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.
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” → ✗).
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.
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.
1️⃣ Introduction
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:
2️⃣ Body Paragraph 1 – First Main Idea
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
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.
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 |
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
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:
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
Before you submit your essay:
If yes, you’re already performing at a Band 7 + level.
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.
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