Lesson 5 of 8 · 15 min read
Writing Task 2
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Write an essay of at least 250 words in about 40 minutes, responding to a point of view, argument or problem. It's the same for Academic and General Training, and worth twice as much as Task 1.
How it's marked
| Criterion (25% each) | What examiners look for |
|---|---|
| Task Response | You answer every part of the question, give a clear position, and support ideas with explanations and examples. |
| Coherence & Cohesion | Logical paragraphs, one main idea each, linked clearly but naturally. |
| Lexical Resource | A range of vocabulary used accurately, including less common words, with few spelling errors. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | A mix of simple and complex sentences, with most of them error-free. |
Know your question type
| Type | Recognise it by | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion | "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" | Choose a clear position and keep it throughout. |
| Discussion | "Discuss both views and give your opinion." | One paragraph per view, and state your own opinion. |
| Problem / solution | "What are the causes? What can be done?" | One paragraph for causes or problems, one for solutions. |
| Advantages / disadvantages | "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" | Cover both, then say which side is stronger. |
| Two-part question | Two direct questions | Answer both questions fully. |
A reliable structure
- Introduction (2–3 sentences): paraphrase the topic, then give your answer or position (your thesis).
- Body paragraph 1: a topic sentence with your main point, an explanation of why, and a specific example.
- Body paragraph 2: the same pattern for your second point (or the other view).
- Conclusion (1–2 sentences): restate your position in new words. No new ideas.
Spend 5 minutes planning before you write. Jot down your position and one idea plus example for each body paragraph. Planned essays are more coherent and rarely go off-topic.
Task: Some people believe that university education should be free for everyone. Others think students should pay for their own studies. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Whether university should be free is a question many governments are wrestling with as demand for higher education grows. While there are reasonable arguments for asking students to contribute, I believe that free tuition benefits society as a whole and should be the goal.
Those who favour tuition fees argue that graduates are the main beneficiaries of their degrees, since they tend to earn more over their lifetimes. From this perspective, it seems unfair for taxpayers who never attended university to fund those who will later enjoy higher salaries. Fees may also encourage students to choose their courses carefully and take their studies seriously.
However, this view overlooks how much a country gains from an educated population. Doctors, engineers and teachers trained at public expense go on to serve millions of people, and a skilled workforce attracts investment and creates jobs. Moreover, fees deter talented students from poorer families, who are often unwilling to take on large debts. In countries such as Germany, where tuition is free at public universities, access to higher education depends far less on family income.
In conclusion, although graduates do benefit personally from their education, the wider social and economic returns are so significant that university should be free, ensuring that ability rather than wealth decides who studies.
About 270 words. Clear position in the introduction and conclusion, both views discussed, each point explained and supported with an example.
Common mistakes that cost bands
- Writing under 250 words. You'll lose marks for Task Response.
- Memorised phrases that don't fit ("In this day and age, it is a burning question…"). Examiners spot them instantly.
- Overusing linkers such as Furthermore, Moreover and Additionally at the start of every sentence.
- Giving many ideas with no development. Two well-explained points beat five listed ones.
- Copying whole phrases from the question. Paraphrase it instead.
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