IELTS WRITING TASK 2

Useful Language
Yesterday we looked at why its effective to
memorise phrases, not sentences, for use in the
writing section of IELTS. Here is a second list of
useful phrases, this time for use in Task 2.
Again, the phrases are grouped by function. They include
some phrases that are great for building an introduction
and others that can help you write a really persuasive
argument.
Remember that in IELTS Writing Task 2 the quality of your
ideas is not what really matters. The examiner wants to see
what language you use to make your argument and
organise your thoughts. Time is also very limited, so
memorising a set of useful phrases is often said to be
critical in order to get a high score.
Of course, you also need to able to use the phrases in an
appropriate way, both grammatically and functionally.
The best way to make sure is to have your answers
checked by a native teacher.

Introducing the topic

Some people argue that
Have you ever considered ?
The question raises the issue of

Stating an opinion (thesis statement)

 I believe that
It is my belief that
This essay will argue that

Indicating the scope of the essay

In this essay, I will state
This essay will examine
will be covered in this essay.

Giving reasons
One reason for this is that
This can be explained by
This can be attributed to the fact that

Giving further reasons

Not only that, but
A further reason is
It should also be stated that

Citing general opinions

It has been claimed that
It is widely believed that
There is a widespread belief that

Refuting opinions
I would dispute this, however.
However, this is not necessarily the case.
There are some faults with this reasoning, however.

Hedging strategies
It could be argued that
One explanation might be that
This suggests that

Strengthening an argument
There can be no doubt that
Therefore, we can say beyond any doubt that
These are just some of the reasons why

Concluding and summarising

To sum up, / In summary, / In short,
Overall, / On the whole,
To return to my original idea,

Discuss Both Views Question

***
The free movement of goods across national borders
has long been a controversial issue. Some people
argue that it is necessary for economic growth, while
others claim that it damages local industries.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion. You
should write at least 250 words.

Model Answer
One of the most debatable issues of the last century has
been the extent to which international trade benefits or
harms national economies. Many arguments have been
made for and against free trade between nations. In this
essay, I will discuss both views and state my own position.

Those who support the expansion of global free trade claim

that economies grow faster when they can specialise in just
a few industries in which they have a strong advantage. For
example, East Asia manufactures electronic goods, the
Middle East exports energy, and the EU produces luxury
items. Each region or country produces something of value
to the world economy, and their interdependence helps to
strengthen international cooperation and prevent wars.
Meanwhile, opponents of free tradesometimes called
protectionistsclaim that the unrestricted movement of
goods and services causes damage to local communities.
This is because jobs are lost when it becomes cheaper to
import a product than to produce it domestically. They also
argue that the vast distances travelled by food, oil, and
consumer goods is harming the environment and making
our lives unsustainable.
In conclusion, while there are convincing arguments on
both sides of the debate, I believe that global trade is
inevitable and should not be restricted. It is no longer
realistic for nations to source all of their energy, food, and
manufactured goods within their own borders.
(333 words; IELTS 9.0)

Why does this Task 2 answer get a Band

9 score?
Task response: The model answer discusses both sides of
the argument in equal measure and ends with a clear
opinion. The writer includes background information and
examples. The essay meets the word requirement.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer is clearly
structured, with each body paragraph discussing a different
side of the argument. The relationship between paragraphs
is clearly signaled by words like Meanwhile and In
conclusion. Ideas are developed further with logical links
such as For example, because and also.

Lexical resource: The writer uses higher-level vocabulary

relevant
to
the
topic
such
as opponents,
domestically, unsustainable, and interdependence.
The
core concept of free movement of goods across national
borders is repeatedly paraphrased. Spelling is correct
throughout the model answer.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The writer uses a
wide variety of grammatical features including concessive
clauses (while), relative clauses (in which), and other
complex forms (It is no longer realistic for nations to).
There are no grammatical errors in the model essay.

