A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published December 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In writing task 2 you will be asked to write a discursive essay (250 words minimum). You will be given a question asking you to give your opinion and discuss a problem or issue. You could also be asked to provide solutions, evaluate a problem, compare and contrast different ideas or challenge an idea. In this post, we will be focussing on how to write an agree/disagree/opinion essay.
One of the first things you should do is read the marking criteria to see what the examiners expect. This is really important, as you need to know what they are looking for in the band 7+ boxes.
You should be able to give the examiners exactly what they want, in order to get a 7+ band score.
If you would like to purchase a 31 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
Writing Task 2 Agree/Disagree Essay Structure
The structure that I advise my students to use, will be sure to get you a band score of 7+. You need to practice using this structure, with as many questions as you can, before sitting your IELTS test. This writing task 2 structure has been proven to be successful for my students and when perfected, can easily help you to achieve a high band score.
TIP >> Before you start writing, plan your ideas so that you can organise the information clearly. You must decide how much you agree or disagree and why. Take 5 minutes and plan out your ideas, opinions and examples.
TIP >> It is very important that spend a full 40 minutes on this task as the score you get for writing task 2 is two-thirds of your total writing score. You also need to write a minimum of 250 words and use your own ideas.
TIP >> Remember to write in a formal tone, this is an academic essay, and therefore your writing should be formal.
IT IS A 4-PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE
Paragraph 1 - The Introduction
This is the introduction to the essay and where you should start off by paraphrasing the question.
Do you understand what I mean, when I say 'paraphrase' the question?
This means that you rewrite the question in your own words using synonyms. You can't just copy the question again or use the same words in the question. Paraphrase and show off your vocabulary knowledge by using synonyms. When practising your essay writing, use an online thesaurus to help you. This is a great tool and can help you to learn many new words.
Then your next sentence should give your view/opinion on the issue. A good way to say this is to start with...I agree.... or I disagree...... or In my opinion, I believe that........
The third sentence in the introduction should outline for the examiner exactly what you will discuss in the main body paragraphs. For example, Firstly this essay will discuss......... Secondly, this essay will discuss.......
There are three sentences you need in the introduction >>
Paraphrase the question
Give your view/opinion
Outline the specific topics that will be discussed in the main body paragraphs.
Paragraph 2 - Main Body Paragraph 1
In this paragraph, you should write about your first main idea (opinion A) that supports your opinion on the issue from the question. You should give specific information and only write about one main idea in each main body paragraph.
Start the paragraph by introducing the topic. This is where you need to have a topic sentence. The next sentence(s) should explain the topic, going into detail. The third sentence should give an example that supports the view.
The example you give could be something from your own experience or made up - it is ok to make up something as the examiners will not fact check your information. They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level. You could make up an example from a report, journal, newspaper or University study to support your view.
This is how the paragraph should look >>
Introduce the topic (topic sentence - opinion A)
Explain/give detail
Example
Paragraph 3 - Main Body Paragraph 2
In this paragraph, you should write about your second main idea (opinion B) that supports your opinion on the issue from the question. You should give specific information and only write about one main idea in each main body paragraph.
Start the paragraph by introducing the topic. This is where you need to have a topic sentence. The next sentence(s) should explain the topic, going into detail. The third sentence should give an example that supports the view.
The example you give could be something from your own experience or made up - it is ok to make up something as the examiners will not fact check your information. They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level. You could make up an example from a report, journal, newspaper or University study to support your view.
This is how the paragraph should look >>
Introduce the topic (topic sentence- opinion B)
Explain/give detail
Example
If you would like to purchase a 31 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
Paragraph 4 - The Conclusion
In the fourth paragraph, you write the conclusion giving a summary of your main points and restate your opinion/views and justify them. You should not enter any new information or ideas in this paragraph.
Summary of the main points
Restate own views/opinion/justify
Expressing your opinion
To get a high score in IELTS academic writing task 2, you should use as many different structures, collocations and idioms as you can.
Sequencing ideas
You can use phrases like these to make statements, for example; On the one hand sunbathing can give your body vitamin D, on the other hand, it can also be very dangerous for your health.
