IELTS Writing Task 2 Structure: The Complete Guide for Band 7+

In my experience with IELTS Writing practice, I’ve worked with many learners who feel “stuck” when it comes to Writing Task 2: unsure how to write a natural introduction, uncertain about how to develop ideas in the body paragraphs, or worried that their conclusion sounds either too short or too wordy.

Most of these struggles come from not having a stable, easy-to-use essay structure.

That’s why in this guide, I want to share a complete IELTS Writing Task 2 structure – clear, simple, and designed for those aiming for Band 7+.

Once you understand what each part of the essay needs to do (and why), Task 2 becomes much more manageable. I hope this helps you build a clearer mindset before you start practicing.

Overview of IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2 Assessment Criteria

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the longer essay task (250+ words), where you analyze a social issue, present your arguments, and support your position with clear reasoning. It also plays the biggest role in your final Writing score, as Task 2 carries more weight than Task 1.

This task is evaluated based on four main criteria. The table below summarizes what each criterion measures so you can see clearly what the examiner expects:

Criterion	What Examiners Assess
Task Response	– Whether you fully address all parts of the question.  – Clear and consistent main ideas.  – Arguments supported with sufficient explanation and examples.  – No off–topic content or missing question components.
Coherence & Cohesion	– Logical organization of the essay.  – Smooth connection between sentences and paragraphs.  – Logical progression of ideas.  – Appropriate use of cohesive devices without overuse.
Lexical Resource	– Range, accuracy, and appropriateness of vocabulary.  – Effective paraphrasing and avoidance of unnecessary repetition.  – Minimal spelling errors and correct word choice.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	– Variety of sentence structures.  – Few grammatical errors (tenses, articles, subject–verb agreement).  – Correct and natural use of complex sentences.

If you want to understand how IELTS calculates Writing scores using the official band descriptors, you can read the full breakdown HERE.

The Basic Structure of an IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay

Although each question type has its own specific requirements, every Task 2 essay always follows the same core structure: Introduction – Body – Conclusion.

Once you understand this foundation, your essay will immediately become more logical and focused, helping you avoid rambling or going off-topic – two common issues that lower your Task Response and Coherence & Cohesion scores.

Introduction	– Paraphrase the question – Give your answer
Body Paragraphs	– Typically, the essay includes two body paragraphs, each focusing on one or two main ideas. – A strong body paragraph should contain: 1. A focused topic sentence 2. Clear explanation or analysis 3. A relevant example or supporting evidence 4, A concluding/bridging sentence linking smoothly to the next idea → To reach Band 7+, your body paragraphs must show depth of reasoning – not just stating ideas, but analyzing them.
Conclusion	– Restate your position using different wording. – Add a general closing remark or light extension. (optional) → Never introduce new arguments in the conclusion.

Common Mistakes in IELTS Writing Task 2

The reason many learners struggle to reach Band 7.0+ is not a lack of vocabulary or grammar, but a set of very common issues:

An Unfocused Introduction	– Writing too long without addressing the main topic – No clear thesis statement – Overly broad or off-topic background sentences
Lack of Depth in Body Paragraphs	– Stating ideas without explanation – Examples that feel disconnected or irrelevant – Analysis that is too general and lacks logic
Unclear or Inconsistent Arguments	– Not maintaining a consistent position throughout the essay – Topic sentences that do not reflect the paragraph’s content
Inappropriate Vocabulary or Grammar Usage	– Trying too hard to “upgrade” sentences → resulting in grammar mistakes – Using advanced vocabulary with incorrect nuance – Repeating the same words due to weak paraphrasing skills
Not Knowing the Correct Structure for Each Question Type	– This is one of the biggest reasons why essays become long, unfocused, and lacking clear direction.

Band 7+ Introduction Structure

In IELTS Writing Task 2, the introduction plays a major role in shaping the reader’s first impression and directly affects your Task Response score.

A strong introduction does not need to be long – usually just 2 clear sentences – but it must stay focused, set the right context, and show the examiner that you understand the issue.

A Band 7+ introduction typically includes two components: A paraphrased version of the task question -> A direct answer to the question

Band 7.0+ Body Paragraph Structure for All Task 2 Question Types

In IELTS Writing Task 2, the body paragraphs play the biggest role in determining your Task Response and Coherence & Cohesion scores.

Each body paragraph should focus on one or two main ideas, but for that idea to be persuasive, you need to know how to expand it in a clear and logical way.

