How to prepare for your ielts writing task 2

In my previous post, the ielts writing task 1 was covered, bringing us to task 2 for the ielts writing paper.

IELTS writing task 2 is a different to its sibling, task 1. It requires a different set of skills.

Task 1 asks you to summarise and present clear, concise information in regards to what has been presented to you.

Contrastingly, with task 2, you need to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. Your response needs to be written in a formal style.

(Both responses need to be written in a formal style.)

Due to the nature of task 2, this is how the paper is broken down in terms of its scoring:

Answering the question, otherwise known as 'Task Response' (25%)
Clarity- ensure your ideas are clearly explained and structurally cohesive (25%)
Employ interesting vocabulary (25%)
Be mindful of grammar (25%)

Task 2 writing paper is split into different types of essays. These fall into; opinion, discussion, advantage/disadvantage, direct question, solutions.

This article concerns the academic writing paper, however, the GT paper is the same in terms of the how the essay needs to be written and how it is scored. The difference is that the questions are easier and topics often simpler.

Let's see how you can write a task 2 response with my model response.

Question: Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programs (for example working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children). To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Structure

Paragraph 1- Introduction

Sentence 1- Paraphrase Question

Sentence 2- Thesis Statement

Sentence 3- Outline Statement

Paragraph 2- Supporting Paragraph 1

Sentence 1- Topic Sentence

Sentence 2/3- Explain Topic Sentence

Sentence 3/4- Example

Paragraph 3- Supporting Paragraph 2

Sentence 1- Topic Sentence

Sentence 2/3- Explain Topic Sentence

Sentence 3/4- Example

Paragraph 4- Conclusion

Sentence 1- Summary and reiteration of your opinion.

NB: The above structure is there as a supportive framework. If you veer from this and have broken it down into lesser or greater paragraphs, this is ok, as long as you have answered the question (task response), have two main points, an introduction and conclusion.

Over the years, there have been many initiatives in how to improve society. With schools being such an integral cog of society, it is an advantageous idea to implement measures that can positively give back to society. One way of achieving this is for high school students to engage in community service.

I support this idea because of the benefit it would bring to local communities and more widely, society. Whilst this measure is not responsible for the improvement of society on the whole, it would have a positive contribution. It is the responsibility of schools to promote holistic development, not solely academic. I believe schools have a duty to teach lessons beyond the classroom that inform character, values and perspective. If, for example, schools engaged in meaningful, active charitable work, rather than passive engagement, like a donation.

My second reason for supporting this statement is the long term benefits it is likely to have on people. If more young people learn the value of altruism, this could influence who they grow up to be and what they decide to do in their professional lives. The positive impact of such philanthropic work could result in these same people creating initiatives that could drastically improve the world we all live in. Whilst it cannot be expected that all students would take to this, I believe it is worth trying for the sake of our future.

Although the community service is unpaid and this would perhaps cause issues with motivation from the students, if it is intrinsically part of school life then community service would be seen as part of one’s school experience. Moreover, the balance between community efforts and school responsibilities would need to be carefully planned.

In conclusion, I think combining charitable work with schools is an initiative worth exploring and adding onto the school curriculum for a more harmonious society.

Keep up to date with my IELTS page for further guidance and examples.