IELTS Writing Task 2 requires candidates to write a formal essay in response to a question. To achieve a Band 7 or higher, it's important not only to present strong ideas but also to avoid common mistakes that often lower scores.
Below are the key pitfalls and how to avoid them to maximize your essay score.
Critical Warning!
These 7 mistakes can significantly reduce your IELTS Writing Task 2 band score, even if your ideas are strong.
Avoid them at all costs to secure Band 7 or higher!
1. Misunderstanding the Question
The Problem:
One of the most frequent issues is failing to fully understand the question statement. Candidates sometimes write off-topic essays or only respond to part of the question.
Common Issues:
- • Writing about a different topic
- • Addressing only one part of a two-part question
- • Misinterpreting the instruction type
- • Going completely off-topic
How to Avoid It:
Analyse the task carefully before you start writing:
- • Identify the topic: What is the essay about?
- • Understand the instruction type: Discuss both views, agree/disagree, problem/solution, advantages/disadvantages
- • Highlight keywords: Circle important words in the question
- • Plan your answer accordingly: Spend 3-5 minutes planning
- • Check your plan: Does it fully answer the question?
2. Poor Structure ️
The Problem:
A clear structure is essential. An essay without proper paragraphs or logical flow will lose marks for Coherence and Cohesion.
Structural Issues:
- • No clear paragraph divisions
- • Ideas jumping randomly
- • Missing introduction or conclusion
- • Illogical flow of arguments
How to Avoid It:
Follow a clear 4-5 paragraph structure:
- Paragraph 1: Introduction (paraphrase question + thesis statement)
- Paragraph 2: Body Paragraph 1 (first main idea + explanation + example)
- Paragraph 3: Body Paragraph 2 (second main idea + explanation + example)
- Paragraph 4: (Optional) Body Paragraph 3 (if needed)
- Final Paragraph: Conclusion (summarize + restate opinion)
Linking Words: Use connectors like however, in addition, on the other hand, furthermore, consequently, but don't overuse them!
3. Weak Thesis Statement
The Problem:
Your introduction should clearly state your position or outline what your essay will discuss. A vague or missing thesis statement confuses the reader.
Weak Thesis Examples:
"This essay will talk about education."
"There are many views on this topic."
How to Avoid It:
Write a clear, specific thesis statement that:
- • Directly answers the question
- • States your clear position or plan
- • Previews your main points
- • Uses confident language
Strong Thesis Examples:
"I strongly believe that university education should be free because it promotes social equality and economic growth."
"This essay will examine both the benefits and drawbacks of remote work before concluding that its advantages outweigh the disadvantages."
Remember: A strong thesis helps the examiner understand your argument from the beginning!
4. Lack of Development
The Problem:
Some students list ideas without explaining them. Each main point needs to be supported with explanations, examples, or evidence.
Underdeveloped Example:
"Technology is good. It helps people. Education benefits too. Many students use computers."
Too vague, no explanation or examples
How to Avoid It:
Use the P.E.E. structure for body paragraphs:
- P - Point: State your main idea
- E - Explanation: Explain why/how this is true
- E - Example: Give a specific example or evidence
Well-Developed Example:
"Technology has revolutionized modern education. (Point) Online learning platforms enable students to access high-quality courses from prestigious universities worldwide, breaking down geographical barriers. (Explanation) For instance, platforms like Coursera and edX offer thousands of courses taught by professors from Harvard and MIT, allowing learners from developing countries to receive world-class education. (Example)"
Remember: A Band 7 essay must develop arguments logically and clearly with full explanations!
5. Inappropriate Tone or Informal Language ️
The Problem:
Remember, this is a formal academic essay. Informal language or casual tone will cost you marks.
Informal Language to Avoid:
- • Contractions: don't, can't, won't, isn't
- • Slang: cool, awesome, kids, stuff, things
- • Personal pronouns: I, you, we (use sparingly)
- • Casual phrases: a lot of, lots of, gonna, wanna
- • Question tags: isn't it?, right?
How to Avoid It:
Use formal, academic language:
| Informal | Formal |
|---|---|
| don't, can't | do not, cannot |
| a lot of | many, numerous, substantial |
| kids | children, young people |
| really important | crucial, essential, vital |
| get better | improve, enhance, develop |
️ Important: Use an academic tone, but don't try to sound too complex or use memorised phrases that don't fit the context!
6. Grammatical Errors and Repetition ️
The Problem:
Frequent grammar mistakes and limited sentence variety can prevent you from scoring Band 7.
Common Grammar Mistakes:
- • Subject-verb agreement errors
- • Wrong article usage (a, an, the)
- • Incorrect verb tenses
- • Run-on sentences
- • Repetitive vocabulary
How to Avoid It:
Improve your grammatical range and vocabulary:
Sentence Variety Tips:
- • Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences
- • Use relative clauses: "Students who study regularly..."
- • Include conditional sentences: "If governments invest..."
- • Use passive voice when appropriate
Avoid Repetition:
- • Use synonyms instead of repeating words
- • Learn collocations (natural word combinations)
- • Use pronouns and referencing to avoid repetition
- • Demonstrate a range of vocabulary
Focus Areas for Grammar Review:
- • Subject-verb agreement
- • Articles (a, an, the)
- • Verb tenses and consistency
- • Prepositions
- • Punctuation
7. Incorrect Word Count
The Problem:
Essays under 250 words are penalised. However, writing too much can lead to errors and poor organisation.
Word Count Issues:
- • Under 250 words: Automatic band score penalty
- • Too long (350+ words): More chances for errors, time wasted
- • Unbalanced paragraphs: Poor organisation
How to Avoid It:
Follow the optimal word count strategy:
Target: 260-290 Words
This range gives you enough space to develop ideas without risking too many errors.
Recommended Word Distribution:
- • Introduction: 40-50 words
- • Body Paragraph 1: 80-90 words
- • Body Paragraph 2: 80-90 words
- • Conclusion: 40-50 words
Pro Tip: Focus on clarity and quality rather than length. A well-developed 270-word essay beats a poorly written 350-word essay every time!
Quick Reference: Mistakes Summary
1. Misunderstanding Question
Analyze carefully, identify all parts
2. Poor Structure
Use 4-5 paragraph format
3. Weak Thesis
State clear position from start
4. Lack of Development
Use P.E.E. structure
5. Informal Language
Use academic, formal tone
6. Grammar & Repetition
Vary sentences, use synonyms
7. Wrong Word Count
Aim for 260-290 words
Final Takeaways
Avoiding these seven mistakes will significantly improve your chances of scoring Band 7 or higher in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Remember the Key Success Factors:
- • Fully understand and answer the question
- • Follow a clear, logical structure
- • Write a strong thesis statement
- • Develop ideas with explanations and examples
- • Maintain a formal, academic tone
- • Use varied grammar and vocabulary
- • Write 260-290 words of high quality
Success comes from avoiding mistakes AND demonstrating strong writing skills!
Ready to Master IELTS Writing Task 2?
Stop making these common mistakes and start writing Band 7+ essays with confidence!
At Pyramid e-Institute, we provide comprehensive IELTS Writing Task 2 training with personalized feedback on your essays, helping you identify and correct these mistakes before your exam.
Start Your Essay Mastery Journey Today