Sample Agree/Disagree essay
**All questions have been reported by students who have taken the IELTS exam.**
Obesity has become a huge concern as an increasing percentage of the population have become overweight and this has put a tremendous strain on the healthcare authorities, leading to increased costs. One solution that is being implemented is the introduction of more sports lessons in the school curriculum. In my opinion, I strongly agree that the integration of active lessons will greatly assist in kerbing obesity. Firstly, this essay will discuss how sports lessons will increase awareness of the benefits of having a healthy lifestyle. Secondly, this essay will discuss, the importance of combining exercise with a healthy diet.
On the one hand, I believe that the best way to fight health care problems is by utilising health education. By integrating physical education classes into the curriculum, impressionable young children and adults will be exposed to healthy lifestyle practices of sport and exercise, whereas they will also learn about teamwork and see their self-confidence grow. For example, at Westminster primary school in the UK, 10-minute exercise intervals were introduced between classes. The children must run laps around the playground before going to their next lesson. This formed part of a study by Cambridge University, where it reported that 85% of the children performed better on tests and obesity records were at an all-time low.
On the other hand, in my view having more physical education classes in the curriculum is not the only way to teach young people how to have a healthy lifestyle. The children should be educated how to balance exercise with a healthy diet, so that this could extend, not only to the students in the schools but also to the parents. For instance, the NHS in the UK regularly hold talks in schools for both parents and students to educate communities on how to have a balanced diet. They also promote proper exercise, involvement in sports, and having an active lifestyle. As a result of this program, in some areas, they saw a decrease in the number of overweight health issues.
In conclusion, I strongly agree that having more sports lessons in schools will help to fight the growing number of overweight people. By combining this with a healthy diet, the students will be encouraged to be healthy, from a young age, right through into adulthood.
(Word Count = 385 / Band Score 9)
Task Achievement - The answer provides a paraphrased question, to begin with, followed by a clear opinion. The opinion is fully supported in the main body paragraphs in the essay, with fully extended and well-supported ideas
Coherence and Cohesion - The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs and between most sentences.
Lexical Resource - There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy - The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures.
TIP >> Remember to give your opinion, state your opinion in the introduction clearly and develop your main body paragraphs around it. Use each of the main body paragraphs to support your opinion, giving examples that are relevant. In the conclusion, summarise your main points and restate your opinion.
Writing Task 2 Band Score 9 Criteria
If you would like to view more high band score agree or disagree essay examples please click the button below >
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
Comprehensive guide covering essential IELTS preparation strategies and techniques to help you achieve your target band score.
Originally published December 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at how to write IELTS writing task 2 conclusions. Being able to write a competent conclusion in your task 2 essay is important because it shows the examiner that you can summarise your main ideas and effectively end the essay.
In the conclusion, you want to show the examiner that you can sum up your main ideas and end the essay solidly. This is the closing statement, the examiner will read this paragraph last, so it needs to be strong, preferably short but to the point. You may not have much time left in the test when you write your conclusion, so practice as much as you can, looking at the various ways they can be written according to the question type.
TIP >> Always start your conclusion with one of the following; In conclusion, To conclude, or To sum up.
If you would like to purchase a 12 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
Conclusion STRUCTURE
In the final paragraph of your essay, you write the conclusion giving a summary of your main points and depending on the type of essay question you have you can add one of the following:
Cause/Effect Essay Conclusion
Summary of the main points
What you think is most important about this topic / give a recommendation
Advantages/Disadvantages Essay Conclusion
Summary of the main points
What you think were the most important pros and cons
Problem/Solution Essay Conclusion
Summary of the main points
What you think is most important about this topic / give a recommendation
Discussion Essay Conclusion
Summary of the main points
State which view is more important
Agree/Disagree Essay Conclusion
Summary of the main points
Restate own views/opinion/justify
Positive/Negative Essay Conclusion
Summary of the main points
Which side is better in your opinion
Direct Question Conclusion
Summary of the main points
What you think is most important about this topic / give a recommendation
TIP >> Don't enter any new information in the conclusion. This should be a summary of your main points and one of the sentences mentioned above.
TIP >> Don't just copy whole sentences, words and phrases from your essay. Show the examiner that you have a wide range of vocabulary and paraphrase.
