IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips Kerala 2026 — Band 7 Essay Guide for All 5 Question Types
Athul Mohan — IDP Certified IELTS Trainer
The 5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types
| Type | Example Prompt | Structure Required |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion Essay | "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" | Clear opinion in intro + 2 body paragraphs supporting it + conclusion |
| Discussion Essay | "Discuss both views and give your opinion" | View 1 body + View 2 body + your opinion in conclusion |
| Problem–Solution | "What are the causes? What solutions can be offered?" | Causes body + Solutions body |
| Advantages–Disadvantages | "Do advantages outweigh disadvantages?" | Advantages body + Disadvantages body + balanced conclusion |
| Two-Part Question | "Why is this happening? Is this a positive development?" | Answer Part 1 fully in one body, answer Part 2 fully in second body |
Band 7 Essay Structure — The 4-Paragraph Template
Paragraph 1 — Introduction (60–80 words): Paraphrase the question topic (do not copy it). State your clear position or outline both sides. Use 2–3 sentences. Never use "In this essay I will discuss..."
Paragraph 2 — Body 1 (90–120 words): Topic sentence → Explanation → Example/Evidence → Link back. One clear main idea per paragraph. Do not mix multiple ideas.
Paragraph 3 — Body 2 (90–120 words): Same structure. For opinion essays, this supports your position. For discussion essays, this presents the opposing view.
Paragraph 4 — Conclusion (50–70 words): Restate your position using different words. Summarise the main points briefly. Do not introduce new ideas.
10 Most Common Task 2 Errors by Kerala Students
- Copying the question prompt word-for-word into the introduction — zero marks for those sentences
- Not taking a clear position in Opinion essays — staying "on the fence" penalises Task Achievement
- One massive body paragraph instead of two separate points — destroys Coherence score
- Using "I think", "I believe" repeatedly instead of varied opinion phrases
- No examples — abstract arguments without specific examples score Band 5.5 in Task Achievement
- Starting every sentence with "The" — monotonous syntax penalises Grammatical Range
- Writing less than 250 words — automatic penalty regardless of quality
- Using the same 5 vocabulary words throughout — visible to examiners, reduces Lexical Resource
- No linking words between sentences — "Moreover", "However", "As a result" are essential
- Answering only part of a Two-Part question — Task Achievement drops below Band 6
Band 7 Vocabulary Phrases for Task 2
Instead of: "I think..." → Use: "It can be argued that...", "There is compelling evidence to suggest...", "From my perspective..."
Instead of: "Also..." → Use: "Furthermore...", "In addition to this...", "Another significant factor is..."
Instead of: "But..." → Use: "However...", "Nevertheless...", "Despite this..."
Instead of: "Because..." → Use: "owing to the fact that...", "This is largely attributable to...", "The primary reason for this is..."
💡 Athul Mohan's result: Vasuki PR came to Language-X Academy with Writing Task 2 at Band 5.5. In 26 individual sessions, I corrected every essay line-by-line — targeting her specific error patterns in Task Achievement and Lexical Resource. She achieved Writing 8.0 in her next attempt. Her overall IELTS band was 8.5.
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