I often refer to this as the “structural toolkit” for Task 2. You don’t need to use every element in every paragraph, but once you understand these components and combine them flexibly, your writing will naturally gain depth, clarity, and the structure expected of a Band 7+ essay.

Below are the key elements of this toolkit:

Research – Academic references (for increasing academic tone)

Item	Detailed Explanation
When to Use?	– When you want to expand your topic sentence with an objective perspective.  – When you need to increase academic tone (especially in topics like education, health, behaviour, technology).  – When you want to establish a solid foundation before analysing causes/effects.  – When you want to avoid introducing your personal opinion too early.
Purpose	– To add credibility to your argument.  – To show examiners that you can open a paragraph in an academic manner.  – To create an ideal starting point before moving into a Cause → Impact structure.  – To boost Coherence & Cohesion through logical sequencing.
Common Mistakes	– Using numbers that sound unnatural or exaggerated (e.g., “According to Harvard, 92.5%…”).  – Presenting evidence that is unrelated to the main idea.  – Writing overly long references that make the paragraph heavy.  – Starting with Research but failing to connect it to the main argument.

Common Academic Structures:

Structure Type	Structure	Usage Notes
General Research Reference	– Evidence suggests that… – Research shows that… – Studies have shown that…	– Suitable for almost any topic (safest option).  – Effective for opening a paragraph with strong academic tone.  – Works well for scientific or education-related questions.
Scientific/ Behavioural Trends	– Studies over the past decade indicate that… – Psychological research highlights that…	Survey-Based Evidence
Survey-Based Evidence	– Surveys consistently reveal that… – Recent surveys illustrate that…	– Ideal for describing tendencies or general trends.  – Useful when discussing public opinion, social patterns, or consumer behaviour.

Common Knowledge – Universal Facts (used to create agreement)

Common Knowledge refers to information that is widely known, generally accepted, and not controversial.
In IELTS Writing Task 2, this tool helps you transition smoothly from the topic sentence to deeper analysis. Many Band 6-6.5 essays lack coherence because they move into explanation too abruptly, without establishing this essential “foundation” first.

Item	Detailed Explanation
When to Use?	– Right after the topic sentence, to introduce a widely accepted fact before deeper analysis.  – When you want to state something almost everyone agrees with → creating stability in your argument.  – When you need to connect the topic to a broader social context.  – When you want to avoid jumping too abruptly into causes or impacts.
Purpose	– Helps the paragraph feel grounded and natural.  – Creates common ground so the examiner easily understands your line of reasoning.  – Provides the perfect “launching pad” for Cause or Impact that follows.  – Makes the writing smoother and less mechanical
Common Mistakes	– Stating something overly obvious (“People use the Internet every day.”)  – Paraphrasing the question without adding any real value.  – Writing too long, causing the paragraph to delay the main point.  – Mentioning common knowledge without linking it to the argument that comes next.

Useful Academic Structures:

Expression	Usage Notes
It is widely agreed that…	Used to state a widely accepted reality.
It is common knowledge that…	Suitable when presenting a general societal fact or shared observation.
A widely held belief is that…	Highlights a common public belief.
The general consensus is that…	Ideal for social, education, or environmental topics.
A fact is that…	Short, strong, and effective for the second sentence of a paragraph.
It is universally acknowledged that…	Adds formality (use sparingly to avoid sounding too heavy).

Cause – Explaining WHY

The Cause component answers the question: “Why does this happen?” This is the most important analytical block in a body paragraph and forms the backbone of your logic. A Band 7+ body paragraph almost always includes both Cause and Impact.

Item	Detailed Explanation
When to Use?	– Immediately after the topic sentence, when explaining the reason behind a trend or issue.  – Essential in: Opinion, Discussion, Problem-Solution, and Advantages-Disadvantages essays.  – When you want to make your argument stronger rather than simply stating your view.
Purpose	– Directly answers the “why?” question, making the paragraph logical and coherent. – Demonstrates depth of analysis (boosts Task Response & Coherence–Cohesion). – Acts as a bridge leading into Impact or Example.
Common Mistakes	– Listing too many causes → paragraph becomes unfocused. – Giving a cause unrelated to the topic sentence. – Using vague phrases like “This is because of many reasons.” – Stating a cause without further explanation (lack of analysis).