TIP >> Always end your essay with a conclusion, two sentences is enough and you need one to be able to get a band score of 7 or higher.
EXAMPLES
Here are some conclusion written for common question types. Please take note of how they have been written and structured.
CAUSE/EFFECT ESSAY
Question
In current society, many people are struggling with obesity. What is the main cause of this? What are the effects?
Conclusion
In conclusion, obesity is being caused by easily available calorie-rich processed food and little exercise. The effects of this are impacting individuals health as well as the cost of national healthcare services. In order for obesity to be lessened, individuals should be educated about nutrition, furthermore, the governments should implement higher taxes on all junk food and sugar.
Feedback
This is a high-level conclusion, the first sentence begins with the cohesive device - in conclusion, and then proceeds to summarise the main points. The second sentence explains what the writer thought was important about the topic and gives a recommendation in the final sentence.
Click to read the full essay.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES ESSAY
Question
Many people in society believe that having fixed punishments for all crimes is a more efficient way of dealing with criminals in the justice system.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a fixed punishment?
Conclusion
In conclusion, fixed punishment offers an interesting choice for effective crime deterrence and a faster judicial process. However, its inherent flaw in generalising all crime without carefully considering mitigating circumstances would compromise the very essence of justice and should warrant a closer study before fully implementing it to any modern judicial system.
Feedback
This is a high-level conclusion, the first sentence begins with the cohesive device - in conclusion, and then proceeds to summarise the main points. The conclusion also states what the writer thought were the most important pros and cons.
Click to read the full essay.
PROBLEM/SOLUTION ESSAY
Question
Due to poorer countries experiencing a 'brain drain' they are seeing many professionals, such as doctors and teachers, leaving to work in more developed countries.
What problems does this cause? What solutions can be suggested to deal with this problem?
Conclusion
In conclusion, with the rising demand for nurses, doctors and teachers in economically rich countries like the UK, more and more people are leaving their poor origin countries in search of better pay, working conditions and benefits. It is, therefore, necessary for governments to put appropriate schemes into place, with mandatory service for state-funded degree holders.
Feedback
This is a high-level conclusion, the first sentence begins with the cohesive device - in conclusion, and then proceeds to summarise the main points. It explains what the writer thought was important about the topic and gives a recommendation in the final sentence.
Click to read the full essay.
DISCUSSION ESSAY
Question
Some people think that developments involving the internet have brought people closer together while others think that people and communities have become more isolated.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is a fact that the internet has brought more convenience into society and allowed many people to be closer. However, people should take responsibility to balance the use of the internet so that other aspects of their lives will not become neglected.
Feedback
This is a high-level conclusion, the first sentence begins with the cohesive device - in conclusion, and then proceeds to summarise the main points. It also explains which view the writer thought was more important.
Click to read the full essay.
AGREE/DISAGREE ESSAY
Question
Due to the growing number of overweight people in today's society putting a strain on the healthcare system, some people think that the best way to deal with the problem is to offer more physical education lessons in the school curriculum.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Conclusion
In conclusion, I strongly agree that having more sports lessons in schools will help to fight the growing number of overweight people. By combining this with a healthy diet, the students will be encouraged to be healthy, from a young age, right through into adulthood.
Feedback
This is a high-level conclusion, the first sentence begins with the cohesive device - in conclusion, and then proceeds to summarise the main points. It also restates the writer's opinion and justify's their views.
Click to read the full essay.
POSITIVE/NEGATIVE ESSAY
Question
Many employers are now offering their employees the option to work from home.As a result, employees will have much more flexible working hours in the future.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are clear benefits to individuals who have the opportunity to work from home, including having a flexible schedule. However, those working away from the office environment should also manage their work/life balance, so they do not develop feelings of isolation or depression.
Feedback
This is a high-level conclusion, the first sentence begins with the cohesive device - in conclusion, and then proceeds to summarise the main points. It also states which side the writer thinks is better in their opinion.
Click to read the full essay.
Direct Question Essay
Question
The arts, including art, music and theatre are considered to be important in society.
Do you think the arts still have a place amongst our modern lifestyles?
Should the arts be included in school programs?
