IELTS Task 2 Self-Editing Checklist: Catch Grammar, Structure & Logic Errors Before You Submit

You just finished writing your IELTS Task 2 essay. You feel relieved — maybe even proud.
But before you hand it in or click submit, here’s something I always tell my students:

“Wait. Now’s your chance to boost your score — without writing a single extra word.”

That’s where this IELTS Task 2 Self-Editing Checklist comes in.
It’s a quick, structured guide to help you catch the small mistakes that lower band scores fast — things like grammar slips, missing opinions, unclear structure, or repeated phrases.

Real student moment:
My student Zara from Bangladesh used to submit essays straight after writing. Her ideas were strong, but she kept scoring Band 6.5. Once she started using this checklist, her score jumped to 7.5 — within two weeks.

From my 10+ years helping IELTS students, I’ve learned this:
Most essays don’t need better ideas. They need better clarity. And that comes from self-editing.

This guide will help you:

• Fix the most common IELTS Task 2 grammar and structure mistakes
• Improve coherence and cohesion across paragraphs
• Sharpen your message for the examiner

Even just 2–3 minutes of editing can make the difference between Band 6.5 and Band 7+.

Why Self-Editing Matters in IELTS Task 2

Let me be honest with you: most students don’t lose marks because their ideas are wrong.
They lose marks because their structure is unclear, their opinion is missing, or their grammar slips through — again and again.

That’s where this IELTS Task 2 Self-Editing Checklist makes all the difference.

I once worked with a student named Ahmed who consistently scored 6.5. His essays had strong arguments, but every time, the examiner flagged “unclear message” and “repetitive phrasing.”
When he started using a structured checklist, his writing became tighter, cleaner, more focused. His next result? Band 7.5.

Here’s why it works:

• Examiners are trained to reward clarity — not complexity
• Even small mistakes (a missing article, a weak conclusion, a confusing topic sentence) can lower your Task Response or Grammar score
• You only need 2–3 minutes to do a final review — but it can lift your score by a full band

From my experience mentoring hundreds of students, I can say this with confidence:
Self-editing is one of the most underrated skills in IELTS Writing.
And it’s completely within your control.

Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Edit Your IELTS Task 2 Essay Like an Examiner

Once you’ve finished writing your IELTS essay, don’t just reread it quickly and move on. Treat these last 2–3 minutes as your score-boosting opportunity. Based on my years of experience reviewing IELTS essays, these six areas can make or break your band score — and they’re exactly what examiners are trained to assess.

This section of the IELTS Task 2 Self-Editing Checklist will guide you through each area with care, just like we do in one-on-one feedback sessions.

 

1️. Task Response: Did You Answer What Was Asked?

One of the most common reasons students score low is because they misunderstand or only partially respond to the question. Always ask yourself:

• Did I answer all parts of the question clearly?
• Did I give a direct opinion if the prompt asked for one?

A full response doesn’t just mean writing about the topic — it means writing what the question asked you specifically to do. If the question has two parts, make sure your essay has two strong answers.

Band 7+ Task Response requires completeness and clarity — not just ideas.

 

2️. Structure & Organisation: Is Your Essay Easy to Follow?

A well-organised essay makes a big difference in how examiners score you for Coherence & Cohesion. Your essay should have four clear paragraphs:

• An introduction that paraphrases the question and presents your opinion
• Two body paragraphs, each with one main idea
• A conclusion that summarises your key point(s)

I’ve seen students go from Band 6 to 7+ simply by improving their paragraph clarity and avoiding idea overload. Make sure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and logical flow.

Examiners should never have to guess what your point is — help them follow your logic.

3️. Grammar & Sentence Control: Can You Show Variety?

Grammar isn’t just about avoiding mistakes. In IELTS, grammar includes range and control. You need to show that you can write:

• Correct subject–verb agreement (e.g. “The government is…”)
• A mix of sentence structures (simple, compound, and complex)
• Error-free writing in tense and word form

If all your sentences are short and basic, you’ll get stuck at Band 6.5. But if you mix lengths, use complex clauses well, and avoid repeated grammar slips — you’re moving into Band 7+ territory.

🧠 Think of grammar like rhythm in music — too repetitive, and it gets boring; too messy, and it’s hard to follow.

 

4️. Vocabulary & Word Choice: Are Your Words Doing the Job?

Using precise, academic vocabulary is key to scoring well in Lexical Resource. But this doesn’t mean memorising big words. Instead, aim to:

• Avoid repeating common words like “good,” “bad,” “things,” or “people”
• Replace general terms with specific ones (e.g. “global health issues” instead of “problems”)
• Use a few natural idiomatic phrases (like play a vital role) only if they fit

One of my students used to say “a lot of problems” in every paragraph. Once he started using phrases like “rising unemployment” or “urban congestion,” his vocabulary score improved significantly.

✍️ IELTS rewards clarity, not complexity. Say exactly what you mean.

 

5️. Linking & Cohesion: Do Your Sentences Connect Smoothly?

