The International English Language Test System (IELTS) is a standard assessment that assesses the candidate’s level of proficiency in the English language. IELTS is a widely recognised exam among international students and the working population. The exam is accepted as proof of English fluency in more than 11,000 educational institutions worldwide, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and France, among others. The IELTS exam contains four sections that determine English proficiency through fundamental language skills. Here’s everything you should know about the IELTS general writing task 2.
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Table of Contents
- IELTS GT writing task 2: An overview
- A walkthrough on IELTS General Training
- IELTS general writing task 2: Key highlights
- IELTS general writing task 2 samples
- Best tips to prepare for IELTS general writing task 2
- Frequently asked questions
IELTS GT writing task 2: An overview
| No. of tasks | 1 |
| Word limit (in words) | 250 |
| Duration (in minutes) | 40 |
| Question format | A semi-formal or neutral discursive essay |
A walkthrough on IELTS General Training
It is important to learn about the elements of any IELTS section before preparing for the tasks. The IELTS General Training exam is suitable for candidates who plan to work or immigrate to an English-speaking country.
The IELTS General Training exam consists of four sections.
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
IELTS general writing pattern 2023
No. of tasks: 2
Total duration: 60 minutes
The IELTS exam pattern for the general writing section consists of two tasks - a letter and an essay. The tasks have a word limit ranging from 150 to 250 words, and you must complete the section in 60 minutes.
IELTS general writing syllabus 2023
Remember that the IELTS exam syllabus for writing differs from the Academic and General Training versions.
| Task | IELTS General Training |
| Task 1 | A letter-writing task where you should write a personal response explaining an issue or requesting a piece of information. The letter can have a personal, semi-formal, or formal tone. |
| Task 2 | An essay where you should convey your point of view on an issue or a problem. It is necessary to keep the tone of the essay a little personal. |
Also read: IELTS general writing task 1
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IELTS general writing task 2: Key highlights
- The IELTS GT writing task 2 is an essay of at least 250 words where you provide a semi-formal or neutral discursive opinion on an issue or a problem.
- You should express your point of view on the argument and satisfy the requirements for the grading criteria.
- The task will be assessed based on your ability to provide factual information, present and justify the solution, and analyse the details and ideas.
- It is important to note that the IELTS Writing Task 2 general contributes twice as much as Task 1 in scoring.
Also read: Describe a daily routine that you enjoy
IELTS GT writing task 2: Grading criteria
- Task response
- Coherence and cohesion
- Lexical resource
- Grammatical range and accuracy
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IELTS general writing task 2 samples
It is essential to get enough practice for the IELTS general writing task 2 to improve your writing skills and provide better content in the exam. It helps the candidate give a response that satisfies the requirements of the grading criteria. Several IELTS general writing task 2 samples are available for candidates to practice and improve their writing skills. Here are some IELTS general writing task 2 samples band 9.
IELTS general writing task 2: Example 1
Some people say home-schooling is the best option for the children of this generation. In contrast, others disagree, arguing that it is important for children to get exposure to the school environment.
Describe which is the best option for children in your opinion. Provide relevant reasons for your answer and include examples from your experience to support your answer. Write at least 250 words.
IELTS general writing task 2: Example 2
The present generation believes that technology has made humans more social. Express your opinion with relevant examples and ideas. Write at least 250 words.
IELTS general writing task 2: Example 3
Crime rates have risen considerably in recent years, and people believe it cannot be stopped or prevented. Explain your opinion with appropriate examples and ideas. Write at least 250 words.
Also Read: Complex Sentence for IELTS
Best tips to prepare for IELTS general writing task 2
With regular practice and the development of language skills, students can ace the IELTS writing section in no time. Here are some vital tips on how to prepare for the IELTS exam.
- Learn about the exam format and understand the grading criteria. This eases your preparation process and gives you a better knowledge of the section.
- Prepare a study schedule to keep a clear track of your progress during preparation. It also helps you plan things and save time.
- Enhance your vocabulary by reading books, magazines, and newspapers. Vocabulary greatly contributes to the development of your English skills.
- Improve your grammar by observing the sentence structure, vocabulary, and punctuation used in the reading materials. Learn the grammar rules you need to know for IELTS for better scoring.
- Use online tests and practice materials to improve your language skills and increase your pace for the exam.
- Start practising writing every day. Develop frameworks to write the essay in a structured format.
- Track your mistakes and work on rectifying them.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the general topics in writing task 2 IELTS?
Some general topics in IELTS general writing task 2 are education, health and sciences, business, strategies, technology, government, sociology, and others.
How to get band 9 in IELTS general writing task 2?
Here are some tips to get band 9 in IELTS general writing task 2.
- Read and understand the question.
- Make sure to convey your opinion in a structured format.
- Enhance your vocabulary and grammatical elements.
- Focus on providing relevant answers and examples.
What is the best start for IELTS writing task 2?
There is no best phrase to start the IELTS general writing task 2 as the questions are from different subjects. It is always advisable to start the essay with a general sentence before you start to express your opinion.
How can I improve my vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2?
Here are some ways to improve your vocabulary for IELTS general writing task 2.
- Read materials like newspapers, books, and magazines.
- Write the definition and try to understand the simpler meaning.
- Refrain from memorising the words.
- Use the word in a sentence for better understanding.
What is GT Writing Task 2?
The IELTS GT writing task 2 is an essay of at least 250 words where you should express your opinion on an issue or a problem. Your content justifying your opinion should satisfy the requirements for the grading criteria. The IELTS general writing task 2 will be assessed based on factual information and how you present and justify the solution.
