📝 Day 1 – Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2 for Band 7+

Welcome to Day 1 of the IELTS Band 7+ Challenge! By the end of this guide(Day 1), you won’t need to study anything else for Writing Task 2 — you’ll be fully equipped with advanced strategies, sample answers, planning tools, and vocabulary to perform at your peak. On Day 7, you’ll take a full mock exam to overcome panic and prove to yourself that you’re ready to achieve your target band score on test day!

This process may be a little tiring, but we will help you reach your IELTS 7+ goals for each section — and today’s focus is IELTS Writing Task 2.

📌 Part 1: Introduction to Task 2 + Band 7+ Strategy

Writing Task 2 is not just about expressing opinions. It's about doing so with clarity, logic, and strong academic English. Many test-takers get stuck at Band 6 or 6.5 because they don’t master the examiner criteria. Let’s start by understanding what they’re looking for.

📏 What Is IELTS Writing Task 2?

You are required to write a formal, academic-style essay of at least 250 words in 40 minutes. The task asks for your opinion, discussion, solution, or evaluation of a social issue.

✅ IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Descriptors (Simplified)

❌ Why Do Candidates Often Get Stuck at Band 5.5 or 6?

🎯 Your Band 7+ Strategy

⏱️ Time Management: The 3-Stage Approach

🧠 High-Level Thinking for High-Level Bands

Task 2 isn’t about opinion — it’s about reasoning. High scorers present ideas that are:

🧪 Task 2 Warm-Up (Today’s Micro Practice)

Question: Some people think schools should focus more on science and technology, while others believe subjects like history are equally important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Next, we’ll cover Part 2: The 5 IELTS Essay Types with strategy + structure. Once you master the forms, everything becomes easier.

🧩 Part 2 – The 5 IELTS Essay Types (Strategy + Structure)

In IELTS Writing Task 2, you may face different types of essay questions. Recognizing the type quickly is essential because each has its own structure and focus. Below, you'll find:

✍️ 1. Opinion Essay (To What Extent Do You Agree or Disagree?)

Example Question:
Some people think that the government should invest more in public transport systems than in building new roads.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Structure:

Useful Phrases:

✍️ 2. Discussion Essay (Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion)

Example Question:
Some believe that it is better to teach children in single-sex schools, while others think co-educational schools are more beneficial.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Structure:

Useful Phrases:

✍️ 3. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Example Question:
Many people are working from home instead of commuting to the office.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?

Structure:

Useful Phrases:

✍️ 4. Problem and Solution Essay

Example Question:
Traffic congestion is becoming a serious issue in many cities.
What are the problems associated with this, and what solutions can you suggest?

Structure:

Useful Phrases:

✍️ 5. Double Question Essay (Direct Questions / Two-Part Questions)

Example Question:
Many people read online news while others prefer traditional newspapers.
Why do some people prefer printed media? What is your opinion on this trend?

Structure:

Useful Phrases:

🧠 How to Quickly Identify the Essay Type

Just check the last line of the prompt:

Up next, we’ll write a full Band 9 example for each essay type to show how these structures look in practice. Let’s move on to Part 3!

🖋️ Part 3.1 – Opinion Essay: Full Strong Sample + Breakdown

📘 Question:

Some people believe that the government should fund public transportation systems more than road infrastructure. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

✍️ Strong Sample Essay:

Introduction:
In recent years, the debate over whether public funding should prioritize transportation systems or road construction has intensified. I strongly agree that governments should allocate more resources to public transport, as it offers sustainable and long-term solutions to urban challenges.

Body Paragraph 1:
Firstly, investing in public transportation helps to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions. When cities provide efficient and reliable alternatives such as subways, trams, and bus rapid transit systems, fewer people rely on private cars. This shift not only minimizes road traffic but also curbs air pollution, which is a growing concern in metropolitan areas worldwide. For instance, Singapore’s heavy investment in its metro system has significantly decreased the number of vehicles on the road and improved urban air quality.

