Many IELTS candidates lose crucial band scores in the Writing Task 2 opinion essay, not because they lack ideas, but because they mishandle structure, clarity, and argument development. Examiners assess task response, coherence, vocabulary, and grammar with strict criteria.
Even small weaknesses can drop a Band 7 answer to Band 6. Why do capable test takers still struggle? The issue often lies in avoidable patterns. Understanding common errors helps you write with control and confidence.
To fix this issue, state your opinion in the introduction using a direct sentence such as, “I strongly agree that…” Then maintain the same stance in each body paragraph. Avoid changing sides midway. Ask yourself: if someone reads only my introduction and conclusion, will they know my exact view?
You should follow a simple structure: point, explanation, example. After stating an idea, explain why it matters. Add a short real-world example, such as online learning during the COVID-19 period, when UNESCO reported that over 1.5 billion learners faced school closures. Specific evidence strengthens credibility and coherence.
Use clear topic sentences. For instance, begin with “One major reason for this view involves economic benefits.” Then build the paragraph around that single idea. Keep paragraphs between 4–6 sentences. Logical flow helps the examiner follow your reasoning without effort.
Choose words you can control. Instead of writing “ameliorate pedagogical frameworks,” write “improve teaching methods.” Precision matters more than decoration. The British Council reports that lexical errors form one of the main reasons candidates remain at Band 6. Focus on collocations such as “play a vital role” or “pose a challenge” rather than obscure vocabulary.
Underline key parts of the question before writing. If the prompt asks, “Do you agree or disagree?” give only your opinion, not a balanced debate. Spend 5 minutes planning. Candidates who plan produce more focused essays and fewer off-topic ideas.
Even small weaknesses can drop a Band 7 answer to Band 6. Why do capable test takers still struggle? The issue often lies in avoidable patterns. Understanding common errors helps you write with control and confidence.
1. Failing to Present a Clear Opinion
Examiners expect a direct position from the introduction to the conclusion. Many candidates write balanced discussions without stating a firm view. This approach confuses the reader and weakens task response. The IELTS public band descriptors state that a Band 7 essay must present a “clear position throughout the response.”To fix this issue, state your opinion in the introduction using a direct sentence such as, “I strongly agree that…” Then maintain the same stance in each body paragraph. Avoid changing sides midway. Ask yourself: if someone reads only my introduction and conclusion, will they know my exact view?
2. Writing Ideas Without Proper Development
Students often list points instead of explaining them. A paragraph that contains only general claims lacks depth. For example, writing “technology improves education” without explanation does not meet Band 7 requirements.You should follow a simple structure: point, explanation, example. After stating an idea, explain why it matters. Add a short real-world example, such as online learning during the COVID-19 period, when UNESCO reported that over 1.5 billion learners faced school closures. Specific evidence strengthens credibility and coherence.
3. Poor Paragraph Organisation
Some essays contain long blocks of text with mixed ideas. This structure reduces readability and coherence. Each paragraph should focus on one central idea that supports your opinion.Use clear topic sentences. For instance, begin with “One major reason for this view involves economic benefits.” Then build the paragraph around that single idea. Keep paragraphs between 4–6 sentences. Logical flow helps the examiner follow your reasoning without effort.
4. Overusing Complex Vocabulary Incorrectly
Candidates often believe that rare words guarantee a high score. They insert advanced terms incorrectly, which leads to unnatural or incorrect sentences. The marking criteria reward accuracy more than difficulty.Choose words you can control. Instead of writing “ameliorate pedagogical frameworks,” write “improve teaching methods.” Precision matters more than decoration. The British Council reports that lexical errors form one of the main reasons candidates remain at Band 6. Focus on collocations such as “play a vital role” or “pose a challenge” rather than obscure vocabulary.
5. Ignoring the Question Requirements
Many writers partially answer the prompt. For example, a question may ask for your opinion and reasons, yet the essay discusses advantages and disadvantages instead. This mistake lowers the task response score significantly.Underline key parts of the question before writing. If the prompt asks, “Do you agree or disagree?” give only your opinion, not a balanced debate. Spend 5 minutes planning. Candidates who plan produce more focused essays and fewer off-topic ideas.