Teachers Note
Discuss both views is a common type of IELTS essay
question in which the examiner will pay particular attention
to paragraphing. Make your essay structure very clear by
writing two body paragraphs that each discuss a different
view. Try to make these two paragraphs similar in length
three sentences is enoughand save your own opinion for
the conclusion. You can score highly on a discuss both
views question by following these simple rules. If youd like
me to correct and score your answer to this task, please
click on the link below to take my IELTS writing practice test
online.

Two-part Question
***
The United Nations recently celebrated its 70th
anniversary. What benefits has it brought during this
time? Do you think the UN will last another 70 years?
You should write at least 250 words.
The United Nations was established at the end of the
Second World War in order to provide a peaceful way to
resolve national differences. Since its formation 70 years
ago, there has not been a Third World War. Furthermore,
the UN has expanded its global role to include many more

activities besides peacekeeping. This essay will look at

some of the UNs achievements and predict what the future
might hold for the organisation.
It is difficult to imagine a world without the United
Nations. The organisation plays a leading role in everything
from conflict resolution and peacekeeping to emergency
food aid and global public health. Many people trust the UN
because it is a democratic organisation that reflects the
interests of all its member states and not just one particular
country. In this way, it can be argued that the UN has
restricted the influence of powerful countries like the USA,
Russia and China, while allowing smaller nations a say in
global affairs. It is also effective at collecting funds from
richer member states and redistributing it as economic aid
or emergency assistance to parts of the world which need it
most.
Yet the world is a very different place from how it looked in
1945, which has led some people to question the need for a
powerful organisation like the UN. In particular, there are
some proponents of free trade who argue that competition
and not cooperation between nations is the fastest way to
pursue economic development. However, I would argue
that the more nations become interdependent, the more
they will require a global forum to resolve their
differences. While there are other global organisations that
can play a similar role, such as the World Bank and
International Criminal Court, none has the scope of the UN.
For that reason, the UN is sure to exist for decades to
come, and possibly for another 70 years.
In conclusion, the UN remains the most viable organisation
for dealing with the worlds problems, and this is unlikely to
change very soon.
(340 words, IELTS 9.0)

Why does this Task 2 answer get an

IELTS Band 9 score?

Task response: The candidate answers both parts of the

question. The candidate states clear opinions and supports
them with examples. The argument is well-written and
persuasive.
Coherence
and
cohesion: There
are
two
body
paragraphs which each deal with one part of the question.
Both parts of the two-part question are addressed in both
the introduction and conclusion. There are clear links
between sentences and between paragraphs.
Lexical resource: The candidate introduces topic-specific
vocabulary with natural collocation: global affairs, conflict
resolution, emergency assistance, etc.
Grammatical range and accuracy: Conjunctions and
relative pronouns are used throughout the essay to
combine two or more ideas into complex sentences. There
are no errors in the candidates grammar or punctuation.

Problem/Solution Question
The internet has transformed the way information is
shared and consumed, but it has also created
problems that did not exist before.
What are the most serious problems associated with
the internet and what solutions can you suggest?

There is no doubt that the internet has revolutionised

communication and information-sharing in the same way
that the telegraph and the television did before it. However,
societies have had to cope with unanticipated new
problems, including crimes which traditional laws are

powerless to prevent. This essay will address some of the

illegal acts enabled by the internet and propose solutions.
To begin with, the global scale of the internet means that
national laws are no longer adequate to control what
happens online. Take restrictions on legal reporting, for
example. In some countries, the media is prohibited from
revealing details of a defendants past in case this
prejudices a fair trial. However, such restrictions are no
longer enforceable now that information may be freely
published in other countries and accessed by all. The only
solution here, it seems, is to adopt global standards. Since
the internet traverses national borders, the flow of
information can only be controlled if all nations agree on
what can and cannot be shared.
Another problem concerns anonymity, as internet users can
easily conceal their identity and even impersonate others.
Many crimes such as identity theft and child abuse result
from the ease with which criminals can operate
anonymously online. Some have proposed a system of
online identification, similar to a passport, which would
allow all internet users to be verified and traced. I believe
this idea should be explored further, though there are
clearly concerns about the security of those who use the
internet to protest against oppressive regimes.
In conclusion, the only long-term solution to the problem of
internet crime is greater international cooperation. Since
the problem is global is scale, the solution must also be
global. A new agency of the United Nations should be
created to tackle the problems described here.
(298 words, IELTS 8.5)

