IELTS Writing Task 2 Lesson Plan: Mastering Essay Structure

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires students to write a 250-word essay in 40 minutes. Many students lose marks not because of grammar, but because of poor organization. This lesson plan teaches the structure that examiners are looking for.

Lesson Overview

• Level: B1-C1 (IELTS candidates)
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Focus: Essay structure and paragraphing
• Skills: Writing, Reading, Analysis

Task 2 Basics

• 40 minutes to write
• Minimum 250 words (aim for 260-280)
• Worth more than Task 1
• Opinion, discussion, problem-solution, or advantage-disadvantage essays

Lesson Plan

Warm-Up: Essay Analysis (15 min)

Show students a sample IELTS essay. Have them identify:

• How many paragraphs?
• What is in each paragraph?
• Where is the thesis statement?
• Where is the conclusion?

Teaching Point: The OREO Structure (20 min)

Teach the 4-paragraph OREO structure:

• O - Opinion (Introduction with thesis)
• R - Reason 1 (Body paragraph 1)
• E - Example/Explanation (Body paragraph 2)
• O - Opinion restated (Conclusion)

Introduction Paragraph Template

2-3 sentences:

1. Paraphrase the question topic
2. State your thesis (your main opinion)
3. (Optional) Outline what you'll discuss

Body Paragraph Template

Use PEEL:

• P - Point (topic sentence)
• E - Explain (develop the point)
• E - Example (give evidence)
• L - Link (connect to thesis or next point)

Conclusion Template

2 sentences:

1. Restate your opinion (different words)
2. Final thought or recommendation

Activity 1: Linking Words Bank (10 min)

Categorize linking words:

• Adding: Furthermore, In addition, Moreover
• Contrasting: However, On the other hand, Nevertheless
• Giving examples: For instance, For example, Such as
• Concluding: In conclusion, To summarize, Overall

Activity 2: Paragraph Ordering (15 min)

Give students a cut-up essay (sentences on strips). They must order them correctly within each paragraph, then order the paragraphs. This builds understanding of coherence.

Activity 3: Thesis Statement Writing (15 min)

Give students IELTS prompts. They write only the thesis statement. Share and evaluate:

• Does it answer the question?
• Is the position clear?
• Is it one sentence?

Sample prompt: 'Some people believe that technology has made our lives more complicated. To what extent do you agree or disagree?'

Activity 4: Timed Body Paragraph (15 min)

Students write ONE body paragraph in 10 minutes. They must use the PEEL structure and at least 2 linking words. Peer feedback using a checklist.

Wrap-Up: Homework Assignment (5 min)

Assign a full Task 2 essay for homework with a specific prompt. Students must highlight their thesis, topic sentences, and linking words before submitting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• No clear paragraphing (wall of text)
• Missing thesis statement
• Body paragraphs without topic sentences
• Conclusion introduces new ideas
• Under word count (penalty)