Test section – Writing Task 2

Developing arguments
Activities
1. Understanding the question – True or False
2. Generating ideas
3. Organising a balanced argument
4. Writing the essay

Aims
• to help students understand how to prepare for writing.
• to help students identify and write balanced arguments.

Learning outcomes
• Students will have understood how to develop an argument through preparing to
write by analysing the question, and the generation of ideas.
• Students will have analysed two approaches to providing a balanced argument.

Information about this section of IELTS

In Writing Task 2, test takers will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of
view, argument or problem. They will be expected to write at least 250 words and are
advised to spend 40 minutes on this task. The essay should be written in formal,
academic English.
Time 45 minutes
(90 if doing writing in class)
Level B1+
Class Suitable for groups / large classes
F2F / Online
Interaction Pair or group work
Individual work
Materials Worksheets x3 attached

British Council is a proud co-owner of IELTS. 1 takeielts.org

Activity 1: Understanding the question
Material: Worksheet 1
Time: 15 minutes
Procedure:
• introduce focus of the lesson: Writing Task 2 – developing an argument.
• give each student a copy of Worksheet 1 and one minute to read the Task 2
question.
• elicit possible next steps before writing i.e., brainstorming ideas.
• draw attention to the True / False task and clarify the importance of spending
time with the question before rushing into an answer.
• give students time to work on T/F task alone before checking answers in pairs
and then open-class.

Answers
1 False. This is presented as fact and is not the area of debate.
2 False. The question is about the impact of nuclear energy as an alternative.
3 True. This is the focus of the debate.
4 True. Although you could write this response entirely one-sided, 100% agree,
it is important to provide some balance by including at least one argument from
the other side, even if it is to refute it.
5 False. This is not the area of debate.
6 True. It is appropriate to mention other alternatives as the question suggests
that only nuclear is realistic. However, the discussion of nuclear energy should
be the main focus of the response.
7 False. No expertise knowledge on any topic is required but examples from the
test taker’s awareness of the topic is fine. Citing studies or research is not what
is expected of the task.
8 False. See answer to 4.
9 True. See answer to 4.
10 True. See answer to 7.

British Council is a proud co-owner of IELTS. 2 takeielts.org

Activity 2: Generating ideas
Material: Worksheet 1
Time: 10 minutes
Procedure:
• draw attention to the brainstorm table and the headings for both
columns.
• students work alone matching the arguments to the appropriate column.
• give students another 2 minutes to think of their own arguments to add
to each column.
• students work in pairs or small groups to exchange arguments and add
further ideas to their table.

Answers

Reasons I disagree with the

Reasons I agree that the only realistic
statement that the only realistic
alternative is nuclear energy.
alternative is nuclear energy.

b. Modern nuclear power stations are designed a. There are other alternatives to fossil
with many safety features. fuels, such as wind and solar power,
c. Nuclear power is a much more economical which pose fewer risks.
way to produce energy.
d. Nuclear power offers an almost limitless
supply of energy. Further possible arguments:

Further possible arguments: • The mining of uranium causes

environmental damage.
o All waste is contained instead of going • There is always a danger that
directly into the atmosphere. human error or negligence could
o Nations that have no oil and gas cause an accident.
reserves can produce their own energy • Safely disposing of radioactive
independently. waste is expensive.
o Nuclear power stations are safer places • Radioactive waste poses a
for people to work than coal-fired power danger for centuries.
stations.
o Nuclear power stations do not produce
greenhouse gases.

British Council is a proud co-owner of IELTS. 3 takeielts.org

Activity 3: Organising a balanced argument
Material: Worksheet 2
Time: 20 minutes
Procedure:
• give each student a copy of Worksheet 2.
• draw attention to the paragraph, clarify that this is only 1 body paragraph and
the essay is likely to have more than one of these.
• working alone, students complete the gaps in the paragraph using the linking
words in the box provided.
• students work in pairs and compare their answers.
• get class feedback.
• working pairs or small groups, students discuss the analysis questions.
• get class feedback, elicit and focus on the structure used here.

Answers
Ex 1
1 First of all, 2 Secondly, 3 Instead, 4 As a result, 5 Furthermore, 6 Finally
Ex 2
The writer agrees with the statement (based on this one paragraph).
The paragraph contains only positive arguments in favour of nuclear energy.
The writer lists positive arguments and provides examples of these, they
provide examples based on their own knowledge of the topic – no expertise
required.
They will likely have another paragraph outlining some negatives before a
conclusion which clarifies their position (though do accept any logical
responses to this).

Procedure:
• repeat the procedure for the next paragraph
• get class feedback, elicit and focus on the structure used here.
• elicit discussion on the two different structures used and which one students are
used to using / would like to try in their own response to the question.

British Council is a proud co-owner of IELTS. 4 takeielts.org

Answers
Ex 3
1 for instance, 2 while/although, 3 moreover, 4 causing, 5 despite, 6 while/although

The writer disagrees with the statement and is opposed to the use of nuclear energy.
The entire paragraph argues against the positive arguments for its use.
The writer presents a positive argument for nuclear energy and then refutes it.
They may have a second main body paragraph which outlines why other
alternative sources of energy are better than nuclear energy (though do accept
any logical responses to this).

Activity 4: Writing the essay

Material: Worksheet 3
Time: 40 minutes (at home practice)
Procedure:
• draw attention to Worksheet 3 and the essay question.
• you may wish to carry out the first 3 points in class if you have time.
Alternatively, you can ask students to submit their brainstorming table along with
their completed essay.

