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IELTS Academic Writing Task 2

Writing Task 2

Ensayo argumentativo de 250+ palabras en 40 minutos. Vale el doble que el Task 1. Domina las sub-habilidades que separan Band 5 de Band 7+: leer el prompt, construir tesis, desarrollar argumentos y revisar el ensayo como examinador.

OpinionDiscussionProblem-SolutionAdvantagesTwo-part question

Formato oficial vs estrategia WeLearn

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 pide un ensayo de al menos 250 palabras. WeLearn separa el entrenamiento en tipo de prompt, tesis, párrafos de cuerpo, linking language, conclusión y práctica completa para que el formato oficial no se confunda con categorías pedagógicas.

Respuesta explicada

Las rutas y el banco de prompts explican por qué una tesis responde la instrucción, cómo progresa un párrafo y qué trampas aparecen cuando se ignora una parte del prompt.

IELTS Writing Task 2 question types

Task 2 is a 250+ word essay written in 40 minutes, but prompts do not all require the same skeleton.

The final instruction determines the structure. If you misidentify the type, you can write fluent English and still lose Task Response. WeLearn trains this as Lego blocks: each question type changes the thesis, body paragraphs and conclusion.

Visual architecture: choose the right essay skeleton

Opinion essay architecture: introduction, thesis, two body paragraphs and conclusion. This is an original WeLearn learning visual, not an official IELTS document.Opinion essay architectureOriginal WeLearn visual: each paragraph has one job.1Introduction

paraphrase

2Thesis

clear position

3Body 1

strongest reason

4Body 2

second reason / concession

5Conclusion

restated position

Discussion essay architecture: introduction, thesis, two body paragraphs and conclusion. This is an original WeLearn learning visual, not an official IELTS document.Discussion essay architectureOriginal WeLearn visual: each paragraph has one job.1Introduction

paraphrase

2Thesis

both views + opinion

3Body 1

View A

4Body 2

View B + evaluation

5Conclusion

balanced opinion

Problem–Solution essay architecture: introduction, thesis, two body paragraphs and conclusion. This is an original WeLearn learning visual, not an official IELTS document.Problem–Solution essay architectureOriginal WeLearn visual: each paragraph has one job.1Introduction

paraphrase

2Thesis

diagnosis + response

3Body 1

causes / effects

4Body 2

targeted solutions

5Conclusion

solution summary

Advantages–Disadvantages essay architecture: introduction, thesis, two body paragraphs and conclusion. This is an original WeLearn learning visual, not an official IELTS document.Advantages–Disadvantages essay architectureOriginal WeLearn visual: each paragraph has one job.1Introduction

paraphrase

2Thesis

balance / outweigh

3Body 1

advantages

4Body 2

disadvantages + judgement

5Conclusion

final balance

Direct Questions essay architecture: introduction, thesis, two body paragraphs and conclusion. This is an original WeLearn learning visual, not an official IELTS document.Direct Questions essay architectureOriginal WeLearn visual: each paragraph has one job.1Introduction

paraphrase

2Thesis

roadmap: Q1 + Q2

3Body 1

answer Q1

4Body 2

answer Q2

5Conclusion

both answers joined

Opinion

To what extent do you agree or disagree? / Do you agree or disagree?

Task: Take a clear position and defend it throughout the essay.

  1. Paraphrase the topic
  2. Thesis with a position
  3. Body 1: main reason
  4. Body 2: second reason or refuted concession
  5. Conclusion with your position

Common trap: Treating both sides equally as if this were a Discussion essay.

Practise this question type →

Discussion

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Task: Explain both positions and then evaluate which one is more convincing.

  1. Paraphrase the debate
  2. Balanced thesis with a final opinion
  3. Body 1: View A
  4. Body 2: View B + your evaluation
  5. Conclusion with your opinion

Common trap: Forgetting your opinion or adding it only as a decorative sentence.

Practise this question type →

Problem–Solution

What are the causes/problems? What measures/solutions can be taken?

Task: Diagnose causes or problems and propose connected solutions.

  1. Paraphrase the problem
  2. Diagnostic thesis + response
  3. Body 1: causes/problems
  4. Body 2: solutions that address those causes
  5. Conclusion

Common trap: Offering generic solutions that do not answer the diagnosis.

Practise this question type →

Advantages–Disadvantages

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages. / Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Task: Evaluate the pros and cons of a trend or development.

