What Is Task 2?
- 1You write an academic essay responding to a statement or question.
- 2Minimum 250 words — aim for 280–320 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 — twice as important as Task 1.
- 5You MUST give a clear opinion, argument, or stance — sitting on the fence loses marks.
4 Scoring Criteria
- 1Task Response (TR) — Did you fully answer the question with a clear position?
- 2Coherence & Cohesion (CC) — Is the essay logically structured and well-linked?
- 3Lexical Resource (LR) — Do you use sophisticated, accurate vocabulary?
- 4Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA) — Do you use complex, correct grammar?
Universal 4-Paragraph Structure
Para 1 – Introduction (2–3 sentences)
Hook/background sentence. Paraphrase the question. State your thesis (clear opinion/position).
Para 2 – Body 1 (5–7 sentences)
Main argument/point 1 → Explanation → Example → Link back to question.
Para 3 – Body 2 (5–7 sentences)
Main argument/point 2 → Explanation → Example → Link back to question.
Para 4 – Conclusion (2–3 sentences)
Restate your position in new words. Summarise your two main points. (Optional: future implication.)
40-Minute Strategy
- 10–5 min: Read carefully. Identify the essay type. Plan your two body arguments.
- 25–10 min: Write your introduction. Make your thesis crystal clear.
- 310–22 min: Write Body Paragraph 1 with full explanation and example.
- 422–35 min: Write Body Paragraph 2 with full explanation and example.
- 535–38 min: Write conclusion.
- 638–40 min: Proofread for agreement, articles, and word repetition.
เคล็ดลับ: 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 — every point MUST be developed.
- Going off-topic — re-read the question after every paragraph.
- Using bullet points or numbering — this is an ACADEMIC ESSAY, always paragraphs.
- Writing "I will discuss both sides" then only discussing one — be balanced if you say so.
- Using informal language: "a lot of", "kids", "stuff", "things" — use academic alternatives.
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