Labels
How to prepare for IELTS - Writing
Task 2
This task tests your ability to do one or more of the following:
v present and justify opinions
v argue a case
v evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence and argument
The Question
You are given a discussion topic. The question will either present you with an opinion or an argument. You have to discuss the question with two or three main points and supporting detail for each point.
Length & Timing
You have to write at least 250 words.
You are advised to spend 40 minutes on this task.
Marking
Your performance in Task 2 will be assessed on the criteria below:
Task Response
Being able to present a clear position with a logical, well-supported argument.
Being able to support your argument with personal experience and reasons.
Being able to focus on the topic and not include anything irrelevant.
Coherence and Cohesion
Being able to write fluently enough to make your message clear to the reader.
Being able to write cohesive sentences and paragraphs.
Lexical Resource
Being able to use a wide range of vocabulary naturally.
Being able to spell accurately and using the appropriate word formation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Using the appropriate grammatical structures accurately
Using a variety of sentence structures.
This task carries more weight in marking than Task 1. If, for
Task 2 Questions
Look at the example below.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
A great many countries around the world are losing their cultural identity because of the Internet. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
You should write at least 250 words.
• Study the question carefully. The instructions will always start with the sentence ‘Write about the following topic…’ and include the sentence beginning ‘Give reasons for your answer…’
• Underline key points in the question.
• Make sure you read all parts of the question, so you include everything required.
• Quickly brainstorm the topic. Think about your point of view.
Think about any personal experience you can add.
• Write a plan. Decide which points are your main points or topic sentences.
• Decide what supporting details you have for each main point. You should have at least two main points.
• Make sure you organize your points logically.
• You will need an introductory statement, body and conclusion.
The structure for your essay will depend on the type of question. There are two types of argumentative structures. For example:
Type 1 – Two-sided Argument
Some people think that children get a better education if they study away from home at a boarding school. Others believe it is better for them to stay with their families and attend day school. Discuss both these points of view and give your opinion.
You could use the argument structure - type 1.
INTRODUCTION
v Opening – general statement introducing the topic.
v Background information.
v Scope and thesis statement.
REMEMBER
Your scope tells your reader the main points you will make. Your thesis statement tells the reader your opinion.
BODY PARAGRAPH 1 (Point of View 1)
v Topic sentence/main point
v Supporting sentence 1
v Supporting sentence 2
v Supporting sentence 3
BODY PARAGRAPH 2 (Point of View 2)
v Topic sentence/main point
v Supporting sentence 1
v Supporting sentence 2
v Supporting sentence 3
CONCLUSION
v Restatement of your opinion
v Summary of your main points.
Type 2 – One-sided Argument
Children are spending more time at their computers today than playing with their friends.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
You could use the argument structure - type 2.
A – Agree B – Disagree C – Neutral
REMEMBER
Your scope tells your reader the main points you will make. Your thesis statement tells the reader your opinion.
INTRODUCTION
v Opening – general statement introducing the topic.
v Background information.
v Scope and thesis statement of agreement.
BODY PARAGRAPH 1 (Reason 1 & justification)
v Topic sentence/main point
v Supporting sentence 1
v Supporting sentence 2
v Supporting sentence 3
BODY PARAGRAPH 2 (Reason 2 & justification)
v Topic sentence/main point
v Supporting sentence 1
v Supporting sentence 2
v Supporting sentence 3
CONCLUSION
v Restatement of your opinion.
v Summary of your main points.
INTRODUCTION
v Opening – general statement introducing the topic.
v Background information.
v Scope and thesis statement of disagreement.
BODY PARAGRAPH 1 (Reason 1 & justification)
v Topic sentence/main point
v Supporting sentence 1
v Supporting sentence 2
v Supporting sentence 3
BODY PARAGRAPH 2 (Reason 2 & justification)
v Topic sentence/main point
v Supporting sentence 1
v Supporting sentence 2
v Supporting sentence 3
CONCLUSION
v Restatement of your opinion.
v Summary of your main points.
INTRODUCTION
v Opening – general statement introducing the topic.
v Background information.
v Scope and thesis statement of neutrality.
BODY PARAGRAPH 1 (Reason for agreement & justification)
v Topic sentence/main point
v Supporting sentence 1
v Supporting sentence 2
v Supporting sentence 3
BODY PARAGRAPH 2
(Reason for disagreement & justification)
v Topic sentence/main point
v Supporting sentence 1
v Supporting sentence 2
CONCLUSION
v Restatement of your opinion.
v Summary of your main points
• Remember to link ideas within/between sentences and paragraphs.
• You will receive a higher mark if your use a range of structures and vocabulary.
• Don’t copy from the question as this will not be assessed. Use your own words.
• Don’t take more than 40 minutes over this task.
• Leave at least 5 minutes to check through what you have written.
• You will lose marks if your essay is less than the required number of words.