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are clear benefits to individuals who are passionate about the arts and find enjoyment in them regularly. If more people tried to become involved in the arts, then perhaps they would find a way to allow themselves time to become creative or to relax, while learning something new.
Feedback
This is a high-level conclusion, the first sentence begins with the cohesive device - in conclusion, and then proceeds to summarise the main points. It also gives a recommendation.
If you would like to purchase a 12 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published December 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at how to write IELTS writing task 2 main body paragraphs. Being able to write strong main body paragraphs in your task 2 essay is important because it shows the examiner that you can logically organise your ideas and support your points with evidence.
In the main body paragraphs, you want to show the examiner that you can write about your ideas, explain them and support them with examples that are relevant, if you do this, you will gain marks for coherence. You should also make sure your writing is following a formal style as this is an academic essay.
If you would like to purchase a 14 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
Main Body Paragraph Structure
By learning a structure for your main body paragraphs and practising it over and over with many questions, you will be able to write one quickly about any topic.
Your main body paragraphs should have 3 main sentences >
Introduce the topic
Explain/give detail
Example
Introduce the topic
Start the paragraph by introducing the topic. This is where you need to have a topic sentence that introduces the examiner to the main idea of the paragraph.
Explain/give detail
The next sentence(s) should explain the topic, going into detail. This gives some background information related to the main idea of the paragraph. It explains the idea, telling the examiner how it is relevant to the question.
Example
The third part of your main body paragraph should give an example to support your main points. The example you give could be something from your own experience or made up - it is ok to make up something as the examiners will not fact check your information. They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level. You could make up an example from a report, journal, newspaper or University study to support your view.
Examples
Here are some example main body paragraphs written for common question types. Please take note of how they have been written and structured.
Cause/Effect Essay
Question
In current society, many people are struggling with obesity. What is the main cause of this? What are the effects?
Main Body Paragraph 1
Firstly, obesity is caused by many factors in modern society, including the easy availability of unhealthy food. When a bad diet is matched with a sedentary lifestyle, weight gain is inevitable, since eating large portions of food that is mainly processed, high in salt, sugar and filled with chemicals, the body gains weight fast. For example, a documentary by Channel 4 in 2016 showed that the most obese populations were situated in underdeveloped nations, like Venezuela, where people admitted to finding it difficult to eat a balanced and healthy diet and had no nutritional education.
Main Body Paragraph 2
Secondly, the effect that immense weight gain can have on a person, is that they will likely develop health issues, like diabetes or heart disease. As the body becomes larger, the metabolism slows down, so that the body is more likely to get a chronic illness. This is impacting on health services around the world, as hospitals are seeing an increased demand to care for obese patients. For instance, The NHS in the UK has admitted to spending around 16 billion per year on obese related diseases like diabetes. UK newspaper The Telegraph reported in 2016 that more money is spent on treating obesity in the UK than on staffing the police force and fire service.
Feedback
The main body paragraphs both have the same structure, the first sentence introduces the topic, next there is an explanation and lastly, there is an example given to support the point. The paragraphs also contain complex sentences, cohesive devices and high-level vocabulary.
Many people in society believe that having fixed punishments for all crimes is a more efficient way of dealing with criminals in the justice system.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a fixed punishment?
Main Body Paragraph 1
On the one hand, the main advantage of having a standardised punishment system could lead to a downward trend in crime, as the system would serve as a deterrent. This would allow the courts to easily hand out justice to all criminals, in order to make the judiciary system more powerful. For example, in some states in the USA, there are tough sanctions in place for criminals, including death by lethal injection. In 2014, the New York Times reported that up to 65% of criminals who were incarcerated for high-level crimes (murder, manslaughter) received the lethal injection.
Main Body Paragraph 2
On the other hand, the primary disadvantage of having fixed punishments is that people who have committed low-level crimes may also be given harsh sentences, in the same way as those who have been sentenced for high-level crimes. This may make the system unjust, as the punishment should befit the crime. For instance, a person who may have acted in self-defence should have their case heard in full, before being given a punishment befitting of someone who has been part of a violent act.
Feedback
The main body paragraphs both have the same structure, the first sentence introduces the topic, next there is an explanation and lastly, there is an example given to support the point. The paragraphs also contain complex sentences, cohesive devices and high-level vocabulary.
