Writing Task 2 is the essay that decides most IELTS Writing scores. It counts for twice as much as Task 1, you have about 40 minutes, and you must write at least 250 words. Most candidates who plateau at Band 6 are not weak at English — they are weak at one of the four marking criteria. Band 7 is not a reward for writing more or trying harder. It is the outcome of meeting all four criteria at the same time, and this guide shows you exactly what each one requires.
The four criteria — each worth 25%
Examiners give a band on four criteria and average them. A score cannot rise to Band 7 overall if one criterion stays at Band 5, because the ceiling is set by your weakest criterion.
| Criterion | What Band 7 requires |
|---|---|
| Task Response | All parts of the task are addressed. A clear position is maintained throughout, from introduction to conclusion. Main ideas are extended and supported, though they may occasionally lack depth. |
| Coherence & Cohesion | Information is logically sequenced. A range of cohesive devices is used appropriately, not repetitively. Each paragraph has a clear central topic and clear boundaries. |
| Lexical Resource | Range is wide enough for flexibility and some precision. Some less common items are used with awareness of collocation. Minor errors in spelling or word choice appear but do not impede communication. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | A variety of complex structures is used. The majority of sentences are error-free. Occasional grammar or punctuation errors appear but do not cause misunderstanding. |
The key insight: Band 7 does not require perfection in any single area. It demands balance and consistent control across all four. A candidate with excellent vocabulary but an unclear position will still score Band 6.
The five-part structure that gets Band 7
One structure works across all five question types (opinion, discussion, problem–solution, advantages–disadvantages, two-part). Aim for 260–300 words — going far above 300 does not help and uses time you need for checking.
1. Introduction (2–3 sentences). Paraphrase the question in your own words, then state your position clearly. Never copy the question wording. Example: "Some people argue that university education should be free for all students. While free education has clear social benefits, I believe a system of targeted support for low-income students is fairer and more sustainable."
2. Body paragraph 1 — your strongest point. One clear central topic, stated in the first sentence. Develop it with an explanation and a specific example. One idea per paragraph, fully developed, beats three ideas listed without support.
3. Body paragraph 2 — your second point. Same pattern: topic sentence, explanation, example. If the question asks you to discuss both views, this paragraph presents the other side before you answer it.
4. Body paragraph 3 (optional) — a counter-argument or a further point. Use it when the question genuinely needs three ideas. For two-part questions, each part usually gets its own paragraph.
5. Conclusion (2 sentences). Restate your position and summarise your main reasons. Do not introduce new ideas here.
Band 6 vs Band 7 — the real differences
| Area | Band 6 | Band 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Task Response | Addresses the task, but position may be unclear; some irrelevant details | Addresses all parts; clear position throughout; well-developed ideas |
| Coherence | Clear overall progression; some faulty cohesive devices; paragraphing may be weak | Logically organised; good use of cohesive devices; clear central topic in each paragraph |
| Vocabulary | Adequate range; some errors in word choice and collocation | Some less common and idiomatic vocabulary used naturally; occasional errors only |
| Grammar | Mix of simple and complex sentences; errors are frequent but meaning is clear | Variety of complex structures; many sentences error-free |
The cheapest criterion to improve is Coherence & Cohesion: it responds to planning, not to years of vocabulary study. Spend five minutes planning before you write — decide your position, your two main points and your examples — and your coherence score will rise immediately.
Timing: the 40-minute plan
| Minutes | What to do |
|---|---|
| 0–5 | Read the question twice. Underline the instruction words (discuss, to what extent, what are the causes). Decide your position and plan your paragraphs. |
| 5–33 | Write. Introduction, two or three body paragraphs, conclusion. Keep going — do not stop to fix a single word. |
| 33–38 | Check: have you answered every part? Is your position the same in the introduction and conclusion? Count your words (at least 250). |
| 38–40 | Fix grammar and spelling errors you can see. Under 250 words means an automatic score reduction, so never finish short. |
Common mistakes that cap your score
Answering only part of the question. If the question asks for causes and solutions, or advantages and disadvantages, and you cover only one side, Task Response is capped below Band 7.
Memorised phrases. Examiners recognise memorised introductions and linking phrases. Use natural connectors — "however", "for example", "as a result" — and link ideas through logic and referencing ("this policy", "such a shift") rather than stuffing in "furthermore" and "moreover" at every sentence start.
Over-complex vocabulary. Band 7 asks for precision, not rare words. Using a difficult word wrongly costs more than using a simple word correctly.
Too few error-free sentences. The pivotal phrase in the Band 7 grammar descriptor is "produces frequent error-free sentences". Write sentences you can control. A correct complex sentence beats a broken impressive one.
A 4-week practice plan
Week 1: study the public band descriptors on ielts.org (free to download) and analyse two Band 7 sample essays. Write three essays, untimed, focusing on structure only.
Week 2: write one essay a day under the 40-minute limit. After each one, check it against the four criteria, not just for spelling.
Week 3: practise the question types you find hardest — usually discussion and two-part questions. Get feedback from a teacher or a reliable marking service; self-marking alone rarely catches Task Response errors.
Week 4: full Writing test simulations (Task 1 + Task 2 in 60 minutes), twice. Review every essay the same day.
Frequently asked questions
How many words should I write? At least 250. Most strong essays are 260–300 words. Under 250 words is penalised automatically.
Do I need perfect grammar for Band 7? No. You need range (a variety of structures) and accuracy (most sentences error-free). Occasional errors are allowed.
Can I use "I" in Task 2? Yes, for opinion essays. Your position must be clear, and first person is the natural way to state it.
What if I run out of time? A complete essay with a conclusion always scores better than a longer essay without one. If you are short on time, write a two-sentence conclusion and stop.
Is Task 2 the same in Academic and General Training? The format and marking are the same; only the topics differ slightly, with General Training topics more everyday and Academic topics more abstract.
Related guides on Pakunii
IELTS Academic Guide · Digital SAT 2027 Guide · TOEFL iBT 2027 Guide · Fully Funded Scholarships 2027
Sources and verification: IELTS public band descriptors (ielts.org): Task 2 minimum 250 words, 40 minutes recommended, four criteria each 25%, Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1; Band 7 descriptor summaries as published by IELTS Partners. Confirm current test format on ielts.org or with the British Council / IDP.