Doing Writing Task 2? You'll Need 2 Different Ideas!
- Kirstyn Lazur
- Dec 6, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 24, 2023
**UPDATE** As of July 26, 2023 Writing Task #2 will now be an Academic Discussion Writing Task. Therefore, the following advice will not apply to TOEFL. You can find out more at ets.org or click here and scroll to "New Writing Task." This advice does apply if you are planning to continue academic education in English and want to improve as a writer.
Coming up with two separate and distinct ideas is the key for a successful Writing Task #2 essay.
At times during our brainstorming process we may think we have two ideas when we really don't. Here's an example of what I mean:
Question: Which do you prefer indoor activities or outdoor activities and why?
Answer to the Question: Outdoor activities are best.
Idea #1: Outdoor activities are wonderful because they encourage us to move our bodies.
Idea #2: In addition, outdoor activities are beneficial because they keep us fit.
Do you see how "moving our bodies" and "keeping fit" are very similar ideas? There is not much distinction between the two and this creates a problem as I begin to think about the examples for each paragraph. My examples will sound very similar and therefore, my whole essay sounds repetitive.
Let's try it again and make these two ideas different from each other.
Idea #1: Outdoor activities are wonderful because they encourage us to keep fit.
Idea #2: In addition, outdoor activities allow us to interact with nature and this has a calming effect.
Yay! Now, I've got two different ideas: keeping fit and calming down.
Your careful consideration and reflection as you plan your essay is needed.
Check out the video below for more examples on how to make your two ideas different!
When tackling IELTS Writing Task 2, it’s essential to develop at least two clear and distinct ideas for your essay. This helps demonstrate critical thinking, structure, and depth, which are key for scoring high. Each idea should be supported with examples, explanations, and logical reasoning. Organizing your essay with separate paragraphs for each idea ensures clarity and coherence. Similarly, when evaluating universities abroad, understanding career outcomes is important. For instance, the University of Bridgeport Placements page provides insight into graduate employment, helping students plan their academic and professional futures effectively.