Writing Task 2 tips and strategies
Learn how to write clear, well-structured essays with strong arguments, academic vocabulary, and effective examples.
Review 21 practical strategies across 9 sections, then apply them with 15 worked examples in your next IELTS study session.
Essay Structure
Introduction
What to do
- Paraphrase the question
- Introduce the topic
- Clearly state your opinion or position
- Answer the task directly
Example
While some people believe that building new roads is necessary, I believe investing in public transportation is a more effective solution.
Main Body Paragraph 1
What to do
- Present your first main idea
- Explain your argument clearly
- Support your idea with examples or reasons
Example
Public transportation reduces the number of private vehicles on the road, helping decrease traffic congestion and pollution.
Main Body Paragraph 2
What to do
- Add another strong argument
- Explain the benefits or impact
- Develop your idea logically
Example
Investing in electric trains and buses can significantly reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable urban development.
Counterargument (Optional)
What to do
- Mention the opposing opinion
- Explain why some people support it
- Refute or weaken the argument
Example
Although new roads may temporarily reduce traffic congestion, traffic levels often increase again over time.
Conclusion
What to do
- Restate your opinion
- Summarize the main arguments
- Keep it concise and clear
Example
Governments should prioritize public transportation because it is more sustainable and beneficial in the long term.
Idea Development
Explain Your Ideas Clearly
What to do
- Give reasons
- Explain consequences
- Add examples
- Develop each point fully
Weak Example
Public transport is good.
Strong Example
Public transportation reduces traffic congestion because it allows large numbers of people to travel efficiently without relying on private cars.
Support Ideas with Examples
What to use
- real-world examples
- hypothetical situations
- logical explanations
Example
Cities such as Tokyo and Singapore rely heavily on efficient public transport systems.
Coherence & Cohesion
Organize Paragraphs Logically
Recommended Structure
- Introduction
- Body Paragraph 1
- Body Paragraph 2
- Counterargument (optional)
- Conclusion
Use Linking Words
Addition
- furthermore
- moreover
- in addition
Contrast
- however
- although
- while
- by contrast
Result
- therefore
- as a result
- consequently
Academic Vocabulary
Strong Vocabulary
Positive
- beneficial
- sustainable
- efficient
- effective
Negative
- pollution
- congestion
- environmental damage
- carbon emissions
Academic Verbs
- reduce
- encourage
- contribute
- improve
- support
Common Mistakes
Don't Go Off Topic
Always answer:
- every part of the question
- the exact task
Don't Use Informal Language
Avoid
- kids
- a lot of
- gonna
- stuff
Use
- children
- many
- significant amount
Don't Repeat the Same Vocabulary
Use synonyms and varied sentence structures.
Don't Write Very Short Paragraphs
Each paragraph should:
- contain one main idea
- include explanation and support
Grammar & Sentence Structure
Use a Variety of Sentences
Include
- simple sentences
- complex sentences
- conditional sentences
Example
Although building new roads may provide temporary relief, traffic congestion often returns over time.
Time Managment
Recommended Timing
5 minutes
Analyze the question and plan ideas.
30 minutes
Write the essay.
5 minutes
Review grammar, vocabulary, and structure.
Sample Essay Structure
Introduction
Paraphrase the topic and state your opinion.
Example
While some people argue that building new roads is necessary, I believe governments should focus on improving public transportation systems.
Main Body Paragraph 1
Present your first argument.
Example
Public transportation reduces the number of cars on the road, helping decrease traffic congestion and pollution.
Main Body Paragraph 2
Present your second argument.
Example
Investing in environmentally friendly transport systems can improve air quality and support sustainable development.
Counterargument
Address the opposing opinion.
Example
Although some believe new roads are necessary, this often encourages greater car usage over time.
Conclusion
Restate your opinion clearly.
Example
Overall, governments should prioritize public transportation because it offers more sustainable long-term benefits.
Full Sample Essay
Sample Essay
Governments around the world face increasing pressure to improve transportation systems as cities continue to grow. While some people argue that building new roads is necessary to reduce traffic congestion, I believe that investing in public transportation is a more effective long-term solution.
One major advantage of public transportation is its ability to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road. Trains, buses, and metro systems can transport large numbers of people efficiently, which helps decrease traffic congestion and air pollution. For example, cities such as Tokyo and Singapore have highly developed public transport networks that allow millions of people to travel quickly without relying heavily on cars.
In addition, public transportation is often more environmentally friendly than expanding road infrastructure. Constructing new roads encourages greater car usage, which leads to increased carbon emissions and environmental damage. By contrast, governments that invest in electric trains and buses can significantly reduce pollution levels while supporting sustainable urban development.
However, some people believe that new roads are still necessary, especially in rapidly growing cities where existing infrastructure is insufficient. While this argument has some merit, expanding roads often provides only temporary relief because traffic levels tend to rise again over time as more people choose to drive.
In conclusion, although building new roads may solve certain short-term transportation problems, governments should prioritize investment in public transportation because it is more sustainable, efficient, and beneficial for society in the long run.