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IELTS Writing Task 2: Essay Structure
The 4-paragraph structure that scores Band 7+ on Task 2, and how to plan it in 5 minutes.
The big picture
- Task 2 essay (4 paragraphs)
- Introduction — Paraphrase the question + clear thesis (your position)
- Body 1 — First main idea → explain → one specific example
- Body 2 — Second main idea → explain → one specific example
- Conclusion — Restate your position; add no new ideas
Introduction: paraphrase + thesis
Rewrite the question in your own words (don't copy it), then state your position in one clear sentence. Examiners look for a thesis they can find in 5 seconds.
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Real example: Question: 'Some think exams are the best way to assess students.' Intro thesis: 'While exams measure knowledge under pressure, I believe continuous assessment gives a fairer overall picture.'
🧠 Memory hook: PT = Paraphrase, then Thesis. Two sentences, no more.
Body paragraphs: one idea each
Each body paragraph = one main idea, an explanation of *why* it matters, and one specific example. Two focused paragraphs beat one crowded one.
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Real example: Body idea: 'Continuous assessment reduces exam anxiety.' Example: 'A 2019 UK pilot found coursework-based grading cut reported student stress by a third.'
🧠 Memory hook: IEE: Idea → Explain → Example. Say it out loud before you write.
Conclusion: restate, don't add
Summarise your position in one or two sentences. Never introduce a new argument in the conclusion — it costs you Coherence marks.
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Real example: 'Overall, although exams have their place, a mix of continuous assessment and exams assesses students more fairly.'
🧠 Memory hook: A conclusion is a mirror, not a window: it reflects what you said, it doesn't open new views.
Plan in 5 minutes
Spend 5 of your 40 minutes planning: decide your position, jot one idea + example per body paragraph. Planning is the single biggest predictor of a coherent essay.
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Real example: Scribble: 'Pos: mix is fairer | B1: anxiety (UK pilot) | B2: measures different skills (creativity)'. That's a whole essay mapped.
🧠 Memory hook: 5 to plan, 30 to write, 5 to check. 5-30-5.
Frequently asked questions
- How many sentences should a Task 2 introduction be, and what are they?
- Two: a paraphrase of the question, then a clear thesis stating your position.
- What three parts make up a good body paragraph?
- One main idea, an explanation of why it matters, and one specific example (IEE).
- What must you never do in the conclusion?
- Introduce a new argument or idea — only restate your position.
- How should you split your 40 minutes on Task 2?
- About 5 minutes planning, 30 writing, 5 checking (5-30-5).
- Why is paraphrasing the question important?
- Copying the question wording scores zero for that text and signals weak vocabulary; paraphrasing shows range.