Introduction

Hi, I’m Jonathan Mitchell, IELTS examiner and writing specialist.
If you’re preparing for the IELTS General Training Writing Task 2, understanding the essay format is absolutely crucial.

Task 2 makes up two-thirds (66%) of your total writing score — so even if your letter in Task 1 is perfect, a weak essay can still pull you down.
In this guide, I’ll explain the complete General Training Essay Format, paragraph-by-paragraph, with Band 8–9 examples and examiner insights.

How GT Essays Differ from Academic Essays

Both tests share the same marking criteria (Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammar Range & Accuracy).
However, General Training essays focus on everyday issues, social topics, and personal experience, rather than data or academic analysis.

Aspect

General Training Task 2

Academic Task 2

Topic type

Social issues & opinions

Academic & research topics

Style

Semi-formal → Formal

Formal only

Examples

Real-life scenarios, personal views

Facts, studies, statistics

Tone

Natural and clear

Objective and analytical

Band 8 Tip: You can use personal examples in GT essays if relevant, but avoid over-informality (“I think it’s cool” → ✗).

Essay Question Types

IELTS GT Task 2 questions fall into five main categories:

1️⃣ Opinion (Essay Type 1)To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2️⃣ Discussion (Essay Type 2)Discuss both views and give your opinion.
3️⃣ Advantages / Disadvantages (Essay Type 3)Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
4️⃣ Problem / Solution (Essay Type 4)What are the causes and solutions?
5️⃣ Double Question (Essay Type 5)Why is this the case and what can be done?

Each type uses the same overall format but slightly different phrasing and paragraph focus.

The 4-Paragraph Essay Format (Recommended)

Section

Purpose

Suggested Length (250–290 words)

Introduction

Paraphrase question + state your position

40–50 words

Body Paragraph 1

Main idea + example/support

80–90 words

Body Paragraph 2

Second idea + example/support

80–90 words

Conclusion

Summarise your view + final comment

30–40 words

Band 8 Tip: Keep each paragraph focused on one main idea. Two clear body paragraphs are better than three weak ones.

Model Structure with Sample Sentence Starters

1️⃣ Introduction

  • Paraphrase the question using synonyms.
  • State your position clearly.

Example:

Nowadays, many people prefer working from home instead of commuting to an office every day. In my view, this trend has more advantages than drawbacks for both employees and employers.

Useful phrases:

  • It is often argued that…
  • This essay will discuss both views and present my opinion.
  • I completely agree / partly agree / disagree that…

2️⃣ Body Paragraph 1 – First Main Idea

  • Topic sentence → Explain → Example.
  • Use formal connectors (Firstly, In addition, Furthermore).

Example:

Firstly, working remotely saves commuters a considerable amount of time and money. For instance, employees who work from home avoid spending hours in traffic and reduce fuel expenses, which leads to better work-life balance.

3️⃣ Body Paragraph 2 – Second Main Idea

Example:

Secondly, telecommuting benefits companies as it reduces the need for office space and utilities. For example, many businesses that adopt remote work models report significant cost savings and increased employee satisfaction.

Linking phrases: Moreover, Another reason is that, In contrast, On the other hand

4️⃣ Conclusion

  • Summarise your view without repeating whole sentences.
  • Optionally add a prediction or recommendation.

Example:

In conclusion, working from home offers clear benefits for both employees and employers. As technology continues to advance, remote work is likely to become even more common in the future.

Band 9 Tip: Never add new ideas in your conclusion. Keep it concise and focused.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake

Why It Matters

Fix

No clear opinion

Examiner can’t assess Task Response

State your view in intro + conclusion

Too many ideas

Essay becomes unfocused

Two main points are enough

Informal language

Lowers Lexical Resource score

Use neutral academic tone

No paragraphing

Hurts Coherence

Leave a line between paragraphs

Off-topic examples

Reduces clarity

Keep examples directly relevant

Linking and Cohesion Words

Function

Examples

Adding ideas

furthermore, in addition, moreover

Contrasting

however, on the other hand, whereas

Giving examples

for instance, for example, such as

Showing results

therefore, thus, as a result

Concluding

in conclusion, overall, to sum up

Band 8 Tip: Use linkers naturally — 1 or 2 per paragraph is enough

Sample Band 9 Essay (General Training)

Question:
Some people think that governments should spend money on public services rather than the arts. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Model Answer:

It is often argued that government funding should focus on public services such as education and healthcare instead of the arts. I completely agree with this view because essential services directly benefit citizens and support national development.

Firstly, health and education programmes have an immediate impact on people’s quality of life. For example, building hospitals and schools creates jobs and provides equal access to care and learning, which are basic human rights. In contrast, investing heavily in art exhibitions or music festivals often benefits a limited audience.

Secondly, public services drive economic growth and stability. A well-educated population increases productivity and innovation, while better healthcare reduces workplace absences. Therefore, allocating tax funds to these sectors yields long-term returns for society as a whole.

In conclusion, governments should prioritise spending on health and education since these areas have a broader and more sustainable impact than arts projects.

Why Band 9:

  • Clear position throughout.
  • Precise vocabulary (allocating funds, sustainable impact).
  • Excellent cohesion and grammar control.

Mini Practice

Write opening sentences for the following essay types:

1️⃣ Opinion: Some people believe remote learning is as effective as in-person classes. → In my opinion, online education can be equally effective if used appropriately.
2️⃣ Problem & Solution: Many cities suffer from traffic congestion. → This essay will discuss the main causes of traffic problems and suggest practical solutions

Quick Self-Check

Before you submit your essay:

  • Have I written at least 250 words?
  • Is my position clear in both intro and conclusion?
  • Do I have 2 main ideas fully developed?
  • Did I use formal, error-free language?
  • Are my paragraphs balanced and linked logically?

If yes, you’re already performing at a Band 7 + level.

Summary & Next Steps

Understanding the General Training Essay Format saves you time and helps you write confidently under exam pressure.
A clear structure is your best tool for showing organisation, coherence, and task control.

Next, move to Common GT Essay Topics to practise writing on real-life themes.
Or return to the IELTS Writing Overview: Format, Scoring & Key Skills for the complete foundation.
You can also review official examples on IELTS.org.