IELTS Writing Frameworks
Structure Task 2 essays that examiners can score quickly
Task 2 rewards clear thinking, not clever vocabulary. A reliable four-paragraph framework and a small set of cohesion phrases will lift your band faster than any word list.
Podcast version
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Transcript
One idea per paragraph, one position per essay
The most common Task 2 mistake is trying to cover too much. Pick one clear position in the introduction and stick to it. Give each body paragraph one main idea, one reason, and one example. Examiners scan for coherence, a paragraph with a single strong point scores higher than one crowded with three weak ones.
The four-paragraph framework
Introduction: paraphrase the prompt in one sentence, then state your position in one sentence. Body 1: your strongest reason with an example. Body 2: your second reason or a counter-argument you refute. Conclusion: restate the position and summarise the two reasons. This framework is not creative but it is legible, and legibility is what earns marks.
A small toolkit of cohesion phrases
Learn five linking phrases you can use in any essay: 'The main reason is that…', 'A clear example is…', 'While some argue that…, the stronger case is…', 'This suggests that…', 'Overall, the evidence favours…'. Using these correctly beats scattering rare vocabulary. Cohesion and task response together account for half your band.
Your 10-minute practice
One prompt, one framework, a Task 2 skeleton in ten focused minutes.
- 10:00 – 1:00
Read the prompt
Pick a Task 2 prompt. Underline the exact question and the instruction words.
- 21:00 – 3:00
Position and plan
Write your position in one sentence. List two reasons that support it.
- 33:00 – 5:00
Introduction
Paraphrase the prompt in one sentence. State your position in one sentence.
- 45:00 – 8:30
Two body topic sentences
Write only the opening sentence of each body paragraph, plus one example each.
- 58:30 – 10:00
Conclusion
Restate your position and summarise the two reasons in two sentences.
Reflection prompt
“Reading only your intro and conclusion, is your position unmistakably clear?”