IELTS Writing Task 2 checklist

Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1, and it's where most candidates lose marks they didn't need to. Examiners score four equally-weighted criteria. Run this checklist before you submit any practice essay.

1. Task response

• You answered every part of the question - not a similar question you'd rather answer.
• Your position is clear in the introduction and stays consistent to the end.
• Each main idea is developed with explanation and a specific example.
• You wrote at least 250 words (under-length is penalised).

2. Coherence & cohesion

• One clear idea per paragraph, each with a topic sentence.
• Linking words are used accurately, not stacked for show.
• The reader never has to re-read to follow your logic.

3. Lexical resource (vocabulary)

• Precise word choice over "impressive" words used incorrectly.
• Some less common vocabulary and natural collocations.
• Minimal repetition; spelling errors are rare.

4. Grammatical range & accuracy

• A mix of simple and complex sentences.
• Most sentences are error-free - accuracy beats ambition.
• Punctuation and articles are controlled.