Useful Academic Structures:

Expression	Usage Note
This trend is largely due to…	Good for social trends.
A contributing factor is that…	Indicates a secondary or supporting reason.
This can be attributed to…	Academic, easy to use.
A major reason behind this is…	Highlights the primary cause.
One driving force behind this is…	Strong; suitable for economic or social topics.
…is causally linked to…	Ideal for scientific or societal explanations.

Impact – The Consequence (adding depth to your analysis)

The Impact section answers the question: “So what happens as a result?” If Cause explains why something occurs, Impact explains what it leads to.

In reality, many IELTS Writing Task 2 essays get stuck at Band 6.0–6.5 because they only state a cause or present surface-level arguments without showing short-term vs. long-term, direct vs. indirect consequences.

The Impact component is what makes an essay feel more mature, demonstrating to the examiner that you can analyse issues deeply – not just describe them. When used correctly, this part significantly boosts your Coherence & Cohesion and Task Response scores.

Item	Detailed Explanation
When to Use?	– Right after the Cause, to show real-world or long-term consequences.  – When you want to demonstrate why the issue is important.  – When you need to expand your argument beyond simple description.  – When preparing to transition smoothly into an Example.
Purpose	– Shows that you understand who is affected and how they are affected.  – Adds depth to the paragraph → increases Task Response & Coherence–Cohesion.  – Creates a logical flow: Cause → Impact → Example.  – Makes the analysis feel grounded in real life rather than theoretical.
Common Mistakes	– Giving vague impacts (“This affects society negatively.”)  – Not identifying who is affected.  – Describing an impact without explaining why it matters.  – Only mentioning short-term effects without exploring long-term consequences.

Useful Academic Structures:

Expressions	Usage Note
This has a profound impact on…	Strong; good for major or long-term effects.
This leads to significant changes in…	Shows concrete, real-world consequences.
The ripple effect is that…	Describes multi-layered or chain reactions.
As a consequence,…	Smooth transition to a natural effect.
This has long-term implications for…	Useful for issues with lasting influence.
This can create positive/negative outcomes such as…	Good for listing clear, specific impacts.

Problem – Highlighting the Issue (crucial for Problem – Solution essays)

In IELTS Writing Task 2, the Problem component is not only used in Problem-Solution questions; it is also a powerful tool for exposing the negative side of a trend, policy, or social viewpoint.

Many Band 6.0-6.5 essays merely describe a phenomenon without explaining why it is concerning or who is affected, making the analysis feel shallow.

Introducing a Problem allows you to present a warning perspective – showing that a trend is not just happening, but it also poses risks, consequences, or threats that deserve examination.

This significantly boosts your Task Response score because you demonstrate a deeper understanding of the issue, rather than simply describing it

Item	Detailed Explanation
When to Use?	– When the essay question directly asks about problems, drawbacks, or negative impacts.  – When you want to expand your argument by showing the downside before offering a solution.  – When a trend appears positive, but you need to highlight its negative aspects to maintain balance.  – When you want to transition naturally into a Solution.
Purpose	– Clarify what makes the issue concerning. – Add analytical depth rather than simple description. – Increase persuasiveness by identifying concrete risks. – Provide a strong launch point for Impact or Solution.
Common Mistakes	– Giving only a vague sentence: “This causes many problems.” – Not identifying who is affected → impact becomes unclear.  – Mentioning a problem without explaining why it is serious.  – Confusing Problem (the concerning issue) with Cause (the reason it happens).

Useful Academic Structures:

Expressions	Usage Note
Another point of concern is that…	Good for introducing a major concern.
This development raises serious concerns about…	For trends that pose social risks.
A major problem is that…	Emphasizes the central issue of the paragraph.
This issue poses a threat to…	Suitable for long-term or serious consequences.
This situation can undermine…	Effective for education, health, or societal topics.
This leads to a range of complications, including…	Academic way to list multiple problems.

Solution – Providing a Fix (for Problem – Solution essays or to conclude a paragraph)

The Solution component shows how the issue can be addressed. In IELTS Writing Task 2, however, solutions are not limited to Problem – Solution questions.

Even in Opinion, Discussion, or Advantages – Disadvantages essays, offering a practical solution makes your argument more convincing and demonstrates that you understand the core of the issue – not just its theory.

The most important principle is: A solution must be realistic, feasible, and directly connected to the identified problem.

