What Is Task 2?
- 1You write an academic essay responding to a statement or question.
- 2Minimum 250 words โ aim for 280โ320 words.
- 3You have 40 minutes. Spend 5 min planning, 32 min writing, 3 min checking.
- 4Task 2 is worth TWO-THIRDS of your Writing score โ twice as important as Task 1.
- 5You MUST give a clear opinion, argument, or stance โ sitting on the fence loses marks.
4 Scoring Criteria
- 1Task Response (TR) โ Did you fully answer the question with a clear position?
- 2Coherence & Cohesion (CC) โ Is the essay logically structured and well-linked?
- 3Lexical Resource (LR) โ Do you use sophisticated, accurate vocabulary?
- 4Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA) โ Do you use complex, correct grammar?
Universal 4-Paragraph Structure
Para 1 โ Introduction (2โ3 sentences)
Hook/background sentence. Paraphrase the question. State your thesis (clear opinion/position).
Para 2 โ Body 1 (5โ7 sentences)
Main argument/point 1 โ Explanation โ Example โ Link back to question.
Para 3 โ Body 2 (5โ7 sentences)
Main argument/point 2 โ Explanation โ Example โ Link back to question.
Para 4 โ Conclusion (2โ3 sentences)
Restate your position in new words. Summarise your two main points. (Optional: future implication.)
40-Minute Strategy
- 10โ5 min: Read carefully. Identify the essay type. Plan your two body arguments.
- 25โ10 min: Write your introduction. Make your thesis crystal clear.
- 310โ22 min: Write Body Paragraph 1 with full explanation and example.
- 422โ35 min: Write Body Paragraph 2 with full explanation and example.
- 535โ38 min: Write conclusion.
- 638โ40 min: Proofread for agreement, articles, and word repetition.
Tip: Never try to write three body paragraphs. Two well-developed paragraphs score higher than three thin ones. Depth beats quantity every time.
Band Score Guide
Position is unclear or inconsistent. Ideas are underdeveloped. Limited linking. Many errors.
Position is clear. Some development. Generally coherent. Some range in vocab/grammar.
Clear, consistent position. Well-developed arguments. Good range of vocabulary and grammar.
Fully developed, sophisticated arguments. Wide lexical and grammar range. Very few errors.
Critical Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing a list of points without explanation โ every point MUST be developed.
- Going off-topic โ re-read the question after every paragraph.
- Using bullet points or numbering โ this is an ACADEMIC ESSAY, always paragraphs.
- Writing "I will discuss both sides" then only discussing one โ be balanced if you say so.
- Using informal language: "a lot of", "kids", "stuff", "things" โ use academic alternatives.
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