Writing Task 2
Essential Information
When you write in Task 2, you must write an argumentative essay in at least 250 words.
You should spend around 40 minutes to complete it since it is worth 2/3 of your Writing score.
What types of questions could you have to answer?
Task Types
There are five question types you could have to answer. Read the brief description of each below, then follow the links for a more detailed analysis, tips, and model essays.
You are presented with a single statement or point of view and asked to what extent you agree or disagree with it.
You must state a clear opinion in the introduction and maintain that position throughout the essay.
You are given a specific trend, situation, or decision and asked to analyze its pros and cons.
There should be one body paragraph dedicated to the benefits and another to the drawbacks.
Carefully check the wording of the prompt for how to properly structure your essay.
This prompt provides two opposing perspectives on
a topic and explicitly instructs you to discuss both sides before giving your own opinion.
You must give equal weight to analyzing both viewpoints, even if you personally favour one over the other. Your opinion comes at the end.
This essay focuses on a specific issue and asks you to analyze why it happens or how to fix it.
You may be asked to discuss the causes and solutions, or the problems (effects) and solutions. Read carefully so you don't confuse causes with consequences!
This type breaks away from the standard formats by asking two distinct, direct questions about a topic.
You must fully answer both questions. They might combine elements of other essay types (e.g., Question 1 asks "Why is this happening?" and Question 2 asks "Is this a positive development?").
Task 2 Response Strategy
Whilst the task types vary significantly and each requires a different approach...
There are some things you can do in general which will apply each time.
Step 1 - Paraphrase the title
Find the keywords in the title, think of improved synonyms or phrases and rewrite it for your 1st sentence.
You will not always get a full title to paraphrase, so you may need to consider what's the topic and generalise that.
Step 2 - Thesis Statement
In your introduction, the next sentence should be your thesis statement which basically means your opinion.
Remember that it doesn't matter what side you take, the examiner does not care! You can choose to take no side. That's ok!
But you should be able to summarise your opinion. Sometimes you won't need to give an opinion, in which case you can provide a 1-sentence overview of your essay instead.
Step 4 - TEEL Structure
Your 2 Body Paragraphs should have a structure of TEEL:
T - Topic sentence - what's your first main idea? Start with something general.
E - Explain - explain what your main idea is providing further reasoning.
E - Example - provide an example which supports your main idea (it doesn't have to be real but it should be realistic).
L - Link - summarise the ideas in your paragraph using Therefore, and if possible connect to the next one.
Step 3 - Logical Ordering
You should have two body paragraphs. One is one side of the argument, and one is the other side of the argument.
Problem and solution? One for each!
Discuss both views? One for each!
Advantages and Disadvantages? One for each!
This system always works.
Step 5 - Concise Conclusion
There are two parts to a successful conclusion:
1. Paraphrase your own thesis statement. Start with In conclusion
No need to be fancy, just tell it as it is!
2. So what? - why should the reader care about your essay, what implications does it have for the future or for society?
Write one sentence to address that.
Step 6 - Double-Check
Task 2 is worth 2/3 of your score - better make it count!
Word count must be over 250, but less than 300. Check for spelling mistakes and grammar errors as standard, but also the structure.
Introduction - 2 sentences
Body Paragraph 1 - 4 sentences
Body Paragraph 2 - 4 sentences
Conclusion - 2 sentences
With just 12 sentences you can nail your Task 2 response.
Task Achievement
Evaluates if you accurately addressed the prompt.
You must balance your response for both sides equally.
Present a clear position throughout.
Justify your ideas with solid reasons and examples.
Coherence & Cohesion
Assesses how logically your essay is structured.
You need clear paragraphing (aim for 4) and appropriate linking words (cohesive devices) to guide the reader.
Your argument should clearly progress from the introduction to the conclusion.
Lexical Resource
A fancy word for vocabulary.
You are judged on your range of words, the natural use of collocations, and spelling accuracy.
The more varied and academic your language is, the better you will score.
Grammatical Accuracy
Evaluates sentence structure accuracy and range.
You need to use a variety of complex sentence forms while maintaining strict control over your grammar and punctuation.
Avoid the pronoun slip!
Only use I in the introduction and conclusion.
Only use They in the body paragraphs.
Avoid You at all time.