Many Band 6.0–6.5 essays lose marks because their solutions are too vague – such as “raise awareness” or “provide better education” – without specifying who should take action, what should be done, and why it will work.

Item	Detailed Explanation
When to Use?	– When the question explicitly asks for solutions, measures, or ways to address the issue.  – Directly after the Problem to maintain the logical sequence Problem → Solution.  – When ending a body paragraph with a positive direction.  – When you need to balance arguments in a Discussion or Opinion essay.
Purpose	– Provide realistic, concrete ways to address the issue – showing deeper understanding.  – Add analytical depth rather than stopping at criticism.  – Boost Task Response by fully answering all parts of the question.  – Strengthen overall logic: Cause → Impact → Problem → Solution.
Common Mistakes	– Giving vague solutions: “raise awareness, educate people”.  – Offering a solution unrelated to the problem mentioned.  – Writing an overly long solution that becomes a new paragraph.  – Failing to explain why the solution is effective.

Useful Academic Structures: 

Expressions	Usage Note
A viable solution would be to…	Standard Band 7+ way to introduce a solution.
To address this issue,…	Smooth transition directly after a Problem.
It is essential that…	For mandatory, large-scale solutions (government/national level).
Governments/Schools/Companies should consider…	Always specify the actor responsible for implementing the solution.
A more sustainable approach would be to…	Great for environment or social topics.
A long-term remedy is to…	Indicates a strategic, long-lasting solution.

Pros & Cons – Advantages / Disadvantages (for Discuss Both Views or Advantages–Disadvantages essays)

The Pros & Cons component is essential in Discuss Both Views, Advantages–Disadvantages, and even Opinion essays when you want to present a more balanced argument.

You do not always need to discuss both sides in detail, but understanding how to develop Pros & Cons properly will make your paragraphs sharper and more persuasive.

Many Band 6-6.5 essays make the mistake of analysing advantages or disadvantages with only one brief sentence or listing multiple points with no explanation.

In Task 2, Pros & Cons are not about simply stating “what is good or bad”; you must explain why these points matter, who is affected, and to what extent.

Item	Detailed Explanation
When to Use?	– In essays that require two-sided analysis: Discuss Both Views, Advantages–Disadvantages.  – When you want a more balanced argument before stating your own view.  – When clarifying both sides of a policy or social trend.
Purpose	– Makes your essay more objective and multi-dimensional.  – Boosts Task Response by presenting logical analysis of both directions.  – Allows you to demonstrate critical thinking.  – Provides a strong foundation before stating your own stance in the Thesis or Conclusion.
Common Mistakes	– Mentioning too many pros/cons without analysing any in depth.  – Advantages/disadvantages are too general (no who/why/how).  – Pros & Cons not clearly connected to the topic sentence.  – Listing points without explaining their consequences.

Useful Academic Structures (Pros): 

Expressions	Usage Notes
On the upside, one key advantage is that…	Very natural way to introduce a benefit.
A strong argument in favour of this is that…	Emphasises the rationale behind the positive point.
One major benefit is that…	Highlights the primary advantage.
Supporters of this approach argue that…	Ideal for Discuss Both Views essays to present the supporting side.
This can lead to positive outcomes such as…	Expands the advantage into an Impact.

Useful Academic Structures (Cons): 

Expressions	Usage Notes
However, a significant drawback is that…	Smooth transition to a disadvantage.
Despite these benefits, there are concerns that…	Great for balancing both sides.
Opponents of this idea claim that…	Introduces the opposing viewpoint.
This approach may create negative consequences such as…	Expands the disadvantage into an Impact.
There is, nonetheless, cause for concern regarding…	Academic tone; suitable for many topics.

Hedging – Softening Absolutes (a key feature of Band 7+)

Hedging is one of the clearest indicators separating a Band 6.0–6.5 essay from a Band 7.0+ essay. When a response contains too many absolute statements (always, never, everyone, definitely…), examiners may judge that the writer lacks academic awareness or does not know how to express ideas with nuance.

Hedging makes your writing softer, more objective, and more mature. It shows that you understand social issues often have exceptions, and that your perspective is based on general observation — not an absolute, universal truth.

