🎯 Objective
To help learners master the structure, language, and techniques needed to write a high-scoring argumentative essay for IELTS Writing Task 2.
📝 Sample Task 2 Question
Some people believe that social media has had a positive impact on society, while others argue that it has been harmful. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
| Essay Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Word Count | Minimum 250 words (aim for 280-320) |
| Time Limit | 40 minutes |
| Task Type | Discuss both views + give your opinion |
| Structure | 4-5 paragraphs with clear organization |
📚 Complete Guide: Writing High-Scoring Argumentative Essays
Understanding IELTS Task 2 Argumentative Essays
What is an Argumentative Essay? An argumentative essay presents different viewpoints on a topic and requires you to discuss these perspectives while clearly stating your own position with supporting evidence.
Common Task 2 Question Types:
- Discuss both views + opinion: "Some people think X, others believe Y. Discuss both views and give your opinion."
- Agree/Disagree: "To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?"
- Advantages/Disadvantages: "What are the advantages and disadvantages of X?"
- Problem/Solution: "What are the causes of this problem and what solutions can you suggest?"
The 4-Paragraph Essay Structure
1. 📝 Introduction (50-60 words)
Purpose: Hook reader, paraphrase question, state thesis
Formula: Context + Paraphrase + Thesis Statement
Example: "Social media platforms have revolutionized communication..."
2. 🔍 Body Paragraph 1 (90-110 words)
Purpose: Present first viewpoint with examples
Formula: Topic sentence + Explanation + Example + Result
Focus: One side of the argument with strong support
3. 🔍 Body Paragraph 2 (90-110 words)
Purpose: Present opposing viewpoint with examples
Formula: Topic sentence + Explanation + Example + Result
Focus: Counter-argument with balanced analysis
4. 🎯 Conclusion (40-50 words)
Purpose: Summarize main points, state your opinion
Formula: Summary + Personal opinion + Final thought
Focus: Clear position without new information
Step-by-Step Writing Process
Step 1: Analyze the Question (3 minutes)
- Identify the topic and task type
- Underline key words in the question
- Determine what the examiner wants (discuss, agree, compare, etc.)
- Brainstorm main ideas for both sides
Step 2: Plan Your Essay (5 minutes)
- Choose your thesis statement and position
- Select 2-3 main points for each body paragraph
- Think of specific examples to support each point
- Plan your introduction hook and conclusion
Step 3: Write Your Essay (30 minutes)
- Follow your plan strictly - don't deviate
- Use linking words between and within paragraphs
- Include specific examples and evidence
- Maintain formal academic tone throughout
Step 4: Review and Edit (2 minutes)
- Check word count (aim for 280-320 words)
- Review grammar and spelling
- Ensure clear position is stated
- Verify logical flow of ideas
Essential Language for Argumentative Essays
✅ Presenting Arguments:
- It is argued that...
- Proponents claim that...
- From one perspective...
- A compelling argument is that...
- Those who support X believe...
- Evidence suggests that...
❌ Weak Language:
- I think... (too personal)
- Everyone knows... (too general)
- It's obvious... (no evidence)
- Some people say... (vague)
- In my country... (too specific)
- Nowadays... (overused)
Useful Linking Words:
Contrast: However, Nevertheless, On the other hand, Despite this, Conversely
Addition: Furthermore, Moreover, Additionally, In addition, Besides
Examples: For instance, To illustrate, A case in point, Such as, Particularly
Conclusion: In conclusion, To summarize, Overall, Taking everything into account
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✅ High-Scoring Essays:
- Clear thesis statement in introduction
- Balanced discussion of both viewpoints
- Specific examples and evidence
- Formal academic language
- Logical paragraph structure
- Strong personal opinion in conclusion
❌ Low-Scoring Essays:
- Unclear or missing position
- Only discussing one viewpoint
- Vague or no examples
- Informal or conversational tone
- Poor paragraph organization
- Repetitive or off-topic content
🧩 Task: Improve the Weak Argumentative Essay
Read the student's essay below about social media's impact. Identify problems and suggest improvements.
📝 Student's Essay Response:
Social media is very popular nowadays. Everyone uses it. Some people think it's good and some think it's bad. I will discuss both sides.
First, social media is good because people can talk to their friends. My friend lives in another country and we use Facebook to chat. Also, people can share photos and videos. It's fun to see what people are doing. Businesses can advertise their products too.
But social media is also bad. Some people spend too much time on it. They don't study or work properly. Also, there are fake news and cyberbullying. Young people compare themselves to others and feel bad about themselves.
In conclusion, social media has good and bad points. I think it's more good than bad because it helps people connect. But people should be careful how they use it.
1. ❌ What is wrong with the introduction? How could it be improved?
2. ❌ Identify two language problems in the body paragraphs.