Why does this Task 2 answer get an

IELTS Band 8 score?
Task response: The model answer fully answers the
question by stating two distinct problems caused by the
internet together with relevant solutions to each problem.
Each problem is illustrated with examples. The style is
appropriate to academic writing and the answer is at least
250 words in length.
Coherence and cohesion: The introduction to this
problem solution essay ends with a clear thesis statement.
Each body paragraph deals with a different problem and its
solution. Examples are signalled with logical connectives
like for example and such as. The conclusion contains a
clear recommendation which follows from the body.
Lexical resource: There are many instances of higherlevel vocabulary such as prohibited, verified andoppressive.
Examples of good collocation include prejudices a fair
trial and tackle the problems. There are no spelling errors
and correct word forms are used throughout.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The candidate uses a
wide range of conjunctions to link ideas into more complex
sentences. Where necessary, the candidate uses a shorter
sentence to emphasise a point more strongly. Verb tenses,
including modals, are always accurate. Punctuation is
handled skillfully throughout.

Teachers Note
An IELTS problem solution essay will usually ask for
problems and solutions (note plural), so try to include two

of each. This leads logically to an essay with two body

paragraphs, like the model answer above. Try to describe
each solution together with the problem it solves in order to
be as coherent as possible. And remember, your solutions
dont have to be original, or even realistic, in order to get a
high score. The IELTS examiner is only interested in your
use of language, not in the quality of your ideas.
Would you like me to score and correct your answer
to this (or another) IELTS writing task? See my online
IELTS writing practice test below for more details.

Opinion Essay
Space exploration is much too expensive and the
money should be spent on more important things.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

There is an argument that exploring space is a waste of

money and that there are more urgent needs to be
addressed on earth, such as reducing poverty and
preventing
environmental
destruction.
However,
I
completely disagree with this opinion for two reasons.
First of all, many of the technologies we take for granted
today were originated thanks to space research. Take
satellite technology, for example, which we depend on for
broadcasting and weather forecasting. Without satellites,
we would not be able to follow global events as they
happen, nor give populations any warning of approaching
storms. Space research has also led to the development of
new lightweight materials that offer us heat protection and

enable food preservation. Therefore, the challenge of

sending human beings into space has often driven the
development of new technologies that benefit our everyday
lives.
Second, we cannot foresee the distant future, so we ought
to develop the capability to escape from the earth.
Gradually, we are learning how humans can survive for long
periods in space and even travel to other planets in the
future. If space exploration is halted, this valuable
knowledge will never be acquired. It is true that
environmental destruction is also a serious issue, but it is
also true that we remain dependent on our environment if
we never accept the challenge of exploring other worlds.
In conclusion, while we undoubtedly face serious problems
on our own planet, it is imperative that we continue to
explore space. This will promote further technological
advances as well as provide a possible means of escape
should earth become uninhabitable in future. Ideally, all
nations should cooperate in the advancement of space
research.
(278 words, IELTS 8.5)

Why does this Task 2 answer get an

IELTS Band 8 score?
Task response: The introduction effectively paraphrases
the question and presents a clear opinion. The writers
opinion is supported in the body of the essay. Concrete
examples are given. The conclusion restates the writers
opinion and ends with a recommendation.

