IELTS-Bank logoIELTS-Bank
Task 2 essays · Academic and General Training

IELTS Writing Task 2 Checker

Paste your Task 2 essay and the question. The checker marks it against the four IELTS Writing criteria as they apply to a 250-word argument essay, gives a band for each, and points to the sentences that are holding your score back. Your first report is free.

Checking a different task? Task 1 Academic report checker · General Training letter checker

Task type: Task 2 — Essay

0 / 250 words

Aim for at least 250 words — the IELTS minimum for Task 2. Shorter answers are penalised.

What the checker evaluates in Task 2 essays

Task 2 is marked on four equally weighted criteria. The first one is Task Response, which is specific to Task 2: it asks whether you answered the question you were given, not a similar one.

  • Task Response

    Does the essay answer every part of the question, with a clear position that holds from the introduction to the conclusion? The checker looks for main ideas that are extended and supported with explanation or examples, not just listed, and flags paragraphs that drift away from the question.

  • Coherence and Cohesion

    Is there one clear central idea per paragraph, and does the argument progress logically? It checks how you link ideas (reference words, substitution, linking phrases) and flags mechanical linkers such as “Firstly… Moreover… Furthermore…” at the start of every sentence.

  • Lexical Resource

    How precise and varied is your vocabulary for this topic? The checker notes accurate collocations and less common words used naturally, and marks word-choice, word-form and spelling errors that make the reader work harder.

  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy

    Do you use a mix of simple and complex sentences (relative clauses, conditionals, concessions), and how many of your sentences are free of errors? Punctuation problems such as comma splices are counted here too.

Common mistakes the checker flags

  • Answering only half of the question

    Two-part questions and “discuss both views and give your opinion” prompts need every part covered. Missing one part limits Task Response however good the language is.

  • A position that shifts or appears only at the end

    In an opinion essay the examiner should know where you stand from the introduction. An essay that argues both sides and decides in the conclusion reads as unclear.

  • Listing ideas instead of developing them

    Three reasons with one sentence each score lower than two reasons explained with a cause, a consequence and an example.

  • Memorised templates and off-topic paragraphs

    Examiners are trained to spot memorised language. A prepared paragraph that does not fit the exact question counts against you rather than for you.

  • Copying the wording of the question

    Repeating the prompt word for word in your introduction shows none of your own vocabulary. Paraphrase it in one sentence and add your position.

  • New ideas in the conclusion

    The conclusion should sum up your argument. A fresh point in the last paragraph is left undeveloped and weakens coherence.

Word count and timing: 250 words in 40 minutes

  • The minimum is 250 words. Essays under 250 words lose marks under Task Response, so the checker asks for at least 250 before it scores.
  • There is no maximum, but longer is not better: 260–300 well-developed words leave time to plan and proofread.
  • Spend about 40 minutes on Task 2. It carries twice the weight of Task 1 in your Writing band.
  • Words copied from the question show none of your own language, so write the introduction in your own words.

Sample answers to compare with

Original sample essays from the IELTS-Bank essay bank, each with examiner-style comments on all four criteria. Write your own answer first, then compare.

More in the IELTS essay bank and the Writing practice prompts. For how the bands are defined, see the band descriptors and how accurate the AI score is.

Frequently asked questions

How is IELTS Writing Task 2 scored?

On four equally weighted criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Task 2 then counts for twice as much as Task 1 when your overall Writing band is worked out.

What happens if my Task 2 essay is under 250 words?

An under-length essay is penalised under Task Response. The checker will not score an answer below 250 words and tells you how many words you have so far.

Can it check General Training Task 2 essays?

Yes. Task 2 is the same kind of essay in the Academic and General Training tests and is marked on the same four criteria, so the same checker applies to both.

Is the band score official?

No. It is an AI estimate made against the public IELTS Writing band descriptors, meant as a study aid. Only a certified examiner in a real IELTS test can award an official band score.

Is the Task 2 checker free?

One free AI Writing report per account. Create an account (no card) and the checker shows your estimated overall band, a band for each of the four criteria, feedback and a corrected example from your own writing. Continued scoring with full reports is part of Pro.

Other IELTS Writing checkers