IELTS Writing Task 2 — Band 7+ Structure with Sample

Writing Task 2 is where most Bangladeshi IELTS candidates lose the half-band that keeps them out of a 7. The test asks for a 250-word formal essay in 40 minutes — and it is graded on four equally weighted criteria: Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range & Accuracy.

This guide gives you a structure that works for any Task 2 prompt, the exact word counts to aim for in each paragraph, and a fully worked Band 7+ sample.

The 5 Task 2 question types

1. Opinion (Agree/Disagree) — "To what extent do you agree?"
2. Discussion (Both sides) — "Discuss both views and give your opinion."
3. Problem/Solution — "What are the problems? What can be done?"
4. Advantage/Disadvantage — "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?"
5. Two-part question — Two direct questions in one prompt.

The structure below works for all five with minor adjustments.

The Band 7+ structure (4 paragraphs, ~280 words)

Introduction (40–50 words)

• Sentence 1: Paraphrase the prompt.
• Sentence 2: State your position clearly (your "thesis").
• Sentence 3 (optional): Outline what your essay will cover.

Body Paragraph 1 (90–110 words)

• Topic sentence — your first main idea.
• Explanation — why this is true.
• Example — concrete, specific, even if invented.

Body Paragraph 2 (90–110 words)

Same structure — second main idea, explanation, example.

Conclusion (40–50 words)

• Restate your position (don't copy the introduction).
• Summarise the two main reasons.

The 40-minute time split

• 5 minutes — Read the prompt twice. Brainstorm two main ideas with examples.
• 30 minutes — Write the essay.
• 5 minutes — Proofread. Catch subject-verb agreement, articles, plural-singular errors.

Worked example: Band 7+ sample

Prompt: Some people believe that universities should focus on providing academic skills, while others think they should prepare students for their future careers. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

The role of universities has long been debated. While some argue that higher education should concentrate purely on developing academic knowledge, others insist its primary function is to equip students with practical skills for the workplace. In my view, both purposes are essential, although a stronger emphasis on career readiness is increasingly justified.

Those who defend a purely academic focus argue that universities exist to advance human knowledge and to train students in critical thinking, research, and analysis. These intellectual skills, they contend, are transferable across any profession and form the foundation of an educated society. For instance, a graduate trained in rigorous philosophical reasoning may not enter a directly related career, but the analytical habits acquired during study often prove invaluable in fields ranging from law to public policy.

On the other hand, supporters of career-oriented education point to the rising cost of tuition and the competitive job market. They argue that universities have a responsibility to ensure graduates are employable, particularly in technical fields such as engineering, computing, and healthcare. Many institutions now incorporate internships, industry projects, and certification courses into their curricula, recognising that theoretical knowledge alone rarely guarantees a stable career.

In conclusion, while academic training builds essential intellectual foundations, the practical demands faced by today's graduates make career preparation equally important. Universities that successfully combine both approaches offer the most value to their students.

(Word count: 268)

Why this scores Band 7+

• Task Response: Both views are clearly discussed and the writer's opinion is stated and supported.
• Coherence: Clear paragraph structure, logical linkers ("On the other hand", "For instance", "In conclusion").
• Lexical Resource: Range — "rigorous", "transferable", "intellectual foundations". No repetition of key words.
• Grammar: Mix of simple, complex, and compound sentences. No major errors.

The 8 mistakes that block a Band 7

1. Memorised templates with obvious "filler" sentences.
2. Going over 320 words — quality drops, errors increase.
3. Going under 250 words — automatic penalty.
4. Using informal contractions (don't, can't, it's).
5. Forgetting articles (a/an/the).
6. Repeating the same linkers ("Firstly… Secondly… Thirdly").
7. Not stating an opinion when the prompt asks for one.
8. Personal pronouns overused ("I think… I believe… I feel…").

Vocabulary upgrades

• "good" → beneficial, valuable, advantageous
• "bad" → detrimental, harmful, problematic
• "big" → significant, substantial, considerable
• "important" → crucial, essential, vital
• "people" → individuals, citizens, members of society

Use these where they fit naturally. Forced "high-level" vocabulary hurts your score more than it helps.

Related reading

• IELTS Preparation Tips for Band 7+
• IELTS Speaking — Topics & Model Answers
• IELTS Band Score Calculator

FAQ

How many words should I write?
250–290 is ideal. Below 250 = penalty. Above 320 = quality drops.

Can I use a memorised essay?
No. Examiners are trained to spot them and Task Response drops to Band 5.

Should I write in pencil or pen?
Pencil on paper-based, keyboard on computer-based. Both are accepted.