ScoreFluentTask 2 is the essay, and it is worth twice as much as Task 1. You get about 40 minutes and a 250-word floor. This guide covers what IELTS says about the task, how Task Response is judged, a plan you can run in five minutes, and five practice prompts from the ScoreFluent bank.
ScoreFluent is not affiliated with IELTS, or with the British Council, IDP IELTS or Cambridge University Press & Assessment, who jointly own it. Every rule below links to its primary source. The task is the same shape on Academic and General Training, so this guide serves both.
What does IELTS Writing Task 2 ask you to do?
IELTS says you are given a point of view, argument or problem which you need to discuss. You support your ideas with evidence or examples, which can come from your own experience.
- Length: at least 250 words.
- Time: about 40 minutes within the 60-minute Writing test. The detailed pages say to spend no more than 40.
- Style: Academic asks for an academic or semi-formal/neutral style. General Training asks for a semi-formal/neutral discursive essay on a topic of general interest.
- Focus: IELTS gives the example of a topic that is one aspect of computers. Write about that aspect only, not computers in general.
- Form: full sentences. No notes or bullet points.
Checked 15 and 16 October 2026 against IELTS: Academic Writing format and IELTS: General Training Writing format.
How much is Task 2 worth?
IELTS says Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score. If Task 1 runs long, the cost lands on the task that counts for more.
How is Task 2 marked?
Certificated IELTS examiners mark the essay on four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. IELTS says the criteria are weighted equally and the task score is their average (IELTS: scoring in detail).
Task Response is the criterion about the content. IELTS says it assesses how accurately, appropriately and relevantly you cover the task requirements, including how well you develop your argument. The public band descriptors (updated May 2023) show how that plays out:
- Band 7: "A clear and developed position is presented." Main ideas are extended and supported, though there may be over-generalising or a lack of focus.
- Band 6: a position is presented that is directly relevant to the prompt, "although the conclusions drawn may be unclear, unjustified or repetitive".
- Band 5: "The writer expresses a position, but the development is not always clear", and the main parts of the prompt are incompletely addressed.
Read the full IELTS writing band descriptors (PDF). For how the criteria become one band, see IELTS scoring. For the other Writing tasks, see IELTS Writing.
What kinds of Task 2 question are there?
IELTS does not publish a fixed list of question types. The prompts in our bank fall into three patterns, which is a useful way to turn the prompt into a checklist. Items 1 to 3 below are examples.
| Pattern | Bank example | What you must answer |
|---|---|---|
| Discuss both views and give your opinion | Item 1: competition or cooperation in learning | View A, view B, and your own position |
| Two-part question | Item 2: why freelance work is growing, and whether that is positive or negative | Each question gets its own answer |
| To what extent do you agree or disagree | Item 3: raising the retirement age | A position on the statement, defended |
Every instruction word is a part of the question. The Band 5 descriptor describes main parts of the prompt that are "incompletely addressed", so underline each part before you plan.
How do you plan in five minutes?
- Mark the aspect and the instructions. What exactly is the topic, and which words tell you what to do?
- Decide your position now. If the prompt asks for an opinion or whether you agree, choose a side before you write a word. A position you find halfway through the essay shows.
- Choose two main ideas per body paragraph. Give each one an example or a reason, not just a statement.
- Write the first sentence of each paragraph. If the four first sentences read as an argument, the plan works.
On computer, IELTS lets you use a note-taking tool, though the examiner cannot see those notes.
What structure works?
Four paragraphs is our recommendation. IELTS sets no number, but its descriptors expect paragraphing that supports the argument, and the Band 5 descriptor mentions paragraphing that may be inadequate or missing.
- Introduction. Restate the topic in your own words and give your position or outline your answer.
- Body 1. For discuss-both-views, the first view. For agree or disagree, your strongest reason. For a two-part question, the answer to part one.
- Body 2. The second view, a second reason or the answer to part two. Add one example.
