Overview
IELTS Writing Task 2 is a comprehensive test of your academic writing skills, including your ability to address the question, organize arguments, use precise vocabulary, and control grammar. Many candidates get stuck at band 5.5–6.0 not because of poor ideas, but due to recurring fundamental mistakes. This article summarizes the five most common errors and provides practical solutions to help you reach band 7.0+.
I. Summary Table: Mistakes and Their Impact
| Impact | Mistake | Criterion | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very High | Off-topic or missing part of the question | Task Response | Not addressing all parts of the task; can drop your score to band 5–6. |
| High | Weak or underdeveloped arguments | Task Response | Main ideas are not extended or supported, making arguments unconvincing. |
| Medium-High | Poor logical organization, missing topic sentence | Coherence & Cohesion | Lack of clear progression and central topic in each paragraph. |
| Medium | Unnatural word choice or wrong collocation | Lexical Resource | Lack of flexibility and precision in vocabulary; awkward or incorrect collocations. |
| Medium | Limited sentence structures, repeated grammar mistakes | Grammatical Range & Accuracy | Lack of complex structures or frequent repeated errors. |
II. Detailed Analysis of the 5 Most Common Mistakes
1. Off-topic or Missing Part of the Question (Task Response)
This is the most serious mistake and can drastically lower your score. Many essays only answer part of the question or misunderstand the task type (e.g., discuss, evaluate, to what extent, causes and solutions). Common issues include:
- Only discussing one side in a “Discuss both views” essay.
- Giving ideas unrelated to the question or going off-topic.
- Not stating your own opinion when required (e.g., in “Do you agree or disagree?” or “Discuss both views and give your opinion”).
- Misinterpreting the question type (e.g., writing about causes when asked for solutions).
Example Question 1: Some people believe that online learning is as effective as traditional classroom learning, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
❌ Poor Answer: Only talks about the benefits of online learning, ignores the opposing view, and does not state the writer’s opinion.
✅ Good Answer: Clearly discusses both views and states a personal opinion, e.g., “This essay will discuss both views before explaining why a blended approach is likely to be the most effective solution.”
Example Question 2: What are the causes of environmental pollution and what solutions can governments and individuals take?
❌ Poor Answer: Only lists causes, does not mention solutions.
✅ Good Answer: Addresses both causes and solutions in separate paragraphs, e.g., “This essay will examine the main causes of environmental pollution and propose effective solutions that both governments and individuals can implement.”
How to fix: Underline the task words, write a clear thesis statement, and check your outline to ensure all parts of the question are addressed. After writing, ask yourself: “Have I answered every part of the question?”
2. Weak or Underdeveloped Arguments (Task Response)
Many candidates have good ideas but only list them without explanation or examples. Band 7+ requires you to present, extend, and support main ideas. Underdeveloped arguments make your essay unconvincing and superficial.
- Arguments are stated but not explained (no “why” or “how”).
- No real-life or specific examples to illustrate points.
- Paragraphs are too short or only contain topic sentences.
Example Question: Traffic congestion is a growing problem in many cities. What are the causes and what measures can be taken to reduce it?
❌ Poor Answer: “One major cause of traffic congestion is that many people prefer to drive their own cars.” (No explanation or example.)
✅ Good Answer: “One major cause of traffic congestion is the widespread preference for private cars over public transport. When thousands of individuals choose to commute alone during peak hours, the number of vehicles increases dramatically, slowing down traffic flow. In cities such as Jakarta or Manila, long queues of single-occupancy cars are a daily occurrence, leading to severe delays and higher levels of air pollution.”
Example Question 2: Some people think that advertising encourages us to buy unnecessary things. Do you agree or disagree?
❌ Poor Answer: “Advertising makes people buy things.”
✅ Good Answer: “Advertising often manipulates consumer emotions by creating a sense of urgency or desire. For instance, limited-time offers and celebrity endorsements can persuade individuals to purchase products they do not actually need, as seen in the popularity of seasonal sales events like Black Friday.”
How to fix: Use a structure: Topic sentence → Explanation → Example. Ask yourself: “Have I explained why this is true? Have I given a real or hypothetical example?” Expand each main idea with at least 2-3 supporting sentences.
3. Poor Logical Organization or Missing Topic Sentence (Coherence & Cohesion)
Essays often lack a clear flow because ideas are mixed in one paragraph, or the order of ideas is confusing. To achieve Band 7+, your essay must have a “clear central topic within each paragraph” and logical sequencing.
Common Symptoms of this Mistake:
- Zigzag Logic: Jumping between advantages and disadvantages within the same paragraph.
- The “Laundry List” Approach: Listing many ideas (firstly, secondly, thirdly) without developing any of them.
- Missing Topic Sentences: Starting a paragraph with a specific example instead of a general main idea.
Useful Linking Words for Better Flow:
| Function | Linking Words (Formal) |
|---|---|
| To Add Ideas | Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Additionally |
| To Contrast | However, In contrast, On the other hand, Nevertheless |
| To Give Results | Consequently, As a result, Therefore, Thus |
| To Exemplify | For instance, For example, To illustrate, Such as |
Example Question: Some people believe that online learning is more convenient than traditional classroom learning. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
❌ Poor Answer: “Online learning is convenient. Many students feel lonely when studying online. Schools should improve teaching quality.” (No clear topic or logical flow.)
✅ Good Answer: “One major advantage of online learning is its high level of convenience. Students can access lessons from any location, which allows them to study even when commuting or travelling. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for working adults who must balance full-time employment with continuing education.”
