Preparing for IELTS Writing can be challenging, especially when it comes to Task 2, which requires strong analytical and writing skills. Understanding how to approach the Writing Task 2 is essential for achieving a high band score.

In this activity, you will explore the structure, key requirements, and effective strategies for planning and writing a well organised essay of about 250 words. Whether you are taking the Academic or General Training module, this practice will help you learn how to interpret the question, generate relevant ideas, and support your arguments with clear examples. Follow the steps carefully, complete each section, and gain confidence in approaching IELTS Writing Task 2 successfully.

How to Approach the Writing Task 2 | The Academy of IELTS

IELTS Academic & General Training Practice

Before you start, review what you know about Writing Task 2:

1. How many words should you write for this task?
2. How much time should you spend on it?
3. What kind of essay is expected from you?
4. What essential points must your essay include?
5. What aspects do examiners focus on when scoring?

There are no fixed answers, but it’s important to read each question carefully and understand exactly what is being asked.

Academic candidates: You are expected to write a formal essay that presents a logical argument to an educated reader who may not be an expert in the topic.

General Training candidates: You should respond as if completing a real-world writing assignment, expressing clear ideas and opinions on everyday issues.

In both modules, support your opinions with examples, evidence, and explanations from your own understanding and experience.

Practice: How to Approach the Task

Sample Question 1:

Many companies invest heavily in developing and promoting their products, while the wellbeing of their employees often receives less attention.

Question: How important is it for employers to improve working conditions for their staff? Should they focus more on employee welfare or on product development?

Select the ideas that would be relevant to include in your essay:

Sample Question 2:

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed how people live and work. However, some individuals remain unfamiliar with it and may struggle to adapt. This growing divide could result in serious social challenges.

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Paraphrase the question in your own words and write an essay of around 250 words expressing your viewpoint with examples.

Write Your Answer Below

Word count: 0

How to Develop Ideas in Writing Task 2 | The Academy of IELTS

How to Develop Ideas in Writing Task 2

Practice: Analysing Both Sides of an Argument

Topic:

Teenagers aged 15 and above should have the freedom to make important decisions about their lives without parental or teacher control. As young people are maturing faster, society should update its laws to reflect this change.

Instruction: Discuss this statement in relation to your country or any society you know well. Think about reasons to support and to disagree with the idea, then note them down below before writing your essay.

For & Against Ideas Practice

FOR (Agree)

Example ideas:
• Teenagers today are more independent.
• Early exposure to technology and social media.
• Modern society recognises youth voices.

AGAINST (Disagree)

Example ideas:
• Many teenagers lack life experience.
• Parental guidance prevents poor decisions.
• Emotional maturity develops later.

Task 2:

Some people think that printed newspapers have become outdated, while others believe they still play an important role in society.

Question: Do you think newspapers have lost their importance, or do they continue to serve a valuable purpose in people’s lives?

Write Your Essay (about 250 words)

Word count: 0

IELTS Writing Task 2 FAQs — How to Approach & Develop Ideas

FAQs — How to Approach Writing Task 2 & Develop Ideas

Explore common questions about approaching IELTS Writing Task 2, developing ideas effectively, and understanding how your ideas impact your band score. For authentic exam information, visit IELTS.org.

The best approach is to carefully analyse the question, identify key ideas, brainstorm, and plan your essay before writing. Structure your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Planning helps you organise your thoughts logically and ensures coherence. It saves time while writing and prevents going off-topic or repeating ideas.

Develop strong ideas by connecting the topic to real-life examples, data, or social issues. Use the PEEL structure — Point, Explain, Example, Link — for clear development.

Common types include opinion, discussion, advantages–disadvantages, problem–solution, and double question essays. Each requires a slightly different structure.

Brainstorming allows you to explore multiple perspectives and ensures your essay includes balanced, relevant, and original ideas.

Strong, relevant, and well-explained ideas boost your Task Response and Coherence & Cohesion scores, directly improving your overall Writing band score.

If your ideas lack depth or are unclear, your essay will lose marks for weak task achievement and poor logical flow, even if your grammar is good.

A balanced essay presents both sides fairly and supports each with evidence. Use connectors like “however,” “on the other hand,” and clearly state your final opinion.

Use clear paragraphing, transition phrases, and topic sentences. Each paragraph should focus on one key idea that supports your main argument.

Regular writing practice builds critical thinking and improves your ability to generate examples and arguments quickly under exam conditions.

How to Approach the Writing Task 2, Master Ideas with Confidence