- Conclusion. Restate your position and the reason in one or two sentences. Add no new ideas. The Band 6 descriptor warns about conclusions that are unclear, unjustified or repetitive.
How should you spend the 40 minutes?
This split is our suggestion, not an IELTS rule:
- 5 minutes: plan.
- 30 minutes: write, aiming for roughly 270 to 300 words.
- 5 minutes: check that every part of the question is answered, then check grammar and spelling.
IELTS says you will not be penalised for writing more than 250 words. It also says a very long answer may leave no time for checking and may include ideas that are not directly relevant.
Do templates and memorised essays work?
Use a structure, not a script. The public descriptors say Band 0 should only be used where, among other cases, there is proof that a candidate's answer has been totally memorised. Lower-band descriptors also list memorised phrases and formulaic language as signs of limited vocabulary and grammar.
A paragraph you wrote before you saw the question will rarely answer it.
Which mistakes cost marks in Task 2?
- Answering a different question. IELTS says you will be penalised if what you write is not related to the topic.
- Answering half of it. A two-part question needs two answers.
- No clear position. The Band 7 descriptor asks for a clear and developed position.
- Ideas with no support. Extended and supported ideas are what the higher descriptors describe.
- A conclusion that adds new points or repeats the introduction word for word.
- Notes or bullet points. IELTS says you will be penalised for an answer that is not connected text.
- Writing under 250 words. IELTS says there may not be enough evidence for higher bands.
Practice items from the ScoreFluent bank (not real exam questions)
These five prompts come from our practice bank. They are not IELTS exam questions.
Item 1. Discuss both views.
Some people believe that children learn best when they compete with each other, while others think that cooperation is more useful. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Idea points listed in the bank for this prompt (not a model essay):
- Competition can motivate pupils to work harder and reach higher standards.
- Losing repeatedly may damage a child's confidence and interest.
- Group projects teach communication, patience and sharing of tasks.
- Most workplaces require both individual effort and teamwork.
- Teachers can combine the two, for example through team competitions.
Item 2. Two-part question.
More people than ever now work as freelancers or in short-term jobs rather than in permanent positions. Why is this happening, and do you think it is a positive or negative development?
Idea points listed in the bank for this prompt (not a model essay):
- Online platforms make it easy to find clients and work from anywhere.
- Many workers value flexibility and the freedom to choose projects.
- Freelancers often have no sick pay, paid holiday or pension.
- Employers can hire skills when needed and cut fixed costs.
- Income can be unstable, which makes it hard to plan ahead or get a mortgage.
Item 3. Agree or disagree.
Some people say that the retirement age should be raised because people are living longer, while others believe that people should be able to stop working earlier. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the retirement age should be raised?
Idea points listed in the bank for this prompt (not a model essay):
- Pension systems are under strain as the proportion of older people grows.
- Many people in their sixties are healthy and want to keep working.
- Physically demanding jobs are hard to do at an older age.
- Older workers may keep jobs that younger people need.
- A flexible age with partial retirement could suit different needs.
Item 4. Agree or disagree.
Some governments are introducing higher taxes on food and drinks that contain a lot of sugar. To what extent do you agree or disagree that this is a good way to improve public health?
Item 5. Agree or disagree.
Some people think that governments should spend public money on essential services rather than on the arts. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
What does a Task 2 plan and opening look like?
Here is a plan, an introduction and the first body paragraph for item 2. It is a structure demonstration, not a full essay.
Illustrative answer written for this guide (plan, introduction and first body paragraph)
Plan. Position: a negative development overall, although flexibility is a real benefit. Body 1 answers the first question (why): online platforms, employers cutting fixed costs, workers who want flexibility. Body 2 answers the second (positive or negative): flexibility against no sick pay, no pension and unstable income. Conclusion: negative overall unless workers gain basic protections.
Introduction. Working as a freelancer or on short contracts has become far more common than it used to be. This is mainly because technology makes it easy to find clients and because employers prefer to avoid fixed costs. Although the arrangement suits some workers, I believe it is a negative development overall because it leaves people without security.
