IELTS Academic Preparation Course: Writing Task 2: the essay

1. Question 1 of 16

   What is the suggested way to divide the 60 minutes of the Writing test?

   • AAbout 40 minutes on Task 1 and 20 minutes on Task 2
   • BAbout 30 minutes on each task
   • CAbout 10 minutes on Task 1 and 50 minutes on Task 2
   • DAbout 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2
   Show answer

   Answer: D. About 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2

   The official page says Task 1 should take about 20 minutes (no more than 20) and Task 2 no more than 40 minutes. Task 2 also counts twice as much as Task 1.

2. Question 2 of 16

   Which sentence is a complex sentence (a main clause joined to a dependent clause)?

   • AMany students study online every day at home now.
   • BAlthough online learning is flexible, many students miss face-to-face contact.
   • COnline learning is flexible and cheap and popular now.
   • DOnline learning is flexible. Many students like it a lot.
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   Answer: B. Although online learning is flexible, many students miss face-to-face contact.

   Grammatical range includes simple, compound and complex sentences. "Although…" starts a dependent clause joined to a main clause, which makes a complex sentence.

3. Question 3 of 16

   Which list shows the four criteria used to assess Task 2?

   • AIdeas; vocabulary; grammar; length and neatness of presentation
   • BContent; organisation; spelling and punctuation; handwriting
   • CTask response; coherence and cohesion; lexical resource; grammatical range and accuracy
   • DTask achievement; fluency and coherence; pronunciation; spelling and punctuation
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Task response; coherence and cohesion; lexical resource; grammatical range and accuracy

   Task 2 is marked for Task response, Coherence and cohesion, Lexical resource, and Grammatical range and accuracy. Task 1 uses Task achievement instead of Task response.

4. Question 4 of 16

   What happens if you write your Task 2 answer as notes or bullet points?

   • AIt is allowed in Task 2 but not in Task 1
   • BIt is penalised; you must write full sentences
   • CIt earns extra marks for clear organisation
   • DNothing happens, as long as the notes are clear
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   Answer: B. It is penalised; you must write full sentences

   The official page says answers must be written in full sentences. Notes and bullet points are penalised.

5. Question 5 of 16

   Which Task 2 question asks you to weigh the two sides and say which is stronger?

   • AWhat are the causes of this problem?
   • BDo the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
   • CWhat measures could be taken to solve this?
   • DWhy is this happening in many countries?
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   Answer: B. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

   "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" asks you to compare both sides and decide which is stronger. The others ask for causes or solutions.

6. Question 6 of 16

   Why is it risky to write fewer than 250 words in Task 2?

   • AIt may not show enough language for the higher bands
   • BThe answer automatically receives a score of band 0
   • CShort answers are returned to you to finish later
   • DThe examiner stops reading after the first 200 words
   Show answer

   Answer: A. It may not show enough language for the higher bands

   The official page explains that a short answer may not give enough evidence of the language needed for higher bands.

7. Question 7 of 16

   Which skill does the official format page list as one tested in Academic Writing Task 2?

   • ADescribing the stages of a process
   • BSummarising the data in a graph
   • CWriting a letter to a friend
   • DPresenting and justifying an opinion
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Presenting and justifying an opinion

   Task 2 tests skills such as presenting a solution, presenting and justifying an opinion, comparing evidence and evaluating ideas. Describing data and processes is Task 1.

8. Question 8 of 16

   Which sentence is most suitable for an academic essay?

   • AGovernments should invest more in public libraries.
   • BI reckon libraries are kind of cool, to be honest.
   • CGov'ts really gotta put loads more cash into libraries!
   • DLibraries = good, so more money pls.
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Governments should invest more in public libraries.

   Task 2 needs an academic or semi-formal, neutral style. Avoid slang, abbreviations and symbols.

9. Question 9 of 16

   An essay question says: "Cities should ban private cars from their centres." You must say how far you agree. Which thesis statement does this best?