Due to poorer countries experiencing a 'brain drain' they are seeing many professionals, such as doctors and teachers, leaving to work in more developed countries.
What problems does this cause? What solutions can be suggested to deal with this problem?
Main Body Paragraph 1
The foremost problem with skilled professionals, such as doctors and teachers leaving is that it deprives the country of people who are necessary to its survival. A shortage of doctors in hospitals could lead to them being severely understaffed, even though they have the trained doctors and nurses who are local and willing to work. In addition, some academic institutions will also suffer, with a lack of skilled teachers in highly desirable subjects, like maths, science and languages. Many professionals desire better pay and working conditions, leaving in search of a better lifestyle so that they can earn a higher salary. For example, a study from Cambridge University showed that in Romania in 2014, 75% of graduates had applied to work in the UK and the USA.
Main Body Paragraph 2
A possible solution to this problem is for skilled professionals to enter into mandatory service in their origin country, before being able to migrate. Those who earn their qualifications from state universities should have to work in service to their country for a set amount of time, even though they are ready for the wider workplace. This would address the shortage of workers in hospitals and schools, meanwhile gaining experience, in order to give something back to their community and country. For instance, in Romania, it is common practice for graduates from state-funded university courses to work in areas where their services are needed for a minimum of two years before they are able to apply to work abroad.
Feedback
The main body paragraphs both have the same structure, the first sentence introduces the topic, next there is an explanation and lastly, there is an example given to support the point. The paragraphs also contain complex sentences, cohesive devices and high-level vocabulary.
Some people think that developments involving the internet have brought people closer together while others think that people and communities have become more isolated.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Main Body Paragraph 1
Firstly, during the last two decades, there have been many tech developments and advancements, bringing convenience to all. One significant attribute of this modernization is the internet, while this technology has made our lives more convenient in many aspects, including our approach to communication. In the past, we only used mail or the telephone to send our messages across the globe, whereas today, the internet allows us to reach out to almost everyone in just a few seconds. The inconvenience of long distances is eliminated as we can talk and even see distant friends or relatives for an unlimited time. For example, the internet connects people whose relatives or families are abroad, through Facebook, Twitter or Skype anytime and anywhere.
Main Body Paragraph 2
Secondly, this technological development has its drawbacks, as it has been observed that some individuals tend to spend a lot of their time surfing the internet or on different social networking sites. Communities meet online via private Facebook groups, instead of in a community hall to discuss matters, since this does not allow them to socialise physically with people, they isolate themselves in this virtual world. Both teenagers and adults use much of their time online and this does not allow them to develop their interpersonal skills. For instance, a study from 2015 by The Social Media Explorer saw that over 93% of teenagers aged 16-19 have a social media presence, with more than three social accounts per person.
Feedback
The main body paragraphs both have the same structure, the first sentence introduces the topic, next there is an explanation and lastly, there is an example given to support the point. The paragraphs also contain complex sentences, cohesive devices and high-level vocabulary.
Due to the growing number of overweight people in today's society putting a strain on the healthcare system, some people think that the best way to deal with the problem is to offer more physical education lessons in the school curriculum.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Main Body Paragraph 1
On the one hand, I believe that the best way to fight health care problems is by utilising health education. By integrating physical education classes into the curriculum, impressionable young children and adults will be exposed to healthy lifestyle practices of sport and exercise, whereas they will also learn about teamwork and see their self-confidence grow. For example, at Westminster primary school in the UK, 10-minute exercise intervals were introduced between classes. The children must run laps around the playground before going to their next lesson. This formed part of a study by Cambridge University, where it reported that 85% of the children performed better on tests and obesity records were at an all-time low.
Main Body Paragraph 2
On the other hand, in my view having more physical education classes in the curriculum is not the only way to teach young people how to have a healthy lifestyle. The children should be educated how to balance exercise with a healthy diet, so that this could extend, not only to the students in the schools but also to the parents. For instance, the NHS in the UK regularly hold talks in schools for both parents and students to educate communities on how to have a balanced diet. They also promote proper exercise, involvement in sports, and having an active lifestyle. As a result of this program, in some areas, they saw a decrease in the number of overweight health issues.
