IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Get Band 7 (Structure, Criteria and a Model Answer)
A step-by-step guide to IELTS Writing Task 2: what examiners look for at band 7, a simple four-paragraph structure, useful language, common mistakes and a model answer.
IELTS Writing Task 2 is the part of the test that most often keeps candidates below the score they need. The good news: band 7 is not about perfect English. It is about answering the question fully, organising your ideas clearly and using a good range of vocabulary and grammar with only occasional errors. This guide shows you exactly how.
What Task 2 asks you to do
You write an essay of at least 250 words in response to a point of view, argument or problem. You have about 40 minutes. The most common question types are:
- Opinion — “To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
- Discussion — “Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
- Advantages and disadvantages — “Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”
- Problem and solution — “What are the causes of this problem and what can be done?”
- Two-part (direct) questions — two separate questions you must both answer.
Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1 in your Writing band. That is why it deserves 40 of your 60 minutes.
The four criteria — and what band 7 means
| Criterion | At band 7 you… |
|---|---|
| Task Response | address all parts of the question, present a clear position throughout, and extend and support your main ideas. |
| Coherence and Cohesion | organise ideas logically, use a range of linking devices (not too many), and have a clear central topic in each paragraph. |
| Lexical Resource | use enough vocabulary to discuss the topic with some flexibility and precision, including less common words, with only occasional errors. |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | use a variety of complex structures and produce frequent error-free sentences. |
Each criterion counts for 25% of the essay’s score. The most common reason for a 6 instead of a 7 is Task Response: ideas that are listed but not developed, or a question that is only partly answered.
A simple structure that works
Paragraph 1 — Introduction (2–3 sentences)
Paraphrase the question and give your position clearly. Don’t start with a general sentence that says nothing (“Nowadays, technology is very important”).
Paragraphs 2 and 3 — Body (5–7 sentences each)
Each body paragraph develops one main idea: a topic sentence, an explanation, an example or consequence, and a link back to the question. Two well-developed ideas are worth more than five listed ideas.
Paragraph 4 — Conclusion (2 sentences)
Summarise your position. Don’t add new ideas.
A model answer
Question: Some people believe that university education should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Whether higher education should be funded entirely by the state is a question many governments are currently debating. In my view, free university education brings significant benefits, although it should be combined with measures to keep standards high.
The strongest argument for free tuition is that it gives talented students the same opportunities regardless of their family’s income. When students must pay high fees, many capable young people from poorer backgrounds either choose cheaper, shorter courses or do not apply at all. As a result, society loses doctors, engineers and teachers it badly needs. Removing fees would therefore not only be fairer but would also strengthen the economy in the long term.
Critics argue that free education places a heavy burden on taxpayers and may lead to overcrowded universities. This concern is reasonable: if places are unlimited and funding is fixed, the quality of teaching could fall. However, this problem can be solved by setting clear entry requirements and linking funding to graduate outcomes, rather than by charging fees that exclude students on financial grounds.
In conclusion, I largely agree that university education should be free, as it rewards ability rather than wealth. Governments should, however, protect quality through selective admission and careful funding.
Why this works: the position is clear in the introduction and conclusion; each body paragraph has one idea that is explained and extended; the opposing view is acknowledged and answered; linking is varied but not mechanical (“As a result”, “therefore”, “However”).
Useful language (use it naturally)
- Giving a position: In my view, … · I largely agree that … · I would argue that …
- Developing an idea: This is because … · As a result, … · This means that …
- Giving an example: For instance, … · A clear example of this is …
- Conceding: Admittedly, … · While it is true that …, …
- Concluding: In conclusion, … · Overall, …
Five mistakes that cost a band
- Not answering every part of the question (e.g. giving causes but no solutions).
- Listing ideas without explaining them.
- Memorised introductions (“This is a controversial issue that has sparked heated debate…”).
- Too many linking words — “Firstly… Secondly… Moreover… Furthermore…” in every sentence feels mechanical.
- No time to check: leave 3–4 minutes to fix articles, plurals, verb agreement and spelling.
How to practise
Write one essay a week under timed conditions, then compare it with a model answer and the four criteria. Focus on one weakness at a time — for example, developing each body paragraph with an explanation and an example. Our IELTS Writing Workbook takes you through every question type with model answers, and in the mock tests you can get instant AI feedback with a band for each criterion and corrections of your own sentences.
Frequently asked questions
How many words should I write in IELTS Writing Task 2?
At least 250 words. Writing fewer is penalised under Task Response. Most band 7 essays are between 260 and 320 words — long enough to develop ideas, short enough to check for errors.
How long should I spend on Task 2?
About 40 minutes. Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1 in the Writing band, so spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 on Task 2.
Can I use memorised phrases?
Learn flexible linking language, but never memorise whole paragraphs. Examiners recognise memorised text, and it lowers your score for Task Response and Lexical Resource.
Is it better to use difficult words?
No. Band 7 needs a range of vocabulary used accurately and naturally. A simple word used correctly is better than a rare word used wrongly.