Common Mistakes and Fixes for IELTS Writing Task 2
- Jihane Sato
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
IELTS Writing Task 2 is one of the most challenging parts of the exam. Many students struggle with grammar, organisation, and developing clear ideas. The good news is that you can avoid common IELTS writing mistakes and quickly learn how to improve IELTS writing with the correct strategies.
Below are the most frequent problems students make in Task 2, and simple Task 2 corrections to help you write stronger essays.
Understanding IELTS Writing Task 2
In Task 2, you must write an academic-style essay of at least 250 words. You may need to:
Give an opinion
Discuss both sides of an issue
Suggest solutions
Describe advantages and disadvantages
You are scored in four areas:
Task Response
Coherence and Cohesion
Vocabulary
Grammar and Accuracy
Common IELTS Writing Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Not Answering the Question
Mistake: Writing a general essay and ignoring part of the question.
Fix: Underline keywords in the question and make sure every paragraph connects directly to the topic.
Example: Technology improves access to education by providing online learning platforms.
not：Technology is important.
Weak Thesis Statements
Mistake: The introduction does not clearly show your opinion or direction.
Fix: End your introduction with one clear sentence that explains your view or plan.
Example: This essay argues that public transport investment is the most effective way to reduce city pollution.
Short or Underdeveloped Paragraphs
Mistake: Giving ideas without explanation.
Fix: Use this structure: Point -> Explain -> Example -> Link
Example: One benefit of public transport is cost. Cheaper travel encourages more people to use buses instead of cars, which reduces congestion.
Repeating the Same Vocabulary
Mistake: Using basic words like good, bad, many, people, big.
Fix: Build a list of synonyms and topic vocabulary.
Useful alternatives: Good -> Beneficial, effective, significant; People -> Individuals, the public, society.
Overcomplicating Grammar
Mistake: Writing long, confusing sentences to sound ‘advanced’.
Fix: Use a mix of short and complex sentences. Clarity is far more important than complexity.
Example: This solution is effective because it reduces costs. In addition, it helps low-income families access education.
Poor Paragraph Organisation
Mistake: Ideas jump around with no clear connection.
Fix: Use linking words to help guide the reader.
Useful connectors: Firstly, secondly, thirdly, however, on the other hand, as a result, therefore.
Grammar and Spelling Errors
Mistake: Frequent tense mistakes, missing articles, incorrect word forms.
Fix: Save 3-4 minutes at the end to check:
Verb tenses
Plurals
Spellings
Article use (a, an, the).
Extra Tips to Improve Your IELTS Writing Task 2
Plan for 3 minutes before writing.
Aim for 250-290 words.
Practice under timed conditions
Read model essays to learn structure and vocabulary
Get teacher feedback – it speeds up improvement more than anything else.
FAQs: Fixing IELTS Writing Mistakes
How long does it take to improve my writing score?
Many students improve by 0.5 to 1.0 band in 4-6 weeks of study with focussed practice.
Which part is harder, Task 1 or Task 2?
Most students find Task 2 harder because it requires stronger ideas and structure.
Can LSNZ help with Task 2?
Absolutely! Our full-time IELTS Preparation course includes writing corrections, model essays and personalised feedback from our team!
Final Advice
The key to a high score in Task 2 is planning, structure and clear communication. By avoiding common IELTS writing mistakes, you can write stronger essays and boost your band score.
At LSNZ, our teachers help you understand Task 2, develop vocabulary, improve your grammar, and write with confidence!
Great post, this is a clear and helpful breakdown of common IELTS Writing Task 2 mistakes that many learners struggle with. The tips you’ve shared will definitely help improve clarity and confidence in writing. In a similar way, when students are preparing important application documents, choosing the best personal statement service can make a big difference in presenting ideas clearly and professionally. Keep up the great work!