Why Task 2 matters most
Task 2 carries more weight than Task 1 — it is worth two thirds of your Writing band score. You must write at least 250 words in 40 minutes. The question asks for your opinion, a discussion, or an evaluation of a problem and solution.
Most students lose marks in Task 2 not because their English is poor, but because they misread the question, answer only part of it, or write a generic essay that could apply to any topic. Task Achievement — actually answering what was asked — is the first thing examiners check.
A clear, simple essay that fully answers the question will always score higher than a complicated, impressive-sounding essay that wanders off topic. Clarity beats complexity — every time.
The 5 essay types you need to know
Before you write a single word, identify exactly what the question is asking. Each question type requires a different structure. Getting this wrong at the start is one of the most common and most costly mistakes in Task 2.
Each type below has a full strategy guide and a vocabulary page — tap into either one.
Many students see a familiar topic and start writing their prepared ideas without reading the question carefully. The topic might be familiar — the question might not be. Always read the question twice before you plan.
A reliable Task 2 structure
This structure works for most question types. It is not a rigid formula — but it gives you a clear, logical framework that satisfies Task Achievement and Coherence and Cohesion while giving you room to show your language ability.
What Band 7+ writing actually looks like
At Band 7, the examiner expects you to write with a clear central position throughout, not just in the introduction. Every body paragraph should connect back to your thesis. Paragraphs should be well-developed — not just a topic sentence followed by one example and nothing else.
At Band 7+, vocabulary is used flexibly. You paraphrase ideas in different ways rather than repeating the same phrasing. You use less common words — but accurately, not just to impress.
The single most common reason students are stuck at Band 6.5 instead of Band 7 is not grammar. It is task response — giving a position that drifts, answering only part of the question, or writing body paragraphs that do not clearly support the thesis.
After writing, ask yourself: Does every paragraph connect to my thesis? Have I answered every part of the question? Is my vocabulary accurate — not just impressive? Have I used at least two different sentence structures per paragraph? If yes to all four — you are in Band 7 territory.
Time management in the Writing exam
You have 60 minutes for both tasks. Most students make one of two errors: they spend too long on Task 1 (which is worth less), or they run out of time before they finish Task 2.
| Task | Word minimum | Time | Score weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | 150 words | 20 minutes | One third |
| Task 2 | 250 words | 40 minutes | Two thirds |
Start with Task 1 to warm up, but keep strict time. If you go over 22 minutes on Task 1, stop and move on. A slightly shorter Task 1 that scores Band 7 is better than a long one that leaves you 10 minutes for Task 2.
For Task 2: spend 5 minutes planning before you write. Students who plan consistently produce more coherent essays and are less likely to run out of ideas mid-paragraph. The plan does not need to be detailed — a question type identification, a thesis statement, and two supporting ideas is enough to start writing with confidence.