Item	Detailed Explanation
When to Use?	– When presenting general trends or broad observations.  – When describing impacts that do not happen in every case.  – When softening the final statement of a paragraph.  – When analysing complex social issues with many variables.
Purpose	– Makes your writing more academic – a hallmark of Band 7+.  – Shows cautious and thoughtful reasoning.  – Avoids incorrect absolute claims (examiners can challenge “always”).  – Creates natural and reasonable tone when analysing issues.
Common Mistakes	– Overusing hedging → writing becomes weak or indecisive.  – Using inappropriate hedging for the context.  – Hedging too early in the topic sentence, weakening the main point.  – Creating vague statements due to excessive hedging (e.g., “It might be possibly likely that…”).

Useful Academic Structures: 

Level	Example	Usage Notes
Basic	generally, typically, often, in many cases	For describing trends or common patterns.
Medium	tends to, is likely to, appears to	Useful for predictions or forward-looking statements.
Advanced	to some extent, in certain situations, in part	Reduces the degree of commitment in an argument.
Modal Verbs	may, might, could	Flexible and suitable for all topics.
Sentence Structures	There is a possibility that… It can be argued that… It would seem that…	Adds academic tone; ideal for introducing analysis.

Example – Illustrating the Argument (to clarify your point)

An Example is the quickest and most effective way to move your argument from abstract to concrete. If the Impact shows the consequence, the Example makes that consequence more vivid and easier to understand.

Many Task 2 learners either avoid using examples altogether, or they use overly long examples, or they rely on personal stories – which can lower the score because it reduces academic tone. 

In a Band 7+ essay, examples should be short, relevant, concise, and directly connected to the Cause/Impact presented right before them.

Item	Detailed Explanation
When to Use?	– After an Impact or Cause to illustrate your reasoning with a real-world scenario.  – When explaining a social phenomenon that may feel abstract without illustration.  – When closing a body paragraph and you need a strong supporting detail before the ending sentence.  – When strengthening your argument in a Discussion or Opinion essay.
Purpose	– Moves the argument from theory to real-life relevance.  – Helps the examiner grasp your point quickly.  – Enhances coherence through the sequence: Cause → Impact → Example.  – Makes the paragraph more engaging and less mechanical.
Common Mistakes	– Using personal examples (“For example, my cousin…” → wrong).  – Telling a long story that drifts off-topic.  – Giving an example unrelated to the argument directly above it.  – Using unrealistic or overly specific numbers that sound fabricated (“In 2021, 83.47%…”).

Useful Academic Structures: 

Expression	Usage Notes
For instance,…	Short, simple, works for any topic.
A clear example of this is…	Highlights the strength of your illustration.
Some examples include…	Good when listing 2–3 small supporting cases.
This is exemplified by…	Natural, academic; excellent for Band 7+.

Conclusion Structure for IELTS Writing Task 2

The conclusion of an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay does not need to be long, nor should it repeat every idea discussed in the body paragraphs.

What matters most is that you restate your position naturally and provide a broader closing perspective – enough to wrap up the essay without introducing new arguments.

A Band 7.0+ conclusion typically contains two components: Restatement and Final Thoughts.

Restatement – Reaffirming Your Position

In this part, you simply rephrase your thesis statement in a smoother, more reflective way, avoiding any direct repetition of the introduction. One thing to remember: do not add new information, but do reaffirm your stance clearly and academically.

You can write your own Restatement this by:

• Changing the sentence structure
• Using synonyms
• Paraphrasing ideas (not word-for-word, but concept-by-concept)

Final Thoughts – A Subtle Closing Remark

Final Thoughts is a single, well-rounded closing sentence – not a moral lesson, not a generic piece of advice, but a way to offer the reader a slightly broader perspective.

Typically, you can:

• hint at a future trend
• give a brief social observation
• or end with a balanced, reflective viewpoint

Conclusion

When you understand how Writing Task 2 is structured, the entire process becomes much easier. A Band 7+ essay does not come from poetic language – it comes from a consistent structure: a clear introduction, well-developed body paragraphs with arguments–analysis–examples, and a concise conclusion.

Once you master the key elements – Research, Common Knowledge, Cause, Impact, Problem, Solution, Pros & Cons, Hedging, and Example – you will no longer feel unsure about how to build a strong body paragraph. You’ll have a reliable toolkit that works for every question type, allowing your writing to become more coherent, logical, and stable.

Finally, remember that Writing Task 2 is a skill built over time. The more you practice, the better you’ll understand how to organize ideas, how to analyze effectively, and how to express your arguments in an academic tone. I hope this guide serves as a framework you can return to whenever you need clarity, direction, or a reset in your preparation journey.

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