It is important to be able to structure your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, or else you will struggle to get a high band score. However, doing this isn’t necessarily very difficult. You can learn and practice some simple structures that will allow you to get a higher writing score.

Before we begin, remember to check out my IELTS writing correction service in order to find out your estimated band score and give yourself the best chance of improving. 

Question

Read the following question. Think about what it is asking you to do.

A growing number of people feel that animals should not be exploited by people and that they should have the same rights as humans, while others argue that humans must employ animals to satisfy their various needs, including uses for food and research.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

You need to do three things:

  1. Discuss why animals shouldn’t be exploited
  2. Discuss why they should be exploited
  3. Give your own opinion

If you miss any of those three parts, you will not complete the task achievement.

Practice

Look at the question again and practice making a plan. You need an introduction and a conclusion, and 2-3 paragraphs in the main body. How can you insert those three parts above into that structure?

Next, write an introductory paragraph. Remember to paraphrase the question – include a general statement and refer to what is being asked of you, but do so without repeating any more than a few words or ideas.

Sample Plan

The plan below is just an example. It’s not the only correct way. You could either include your opinion as part three or in the conclusion. I would suggest the conclusion, but either is fine. You could also write shorter paragraphs for para 1 & 2, and then have a longer opinion section as para 3. It doesn’t really matter. The key is to keep your structure simple but logical, with one idea per paragraph, and your topic sentences fully developed.

IntroductionParaphrase the question

 

Overview, summary

Nothing specific

Para 1Arguments for equal rights

 

–          Intelligent/sentient beings

n  example

–          Stop the cruelty/suffering

n  Example/explain

Para 2Against equal rights

 

–          Natural to consume animals for food

n  Examples

–          Loyalty to our species

n  Explain

Para 3 (optional)—–
ConclusionSummarize without repeating

 

Opinion

–          More rights, but not full rights

Sample Introduction

In recent years there has been a trend towards not only developing and improving human rights, but also animal rights. While many people believe that we should give animals equal rights to humans, others view them as a reasonable source of food, as well as other useful qualities.

Notice how I changed “feel” to “believe” and “employ them…” to “view then as a reasonable source…” I have carefully changed the wording to avoid any more repetition than just a few key words. I started with a basic, general sentence and then developed it further. It is now ready for the main body paragraphs to explore the ideas expressed above.

Here’s a video guide to writing a full IELTS essay: