High-Scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 Structure
Writing is the section where test takers in Korea most often fall short, yet it's also the one you can raise most strategically once you understand the marking criteria. Task 2 accounts for roughly two-thirds of your Writing score, so this is where the result is decided.
The Four Task 2 Marking Criteria
Examiners assess each of the following four areas separately and then take the average. If you don't know what they're looking for, your score won't improve no matter how much you write.
- Task Response — Did you answer the question precisely and fully? (a clear position, sufficient supporting arguments)
- Coherence & Cohesion — Are your paragraphs organized and connected logically?
- Lexical Resource — The range and accuracy of your vocabulary
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy — The variety and accuracy of your sentence structures
A common misconception The idea that using lots of difficult words raises your score is a myth. Advanced vocabulary used inaccurately actually costs you marks. Examiners reward 'accurately controlled English.'
The Four-Paragraph Structure for Band 7.0+
Almost any Task 2 question can reliably reach Band 7.0+ with the following structure. This assumes at least 250 words and a 40-minute limit.
- Introduction (2–3 sentences) — Paraphrase the question in your own words and state your position and what the essay will cover
- Body 1 (5–6 sentences) — Main argument 1 + reason + a specific example
- Body 2 (5–6 sentences) — Main argument 2 + reason + a specific example
- Conclusion (2 sentences) — Restate your position while summarizing the body (no new information)
How to Write the Introduction
The introduction doesn't need to be long. Don't copy the prompt word for word — rephrase it using synonyms and a change in structure, then make your position clear in the final sentence. A vague position costs you marks immediately under Task Response.
Developing the Body: One Paragraph, One Idea
Each body paragraph should begin with a single main argument (a topic sentence), explain that argument, and then support it with a specific example. Cramming several arguments into one paragraph lowers your Coherence score. A specific situation makes a far stronger example than a vague generalization like 'many people…'
Mistakes Korean Test Takers Make Most Often
- Not addressing every part of the question (for example, discussing only one side when both are asked about)
- Pasting in memorized phrases wholesale, which sounds unnatural
- Sentences that are all similar in length and structure, which hurts your Grammatical Range
- Introducing a new argument in the conclusion
- Rushing Task 2 because of poor time management
Time management Of your 60 minutes for Writing, spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. For Task 2, the ideal split is 5 minutes planning → 30 minutes writing → 5 minutes reviewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words should I write?
Task 2 requires a minimum of 250 words. Falling short costs you marks, and around 270–310 words is usually the sweet spot — enough to develop your ideas fully while still leaving time to review. Writing excessively long answers and losing accuracy in the process works against you.
Can I memorize and use a template?
A 'framework' such as paragraph structure is helpful, but examiners recognize fully memorized sentences and deduct marks under Task Response. Learn the structure, but fill in the content yourself to fit each individual question.