  1. Paraphrase the development
  2. Thesis with a balance or outweigh judgement
  3. Body 1: advantages
  4. Body 2: disadvantages + evaluation
  5. Balanced conclusion

Common trap: Listing pros and cons without answering whether one side outweighs the other.

Practise this question type →

Direct Questions

Why is this happening? Is this positive or negative? / What are the reasons? What effects does this have?

Task: Answer two explicit questions without leaving either one incomplete.

  1. Paraphrase the topic
  2. Thesis that announces Q1 + Q2
  3. Body 1: answer Q1
  4. Body 2: answer Q2
  5. Conclusion joining both answers

Common trap: Turning the second question into solutions when it asks for an evaluation.

Practise this question type →

Writing Task 2 Lego system

An essay becomes manageable when every sentence has a function.

Treat each part as a block: if a block has no function, remove it. If a block is missing, the essay loses its structure. This flow connects writing, conjunctions and syllogism resources with real IELTS practice.

BLOCK 1

Read the prompt

Detect the question type and final instruction.

Output: Know whether to give an opinion, discuss, diagnose, evaluate pros and cons or answer two questions.

Practise →

BLOCK 2

Paraphrasing

Rewrite the topic without copying long phrases.

Output: The first sentence of the introduction.

Practise →

BLOCK 3

Take a position

Choose a stance, balance or roadmap according to the type.

Output: A clear thesis that matches the question.

Practise →

BLOCK 4

Body 1

Topic sentence + explanation + example + closing link.

Output: The first argument or first question answered.

Practise →

BLOCK 5

Body 2

Second argument, opposing view, solution or Q2.

Output: The second development block without losing coherence.

Practise →

BLOCK 6

Linking words

Connect logical functions: contrast, cause, example, result and conclusion.

Output: Natural cohesion instead of a memorised chain of linkers.

Practise →

BLOCK 7

Syllogism

General premise + specific case + controlled conclusion.

Output: Arguments that move logically from one idea to the next.

Practise →

BLOCK 8

Conclusion

Restate the thesis and close without new information.

Output: A brief, evaluative final paragraph.

Practise →

BLOCK 9

Final critical reading

Read like an examiner: instruction, position, development, cohesion and errors.

Output: A quick correction pass before submitting.

Practise →

BLOCK 10

Complete task

40 minutes, 250+ words and a global review.

Output: A complete essay with a checklist and model answer.

Practise →

Conjunctions and linking phrases by function

Addition: moreover, furthermore, in addition, likewise

Contrast: however, nevertheless, whereas, by contrast

Cause: because, since, as a result of, due to

Result: therefore, consequently, hence, as a result

Example: for example, for instance, such as, this can be seen in

Concession: although, even though, despite this, admittedly

Conclusion: overall, in conclusion, ultimately, for these reasons

Syllogism applied to a body paragraph

General premise

When children spend most of their free time online, they have fewer opportunities to practise face-to-face communication.

Specific case

For example, a teenager who studies and socialises mainly through a screen may avoid group activities at school.

Logical conclusion

As a result, excessive screen time can weaken social confidence rather than simply change the medium of interaction.

Sentence types for building arguments

Claim sentence

Presents the central point of the paragraph.

Public transport is a more efficient use of urban space than private cars.

Complex cause sentence

Explains why something happens using because, since, as or due to.

Because buses carry many passengers in limited space, they reduce congestion more effectively than road expansion.

Concession sentence

Acknowledges an objection without abandoning your position.

Although road construction may relieve traffic temporarily, it often encourages more car use in the long term.

Result sentence

Closes a logical chain with therefore, as a result or consequently.

Consequently, governments should prioritise mass transit when planning urban infrastructure.

🔍Sub-habilidad 1

Tipo de Ensayo

Identifica si el enunciado pide opinión, discusión, problema-solución, ventajas/desventajas o dos preguntas. El error más costoso del Task 2.

5 tipos · práctica guiadaPracticar →
✍️Sub-habilidad 2

Introducción

Parafrasea el tema sin copiar + escribe tu tesis en menos de 60 palabras. El examinador evalúa esto primero.

Paraphrase + ThesisPracticar →
🔁Sub-habilidad 3

Paraphrasing

Reescribe el tema con precisión: cambia vocabulario, estructura y enfoque sin alterar el significado.

Prompt → TopicPracticar →
🎯Sub-habilidad 4

Tomar posición

Aprende a decidir postura, balance u hoja de ruta según el tipo de pregunta.

Stance · ThesisPracticar →
🧱Sub-habilidad 5

Párrafos de Cuerpo

Estructura TEEL: Topic sentence → Explanation → Example → Link back. Sin esto tu ensayo carece de cohesión.

