IELTS Writing Task 2
IELTS Writing Task 2 Overview
Writing Task 2 is an essay of at least 250 words in about 40 minutes, and it counts for two thirds of your Writing band. This lesson explains the format and exactly how it is marked.
What Task 2 asks
You are given a statement or question and must write a formal, well-organised essay presenting and supporting your position. The topics are general — education, technology, environment, society — so no specialist knowledge is needed.
The four marking criteria (25% each)
| Criterion | What examiners want |
|---|---|
| Task Response | You fully answer the question with a clear position and developed ideas |
| Coherence & Cohesion | Logical paragraphs and smooth linking |
| Lexical Resource | A range of accurate, natural vocabulary |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | Varied sentence structures with few errors |
Because Task 2 is double-weighted, always start with it if you are worried about time — but the ideal is 20 minutes for Task 1 then 40 minutes here.
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Take test →Frequently Asked Questions
How many words for IELTS Writing Task 2?+
At least 250 words. Aim for about 260–290 — enough to develop your ideas without running out of time.
Is Task 2 more important than Task 1?+
Yes. Task 2 contributes about two thirds of your overall Writing band, so it deserves the majority of your time and practice.