IELTS Writing Task 2: Free Tips, Lessons & Model Essays

. June 30, 2024
IELTS Writing Task 2: Free Tips, Lessons & Model Essays

IELTS Writing Task 2: Free Tips, Lessons & Model Essays

Success in IELTS writing task 2 is based on using the right techniques. These free tips, model essays, lessons, videos and information will help develop the skills for writing task 2. This page will teach you how to maximise your IELTS writing task 2 score. All lessons are on this page are for both GT and Academic writing task 2.

On this page, you will find for free:

  1. IELTS WRITING TASK 2 TEST INFORMATION
  2. PRACTICE ESSAY QUESTIONS
  3. ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR IELTS ESSAYS
  4. MODEL ESSAYS
  5. PRACTICE LESSONS (writing skills, topic ideas etc)

1. IELTS Writing Task 2 Test Information

Learn about your IELTS writing task 2 test. All lessons and tips on this page are for both Academic and GT writing task 2.

  1. IELTS Writing has two tasks: Task 1 (a report) and Task 2 (an essay).
  2. The total time is one hour for both tasks. You should spend only 40 mins on task 2.
  3. The time is yourself to manage. No one will tell you when to move from task 1 to task 2.
  4. The essay if a formal essay. You should not use informal language in your essay.
  5. The instructions say “write at least 250 words”. This means you need to write over 250 words.
  6. Writing task 2 is worth about 66% of your total writing score. Click here: Total Writing Score Calculations
  7. There are four marking criteria: WRITING T2 BAND SCORES & MARKING WITH TIPS. Make sure you learn all about how your essay is scored.

The Essay Task

Below is an example task you will be given in IELTS Writing Task 2.


  • You will be given a topic.
  • Topics contain specific issues or opinions that you must address.
  • You are given a task, such as to discuss and give an opinion.
  • Examples are based on your experience of the world in general, not your personal life.
  • There are FIVE ESSAY TYPES.

2. IELTS Practice Essay Questions

Practice essay questions to help you prepare ideas for topics in IELTS writing task 2. These questions have been written based on questions reported by IELTS students.

Over 100 IELTS Essay Questions (repeated topics)

3. Essential IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips

The most important writing tips for a strong IELTS essay in writing task 2. Learn about the recommended essay length, how to plan your essay, when to give your opinion and how to write an introduction etc. Some videos linked below are old, but still 100% relevant today. Click below:

Essay Structure & Paragraphing

Key Linking Words List

Types of IELTS Essays

Essay Planning Tips

Paraphrasing Tips & Examples

Common Essay Topics

When & How to give your opinion

Using the last 5 minutes

4. IELTS Model Essays

IELTS Essays have a specific format, structure, style and band score requirements. These model essays are at band 9 and illustrate how an IELTS writing task 2 essay should be written. Use them as a guide to creating an essay suitable for a high band score in IELTS. Remember, language only counts for about 50% of your marks, the rest is IELTS essay techniques.

More Writing Task 2 Tips

Ideas for Topics Tips with Band Score Info
Deleting Words in your Essay
Should I indent the first word of my paragraphs?
10 sentences to avoid in your IELTS essay
How to add examples to your essay
Tips: Under Words Penalty
Can you use quotes, idioms or proverbs in your essay?
Handwriting: Using cursive writing or not
Grammar – How to Add a Clause
Grammar – Connecting Sentences 

5. Practice Lessons for Writing Task 2

Various lessons for: IELTS Essay Writing Skills, Topics, Language

Improving Sentences for a Higher Score
Essay Ideas: Advertising to Children in Schools
Essay Topics for 2026
IELTS Essay Topics Prediction 2026
Grammar Test: Using “the” with countries and nationalities
Paraphrasing Practice
Using Passive Voice for Giving Opinions
Essay Ideas: Employment Competition
Essay Ideas: The Importance of History
Essay Ideas: Housing & Trees
Essay Ideas: International Aid
Essay Ideas: City Transport
Essay Ideas: Salaries
Essay Ideas: Function of Schools
Essay Ideas: Female Staff in Senior Positions
Writing Skills: Punctuation Practice
Writing Skills: Linking Word Practice
Essay Ideas: Littering in Cities
Listen and Write Dictation: Natural Disasters
Discussion Essay with Feedback: Music Topic
Writing Skills: Improving Sentences: Ebooks Topic
Essay Ideas: Banning Mobile Phones
Two Question Essay with Feedback: Judging Business Success
Essay Ideas: Tourism and Local Communities
Essay Ideas: Traffic & Pollution
Writing Skills: Improving a Thesis Statement
Writing Skills: Improving Sentences (1)
Essay Ideas: Handwriting Skills
Writing Skills: Linking Word Practice
Essay Ideas: Older or Younger Leaders
Writing Skills: Introduction Feedback
Writing Skill: Opinion Essay Introduction Feedback
Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Body Paragraphs
Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Introduction
Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Finding Main Points
Writing Skills: Thesis Statement
Essay Ideas: Public Services. 
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