Feedback
The main body paragraphs both have the same structure, the first sentence introduces the topic, next there is an explanation and lastly, there is an example given to support the point. The paragraphs also contain complex sentences, cohesive devices and high-level vocabulary.
Many employers are now offering their employees the option to work from home.As a result, employees will have much more flexible working hours in the future.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Main Body Paragraph 1
On the one hand, having the option to work from home, can have a positive impact on an employee's schedule. This is especially so if the person has children or other dependants because working long hours is not always possible depending on your lifestyle. Therefore it allows the employee to manage their own schedule while ensuring that they maintain a work-life balance, working from wherever they are in the world. Having flexible working hours means that collecting children from school, spending time travelling and being able to attend non-work related appointments becomes much easier. For example, Google allows senior engineers to work remotely, using flexible hours for those who travel a lot or have the need to work with little interruptions.
Main Body Paragraph 2
On the other hand, employees can become isolated from the company and/or co-workers when not active in the office environment. When working away from the office, a worker may feel removed from colleagues and the day to day issues that arise from that environment. Working for hours each day without face to face contact with co-workers and management can seriously impact a person's mental health, leading to frustration, depression and burnout. For instance, according to an article published in The New York Times in 2016, a survey of people who work online, from home in the state of New York showed that 24% of people said they had developed depression.
Feedback
The main body paragraphs both have the same structure, the first sentence introduces the topic, next there is an explanation and lastly, there is an example given to support the point. The paragraphs also contain complex sentences, cohesive devices and high-level vocabulary.
The arts, including art, music and theatre are considered to be important in society.
Do you think the arts still have a place amongst our modern lifestyles?
Should the arts be included in school programs?
Main Body Paragraph 1
Firstly, the creative arts, such as paintings, sculptures, music and theatre have a long and ardent history throughout the ages. They have grown and evolved with the times, appealing to new generations every year, in order to keep being a part of everyday life. People enjoy the arts, often as an escape from their lives, listening to music they enjoy, going to see a play with friends or visiting galleries and museums to see paintings, photography or sculptures. For example, a study from the New York Times in 2017 showed that over 75% of New Yorkers said that they regularly visited the cities art galleries, museums and theatres. A further 35% said that they donated money regularly to art societies, for the preservation of the collections, so they can continue for many years to come.
Main Body Paragraph 2
Secondly, many people develop a love for the arts early in life, when they are at school. In my opinion, I think that a range of arts subjects should be included in the school curriculum, as not all students are 'left brained' enjoying logical, core subjects like mathematics. Others are more 'right brained' where they enjoy being creative, whether that is in writing, painting or making music. Children should be encouraged to find their talents at school and develop them for their own enjoyment and advancement. For instance, St. Cuthberts school in the north of England dedicated 40% of the curriculum of creative subjects, including fine art, pottery, music, drama and dance. Those subjects proved to enhance school results by over 25% in 2017.
Feedback
The main body paragraphs both have the same structure, the first sentence introduces the topic, next there is an explanation and lastly, there is an example given to support the point. The paragraphs also contain complex sentences, cohesive devices and high-level vocabulary.
If you would like to purchase a 14 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published June 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, I want to share with you the 8 tips that you should remember in order to have IELTS Academic writing task 1 success!
There is a lot of information out there for you to read and remember, but during lessons with my students I always repeat the same things and those that choose to listen and study hard achieve the band score they need (7+!)
So here are the 8 tips for writing task 1 success!
1. Understand the question
Make sure that you read the question properly a few times, so that you fully understand what it is asking you to do. I often read essays where the student has misunderstood the question. This is not good for your score if you do this during your test. So always read the question and make sure that you understand what it is asking you to do.
The questions in writing task 1 normally say 'report the main features and make any comparisons'. Look for those main features and if you can make any comparisons. You can highlight information on the paper/question before you start to write your essay. Practice as much as possible beforehand, using various academic writing task 1 questions and an approved essay structure.
2. Practice the essay structure
The structure that I advise my students to use, changes slightly depending on which question they have for writing task 1.
