay is under 250 words or if your essay is very long. However, you should aim for between 260-290 words. We do not ac…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

What is overgeneralisation, and should I avoid it?

To overgeneralise is to make a statement that is not accurate because it is too general. Overgeneralising will stop you from scoring an 8 for Task Response in a Task 2 essay. Here's an Old Daily Live…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

How can I avoid making mistakes with paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing is one of the most important skills in the IELTS test, and every single part of the IELTS test will test your ability to paraphrase. The #1 thing you can do to improve your ability to pa…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

Is overuse of cohesive devices bad? How do I know when to stop?

You should only use cohesive devices when it's appropriate and necessary to show relationships between essay elements/sentences/ideas.

Updated by Phill Burns

I have seen different Task 2 structures used on other sites. Should I use them?

There are many ways of writing a Band 7, 8 or 9 essays. However, Chris has shown you exactly how to do this on the course so I would strongly recommend that you follow exactly what he says as it has…

Updated by Tom

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