Even with good ideas, your writing can feel disjointed if the parts don’t flow. This is where linking words and logical transitions matter. Use connectors like:

• However, As a result, In contrast, For instance
• Vary your linking language to avoid repetition (don’t say “Firstly, secondly, thirdly” in every essay)

Also check for hidden connections — does your conclusion link back to your introduction? Do your ideas build naturally?

🔗 Cohesion isn’t just glue — it’s the invisible thread that keeps your writing readable.

 

6️. Mechanics & Final Checks: Did You Miss Anything Obvious?

Before you finish, spend 30 seconds checking:

• Spelling errors and autocorrect slips
• Punctuation (especially full stops, commas, capital letters)
• Word count — ideally between 250 and 280 words
• That you haven’t forgotten your conclusion or opinion

It’s surprising how many essays I’ve seen lose marks for something as simple as forgetting to write a closing sentence. A quick look can protect your score from easy-to-avoid errors.

Mechanics matter — they reflect control, care, and academic discipline.

Final Thought on Editing Like an Examiner

The goal here isn’t perfection — it’s clarity. You don’t need to rewrite the whole essay. Just use this checklist to polish what you already wrote.
When your ideas are structured, your grammar is clean, and your message is clear, you’re giving the examiner exactly what they want.

Common IELTS Task 2 Mistakes — and How to Fix Them Fast

After reviewing hundreds of IELTS essays over the years, I’ve noticed something consistent:
Most students make the same avoidable errors — regardless of how strong their ideas are.

This part of the IELTS Task 2 Self-Editing Checklist highlights those common writing mistakes that silently lower your score — along with quick, effective fixes.

💬 “You don’t need more ideas. You need to make your current ones clearer.” That’s what I tell almost every student who’s stuck at Band 6.5.

 

Mistake: “People thinks…”

Quick Fix: Use correct subject–verb agreement → “People think…”

This is one of the most common grammar errors I see, and it instantly lowers your Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.

 

Mistake: “Government are…”

Quick Fix: Choose the right form → “The government is…” or “Governments are…”

The word government is singular unless you use it in plural form. Always check agreement between subject and verb.

Mistake: No clear opinion

Quick Fix: Add a direct statement like: “In my opinion, governments should focus on healthcare.”

Examiners will mark you down in Task Response if your opinion is missing or vague — especially in opinion or discussion essays.

 

Mistake: Repeating the same words too often

Quick Fix: Use paraphrasing. Replace “big problem” with “serious issue,” or “important thing” with “key factor.”

IELTS rewards vocabulary variety — but not complexity. Aim for clarity with a mix of natural synonyms.

 

Mistake: Weak examples or no examples

Quick Fix: Use realistic, simple examples to support your point.
Example: “For instance, many urban workers now commute over 90 minutes each day, leading to stress and health issues.”

A short, clear example often shows your idea better than a long explanation.

 

Mistake: No conclusion at all

Quick Fix: Add a brief wrap-up.
Try: “In conclusion, I believe the government must take urgent action to address this issue.”

No conclusion = lower Coherence & Cohesion score. Always end with a final opinion or summary sentence.

 

Tip from experience: My student Lina forgot her conclusion in 4 out of 5 mock tests. After building a habit of writing a 2-line summary at the end, she finally crossed Band 7 — and never missed a conclusion again.

 

✏️ The Fixing Mindset

Don’t try to sound overly advanced. Just fix the basics with intention.

This section of your self-editing checklist isn’t about perfection — it’s about polishing what you already have.
And sometimes, those tiny corrections are what push your writing across the Band 7 line.

Pro Tips for Band 8+ in IELTS Task 2

Once your basic structure and grammar are in place, what separates a Band 7 essay from a Band 8?

From my years of mentoring IELTS students — many of whom started at Band 6.5 — here’s the truth:
Band 8 writers don’t always write more. They just write better.

They write with precision, fluency, and control — and most importantly, they edit like they know what the examiner is looking for.

If you’re using this IELTS Task 2 Self-Editing Checklist, you’re already ahead. But here are a few expert-level tips to take your score even higher:

 

1. Read Like an Examiner, Not Like Yourself

After you finish writing, pause. Then re-read your essay as if you didn’t write it.
Ask yourself:

• Is every paragraph easy to understand without needing to reread it?
• Can I tell what the writer’s opinion is — clearly and quickly?
• Would an examiner feel confident scoring this as well-developed?

💬 I had a student, Fatima, who used to second-guess every sentence. Once she started editing with examiner eyes, her feedback sessions changed completely — and so did her score.

2. Replace Overused Phrases With Clean, Natural Language

Memorised templates like “It is often argued that…” or “In the contemporary world…” are used in thousands of essays.
While they’re not “wrong,” they sound robotic and don’t add value.

Instead, use natural phrasing that still sounds academic:

• Try: “Many people believe…” or “One growing concern is…”
• Use transitions like: “This suggests that…”, “As a result…”, or “This highlights…”

IELTS rewards natural fluency, not robotic repetition.

3. Control Your Tone and Stay Focused

Band 8 essays feel calm and clear. They stay focused on the question, avoid emotional language, and don’t go off-topic.

For example, instead of writing:

“I strongly hate how people waste food!”
Say:
“Food waste remains a critical issue in many countries and must be addressed through education and policy.”