Body 1. There are two main reasons for the trend. Firstly, online platforms allow people to find clients and work from almost anywhere, so a person no longer needs a single employer. Secondly, employers can hire specific skills only when they need them, which reduces their fixed costs. For some workers, the freedom to choose projects is a further attraction, which explains why many choose this way of working rather than simply accepting it.
Notice that the plan answers both questions in the prompt, the position is in the introduction, and the first body paragraph answers part one only. We have not marked this answer and it carries no band.
How does ScoreFluent mark essay practice?
ScoreFluent returns a practice estimate for your essay against the four published criteria. Writing feedback marks the sentences that need work. It is a practice estimate, not an official IELTS band or an examiner's mark.
Reading and listening practice is free. Speaking and writing examiner reports use credits. New accounts start with 40 free credits, credits never expire and there is no subscription. See pricing, then start with 40 free credits →
Where do these facts come from?
Checked 15 and 16 October 2026:
- IELTS: Academic Writing format and IELTS: General Training Writing format: the task, word count, timing, style, weighting, penalties, Task Response.
- IELTS: scoring in detail: criteria and equal weighting.
- IELTS writing band descriptors (PDF): quoted phrases above.
The question patterns, time split, paragraph plan and the illustrative answer are our own technique and are labelled as such.
Next: Academic Writing Task 1 and the General Training letter. Back to the IELTS hub or all IELTS task-type guides.
Questions students ask
How many words is IELTS Writing Task 2?
At least 250 words, in about 40 minutes. IELTS says you will not be penalised for writing more, but a very long answer may leave you no time for checking and some ideas may not be relevant (IELTS: Writing format pages).
How much is Task 2 worth compared with Task 1?
Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score (IELTS: Academic and General Training Writing formats). That is why 40 of your 60 minutes belong to the essay.
What does Task Response assess in Task 2?
How accurately, appropriately and relevantly your response covers the task requirements. IELTS says it includes how well you develop your argument, giving evidence and examples which may be from your own experience (IELTS: Writing format pages).
Do I have to give my own opinion in Task 2?
Answer exactly what the question asks. When it asks for your opinion or whether you agree, state a position and keep it throughout, because the public Band 7 descriptor asks for a clear and developed position (IELTS writing band descriptors).
Can I use examples from my own life in IELTS Task 2?
Yes. IELTS says you should use relevant examples or evidence, which can be from your own experience if relevant (IELTS: Writing format pages).
How many paragraphs should an IELTS Task 2 essay have?
IELTS sets no number. Its descriptors expect paragraphing that supports coherence, and the Band 5 descriptor mentions paragraphing that may be inadequate or missing, so we recommend four clear paragraphs (IELTS writing band descriptors).
Is Task 2 different on IELTS Academic and General Training?
Both ask you to discuss a point of view, argument or problem in at least 250 words. Academic asks for an academic or semi-formal/neutral style, General Training for a semi-formal/neutral discursive essay on a topic of general interest (IELTS: Writing format pages).
Can I use a memorised template for Task 2?
It is a risk. IELTS's public descriptors say Band 0 should only be used where, among other cases, there is proof that an answer has been totally memorised, and they list memorised phrases among the features of low-band vocabulary and grammar (IELTS writing band descriptors).
What happens if my Task 2 essay goes off topic?
IELTS says you will be penalised if what you write is not related to the topic. It also tells you to focus on the particular aspect named in the task, not the wider subject.
Do I type or handwrite the Task 2 essay?
It depends on your booked delivery. On computer you type your answer, and with computer-delivered Writing on Paper you write on the answer sheet (IELTS: Writing format pages).
Does ScoreFluent give an official band for a Task 2 essay?
No. ScoreFluent gives a practice estimate against the four published criteria, not an official IELTS band. ScoreFluent is not affiliated with IELTS.