British Council is a proud co-owner of IELTS. 5 takeielts.org

Follow-up activities

Draw attention to how preparing to write might affect their band score in Task response
and Coherence and cohesion. These are provided as guidance though you may need
to adapt this to include your students’ target band scores. https://www.ielts.org/-
/media/pdfs/writing-band-descriptors-task-2.ashx

Task response Coherence and cohesion

Band • addresses all parts of the task • logically organises information and ideas; there
7 • presents a clear position is clear progression throughout
throughout the response • uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately
• presents and extends main ideas • presents a clear central topic within each
paragraph

Band • addresses all parts of the task • arranges information and ideas coherently and
6 although some parts may be more there is clear overall progression
fully covered than others • uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion
• presents a relevant position within and/or between sentences may be faulty
• presents main ideas but some or mechanical
may be inadequately • uses paragraphing but not always logically
developed/unclear

Band • addresses the task only partially • presents information with some organisation but
5 • expresses a position but the there may be a lack of overall progression
development is not always clear • makes inadequate, inaccurate or over-use of
• presents some main ideas but cohesive devices
these are not sufficiently • may not write in paragraphs, or paragraphs may
developed be inadequate

British Council is a proud co-owner of IELTS. 6 takeielts.org

 Writing Task 2

Worksheet 1

Understanding the question

Example question
The rising cost and decreasing supply of fossil fuels such as oil and gas, along with
environmental concerns, means that their continued use as our main source of
energy is impractical and alternative sources must be found. The only realistic
alternative is nuclear energy.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.

Look at the question above and decide if the following statements are True or False.

1 The question asks whether or not fossil fuels are impractical.

2 You should give a detailed description of how fossil fuels cause global warming.

3 The question asks whether nuclear energy is a good alternative to fossil fuels.

4 You should discuss the arguments for and against nuclear energy.

5 You should discuss the arguments for and against fossil fuels.

6 You should mention other alternative energy resources.

7 You should give detailed historical accounts of nuclear disasters.

8 You should only mention your opinions.

9 You should express your opinions, but show awareness of others.

10 You should include relevant facts that help to support your opinions.

British Council is a proud co-owner of IELTS. 7 takeielts.org

 Generating ideas

1 Put the following ideas into the correct column.

a. There are other alternatives to fossil fuels, such as wind and solar power, which
pose fewer risks.
b. Modern nuclear power stations are designed with many safety features.
c. Nuclear power is a much more economical way to produce energy.
d. Nuclear power offers an almost limitless supply of energy.

Reasons I agree that the only realistic Reasons I disagree with the statement
alternative is nuclear energy. that the only realistic alternative is
nuclear energy.

2 Add your own arguments to each column.

3 Compare your ideas with a partner. Try to add further arguments to the table.

British Council is a proud co-owner of IELTS. 8 takeielts.org

 Writing Task 2

Worksheet 2

Organising a balanced argument

1 Connect the ideas in the example paragraph below with words from the box.

As a result Finally First of all Furthermore Instead Secondly

There are a number of arguments in favour of using nuclear energy as an alternative

to fossil fuels. [1] FIRST OF ALL, it is an economical source of energy. The power
generated by nuclear power stations costs much less to produce than from coal or oil
fired stations. [2] SECONDLY , unlike traditional power stations, nuclear power
plants do not pollute the atmosphere with their waste. [3] INSTEAD, the waste is
stored in safe containers deep underground. [4] AS A RESULT, a move to nuclear
power will reduce greenhouses gases that are responsible for global warming in the
atmosphere. [5] FURTHERMORE, power stations have been shown to be safer
places for people to work than coal-fired power stations. [6] FINALLY, nuclear power
can potentially supply all our energy needs for many centuries to come.

2 Read the completed paragraph and answer the questions below with a partner.

What is the writer’s position?

How do you know?

How have they organised their argument?

What support have they provided?

What do you think the rest of the essay looks like?

British Council is a proud co-owner of IELTS. 9 takeielts.org

3 Connect the ideas in the example paragraph below with words from the box.

causing despite for instance although moreover while

The claims made by those in favour of nuclear power do not stand up to close
examination. It is often said, [1] FOR INSTANCE, that nuclear power does not harm
the environment. [2] WHILE/ALTHOUGH it is true that greenhouse gases are not
produced by the use of nuclear energy, mining for uranium causes real
environmental damage. [3] MOREOVER, many reactors use rivers for cooling. This
raises temperatures in the river water, [4] CAUSING harm to life in and around those
rivers. It is also argued that the technology of modern reactors makes accidents
almost impossible. [5] DESPITE these claims, accidents have happened - most
famously at Chernobyl. No amount of technology can prevent human error,
carelessness or laziness. [6] ALTHOUGH/WHILE these types of accidents are
incredibly rare, their consequences have devastating, lifelong effects.

4 Read the completed paragraph and answer the questions below with a partner.

What is the writer’s position?

How do you know?

How have they organised their argument?

What support have they provided?

What do you think the rest of the essay looks like?

British Council is a proud co-owner of IELTS. 10 takeielts.org

 Writing Task 2

Worksheet 3

Writing the essay

Work through the steps covered today to write your essay.

1 Analyse the question

2 Brainstorm possible ideas
3 Plan which ideas to write about and the structure of your paragraphs

The teaching of Information Technology is a standard part of the school curriculum

in most secondary schools. The same is now happening in primary schools, where
children as young as six are learning how to use computers. However, there is a
danger that IT skills are being taught at the expense of more basic skills.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

British Council is a proud co-owner of IELTS. 11 takeielts.org

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

British Council is a proud co-owner of IELTS. 12 takeielts.org

_____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

British Council is a proud co-owner of IELTS. 13 takeielts.org