Quick answer: To write an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, spend about five minutes planning, then write four paragraphs in roughly 30 minutes and check your work for five: an introduction that answers the question directly, two body paragraphs that each develop one idea with an example, and a short conclusion. Aim for 260–290 words (the minimum is 250) in about 40 minutes. Below is the exact process, step by step, with a full worked example written for this guide.
Want a real prompt to practise this on under timed conditions? Try the free IELTS practice test.
Before you write: understand the task
Task 2 gives you a statement or question and asks you to respond in an essay of at least 250 words. The common question types are:
- Opinion ("To what extent do you agree or disagree?")
- Discussion ("Discuss both views and give your own opinion.")
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Problem and solution (sometimes "causes and solutions")
- Two-part / direct questions
Your first job is to read the prompt twice and work out which type it is, because that decides your structure. The single most expensive mistake in Task 2 is answering a slightly different question from the one on the paper.
The step-by-step method
Here is the repeatable process. Practise it until each stage becomes automatic.
- Read and underline the task (1 minute). Identify the topic, the exact instruction, and the question type. Underline the keywords so you do not drift off-topic.
- Decide your position (1 minute). Choose a clear stance you can support - even for "discuss both views", you still give your own opinion. Do not sit on the fence.
- Plan two main ideas (3 minutes). Jot down two reasons that support your position, and one example or consequence for each. Two well-developed ideas beat four thin ones.
- Write the introduction (5 minutes). Paraphrase the question in your own words, then state your position or outline the essay. Two or three sentences is enough.
- Write body paragraph 1 (8 minutes). Open with a topic sentence stating your first idea, explain why it is true, then support it with your example.
- Write body paragraph 2 (8 minutes). Do the same with your second, different idea. Keep one clear idea per paragraph.
- Write the conclusion (4 minutes). Restate your position and sum up your two reasons in one or two sentences. Add nothing new.
- Check your work (5 minutes). Fix obvious grammar, spelling and punctuation slips, and confirm you are over 250 words. These are quick wins for Grammatical Range & Accuracy.
A full worked example
Take an original practice prompt, written for this guide - not from any real exam:
"In many countries, people are working longer hours than in the past. Some believe this improves the economy, while others think it harms quality of life. Discuss both views and give your own opinion."
This is a discussion question, so we cover both views and then give a clear opinion. Here is how the plan becomes an essay.
Introduction
"Across the world, many employees now spend more time at work than previous generations did. While longer working hours can strengthen a country's economy, I believe the cost to people's health and family life ultimately outweighs the economic gain."
Notice the question is paraphrased ("more time at work than previous generations") and the position is stated plainly in the second sentence.
Body paragraph 1 - the economic view
"Those who support long hours point to clear economic benefits. When people work more, businesses produce more goods and services, which can raise national output and tax revenue. A country whose workforce is willing to put in extra hours may also attract foreign investment, since companies value reliable productivity. In fast-growing economies, this additional effort has helped fund infrastructure and public services that benefit everyone."
Body paragraph 2 - the quality-of-life view, and my opinion
"However, I find the argument against excessive hours more persuasive. Working late routinely leaves little time for rest, exercise or family, and chronic stress is linked to serious health problems that eventually reduce productivity anyway. A parent who rarely sees their children, for example, may earn more but lose something that money cannot replace. Countries that protect reasonable working hours often report both high output and high wellbeing, which suggests the two are not truly in conflict."
Conclusion
"In conclusion, although longer working hours can boost economic growth, the damage to health and family life is too great a price. In my view, a balanced approach that values both productivity and wellbeing is the wiser goal."
That essay is around 250 words, takes a clear position and keeps it, and develops one idea per paragraph - exactly what the criteria reward.
Timing and word count: the two rules people break
First, write more than 250 words - under-length answers are penalised, so aim for 260–290. Second, keep to about 40 minutes. Task 2 is worth two-thirds of your Writing score, but going far over time steals the minutes Task 1 needs. Practise with a timer until your natural essay lands in the right range without counting words.
Once you have written a practice essay, the quickest way to improve is a criterion-by-criterion read from a real tutor. See GE's IELTS Writing Feedback service.
Frequently asked questions
How many paragraphs should an IELTS Task 2 essay have?
Four is the reliable shape for most questions: an introduction, two body paragraphs (one idea each), and a conclusion. For some "problem and solution" questions you might use a body paragraph for problems and another for solutions, but four paragraphs still works.How long should I spend planning?
About five minutes. It feels slow, but a quick plan - your position and two supported ideas - keeps your essay on track and saves time later, because you are not deciding what to say while you write.Do I have to give my own opinion in a "discuss both views" essay?
Yes. Even when the task asks you to discuss two views, it also asks for your own opinion, so state it clearly - ideally in the introduction and again in the conclusion. Discussing both sides without ever committing weakens your Task Response.What happens if I write fewer than 250 words?
Under-length answers are penalised, and short essays usually cannot develop ideas fully, which also costs Task Response marks. Learn what your own 260–290 word answer looks like so you never fall short on test day.Can I use the same essay structure for every question?
The four-paragraph shape works for almost every Task 2 question, but the content must respond to the specific prompt. Reusing a memorised essay that ignores the exact wording is one of the most common reasons a strong writer still scores only a band 6.Should I write in formal or informal English?
Formal, academic English. Avoid contractions ("don't"), slang and overly personal chat. You can still use "I" to give your opinion - that is expected - but keep the overall tone objective and measured.New to how Writing is scored overall? Start with our pillar guide, IELTS Writing: How to Structure Essays and Improve Your Band Score. And if teaching English abroad is your longer-term goal, an accredited TEFL course is the usual next step after you pass.
The prompt and model text above are original writing for GE and do not reproduce any real exam question.