IELTS Writing Task 2: Common Mistakes

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to write an academic essay of at least 250 words in response to a question. It tests your ability to present arguments, analyze issues, and use formal language effectively. Many students struggle because they overlook key strategies.

✅ Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Misunderstanding the Question

  • Writing off-topic because the question wasn’t analyzed properly.

  • Example:
    Question: “Some people think children should learn how to manage money in school. Do you agree or disagree?”
    Mistake: Writing about why money is important instead of whether schools should teach it.

2. Poor Essay Structure

  • Mixing multiple ideas in one paragraph or skipping the conclusion.

  • Tip: Use a clear structure:
    Introduction → Body Paragraph 1 → Body Paragraph 2 → Conclusion

3. Informal Language

  • Avoid phrases like “kids should learn stuff”.
    Better: “Children should acquire financial literacy through formal education.”

4. Weak Thesis Statement

  • Bad: “I think it’s good.”

  • Better: “This essay argues that teaching money management in schools is essential because it promotes financial responsibility and independence.”

5. Grammar & Collocation Errors

  • Wrong: “It depends of the situation.”

  • Correct: “It depends on the situation.”

✅ Expert Tips for High Band Scores

  • Plan before writing: Spend 3–5 minutes outlining ideas.

  • Use academic vocabulary: Replace simple words (big → significant).

  • Support ideas with examples: Use realistic, not personal, examples.

  • Check your work: Leave 3 minutes for proofreading.

✅ Band 9 Sample Essay

Question:
“Some people believe that governments should invest more in public transportation than in building new roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Sample Essay (Band 9)

Introduction:
It is often argued that governments should prioritize investment in public transportation rather than expanding road networks. I completely agree with this view because efficient public transport reduces traffic congestion and minimizes environmental damage.

Body Paragraph 1:
Firstly, investing in public transportation can significantly alleviate traffic congestion. In many urban areas, private vehicles dominate the roads, leading to severe traffic jams during peak hours. For example, cities such as Singapore have successfully reduced congestion by improving their metro systems, which encourages commuters to opt for trains instead of cars. This demonstrates that enhancing public transport infrastructure can lead to smoother traffic flow and improved productivity.

Body Paragraph 2:
Secondly, public transportation is far more environmentally sustainable compared to road expansion. Constructing new roads often results in deforestation and increased carbon emissions from vehicles. In contrast, modern public transport systems, such as electric buses and trains, produce fewer emissions and help combat climate change. For instance, the introduction of electric trams in Amsterdam has significantly lowered the city’s carbon footprint, proving that eco-friendly transport solutions are both practical and effective.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, prioritizing investment in public transportation over building new roads is essential for reducing congestion and protecting the environment. Governments should therefore allocate more resources to sustainable transport systems to ensure long-term urban development.

✅ Why This Is Band 9

  • Task Response: Fully addresses the question with a clear position throughout.

  • Coherence & Cohesion: Logical structure, clear linking words (Firstly, Secondly, In contrast, For instance).

  • Lexical Resource: Advanced vocabulary (alleviate, prioritize, allocate, sustainable, carbon footprint).

  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Complex sentences with accurate grammar.

✅ Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Identify the Task Type

For each question, write the task type (Agree/Disagree, Discuss Both Views, Problem-Solution):

  1. “Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others believe there are better alternatives. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

  2. “Many people believe that technology has made communication easier. Do you agree or disagree?”

  3. “What problems do cities face due to overpopulation, and what solutions can be implemented?”

Exercise 2: Improve the Thesis

Rewrite these weak thesis statements:

  1. “I think it’s good to use technology.”

  2. “Crime is bad, so we should stop it.”

Exercise 3: Vocabulary Upgrade

Replace the underlined words with academic alternatives:

  1. It is a big problem in many countries.

  2. Education is good for society.

  3. Traffic jams are a bad thing for cities.

Exercise 4: Write an Introduction

Question:
“Some people believe that online education is as effective as traditional classroom learning. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

✅ Pro Tip

Practice under timed conditions and review Band 9 sample essays to learn structure and vocabulary.

Minju B