IELTS Writing Task 2 Grammar

Task 2 Grammar Guide

Essay-level grammar that separates Band 6 from Band 9 — thesis writing, complex structures, cohesion, and the corrections that move your score up.

10 grammar topics39 rules35 common mistakes

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Topic 1 of 10

🎯

Thesis Statements & Position Sentences

When to use this: Every Task 2 essay — the thesis is the single most important sentence in your entire response.

✓ Usage Rules

4 rules

Opinion / Agree-Disagree essay

Rule

State your position CLEARLY and DIRECTLY in the final sentence of the introduction

Examples

›I strongly agree with this view, as the evidence overwhelmingly supports the argument that...
›I completely disagree with this assertion, as it overlooks several critical factors.
›While I acknowledge some merit in this view, I ultimately believe that the drawbacks far outweigh any benefits.
›I am firmly of the opinion that governments, not individuals, bear the primary responsibility for addressing this issue.

Discussion essay (both views)

Rule

Acknowledge both views exist, then state WHICH you agree with more

Examples

›While there are compelling arguments on both sides, I am more persuaded by the view that...
›Although proponents of [View A] raise valid points, I believe [View B] is more convincing overall.
›Both perspectives have merit; however, I would argue that [your position] is ultimately more beneficial.

Problem/Solution essay

Rule

Acknowledge the seriousness of the issue and signal your approach

Examples

›This is an increasingly serious issue that demands both urgent and systemic responses.
›While the causes of this problem are complex, a number of effective solutions exist.
›This essay will examine the principal causes of this phenomenon and propose several practical measures.

Two-part question

Rule

Signal that you will answer BOTH questions in order

Examples

›This essay will first examine the reasons behind this trend before considering its effects on society.
›I will address both the causes of this development and evaluate whether it represents a positive or negative change.

✕ What to Avoid

3 mistakes

'In this essay I will discuss both sides of this argument.'

Why it's wrong

This is a 'plan statement', not a thesis — it says nothing about what you actually think

How to fix it

State your position directly: 'I strongly believe that...' or 'This essay argues that...'

Saying 'It depends on many factors' as your thesis

Why it's wrong

This is a Band 5 answer — it is deliberately vague and shows inability to commit

How to fix it

Pick a side and defend it — even in Discussion essays, your opinion must be clear

Burying your thesis in the middle of the introduction

Why it's wrong

Examiners read the last sentence of the introduction to find your thesis

How to fix it

Always place your position statement as the FINAL sentence of the introduction

✎ In Practice

2 examples

Context

Opinion: 'Social media has a negative effect on young people'

Weak

In this essay, I will look at both the positive and negative effects of social media on young people.

✓

Strong

I strongly agree with this view, as the combination of addictive design, unrealistic social comparisons, and disrupted sleep patterns poses a genuine and serious threat to adolescent mental health.

NoteThe strong thesis immediately signals Band 8+ thinking — it is specific and committed

Context

Discussion: 'Cities vs rural areas for quality of life'

Weak

Both city and rural life have their advantages and disadvantages and it is difficult to say which is better.

✓

Strong

While rural environments offer undeniable lifestyle benefits, I am ultimately more persuaded that cities provide superior opportunities for professional development and social fulfilment.

NoteThe discussion essay still requires a clear opinion — 'it depends' is not acceptable at Band 7+