IELTS General Training · Writing · W2
IELTS General Writing Task 2: The Essay
IELTS General Training Writing Task 2 is an essay of at least 250 words responding to a point of view, argument or problem, usually on everyday topics like work, family, money or community life. You may be asked to give your opinion, discuss two views, propose solutions or weigh advantages and disadvantages.
- Task
- An essay responding to a statement or question
- Length
- At least 250 words
- Suggested time
- About 40 minutes of the 60-minute Writing test
- Essay types
- Opinion, discussion, problem and solution, advantages and disadvantages
- Assessed on
- Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy
How it works
- 1Read the prompt and identify exactly what it asks (your view, both views, causes and solutions).
- 2Spend a few minutes planning an introduction, two or three body paragraphs and a conclusion.
- 3Write the essay in the editor; you can switch back to Task 1 within the same 60 minutes.
- 4Reread for errors and check the word count is at least 250.
Sample task
Original sample · not from an official test
Many people now work for several employers during their career instead of staying with one company for life. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Show a strong responseHide response
Outline: Introduction: paraphrase the trend; state that it brings more gains than losses for skilled workers. Body 1 (advantages): wider skills, higher pay when changing jobs, easier to move city or country for work; example of a nurse gaining experience in two health systems. Body 2 (disadvantages): less job security, lost long-service benefits, repeated probation periods. Conclusion: restate the balanced view and the condition (it suits people who keep training).
A strong response answers both parts of the question, gives each paragraph one clear main idea with an example, and keeps a consistent position from introduction to conclusion. Listing points without explaining them limits the Task Response and Coherence scores.
Tips that work
- Answer every part of the question; a two-part question needs both parts covered.
- Plan for three to five minutes before writing; a clear plan shows in Coherence and Cohesion.
- Support each main idea with an explanation and a specific example.
Common mistakes
- Writing about the general topic instead of the specific question asked.
- Memorised introductions that could fit any essay.
Questions candidates ask
Is General Training Task 2 the same as Academic Task 2?
The essay task works the same way and is assessed on the same four criteria. General Training topics tend to be closer to everyday life, such as work, family, consumer habits and community.
Should I start with Task 2?
Many candidates do, because Task 2 is longer and needs more time. You can switch between tasks freely within the 60 minutes, so choose the order that stops you running short on the essay.
Do I have to give my own opinion?
Only if the question asks for it, as in 'To what extent do you agree?'. Where it asks you to discuss two views, you should present both, and giving your view is expected only if the prompt says so.
How can I check my essay without a teacher?
Our practice sets and mock tests give AI feedback on each essay against the four assessment areas, showing where your task response, organisation, vocabulary or grammar held your score back.
Other IELTS General Training Writing tasks
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