TEEL · 3 ejerciciosPracticar →
🔗Sub-habilidad 6

Linking Language

Conectores por función: adición, contraste, causa-efecto, ejemplo y conclusión. Lo que sube de Band 5 a Band 7.

5 categorías · Gap fillPracticar →
🧠Sub-habilidad 7

Lógica y syllogism

Convierte ideas en argumentos: premisa general, caso específico y conclusión lógica.

Premise · ThereforePracticar →
🏁Sub-habilidad 8

Conclusión

Retoma la tesis con otras palabras y resume los puntos principales. Nunca introduzcas información nueva.

Restate + SummarizePracticar →
🔎Sub-habilidad 9

Lectura crítica final

Lee tu ensayo como examinador: instrucción respondida, posición consistente, conectores funcionales y errores visibles.

Final readPracticar →
⏱️Sub-habilidad 10

Tarea Completa

Práctica real: 40 minutos, 250+ palabras, auto-evaluación con rúbrica Band 1–9 y respuesta modelo.

Full Task · 40 minPracticar →

Práctica por tipo de ensayo

Essay type

Opinion essay

Practica agree/disagree y to what extent con tesis clara, argumentos y contraargumento controlado.

Practicar →

Essay type

Discussion essay

Practica discuss both views and give your own opinion con balance, desarrollo de ambas posturas y cierre evaluativo.

Practicar →

Essay type

Advantages and disadvantages

Practica ventajas, desventajas y preguntas outweigh con evaluación clara de qué lado pesa más.

Practicar →

Essay type

Problem-solution essay

Practica problemas, causas y soluciones con desarrollo específico y conexión clara entre diagnóstico y medida.

Practicar →

Essay type

Direct-question essay

Practica two-part questions con respuestas visibles para cada pregunta y una estructura que no deja mitades sin contestar.

Practicar →

Essay type

Model answers explicados

Estudia modelos originales con anotaciones, comparación débil/fuerte y checklist de revisión.

Practicar →

Banco de prompts Task 2

10 prompts originales para planear ensayos IELTS Task 2

Formato oficial: IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 pide escribir un ensayo de al menos 250 palabras en respuesta a una pregunta. Estrategia WeLearn: este banco separa tipos de práctica para que entrenes identificación del prompt, tesis, plan, lenguaje útil y autocheck antes de escribir.

Opinion

Prompt public transport

Practicar tipo

Some people believe that governments should make public transport free in large cities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Objetivo de práctica

Take a clear position on free public transport and defend it with two developed reasons, not a list of benefits.

Tesis o movimiento clave

I largely agree, provided that the policy is targeted at busy urban routes rather than applied without financial planning.

Plan de 4 pasos
  1. Introduction: paraphrase the policy and state whether you mostly agree, disagree or agree with conditions.
  2. Body 1: explain the strongest public benefit, such as reduced congestion or cleaner air.
  3. Body 2: handle the cost problem and propose a condition, such as funding only high-demand routes first.
  4. Conclusion: restate the position and the condition that makes it realistic.
Lenguaje útil
This policy would be most effective if...The main justification is that...A blanket approach, however, could...For this reason, I support the measure with clear limits.
Trampa común

Writing a balanced advantages/disadvantages essay instead of answering to what extent you agree.

Checklist de revisión
  • My opinion is visible in the introduction.
  • Each body paragraph supports the same position.
  • I explain how the policy would be funded or limited.
  • I do not switch to discussing both sides equally.

Opinion

Prompt ai homework

Practicar tipo

Some educators argue that students should be banned from using artificial intelligence tools for homework. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Objetivo de práctica

Write a clear agree/disagree essay that separates academic honesty from responsible guided use.

Tesis o movimiento clave

I disagree with a complete ban because schools should restrict final-answer outsourcing while teaching controlled, transparent use.

Plan de 4 pasos
  1. Introduction: define the issue as homework integrity and state a nuanced position.
  2. Body 1: explain why unrestricted AI use can weaken learning and make assessment unreliable.
  3. Body 2: argue for supervised uses such as brainstorming, feedback or vocabulary support.
  4. Conclusion: reaffirm that rules are better than a total ban.
Lenguaje útil
A complete ban would overlook...The real risk is not the tool itself, but...Under clear guidelines, students can...This distinction matters because...
Trampa común

Sounding absolute: either AI is always harmful or always beneficial. IELTS rewards a controlled, defensible position.