Maintain a respectful, academic tone — always.

4. Vary Sentence Structure — But Keep It Natural

You don’t need complex grammar in every sentence. But Band 8 writing shows you can control sentence types without overcomplicating them.

Try mixing:

• One-line statements with longer explanatory sentences
• Passive voice where appropriate
• Conditional and concessive structures: “Although…”, “If… then…”

Your grammar range is about how you structure thoughts — not how long your sentences are.

5. Edit with Purpose, Not Paranoia

Don’t obsessively rewrite every word. Instead, use this checklist to ask:

• Did I say what I meant to say?
• Did I say it clearly?
• Could I say it better in fewer words?

✍️ In my own IELTS journey, I often found that removing one sentence did more for my clarity than adding three more.

Final Thought for Ambitious Writers

Reaching Band 8+ isn’t about being a native speaker or using long words.
It’s about writing like someone who understands the task, respects the reader, and edits with confidence.

This checklist is your tool — but your mindset is what will get you there.

Practice Questions to Use With This Self-Editing Checklist

So now you have the checklist. You know what to fix, how to edit, and what examiners are looking for. But what should you practise on?

The answer is simple: Start with real-style IELTS Task 2 questions, and apply the checklist to each one as if it were your test day.

Here are some hand-picked questions my own students have used successfully in weekly practice. They’re organised to challenge your ability to respond, structure, and self-edit — all in one task.

 

Sample Task 2 Questions for Editing Practice

1. Opinion Essay
   Some people believe that online learning is more effective than classroom-based education. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2. Discussion Essay
   Some people think governments should invest more in public transport, while others believe road infrastructure is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
3. Problem–Solution Essay
   Many young people today are struggling with mental health issues. What are the causes of this, and what can be done to support them?
4. Advantage–Disadvantage Essay
   Remote working is becoming increasingly popular. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
5. Two-Part Question Essay
   Fewer people read newspapers today. Why is this the case? Is it a positive or negative development?

How to use the IELTS Task 2 Self-Editing Checklist with these prompts:
After writing your essay, don’t rush to mark it.
Instead:

• Go through the checklist step by step
• Mark any sentence or paragraph that could be clearer
• Fix subject–verb agreement, cohesion, repetition, and vague language
• Ask: “If I were an examiner, would this essay feel easy to read and score?”

Student tip: One of my learners, Rashid, printed the checklist and taped it beside his desk. He didn’t just write essays — he trained like an examiner. His scores rose from Band 6.5 to 7.5 within five essays.

Full Answer Key: Final Self-Editing Checklist Before You Submit

This is your last-minute editing checklist — a practical tool to review any IELTS Task 2 essay before you finish. It’s not about rewriting. It’s about spotting what’s unclear, unfinished, or unpolished — and fixing it in minutes.

Use this IELTS Task 2 Self-Editing Checklist after every practice essay (and especially in your test simulation). You’ll be amazed at how quickly your writing improves.

✍️ Real advice: I’ve had students who added 1–2 marks to their essays simply by using this checklist consistently for two weeks.

Final Self-Editing Checklist (Band 7+ Focus)

• I have answered all parts of the question
• My opinion is clearly stated, where required
• The essay has 4 well-structured paragraphs
• Each body paragraph focuses on one clear main idea
• I’ve used a variety of sentence structures
• Linking phrases are used naturally and appropriately
• Vocabulary is topic-specific and not repetitive
• There are no grammar or punctuation errors
• Word count is between 250 and 280 words
• The conclusion restates my main opinion or argument
• I’ve read the essay like an examiner, not a writer

🧠 Spend just 2–3 minutes on this checklist and you’ll reduce the risk of simple errors hurting your score.

You can write a good essay. This helps you write a clear, focused, examiner-friendly one — the kind that scores Band 7, 8, or even higher.

Summary & Next Steps

You now have everything you need to take your IELTS Writing Task 2 essays from “almost there” to exam-ready.
This isn’t just about fixing grammar or adding fancy words — it’s about presenting your ideas in a way that the examiner understands clearly and confidently.

The IELTS Task 2 Self-Editing Checklist gives you structure, focus, and a way to build writing control — even under pressure.
If you use it consistently, your score will improve.

I’ve seen students go from Band 6 to Band 7.5 in less than a month — not by learning new words, but by editing with intent.

What to Do Now

1. Use this checklist after every practice essay — print it, save it, memorise it.
2. Write with a plan, edit with purpose — don’t just finish and hope.
3. Track your progress — highlight recurring errors and watch how quickly they disappear.

Keep Learning with These Guides

To continue your improvement journey, explore these next:

• Task 2 Grammar Essentials – Fix sentence-level issues that lower your score
• How to Structure IELTS Task 2 Essays – Learn the blueprint for every essay type
• Band 9 IELTS Writing Samples (with Commentary) – See how top-level responses are built
• IELTS Vocabulary for Writing Task 2 – Use stronger, clearer, and more academic words
• Self-Editing in Task 1 (Coming Soon) – Apply the same strategy to your Academic or General Training report writing