IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Structure a Band 7+ Essay
For many IELTS candidates, Writing Task 2 is the most challenging part of the test. You are asked to write a formal essay of at least 250 words in response to a question on a social, academic, or general issue. Achieving Band 7 or higher requires more than good grammar: you need a clear structure, logical flow, and well-developed ideas.
This guide will show you how to organise your essay effectively so that you can impress the examiner and boost your score.
Why Structure Matters
The IELTS Writing Task 2 marking criteria include Coherence and Cohesion, which account for 25% of your score. A well-structured essay helps the examiner follow your argument easily and demonstrates your ability to organise ideas logically. Without structure, even strong vocabulary and grammar may not reach Band 7.
The Ideal Structure for a Band 7+ Essay
1. Introduction (40–50 words)
- Paraphrase the question in your own words.
- State your position clearly (agree, disagree, balanced view).
- Outline your main points briefly.
Example:
“Many people believe that university education should be free for all students. While I agree that access to education is important, I believe that completely free tuition is not always practical. This essay will discuss both the benefits and the challenges of this idea.”
2. Body Paragraph 1 (80–100 words)
- Topic sentence: Present your first main idea.
- Explanation: Develop the idea with reasons.
- Example: Support with a real or hypothetical example.
Example:
“One strong argument in favour of free university education is that it promotes equal opportunities. Students from low-income families would have the same chance to pursue higher education as wealthier students. For instance, in countries such as Germany, free tuition has helped increase the number of graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
3. Body Paragraph 2 (80–100 words)
- Topic sentence: Present your second main idea.
- Explanation: Develop the idea logically.
- Example: Provide evidence or illustration.
Example:
“However, offering free education to all students can place a heavy financial burden on governments. Funding universities requires significant resources, and this money could otherwise be spent on healthcare or infrastructure. For example, in developing countries, free tuition may not be sustainable without reducing investment in other essential services.”
4. (Optional) Body Paragraph 3 (if needed)
- Use this if you want to present a balanced view or add a third supporting point.
- Keep it concise and ensure it adds value rather than repeating earlier ideas.
5. Conclusion (40–50 words)
- Summarise your main points.
- Restate your position clearly.
- Avoid introducing new ideas.
Example:
“In conclusion, while free university education can promote fairness, it may also create financial challenges for governments. Therefore, I believe a more balanced approach, such as scholarships for disadvantaged students, is a more practical solution.”
Tips for Success
- Plan before you write. Spend 3–5 minutes outlining your ideas.
- Stay on topic. Every sentence should connect to the question.
- Use linking words. Phrases like “on the one hand”, “in contrast”, and “as a result” improve cohesion.
- Aim for clarity, not complexity. Long, confusing sentences can lower your score.
- Practise under timed conditions. You have only 40 minutes in the exam.
Final Thoughts
A Band 7+ essay is not about writing something extraordinary; it is about presenting clear, well-organised ideas with accurate language. By following this structure and practising regularly, you will build the confidence to approach any IELTS Writing Task 2 question effectively.
For further practice, you can explore free resources on the New Cambridge Online Training Platform, which offers sample questions, tips, and writing activities. Contact us today to receive your free account.