   • ACars are a very common sight in most cities around the world today.
   • BThis essay will discuss cars, cities and several other related issues.
   • CSome people like cars, while other people prefer to walk or cycle.
   • DI strongly agree, because car-free centres are cleaner and safer for people on foot.
   Show answer

   Answer: D. I strongly agree, because car-free centres are cleaner and safer for people on foot.

   A clear thesis statement tells the examiner how far you agree, and why. The other sentences describe the topic but do not answer the question.

10. Question 10 of 16

    Choose the best words for the gap: "Bus fares were cut by half. ________, the number of passengers rose sharply."

    • AHowever
    • BAs a result
    • CFor example
    • DIn contrast
    Show answer

    Answer: B. As a result

    "As a result" shows that the second event was caused by the first. "However" and "in contrast" show contrast, and "for example" introduces an example.

11. Question 11 of 16

    Which sentence best avoids repeating "bike-sharing schemes"? "Many cities have introduced bike-sharing schemes. ________ reduce traffic."

    • AThese schemes
    • BThis schemes
    • CIt
    • DThem
    Show answer

    Answer: A. These schemes

    Referring words such as "these" help cohesion. "These" goes with a plural noun; "this" is singular, "it" is singular and "them" cannot be a subject.

12. Question 12 of 16

    Which sentence best supports the idea that learning a second language can improve career prospects?

    • AI personally like French more than Spanish because it sounds nicer.
    • BLanguages are very interesting to study, and many people enjoy them.
    • CFor example, firms that trade abroad need staff who speak other languages.
    • DMany people around the world learn English at school when they are young.
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    Answer: C. For example, firms that trade abroad need staff who speak other languages.

    A supporting sentence gives a relevant example or explanation that links directly to the main idea. The others are true but do not support the point.

13. Question 13 of 16

    Which is the best first sentence for a body paragraph about the benefits of studying abroad?

    • AOne major benefit of studying abroad is that students become more independent.
    • BThere are many things to say about this topic, as we will see.
    • CIn conclusion, studying abroad has a lot of different benefits.
    • DStudying abroad is a thing that many young people do nowadays.
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    Answer: A. One major benefit of studying abroad is that students become more independent.

    A good topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph clearly. The other sentences are too vague or belong in a conclusion.

14. Question 14 of 16

    Question: "Some people think university education should be free for everyone. Others think students should pay part of the cost. Discuss both views and give your own opinion." Which plan answers every part?

    • AIntroduction; two paragraphs on why education should be free; conclusion
    • BIntroduction; a paragraph on the history of universities; conclusion
    • CIntroduction with my view; a paragraph on free education; a paragraph on students paying; a conclusion
    • DIntroduction; a paragraph on problems with student loans; a paragraph on possible solutions; conclusion
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Introduction with my view; a paragraph on free education; a paragraph on students paying; a conclusion

    This question has three parts: view one, view two and your opinion. Only the plan with a paragraph on each view and a stated view covers every part.

15. Question 15 of 16

    Question: "Many young people find it hard to buy their first home. What are the causes of this problem, and what measures could be taken to solve it?" Which plan fits best?

    • AIntroduction; a paragraph on causes; a paragraph on solutions; conclusion
    • BIntroduction; a paragraph on my dream home; conclusion
    • CIntroduction; two paragraphs on causes; conclusion
    • DIntroduction; a paragraph on advantages of renting; a paragraph on disadvantages of renting; conclusion
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Introduction; a paragraph on causes; a paragraph on solutions; conclusion

    A problem–solution question has two parts: causes and solutions. Leaving out either part means you do not fully respond to the task.

16. Question 16 of 16

    Which sentence is the best way to begin a Task 2 conclusion?

    • AFor example, my cousin studied for free at a university in Germany.
    • BIn conclusion, although free courses have drawbacks, their benefits are greater.
    • CFirstly, I will explain both sides of this argument in detail.
    • DAnother important point is that courses cost a lot of money to run.
    Show answer

    Answer: B. In conclusion, although free courses have drawbacks, their benefits are greater.

    A conclusion sums up and restates your position. The other sentences add a new point, give a new example or belong in an introduction.

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