IELTS Writing Task 2 — Most Common Mistakes

Writing Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1 in your overall Writing score — yet most candidates make the same avoidable mistakes. These errors don't just cost marks in one area; they drag down your score across all four Writing criteria. Here are the most common mistakes and exactly how to fix them.

Not Answering the Question Directly

This is the most costly mistake. If your essay doesn't directly address what the question asks, you will score low on Task Response regardless of how good your English is.

Many candidates write generally about the topic instead of answering the specific question type — opinion, discussion, problem-solution, or advantages/disadvantages.

❌ Wrong approach

Question asks "Do you agree or disagree?" — candidate writes about both sides without stating a clear opinion.

✅ Right approach

State your position clearly in the introduction and maintain it throughout. Every paragraph should support your view.

Fix

Before writing, underline the key instruction words in the question. Ask yourself: "Am I actually answering THIS question?" Check again before submitting.

Writing Less Than 250 Words

Task 2 requires a minimum of 250 words. Writing less results in an automatic penalty on Task Response. Many candidates who run out of time submit short essays without realising the damage this causes.

Fix

Time allocation: Spend 5 minutes planning, 35 minutes writing, 5 minutes checking. A well-structured essay of 260–290 words is better than a rushed 320-word essay with errors. Practice writing to exactly 250–280 words so you develop a sense of length.

⏱ Always aim for 260–290 words — not 250 exactly

A Weak or Missing Introduction

Many candidates start their essay by copying the question word for word. This wastes your first sentence and shows no paraphrasing ability — which directly hurts your Lexical Resource score.

❌ Copying the question

"Some people think that the government should invest more money in public transport. Do you agree or disagree? In my essay I will discuss this topic..."

✅ Paraphrased introduction

"There is growing debate about whether authorities should allocate greater funding to public transportation systems. I firmly believe that such investment is not only justified but essential for modern cities."

Using Informal Language

IELTS Writing Task 2 is a formal academic essay. Using contractions, slang, or conversational phrases will lower your Lexical Resource score.

❌ Informal

"I think it's a good idea... a lot of people... it's getting worse... can't deny..."

✅ Formal

"It is widely acknowledged that... a significant proportion of the population... the situation has deteriorated considerably... it cannot be denied..."

Words to avoid

Don't use: don't, can't, it's, I've, a lot of, kids, big, bad, good, get, things

Use instead: do not, cannot, it is, I have, a significant number of, children, substantial, detrimental, beneficial, obtain, factors

No Clear Essay Structure

Without a clear structure, your essay is difficult to follow and scores poorly on Coherence & Cohesion. Every Task 2 essay needs four paragraphs as a minimum.

The 4-paragraph structure that works

Paragraph 1 — Introduction: Paraphrase the question + state your position (2-3 sentences)

Paragraph 2 — Main argument: Your strongest point + explanation + example (5-6 sentences)

Paragraph 3 — Supporting argument or counterargument: Second point + explanation + example (5-6 sentences)

Paragraph 4 — Conclusion: Restate your position + summary (2-3 sentences)

✅ This structure alone can push you from Band 5.5 to Band 6.5

Overusing Linking Words

Many candidates try to show off linking words by using them in every sentence. This actually lowers your Coherence & Cohesion score because it looks mechanical and unnatural.

❌ Overused

"Furthermore, moreover, in addition, additionally, besides, also, on top of that, not only that..." — all in the same paragraph.

✅ Natural use

Use one linking word per paragraph. Let ideas flow naturally between sentences. Not every sentence needs a connector.

Using Examples Without Explaining Them

A common mistake is listing examples without explaining how they support your argument. Examiners want to see your reasoning, not just a list of facts.

❌ Example without explanation

"For example, Singapore has good public transport. Also, Japan has a great train system."

✅ Example with explanation

"Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit system demonstrates how government investment in public transport can reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions simultaneously, resulting in a cleaner and more efficient city."

Repeating the Same Words

Repeating the same vocabulary throughout your essay limits your Lexical Resource score to Band 5 or 6. Examiners want to see a variety of words used accurately.

Vocabulary variety technique

For each key word in the question, prepare 3 alternatives before the exam:

government → authorities, policymakers, the state
increase → rise, grow, surge, escalate
problem → issue, challenge, concern, drawback
important → crucial, significant, vital, essential

Not Checking Your Work

Most candidates spend all 40 minutes writing and submit without checking. Simple grammar and spelling errors that could be fixed in 3 minutes can cost you half a band on Grammatical Range & Accuracy.

3-minute checking routine

1. Subject-verb agreement: "The government have..." → "The government has..."
2. Article errors: Missing "the" or "a" before nouns
3. Singular/plural: "Many people thinks..." → "Many people think..."
4. Spelling: Check words you're unsure about

⏱ Save 3–5 minutes at the end to proofread

Not Practicing with Feedback

Writing without feedback is like practicing in the dark. You repeat the same mistakes without knowing it. The only way to improve is to get your writing assessed and understand what specifically needs to change.

IELTS BandUp's AI Writing assessment gives you instant band scores for both Task 1 and Task 2, with specific feedback on each of the four marking criteria — so you know exactly what to improve before test day.

📈 Practice with feedback — not just practice

Practice Writing Task 2 with AI

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IELTS Writing Task 2 — Most Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)