Body Paragraph 2:
Moreover, public transport systems are more cost-effective and equitable for citizens. Maintaining and expanding road networks often benefits only car owners, whereas public transportation serves the wider population, including students, low-income workers, and the elderly. By subsidizing fares or expanding routes, governments can ensure mobility for all, thus promoting social inclusivity. For example, cities like Vienna offer highly affordable monthly transit passes that make commuting accessible to everyone.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, I firmly believe that increased government funding should be directed toward public transport rather than roads. Public transportation not only supports environmental sustainability but also fosters equitable access for the broader public. Strategic investment in such infrastructure is essential for creating livable, modern cities.

✅ Why This Scores High Band

🧠 Vocabulary & Collocations Used:

🔗 Linking Devices:

🧪 Practice Activity:

Your Turn: Write a full response to this similar opinion question:

Some people think governments should ban cars from city centers and encourage people to walk or cycle instead.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Tip: Plan your essay first: choose your side, brainstorm two key points, and structure clearly before writing.

🖋️ Part 3.2 – Discussion Essay: Full Strong Sample + Breakdown

📘 Question:

Some people believe that learning a foreign language is best done in primary school, while others think it is better to start in secondary school. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

✍️ Strong Sample Essay:

Introduction:
The optimal age to begin learning a foreign language has long been debated. While some argue that early childhood education offers the best foundation, others believe that adolescents are better equipped to absorb new languages. This essay will explore both perspectives before stating why I believe the earlier the better.

Body Paragraph 1:
Proponents of introducing language learning in primary school point to children's cognitive flexibility. Young learners tend to acquire pronunciation, intonation, and grammatical structures more naturally, mimicking native speakers with ease. Furthermore, starting early allows for longer exposure, which enhances fluency by adulthood. For example, countries like Sweden that incorporate foreign languages into primary curricula tend to produce adults with high multilingual proficiency.

Body Paragraph 2:
On the other hand, some argue that secondary school students are more capable of understanding abstract grammar rules and have better-developed study habits. They are generally more motivated by academic goals and can grasp complex linguistic concepts more easily. Additionally, introducing language learning later avoids overwhelming younger children with too many subjects early in their education.

Conclusion:
While both approaches have merit, I believe starting in primary school is more beneficial. The natural learning abilities of young children, combined with longer-term exposure, create a strong foundation for mastery. Therefore, early immersion in foreign languages should be encouraged by educational systems worldwide.

✅ Why This Scores High Band

🧠 Vocabulary & Collocations Used:

🔗 Linking Devices:

🧪 Practice Activity:

Your Turn: Write a full response to this similar discussion question:

Some believe that it is better for children to grow up in the countryside, while others think cities provide more advantages.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Tip: Present both perspectives fairly. Stay neutral in body paragraphs even if you state your opinion in the intro and conclusion.

🖋️ Part 3.3 – Advantages and Disadvantages Essay: Full Band Strong Sample + Breakdown

📘 Question:

More and more people are choosing to work from home. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

✍️ Strong Sample Essay:

Introduction:
With advances in technology and shifts in work culture, remote work has become increasingly common. While working from home presents several advantages such as flexibility and reduced commuting, it also introduces potential drawbacks. This essay will explore both aspects of this growing trend.

Body Paragraph 1 – Advantages:
One of the primary benefits of working from home is increased flexibility. Employees can tailor their schedules to suit their productivity peaks, allowing for a better work-life balance. Additionally, removing the need to commute saves time and reduces stress. A study by Stanford University, for example, showed that remote workers were 13% more productive and reported higher job satisfaction. Furthermore, companies can cut overhead costs by reducing the need for physical office spaces.

Body Paragraph 2 – Disadvantages:
Despite these benefits, working remotely can lead to isolation and decreased team cohesion. Without regular in-person interaction, employees may feel disconnected from their colleagues, which can negatively affect collaboration and morale. Moreover, home environments may lack the structure and discipline of an office setting, leading to distractions and reduced focus. In some cases, blurred boundaries between personal and professional life can also result in burnout.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, while working from home offers notable advantages such as flexibility and reduced costs, it also presents challenges like isolation and potential productivity issues. For remote work to be effective, individuals and organizations must implement strategies to maintain communication, focus, and well-being.

✅ Why This Scores High Band

🧠 Vocabulary & Collocations Used:

🔗 Linking Devices:

🧪 Practice Activity:

Your Turn: Write a full response to this similar advantages/disadvantages question:

Many young people choose to travel for a year before entering university.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this practice?