3. ✅ Rewrite the introduction using proper academic language and structure.
4. ✅ Write a topic sentence for a body paragraph supporting social media's benefits.
5. ✅ Rewrite the conclusion with a clearer personal opinion and better language.
✅ Answer Key & Explanation
1. ❌ Introduction Problems:
Issues:
- Too informal: "Everyone uses it" - overgeneralization
- No proper paraphrasing: Doesn't restate the question effectively
- Weak thesis: "I will discuss both sides" - not specific enough
- No hook: Starts abruptly without engaging opening
2. ❌ Language Problems:
Problem 1: Personal examples ("My friend lives in another country") - too informal and personal for academic writing
Problem 2: Informal language ("It's fun to see") - should use more formal academic expressions
Additional issues: Missing linking words, vague statements, poor topic sentences
3. ✅ Improved Introduction:
"In the digital age, social media platforms have fundamentally transformed human communication and social interaction. While proponents argue that these technologies have enhanced global connectivity and democratized information sharing, critics contend that they have contributed to social isolation and mental health issues. This essay will examine both perspectives before arguing that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks when used responsibly."
Why this works: Clear hook, proper paraphrasing, balanced presentation of both views, specific thesis statement.
4. ✅ Strong Topic Sentence:
"Advocates of social media emphasize its unprecedented ability to foster global connections and facilitate meaningful relationships across geographical boundaries."
Why this works: Formal language, clear position, sets up the paragraph's main argument, uses academic vocabulary.
5. ✅ Improved Conclusion:
"In conclusion, while social media platforms present legitimate concerns regarding privacy and mental health, their capacity to enhance global communication and provide educational opportunities makes them invaluable tools for modern society. The key lies in promoting digital literacy and responsible usage rather than rejecting these technologies entirely."
Why this works: Summarizes both views, clear personal opinion, forward-looking statement, appropriate word count.
🏆 Band 8+ Model Argumentative Essay
📝 Complete Model Essay (295 words):
Introduction:
In the digital age, social media platforms have fundamentally transformed human communication and social interaction. While proponents argue that these technologies have enhanced global connectivity and democratized information sharing, critics contend that they have contributed to social isolation and mental health issues. This essay will examine both perspectives before arguing that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks when used responsibly.
Body Paragraph 1 (Benefits):
Advocates of social media emphasize its unprecedented ability to foster global connections and facilitate meaningful relationships across geographical boundaries. For instance, platforms like LinkedIn have revolutionized professional networking, enabling individuals to access career opportunities and collaborate with international colleagues. Furthermore, social media has democratized information dissemination, allowing marginalized voices to reach wider audiences and enabling rapid organization of social movements. The Arab Spring exemplifies how these platforms can empower citizens to advocate for political change and social justice.
Body Paragraph 2 (Drawbacks):
However, critics highlight significant psychological and social consequences associated with excessive social media usage. Research consistently demonstrates correlations between prolonged social media engagement and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and body image issues, particularly among adolescents. Additionally, the proliferation of misinformation and echo chambers has contributed to political polarization and the erosion of objective discourse. The spread of conspiracy theories during the COVID-19 pandemic illustrates how these platforms can amplify dangerous misinformation with serious public health implications.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while social media platforms present legitimate concerns regarding privacy and mental health, their capacity to enhance global communication and provide educational opportunities makes them invaluable tools for modern society. The key lies in promoting digital literacy and responsible usage rather than rejecting these technologies entirely.
🌟 Why This Essay Scores Band 8+:
- ✅ Task Response: Fully addresses both views with clear personal opinion
- ✅ Coherence & Cohesion: Logical structure with effective linking words
- ✅ Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary used accurately
- ✅ Grammar: Complex sentences with minimal errors
- ✅ Examples: Specific, relevant examples (LinkedIn, Arab Spring, COVID-19)
- ✅ Academic Tone: Formal language throughout
- ✅ Word Count: 295 words - ideal length
🔑 Key Language Features:
Advanced Vocabulary: "unprecedented," "democratized," "marginalized," "proliferation," "erosion"
Complex Grammar: "While proponents argue that...," "Research consistently demonstrates..."
Effective Linking: "For instance," "Furthermore," "However," "Additionally," "In conclusion"
Academic Phrases: "It is argued that," "Evidence suggests," "Critics highlight"
💡 Essay Writing Tips for Success:
- 🎯 Practice timing: Aim to complete essays in 35 minutes to allow review time
- 📝 Learn templates: Memorize useful phrases for each paragraph type
- 📚 Build topic knowledge: Read about common IELTS topics (education, technology, environment)
- 🔍 Analyze questions carefully: Understand exactly what the task is asking
- ✏️ Plan before writing: Spend 5 minutes outlining your essay structure
- 📖 Read sample essays: Study high-scoring responses to understand standards