Achieving Band 7+ in IELTS Writing Task 2: Strategies for Success

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is often regarded as the most challenging component of the test, particularly for candidates aiming to secure a band score of 7.0 or higher. While grammatical accuracy and lexical resource are important, they alone are insufficient to achieve this goal. Success in Task 2 depends largely on task response, coherence, and an academic tone.

To improve your score, consider the following strategies:

1. Understand the Question Type

Each Task 2 essay prompt fits into a specific category — opinion, discussion, problem-solution, or advantage-disadvantage. Each type requires a slightly different essay structure. For instance, in an opinion essay, your stance must be clear from the introduction and consistently defended throughout. Misinterpreting the question type can result in a reduced Task Achievement score.

2. Invest Time in Planning

Spending the first 5 minutes brainstorming ideas and structuring your essay can dramatically improve coherence and cohesion. A well-organized plan ensures that your main ideas are supported with relevant examples and explanations, reducing the risk of deviating from the topic.

3. Avoid Generic Introductions

Many candidates fall into the trap of memorizing and using overused phrases such as, “Nowadays, this is a controversial issue…” These do not impress examiners and contribute little to the clarity of your argument. Instead, write a more engaging and topic-specific introduction that outlines the scope of your essay.

4. Use Linking Devices Effectively

Connectors like However, Furthermore, and In contrast are vital for creating cohesion, but overusing them or placing them incorrectly disrupts the flow of your writing. Aim for natural and varied transitions that guide the reader logically from one point to another.

5. Seek Constructive Feedback

Self-assessment is useful, but external feedback from a qualified IELTS trainer can provide targeted insights into your recurring errors, especially in grammar, sentence structure, and argument development. Consistent feedback and revision cycles are essential for measurable progress.

📌 Example Task:
“Some people think that governments should ban dangerous sports. Do you agree or disagree?”
A strong Band 7+ response would clearly state an opinion, develop it logically in each paragraph, and support it with precise examples — all while maintaining an academic tone and avoiding emotional language.

In conclusion, enhancing your IELTS Writing Task 2 performance is not about memorizing templates but about developing clarity, critical thinking, and academic structure. These skills not only help in achieving your target score but also prepare you for future academic writing challenges.