Tip: Try to balance both sides without overly favoring one. Stay neutral unless asked for an opinion.

🖋️ Part 3.4 – Problem and Solution Essay: Full Band Strong Sample + Breakdown

📘 Question:

Many cities around the world are facing increasing levels of air pollution. What are the main problems associated with this, and what solutions can you suggest?

✍️ Strong Sample Essay:

Introduction:
Air pollution has become a major concern in urban areas globally. This issue stems from multiple sources and poses serious threats to both human health and the environment. However, there are several effective solutions that governments and individuals can implement to address this growing challenge.

Body Paragraph 1 – Problems:
One significant problem caused by air pollution is its impact on public health. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can lead to respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, and even cardiovascular diseases. In heavily polluted cities like Delhi or Beijing, hospital admissions related to breathing difficulties have risen dramatically. Additionally, air pollution contributes to environmental degradation, including the acidification of soil and water bodies and the destruction of ecosystems. It also plays a central role in climate change through the emission of greenhouse gases.

Body Paragraph 2 – Solutions:
To combat these issues, governments must invest in cleaner public transport systems and enforce stricter emissions regulations for industries and vehicles. Transitioning to electric buses and offering incentives for using bicycles or carpooling can significantly reduce urban emissions. Moreover, individuals can also play a role by adopting eco-friendly practices, such as using public transport, reducing energy consumption, and planting trees. Education campaigns about the importance of air quality can also raise awareness and promote behavioral change at the community level.

Conclusion:
In summary, air pollution presents serious health and environmental problems. However, by implementing both policy-driven solutions and encouraging public involvement, cities can reduce pollution levels and create healthier living conditions for all residents.

✅ Why This Scores High Band

🧠 Vocabulary & Collocations Used:

🔗 Linking Devices:

🧪 Practice Activity:

Your Turn: Respond to this problem-solution question:

In many cities, people are living in overcrowded housing conditions.
What are the problems associated with this, and what can be done to solve them?

Tip: Always make sure your solutions are realistic and directly address the problems mentioned in your essay.

🖋️ Part 3.5 – Double Question Essay: Full Band Strong Sample + Breakdown

📘 Question:

Many people today have unhealthy lifestyles. Why do you think this is? What can be done to solve this problem?

✍️ Strong Sample Essay:

Introduction:
In today’s fast-paced world, more individuals are adopting habits that negatively affect their health. This essay will examine the primary reasons behind these unhealthy lifestyles and suggest viable solutions to reverse the trend.

Body Paragraph 1 – Why Is This Happening?
One major cause of unhealthy living is the modern work culture, which encourages long hours of sedentary desk jobs and limited time for physical activity. The increasing reliance on digital entertainment, such as streaming platforms and gaming, has further reduced physical movement, especially among younger generations. In addition, fast food has become a staple in many diets due to its convenience and affordability, despite its low nutritional value. This combination of inactivity and poor diet is a key contributor to rising rates of obesity and related illnesses.

Body Paragraph 2 – What Can Be Done?
To tackle this issue, both governments and individuals must take proactive steps. Governments can implement public awareness campaigns about healthy living, as well as introduce regulations on advertising junk food, particularly to children. Workplaces can encourage fitness by offering wellness programs or gym subsidies. On an individual level, people should be educated about time management to make space for regular exercise and healthier meals. Schools also play a critical role by integrating health education and physical activities into daily routines from an early age.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the rise in unhealthy lifestyles is largely due to sedentary work habits and the popularity of convenience-based food and entertainment. However, with concerted effort from policymakers, employers, educators, and individuals, this pattern can be reversed to ensure a healthier future for society.

✅ Why This Scores High Band

🧠 Vocabulary & Collocations Used:

🔗 Linking Devices:

🧪 Practice Activity:

Your Turn: Answer this double question:

Many people prefer to shop online these days.
Why is this the case? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

Tip: Clearly separate each part of the question into its own paragraph and address both thoroughly.

📚 Part 4 – Vocabulary, Linking Devices, and Lexical Resource Tips

🎯 Goal:

In this section, you'll learn how to boost your lexical resource score in Writing Task 2 by using strong vocabulary, avoiding repetition, and linking your ideas effectively. Vocabulary must be precise, context-appropriate, and academic in tone to reach Band 7 or higher.