Checklist de revisión
  • I answer the ban question directly.
  • I separate misuse from responsible use.
  • I include a classroom-specific example.
  • My conclusion does not introduce a new policy.

Discussion

Prompt online degrees

Practicar tipo

Some people think online university degrees should be considered equal to traditional degrees. Others believe face-to-face study is still superior. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Objetivo de práctica

Develop both views fairly and then make your own evaluation clear.

Tesis o movimiento clave

Although campus study offers richer interaction, I believe online degrees deserve equal recognition when their assessment standards are transparent.

Plan de 4 pasos
  1. Introduction: paraphrase both views and preview your opinion.
  2. Body 1: explain why online degrees can be equal when assessment and teaching quality are rigorous.
  3. Body 2: explain why face-to-face study may offer stronger networking and practical interaction.
  4. Conclusion: decide which view is stronger and under what condition.
Lenguaje útil
Supporters of online degrees argue that...By contrast, advocates of campus learning point out that...My own view is that the decisive factor is...This means equality should depend on quality control rather than location.
Trampa común

Forgetting your own opinion after discussing both sides.

Checklist de revisión
  • Both views receive a developed paragraph.
  • My opinion appears in the introduction or conclusion.
  • I compare quality and outcomes, not just convenience.
  • The conclusion does more than repeat both views.

Discussion

Prompt city cameras

Practicar tipo

Some people support installing more surveillance cameras in public places to reduce crime. Others believe this harms personal privacy. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Objetivo de práctica

Balance public safety and privacy, then state a defensible policy position.

Tesis o movimiento clave

I support cameras in clearly defined high-risk public areas, but only with strict limits on data use and independent oversight.

Plan de 4 pasos
  1. Introduction: present the safety-vs-privacy tension and your final stance.
  2. Body 1: explain how cameras can deter crime and help investigations in high-risk areas.
  3. Body 2: explain privacy concerns and the danger of constant monitoring without oversight.
  4. Conclusion: support limited use with rules on storage, access and location.
Lenguaje útil
Those in favour claim that...Privacy advocates, however, warn that...A proportionate approach would...The key issue is not whether cameras exist, but how they are controlled.
Trampa común

Turning the essay into a one-sided crime essay and ignoring privacy.

Checklist de revisión
  • I explain the privacy view seriously.
  • I do not use fear-based claims without reasoning.
  • My opinion includes a policy condition.
  • I avoid extreme language such as always safe or completely dangerous.

Advantages and disadvantages

Prompt day week

Practicar tipo

In some countries, companies are experimenting with a four-day working week. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Objetivo de práctica

Evaluate both sides and decide which has greater weight.

Tesis o movimiento clave

The advantages outweigh the disadvantages when companies redesign workloads rather than forcing five days of tasks into four.

Plan de 4 pasos
  1. Introduction: paraphrase the trend and state whether advantages outweigh disadvantages.
  2. Body 1: explain benefits for productivity, health and retention.
  3. Body 2: explain risks for customer service, workload compression or small businesses.
  4. Conclusion: compare weight and give the final judgment.
Lenguaje útil
One significant advantage is...This benefit is not automatic because...The main drawback is that...Overall, the benefits are stronger if...
Trampa común

Listing advantages and disadvantages without answering outweigh.

Checklist de revisión
  • I clearly say which side outweighs the other.
  • I compare impact, not just number of points.
  • I include a condition or limitation.
  • The conclusion repeats the judgment, not only the topic.

Advantages and disadvantages

Prompt tourism limits

Practicar tipo

Many popular tourist destinations are limiting the number of visitors each day. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this approach?

Objetivo de práctica

Explain both advantages and disadvantages without forcing an outweigh answer unless the prompt asks for one.

Tesis o movimiento clave

Visitor limits can protect fragile places, although they may reduce income for communities that depend on tourism.

Plan de 4 pasos
  1. Introduction: paraphrase visitor limits and say the essay will examine both sides.
  2. Body 1: explain advantages for preservation, crowd control and resident quality of life.
  3. Body 2: explain disadvantages for local income, small businesses and visitor access.
  4. Conclusion: summarize the trade-off and mention careful management.
Lenguaje útil
A clear advantage of this policy is...It can also protect...On the other hand, limiting visitors may...The policy therefore creates a trade-off between...
Trampa común

Answering as if the prompt asks whether advantages outweigh disadvantages. This one asks for both sides only.

