Writing Task 2: the essay

Lessons in this module

Lessons marked free are open to everyone; the rest need a login, which isn’t open to everyone yet.

1. What Writing Task 2 asks forfree40 minThe four marking criteria in plain English, what lifts an essay from about band 6 to 7, and five common mistakes that cost marks.
2. The five question types60 minRecognise the five main Task 2 question types, know exactly what each one asks you to write, and choose a paragraph plan that answers every part of the question.
3. Plan your essay in five minutes60 minA six-step method that turns any Task 2 question into a clear position, two developed ideas and a paragraph map in about five minutes, with timed practice.
4. Write a strong introduction55 minA three-move method for Task 2 introductions: paraphrase the topic, answer the question and show the route, in two or three sentences, for every question type.
5. Build body paragraphs that score60 minA four-part method for Task 2 body paragraphs: a clear topic sentence, a real explanation, a realistic example and a link back, with careful claims instead of sweeping ones.
6. Finish with a clear conclusion60 minRestate your position and sum up your reasons in one or two sentences, matched to your introduction and with nothing new, for every Task 2 question type.
7. Coherence and cohesion60 minMake your essay easy to follow: put ideas in a logical order, join sentences with clear reference words and the right linkers, and stop overusing ‘Moreover’.
8. Vocabulary that sounds natural60 minChoose precise words, natural collocations and the right tone for Task 2, avoid repetition and common word-choice errors, with topic tables and plenty of practice.
9. Grammar for a higher band60 minThe structures worth using in Task 2, five errors that cost marks again and again, the punctuation you need, and a five-minute grammar check for the end of the exam.
10. Example essays with notes60 minThree original essays at about band 6, 7 and 8 (our estimates), with notes on every criterion showing what lifts an essay a band, and practice upgrading one yourself.
11. Timed practice: six essay questions60 minA minute-by-minute routine for 40-minute essays, our own checklist for marking your work, six original timed questions on all five types, and a next-day review that turns mistakes into progress.