🔑 1. Opinion & Argumentation Vocabulary

🧠 Sample Usage:

It is widely acknowledged that climate change is driven largely by human activities.

🔗 2. Linking Devices for Coherence

💡 Tip:

Linking devices should appear naturally. Don’t force them in every sentence or use too many at once. Quality > quantity.

🎓 3. Academic Verbs and Expressions

📦 4. Collocations (Band 7+ Boosters)

⚠️ Avoid:

Basic phrases like “very good,” “a lot of people,” “bad effect,” “I think” — replace them with more formal alternatives.

📋 5. Vocabulary by Essay Type

🗳️ Opinion Essays:

🤝 Discussion Essays:

📊 Advantage/Disadvantage Essays:

⚠️ Problem/Solution Essays:

💬 Double Question Essays:

🧪 Practice Exercise:

Instruction: Replace the simple words below with more academic ones from this section.

  1. A lot of people think cities are better than villages.
  2. Pollution has bad effects on health.
  3. We should take action to solve this problem.

✅ Suggested Answers:

  1. Many individuals believe cities offer more advantages than rural areas.
  2. Pollution has adverse effects on health.
  3. We should implement measures to address this issue.

⏱️ Part 5 – Task Planning and Execution Strategies (40-Minute IELTS Writing Task 2)

🎯 Goal:

In this section, you’ll learn how to use your 40 minutes wisely to craft a high-scoring Writing Task 2 response. Time mismanagement is one of the most common reasons test-takers fail to reach Band 7+, so mastering this is critical.

⏳ Recommended Time Allocation

💡 Tip:

Many students rush into writing without a clear plan. This leads to disorganized essays and poor coherence. Investing time in planning saves time overall.

🧠 Step-by-Step Breakdown

🟢 Step 1 – Analyze the Question (2 minutes)

📝 Step 2 – Plan Your Ideas (8 minutes)

Example Outline:
Intro: Paraphrase + Thesis
Body 1: First argument + example
Body 2: Second argument + example
Conclusion: Summary + opinion (if required)

✍️ Step 3 – Write (25 minutes)

🔍 Step 4 – Review (5 minutes)

🧪 Practice Timer Simulation

  1. Set a timer for 40 minutes
  2. Choose a Task 2 question from any of the five types
  3. Follow the steps: Plan (10), Write (25), Review (5)
  4. Evaluate your response: Did you finish on time? Did you stay focused?

🛠️ Self-Evaluation Checklist:

🚀 Bonus Tip:

Practice under timed conditions regularly. If you only write without a timer, you won’t be prepared for the real stress of the exam day.

🧠 Practice Tasks, Idea Bank & Brainstorming Templates

📝 Practice Task 1 – Guided (With Prompts)

Question: Some people believe that universities should only accept students with the highest grades. Others think that all students should be allowed to apply, regardless of their academic results.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Step-by-step planning prompts:

Use the 10/25/5 minute strategy to complete this task.

✍️ Practice Task 2 – Independent (Free Response)

Question: In many countries, people now wear casual clothes to work.
Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

No prompts are given — treat this like a real IELTS exam.

💡 Idea Bank – Common Difficult Topics

💬 Tip: Prepare 1–2 examples or personal opinions for each of these themes. They appear often in Task 2.

🧩 Brainstorming Templates

📗 Template A – Opinion Essay

📘 Template B – Discussion Essay

📕 Template C – Problem & Solution

📙 Template D – Advantages & Disadvantages

✅ Self-Checklist (Before Writing)

Ask yourself the following before you begin writing:

⏱️ Now move to the next day. Stick to your plan !

DAY 2 of - 7 Day IELTS Academic Band 7+ Challenge or

DAY 2 of - 7 Day IELTS General Band 7+ Challenge

At the end of the 7-day challenge, it’s essential to experience a real test environment, assess your skills, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. That’s why we’ve created high-quality IELTS exam simulations. These will show you your score for each section and give you an estimated overall IELTS band score.

If you prefer to skip the challenge and go straight to testing, you can choose your test type below (IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training).

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