Top 3 mistakes students make in the IELTS Writing Task 2 — and how to fix them.
How can you improve your chances of getting the IELTS score which you need for your university course by improving your IELTS writing task 2 level?
Here are the three biggest mistakes students make in IELTS Writing Task 2 — and suggestions for improvement:
1. Not answering the question directly
Many students write generally about the topic but don’t fully address all parts of the prompt. Examiners penalize this under Task Response.
How to fix it:
- Spend 3–5 minutes analysing the question carefully.
- Identify what you need to do (e.g. discuss both views, give an opinion, provide solutions).
- Plan your main points before writing
2. Weak essay structure
Some essays lack clear organization — ideas are mixed, or paragraphs don’t link logically. This lowers your Coherence and Cohesion score.
How to fix it:
- Use a clear 4-paragraph structure: Introduction – 2 Body Paragraphs – Conclusion.
- Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence.
- Use linking words naturally (e.g. however, for example, therefore).
3. Overcomplicating language
Students often try to impress examiners with long, memorised phrases or very advanced words — which can lead to unnatural or incorrect sentences.
How to fix it:
- Aim for clarity and accuracy, not complexity.
- Use vocabulary you know how to use correctly.
- Vary sentence types naturally rather than forcing them.
By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on task response, structure, and clear language, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS writing task. Success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not about using complicated vocabulary, but about answering the question directly and communicating your ideas logically and accurately. With careful planning and regular practice, students can raise their band score and achieve the IELTS result they need for their academic goals.
