IELTS Writing Task 2: Free Tips, Lessons & Sample Essays

Success in IELTS writing task 2 is based on using the right techniques. These free tips, model essays, lessons, videos and information will help develop the skills for writing task 2. This page will teach you how to maximise your IELTS writing task 2 score. All lessons are on this page are for both GT and Academic writing task 2.

On this page, you will find:

1. IELTS WRITING TASK 2 TEST INFORMATION
2. PRACTICE ESSAY QUESTIONS
3. ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR IELTS ESSAYS
4. MODEL ESSAYS
5. PRACTICE LESSONS (writing skills, topic ideas etc)

1. IELTS Writing Task 2 Test Information

Learn about your IELTS writing task 2 test. All lessons and tips on this page are for both Academic and GT writing task 2.

1. IELTS Writing has two tasks: Task 1 (a report) and Task 2 (an essay).
2. The total time is one hour for both tasks. You should spend only 40 mins on task 2.
3. You manage the time for yourself in IELTS writing. No one will tell you when to move from task 1 to task 2.
4. The essay is a formal style essay. You should not use informal language in your essay.
5. The instructions say “write at least 250 words”. This means you need to write over 250 words. 
6. You will be given a topic and instructions. See the sample task below.
7. Writing task 2 is worth about 66% of your total writing score. Click here: Total Writing Score Calculations
8. There are four marking criteria: WRITING T2 BAND SCORES & MARKING WITH TIPS. Make sure you learn all about how the examiner will mark your essay.

The Essay Task

Below is an sample task typical of IELTS Writing Task 2.

2. IELTS Practice Essay Questions

3. Essential IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips

The most important writing tips for a strong IELTS essay in writing task 2. Learn about the recommended essay length, how to plan your essay, when to give your opinion, and how to write an introduction etc. Some videos linked below are old, but still 100% relevant today. Click below:

4. IELTS Model Essays

IELTS Essays have a specific format, structure, style and band score requirements. These model essays are at band 9 and illustrate how an IELTS writing task 2 essay should be written. Use them as a guide to create an essay suitable for a high band score in IELTS. Remember, language only counts for about 50% of your marks, the rest is IELTS essay writing techniques.

More Writing Task 2 Tips

• Ideas for Topics Tips with Band Score Info
• Deleting Words in your Essay
• Should I indent the first word of my paragraphs?
• 10 sentences to avoid in your IELTS essay
• Video: How to add examples to your essay
• Tips: Under Words Penalty
• Can you use quotes, idioms or proverbs in your essay?
• Handwriting: Using cursive writing or not
• Video: Grammar – How to Add a Clause
• Video: Grammar – Connecting Sentences

5. Practice Lessons for Writing Task 2

Various lessons for: IELTS Essay Writing Skills, Topics, Language 

1. Table & Pie Charts: Exercise & Model Answer
2. Video: Using Accurate Language for Data
3. IELTS Diagram Rainwater: Exercise & Model Answer
4. Two Line Graphs: Exercise & Model Answer
5. IELTS Table Practice: with model answer & extra tips
6. IELTS Diagram Paragraphs and Organisation
7. IELTS Life Cycle Diagram: with model answer & extra tips
8. IELTS Bar Chart: Vocabulary Exercise  & Model Answer
9. IELTS Line Graph: Vocabulary Exercise
10. IELTS Diagrams: Grammar Exercise
11. IELTS Line Graph: How to Describe Guidelines
12. IELTS Line Graph: Vocabulary & Model Answer
13. Task 1 Improving  Line Graph Introduction Paragraph
14. IELTS Map: Comparison Exercise
15. IELTS Two Charts Practice: Pie Chart & Bar Chart
16. IELTS Bar Chart: Exercise & Model Answer
17. IELTS Diagram Water Supply: Model Answer
18. IELTS Bar Chart: Introduction & Overview Practice
19. IELTS Frog Diagram: Introduction & Overview Exercise & Model Answer
20. Writing Skills: Improving Sentences: Ebooks Topic
21. Essay Ideas: Banning Mobile Phones
22. Two Question Essay with Feedback: Judging Business Success
23. Essay Ideas: Tourism and Local Communities
24. Essay Ideas: Traffic & Pollution
25. Writing Skills: Improving a Thesis Statement
26. Writing Skills: Improving Sentences (1)
27. Essay Ideas: Handwriting Skills
28. Writing Skills: Linking Word Practice
29. Essay Ideas: Older or Younger Leaders
30. Writing Skills: Introduction Feedback
31. Writing Skill: Opinion Essay Introduction Feedback
32. Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Body Paragraphs
33. Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Introduction
34. Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Finding Main Points
35. Writing Skills: Thesis Statement
36. Essay Ideas: Public Services.