How Can I Get a High Score in IELTS Essay (Writing Task 2)?

IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay) is often the section that makes the biggest difference in your overall score. That’s because it assesses more than your English level: idea organization, academic tone, paragraph structure, and error control are all evaluated together. The key to a high band is not “writing a lot,” but using the right structure + the right content + the right checking system.

1) Know the scoring criteria first

Writing Task 2 is scored across four main criteria:

• Task Response: Did you answer the question correctly? Is your position clear?

• Coherence & Cohesion: Is the paragraphing clear? Is the flow logical?

• Lexical Resource: Is your word choice accurate? Is there repetition?

• Grammar Range & Accuracy: Do you use a range of structures with minimal errors?

To reach a higher band, you must target these four criteria one by one.

2) The safest structure: 4 paragraphs

For most candidates, the most stable and controlled format is:

• Introduction (2–3 sentences)

• Body Paragraph 1 (one main idea + example)

• Body Paragraph 2 (second main idea + example)

• Conclusion (1–2 sentences)

Five paragraphs can work too, but four is usually cleaner and easier to control under time pressure.

3) The most common mistake in the introduction

When the introduction becomes too long, you waste time and increase the risk of grammar mistakes.

An ideal introduction:

• paraphrase the question in your own words

• give a clear thesis/opinion

The goal is not to “sound smart”—it’s to be clear.

4) The golden rule for body paragraphs: One main idea only

Each body paragraph should follow this pattern:

• Topic sentence (state the main idea)

• Explanation (why?)

• Example (real-life or general example)

• Mini conclusion (reinforce the point)

The biggest score killer is jumping between 3–4 different ideas in one paragraph.

5) A method to fix “I can’t think of ideas”

You don’t need a “perfect idea” in IELTS. You get points for:

• a logical idea

• clear explanation

• strong example support

Fast idea generation frameworks:

• Cause / Effect

• Advantages / Disadvantages

• Problem / Solution

• Short-term / Long-term

With these four, you can create content for almost any topic.

6) The linking words trap

Overusing linking words makes your writing sound unnatural. Use fewer—but use them correctly:

• however, therefore, moreover, for example, as a result

• on the other hand (contrast)

• in addition (adding)

A logical paragraph structure scores higher than “too many connectors.”

7) Vocabulary: Choose accurate words, not forced “big words”

Vocabulary matters, but:

• using difficult words incorrectly lowers your band

• repeating very simple words limits your band

Solution:

• avoid repeating the same word → use synonyms

• don’t overcomplicate sentences → keep an academic, clean style

8) Grammar: Fewer errors = higher band

To score well, every sentence does not need to be complex. Aim for 80% clean sentences.

A simple system:

• mostly strong simple/compound sentences

• a few controlled complex sentences

• a final 2-minute error check

9) Time management (the most practical plan)

A strong 40-minute plan for Task 2:

• 5 min: plan (2 main ideas + examples)

• 30 min: write

• 5 min: check (hunt for errors)

The checking stage is where many students gain points—because small mistakes can drop your band.

10) Final checklist (before you submit)

• Is your thesis/opinion clear?

• Does each paragraph have one main idea?

• Did you give an example?

• Are there repeated words?

• Any errors in subject–verb agreement, articles, plurals, tenses?

Even a 2–3 minute checklist can make a big difference.

A 2-Week Mini Study Plan

Weekdays (4 days):

• Write 1 Task 2 essay (30–40 min)

• Create a 10-minute correction list

2 days:

• Read 2 sample essays

• Analyze structure and paragraph logic

Weekend:

• Write 1 full Task 2 under exam conditions

• 20-minute detailed correction + rewrite key parts

Conclusion

A high Writing Task 2 score does not come from writing longer. It comes from clear structure, strong paragraphs, and low error rate. With the right system, Writing can become one of the fastest-improving IELTS areas.