Example Question 2: Some people think that the government should invest more in public transport. Do you agree or disagree?
❌ Poor Answer: “Public transport is important. It is sometimes crowded. People also use cars. The government should help.”
✅ Good Answer: “Investing in public transport offers significant benefits for urban populations. Not only does it reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, but it also provides affordable mobility for low-income residents. For example, cities like Singapore and Seoul have demonstrated that efficient public transit systems can greatly improve quality of life.”
How to fix: Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence, keep one main idea per paragraph, use logical connectors (e.g., furthermore, however, as a result), and check for clear progression. After writing, read each paragraph and ask: “Is this paragraph about one main idea? Does it flow logically?”
4. Unnatural Word Choice or Wrong Collocation (Lexical Resource)
Using simple, informal, or incorrect words lowers your score. Band 7+ requires “flexibility and precision,” meaning you use the right word for the context, not just the biggest word you know.
Common Vocabulary Traps:
- Spoken vs. Written English: Words like “kids”, “guys”, “stuff”, “super” are fine for speaking but too informal for Task 2.
- Vague Words: “Good”, “bad”, “nice”, “big” do not show lexical range.
- Wrong Collocations: Saying “commit a crime” (Correct) vs. “do a crime” (Incorrect).
Vocabulary Upgrade Table:
| Basic / Informal (Avoid) | Academic / Formal (Use) |
|---|---|
| Kids | Children, adolescents, youngsters, offspring |
| A lot of | A significant number of, a substantial amount of |
| Good (for society) | Beneficial, advantageous, constructive |
| Bad (effects) | Detrimental, adverse, harmful, negative |
| Get (a job/result) | Obtain, acquire, achieve, secure |
Example Question: Some people think governments should invest more in public healthcare. Do you agree or disagree?
❌ Poor Answer: “This policy is good and important for society. It helps people a lot and stops many bad health problems from happening.”
✅ Good Answer: “This policy is highly beneficial to public welfare and plays a crucial role in strengthening long-term healthcare resilience. By expanding access to essential medical services, governments can significantly reduce preventable diseases and improve overall population well-being.”
Example Question 2: Some people believe that children should start school at a very early age. Do you agree or disagree?
❌ Poor Answer: “Kids learn a lot of stuff when they go to school early.”
✅ Good Answer: “Early schooling can foster cognitive and social development in young children. For instance, research has shown that children who begin formal education at the age of four tend to develop stronger language and problem-solving skills.”
How to fix: Learn academic collocations (e.g., “play a vital role”, “pose a threat”, “bring significant benefits”), avoid informal words, and always check if your word choice is natural and precise. Read model essays and note useful phrases. Paraphrase only when you are sure of the meaning and context.
5. Limited Sentence Structures, Repeated Grammar Mistakes (Grammatical Range & Accuracy)
To score high in Grammar, you need two things: Range (using different types of sentences) and Accuracy (avoiding errors). Relying only on simple sentences will keep you at Band 5 or 6.
3 Structures to Master for Band 7+:
- Complex Sentences (Subordinate Clauses): Use although, even though, while, whereas to show contrast.
Example: “Although technology has improved communication, it has also reduced face-to-face interaction.” - Relative Clauses: Use which, who, that, where to add detail.
Example: “The policy, which was implemented last year, has had positive results.” - Passive Voice: Use to sound more objective.
Example: “It is argued that environmental laws should be strictly enforced.”
Common Errors to Watch:
- Run-on Sentences: Joining two sentences with a comma instead of a period or linking word.
Wrong: It is raining, I will stay home.
Right: It is raining, so I will stay home. - Subject-Verb Agreement: “The number of students is increasing” (not are).
Example Question: Many cities around the world are becoming increasingly expensive. What problems does this cause, and what measures can be taken to address them?
❌ Poor Answer: “Cities expand which leads to higher costs people cannot afford so they move away.”
✅ Good Answer: “As cities expand, living costs rise beyond many residents’ budgets. Consequently, many people choose to relocate to suburban areas in search of more affordable housing.”
Example Question 2: Some people believe that the government should provide free university education. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
❌ Poor Answer: “Government should give free education it is important students can learn more.”
✅ Good Answer: “Providing free university education would enable students from all backgrounds to pursue higher studies. As a result, society would benefit from a more educated workforce and reduced inequality.”
How to fix: Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences. Check for subject-verb agreement, articles, prepositions, and punctuation. Avoid run-on sentences and practice rewriting ideas in different structures. After writing, review each sentence: Is it clear? Is it grammatically correct? Is there variety in structure?
III. 12-Point Checklist Before Submitting Your Essay
- Have you answered all parts of the question?
- Is your thesis statement clear and direct?
- Does each body paragraph have one main idea?
- Does each paragraph start with a clear topic sentence?
- Do your paragraphs follow the logic: Main idea → Explanation → Example?
- Are your linking words used correctly?
- Are there any informal words or phrases?
- Are your collocations natural and accurate?
- Have you avoided repeating the same words too often?
- Is subject-verb agreement correct?
- Are any sentences too long or confusing?
- Is your punctuation accurate?
IV. Conclusion
Understanding and avoiding these five common mistakes will help you meet all four IELTS Writing Task 2 criteria. Use the summary table, detailed analysis, and checklist to review your work and practice writing essays that are clear, logical, and academic. With consistent effort, achieving band 7.0+ is within your reach!
