Understanding the instructions in IELTS Writing Task 2

Perhaps the most straightforward way to boost your IELTS band score in Writing Task 2 is by fully understanding the instructions before you even begin. This sounds obvious, I know, but sometimes when we’re nervous and worried about the ticking clock, spending a few minutes on instructions can feel like a waste of time. The result of this is a rush to start writing and, as a former examiner, I could always tell when a test taker realised halfway through that they weren’t answering the question and tried to ‘save it’ in the rest of their essay. But by then, it’s a little too late!

So let’s look at some tips on how to avoid this mistake by using the instructions to help boost your IELTS Writing Band Score.  

What you will always be asked to do

In IELTS Writing Task 2 you will always be asked to write an essay on a specific topic, there will be no choice of question or topic. You must always write at least 250 words.  You will always need to provide a position, an opinion on the topic.

Various instructions in Task 2

There are a number of different ways that the essay question could be worded. You could be asked to give your opinion only or to discuss two opposing sides. You might be asked to discuss problems and solutions. You may be provided with a series of direct questions which you need to cover in your response. Here are some typical instructions that help you to break down what the examiner is looking for:

“To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Here, the examiner wants you to clearly state your own opinion on the given topic. You’ll need to explain how much you agree or disagree with the statement, and provide reasons for your viewpoint. Be clear about whether you completely agree or disagree. While it’s perfectly acceptable to have a more neutral position, you do need to make that clear to the reader, the examiner.

“Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”

This requires you to consider both sides of the argument. You must discuss both sides of the argument and you must give your opinion. If you only mention one side, you will not meet the requirements of the task.

“What are the advantages and disadvantages?”

This is not too different from the instruction above. If you are asked to describe both sides, i.e. the advantages AND the disadvantages, make sure you do so.

“What are the problems and possible solutions?” “What are the causes of the problem and its effects?”

Compare these two instructions. They are not exactly the same. Pay attention to whether you are asked to describe problems or their causes. Notice whether you are being asked to provide solutions for the problems or the impact/effects of these.

Direct questions e.g. "Who do you think should pay for care, the government or the family?"

In a way, it feels a lot simpler to answer a direct question like this as you know exactly what the examiner is looking for, your answer to this question. It’s actually not very different from the previous instructions we’ve seen on giving your opinion, it’s simply phrased differently. Whenever you are given a direct question in the instruction, make sure you answer it!

Common mistakes

One of the biggest pitfalls in Task 2 is not addressing all parts of the question. Examiners want to see that you’ve understood the task fully and that you have the language to address it. If, for example, the question asks you to discuss both views and give your opinion, and you do not make your own position clear, you will not meet the requirements of the task.

Our tip

Take a minute or two to underline/highlight the keywords in the instruction that tell you what to do. Take notes about each of these keywords, this forms the plan for your essay and helps you to make sure you’ve touched on every aspect of the question. This simple step can save you a lot of time when writing.

Be aware of the word count but don’t obsess over it!

Both tasks come with specific word counts—150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2—and these are not suggestions. The examiner needs to see enough of your written English to be able to find evidence of what’s required by the band descriptors.  

Common mistakes

Don’t waste time in the test counting every word. As you prepare for your test, it is a good idea to count your words as this will give you an idea of what 25, 50, 100 words looks like in your own handwriting. (Remember that IELTS on computer has a word count on-screen).

Our tip

Aim to write a little over the word limit (but not too much!). Get used to exceeding the word count as you practise in preparation for the test.

Final advice

I know it feels like you want to start writing immediately, but the time that you spend at the start, understanding the instructions, identifying keywords and making a plan will actually save time in the long run. Your flow of writing will not be interrupted and you can focus on the quality of your written English and boost your Writing Band Score.

Practise this with any of our lessons in our Writing Task 2 lesson packs and good luck with your writing!