Coherence and cohesion: The model answer is divided

into clear paragraphs and each body paragraph contains
one main idea. There are cohesive links between all
paragraphs and between most sentences.
Lexical resource: The key concept of space exploration is
paraphrased several times. There are many words
characteristic
of
academic
writing
such
as originated, imperative, and foresee. Vocabulary is used
with a strong awareness of collocation: take for
granted, develop the capability, accept the challenge.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer is
free from grammatical errors. A good balance of simple and
complex sentences is used to develop an argument. Verb
tenses vary, and other grammatical devices such as
conditionals and modals are used with high accuracy.

Teachers Notes
This IELTS Writing Task 2 question asks you to state
whether you agree or disagree with an opinion. Its easy to
confuse this with an argument essay, since opinion and
argument have similar meanings. However, in an opinion
essay like this one, its best to take one side and stick to it,
especially as you only have 40 minutes in which to reach
your conclusion. State your opinion in the final sentence of
the introductory paragraph and then use each body
paragraph to develop your two or three supporting points.
Finally, repeat your opinion in the last paragraph to provide
a satisfying conclusion.

Argument Essay
It is sometimes argued that too many students go to
university, while others claim that a university
education should be a universal right.
Discuss both sides of the argument and give your
own opinion.

In some advanced countries, it is not unusual for more than

50% of young adults to attend college or university. Critics,
however, claim that many university courses are worthless
and young people would be better off gaining skills in the
workplace. In this essay, I will examine both sides of this
argument and try to reach a conclusion.
There are several reasons why university has become a
popular choice for young people. First, growing prosperity
in many parts of the world has increased the number of
families with money to invest in their childrens future. At
the same time, falling birthrates mean that one- or twochild families have become common, increasing the level of
investment in each child. It is hardly surprising, therefore,
that young people are willing to let their families support
them until the age of 21 or 22. Furthermore, millions of new
jobs have been created in knowledge industries, and these
jobs are typically open only to university graduates.
However, it often appears that graduates end up in
occupations unrelated to their university studies. It is not
uncommon for an English literature major to end up

working in sales, or an engineering graduate to retrain as a

teacher, for example. Some critics have suggested that
young people are just delaying their entry into the
workplace, rather than developing professional skills. A
more serious problem is that the high cost of a university
education will mean that many families are reluctant to
have more than one child, exacerbating the falling
birthrates in certain countries.
In conclusion, while it can be argued that too much
emphasis is placed on a university education, my own
opinion is that the university years are a crucial time for
personal development. If people enter the workplace aged
18, their future options may be severely restricted.
Attending university allows them time to learn more about
themselves and make a more appropriate choice of career.
(320 words. IELTS 9.0)

Why does this Task 2 answer get an

IELTS Band 9 score?
Task response: The model answer fully answers the
question by stating several arguments both for and against
the expansion of higher education. The candidates position
is clearly expressed in the conclusion. The style is
appropriate to academic writing and the answer is at least
250 words in length.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer has an
introduction and conclusion. Each body paragraph deals
with a different side of the argument and begins with a

clear topic sentence. Arguments are developed with logical

connectives such as therefore and furthermore.
Lexical resource: There is a good range of vocabulary
suited to an argument essay, including reporting verbs
like claim and suggest,
and
hedging
verbs
like can and appear. There is native-like collocation
throughout, including growing prosperity, enter the
workplace and severely restricted.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer
uses a wide range of grammatical devices appropriate to
academic writing. These include conditionals (If),
participle clauses (, increasing the), concessive clauses
(while it can) and passive constructions (it can be
argued that). There are no grammatical errors.

Teachers Notes
This IELTS Writing Task 2 question asks you to discuss an
argument. Its easy to confuse this with an opinion essay,
since opinion and argument have similar meanings.
However, in an argument essay like this one, you must
write about both sides of the argument before giving an
opinion, which can be difficult in just 40 minutes. Since
time management can be problem when writing an
argument essay, plan to write two body paragraphs only,
each dealing with a different point of view. Finally, when
you give your own opinion in the conclusion, try to make it
follow from the strongest side of the argument, not the
weakest!