However, it has a core structure, that if used well, will be sure to get you a band score 7+. You need to practice using this structure, with as many questions as you can, before sitting your IELTS test. This writing task 1 structure has been proven to be successful for my students and when perfected, can easily help you to achieve a high band score.
3. Create an effective overview
The overview is the most important paragraph in the writing task 1 essay and without one, you will lose marks. this will affect your score and your ability to gain a band score 7 or higher. Practice writing an overview of different types of questions.
4. Use the right language
In the writing task 1 section of this website, you will find language help in most of the posts. It is important to use the right language when writing your essays. This can affect your band score, so it is worth studying and practising as much as possible.
For example, you should be able to paraphrase the question using synonyms, use signposting language (Overall, the line graph shows that..) and linking words(however, in contrast, one the one hand, on the other hand, therefore, in addition, etc). You should also be able to describe change and for the maps questions describe locations this will gain you marks in the lexical resource part of the marking criteria.
5. Know the Grammar
Think about the grammar you are using, if the question features change over a period of time, then make sure you use the correct tense when writing about those changes. For example, if a figure is projected to increase over a period of ten years up until the year 2022, you use the future tense >> 'The price of oil will continue to increase up to £50billion dollars by the year 2022'. Practice with these types of question, so that you can use the past, present and future tenses.
When practising you can use 'Grammarly' which checks your work as you type, this will help you with spelling, punctuation and grammar errors.
6. Know the content
You need to able to report neutrally on the visual information presented to you. You should not include any opinion on the data, only report the data and trends that you can see.
It is a good idea to spend a minute or two looking at your chart/graph and circling/highlighting any information that is important.
For example, think about the following questions:
What is being measured and how?
Is it in percentages? Millions? Degrees? (for the temperature)
Then think about the timing - is it over the period of one year? Five? or Ten?
Can you make any comparisons?
7. Be selective
The question will ask you to 'report the main features and make any comparisons' so look for those main features - any highs/lows etc. Don't write about every piece of information that you can see. This will lose your essay marks and affect your band score.
You need to practice highlighting the main features/any comparisons that you can see and plan your essay around those. Then practice writing in 20 minutes, you do not want to spend too much time on writing task 1, as writing task 2 has more weight in the marks.
8. Can you read it?
When practising writing your essays, check if you can read you own handwriting afterwards. If you find it difficult to read, then so will everyone else! Make it neat and easy to read, this is important so that the examiner can read your writing clearly. The advice from The British Council does say that candidates are allowed to write entirely in capital letters if they wish. This may make your writing easier to read.
It is also important that you separate the paragraphs, and don't just have one big block of text. This will lose you marks in the test, therefore you can skip a line on the paper, to show that a new paragraph has been started. In the marking criteria, you do get marks for 'logically organises information and ideas' (Band score 7) so it is important to show that you have organised your information into logical paragraphs. Take a look at the essay structure to see how to organise those paragraphs well.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published May 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at the importance of being able to paraphrase. Paraphrasing is important, not only for the writing test but for all of the other parts of the test too. Being able to paraphrase will show the examiner that you have a wide vocabulary, helping you to achieve a higher band score.
To paraphrase text is to read the question then rewrite it in your own words. You should not copy words straight from the question, instead change the order of the words and choose words with a similar meaning (a synonym). This means you are using different words to write about the same idea.
Paraphrasing
Here is an example of a Writing Task 1 Question >>
The graph below shows the average monthly temperatures in three well-known cities. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Paraphrased >>
The line graph illustrates the climate conditions in Athens, Barcelona, and Sydney over the period of one year.
Here I changed temperatures to conditions (synonym) and then I added the three city names instead of saying 'in three well-known cities'.
Using Synonyms
Synonyms are words you use when you want to write a word that has a similar meaning to the original word in the question. For example;
Area / space
Map / diagram / picture
Amount / number
Car / automobile / vehicle
Price / amount / cost
High / big / great
When paraphrasing the question, you don't need to change all of the words, but you should try to change most of them. Be careful though, because choosing a word that has a similar meaning - not the same meaning can make the meaning of the sentence change or become unclear.
The best way to practice this is to have a look at writing task 1 questions and paraphrase/re-write the question in your own words. Whilst practising you can use an online thesaurus tool to help you find synonyms and learn new words.
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