Examiners reward essays that are easy to follow. A four-paragraph structure
works for almost every Task 2 question:
- Introduction (2–3 sentences). Paraphrase the question, then state your
position clearly. Don’t save your opinion for the end — Task 2 is not a
mystery novel.
- Body paragraph 1. One main idea, stated in the first sentence, then
explained and supported with a developed example.
- Body paragraph 2. Your second main idea (or the opposing view, if the
question asks you to discuss both sides), handled the same way.
- Conclusion (1–2 sentences). Restate your position in fresh words. Never
introduce new ideas here.
Two well-developed ideas beat four shallow ones. Before writing, spend three
minutes planning: choose your position, your two ideas, and one example for
each. Those three minutes routinely buy a higher band score than three extra
minutes of writing.