Checklist de revisión
  • I do not invent an agree/disagree position.
  • I develop at least one concrete advantage and one concrete disadvantage.
  • I mention people affected, such as residents, businesses or tourists.
  • The conclusion summarizes rather than adding a new example.

Problem-solution

Prompt food waste

Practicar tipo

Many households throw away large amounts of food every week. Why does this happen, and what measures could reduce the problem?

Objetivo de práctica

Connect causes with realistic solutions instead of writing two unrelated lists.

Tesis o movimiento clave

Food waste is mainly caused by poor planning and confusion about freshness labels, so solutions must make buying and storing food easier for households.

Plan de 4 pasos
  1. Introduction: paraphrase food waste and preview causes plus solutions.
  2. Body 1: explain causes such as overbuying, unclear date labels and poor meal planning.
  3. Body 2: propose linked solutions such as label education, smaller package options and planning apps.
  4. Conclusion: restate that reducing waste needs both information and practical purchasing changes.
Lenguaje útil
One major cause is...This problem is reinforced by...A practical response would be...This measure would address the cause by...
Trampa común

Giving solutions that do not match the causes.

Checklist de revisión
  • Each solution responds to a cause I already explained.
  • I avoid vague solutions such as government should educate people without detail.
  • I include household-level behavior, not only national policy.
  • My conclusion links cause and solution.

Problem-solution

Prompt urban loneliness

Practicar tipo

People living in large cities often report feeling lonely despite being surrounded by others. What causes this problem, and what can be done to address it?

Objetivo de práctica

Explain social causes and propose community-level solutions with clear mechanisms.

Tesis o movimiento clave

Urban loneliness often results from weak local routines, so solutions should create repeated, low-pressure opportunities for residents to meet.

Plan de 4 pasos
  1. Introduction: paraphrase urban loneliness and state that both lifestyle and city design matter.
  2. Body 1: explain causes such as long commutes, temporary housing and lack of shared spaces.
  3. Body 2: propose solutions such as local events, mixed-use public spaces and workplace flexibility.
  4. Conclusion: summarize that cities need social infrastructure, not only more population density.
Lenguaje útil
Although cities are crowded, many residents...A deeper cause is...This could be addressed by...The value of this solution is that...
Trampa común

Explaining loneliness as only an individual attitude and ignoring urban conditions.

Checklist de revisión
  • I explain why proximity does not automatically create connection.
  • My solutions are specific enough to imagine.
  • I connect city design, work routines or community spaces to loneliness.
  • I do not blame residents without evidence.

Direct question

Prompt reading children

Practicar tipo

Why are some children reading fewer books than in the past? How can parents and schools encourage them to read more?

Objetivo de práctica

Answer both questions visibly: reasons first, then encouragement strategies.

Tesis o movimiento clave

Children often read less because digital entertainment is easier to access, so adults need to make books both routine and personally relevant.

Plan de 4 pasos
  1. Introduction: paraphrase the decline and preview two causes plus two responses.
  2. Body 1: answer why, focusing on screen entertainment and lack of reading routines.
  3. Body 2: answer how, proposing choice-based reading, classroom time and parent modeling.
  4. Conclusion: summarize that motivation grows when reading is visible, social and enjoyable.
Lenguaje útil
One reason is that...Another factor is...Parents can respond by...Schools can reinforce this by...
Trampa común

Answering only the solution question and barely explaining the causes.

Checklist de revisión
  • I answer both questions in separate parts.
  • I mention parents and schools, not just one group.
  • My examples fit children, not university students.
  • The conclusion does not introduce a third question.

Direct question

Prompt career change

Practicar tipo

More adults are changing careers several times during their working lives. Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?

Objetivo de práctica

Answer the cause question and then evaluate the development clearly.

Tesis o movimiento clave

This trend is mostly positive when workers have access to retraining, because career changes can protect employability and improve job satisfaction.

Plan de 4 pasos
  1. Introduction: paraphrase career changes and state whether you see the trend as mostly positive or negative.
  2. Body 1: explain causes such as automation, longer working lives and changing personal priorities.
  3. Body 2: evaluate the trend, weighing adaptability and satisfaction against instability.
  4. Conclusion: restate the judgment and the condition that makes the trend beneficial.
Lenguaje útil
This is happening partly because...A further reason is...I consider this development positive because...The main risk, however, is...
Trampa común

Writing a generic advantages/disadvantages essay and forgetting the why question.

Checklist de revisión
  • I answer why the trend is happening.
  • I clearly evaluate positive or negative.
  • I mention retraining or support if my position is positive.
  • I do not leave the final judgment vague.
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