Looking to score Band 7+ in IELTS Writing? This guide gives you over 100 powerful IELTS Writing Task 2 phrases and high-impact phrases for Writing Task 2 that can instantly improve your coherence, vocabulary, and speed. Perfect for Opinion, Discussion, and Problem-Solution essays, these sentence starters help you write like a native under exam pressure.

Why Phrases Are Your Secret Weapon for Band 7+

ielts writing task 2 phrases

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires a formal 250-word essay in response to a specific prompt, completed in just 40 minutes. Scoring Band 7+ means mastering essay structure, vocabulary range, and coherence. This is where using the right phrases for Writing Task 2 can make a major difference.

Pre-learned IELTS Writing Task 2 phrases act as templates you can plug into any topic:

  • Provide instant structure for introductions, arguments, and conclusions
  • Show off advanced vocabulary (e.g., “compelling rationale” instead of “good reason”)
  • Minimize grammar mistakes under time pressure
  • Help you write faster by reducing hesitation and “mental blocks”

According to Cambridge IELTS examiners, students who strategically use phrases for Writing Task 2 boost their Lexical Resource score by up to 23% (IELTS.org, 2023). These phrases aren’t just filler, they’re high-performance tools for academic writing.

Essential IELTS Writing Task 2 Phrases by Essay Type

To maximize your score, use phrases that fit the essay type. Below, we’ve organized the most effective IELTS Writing Task 2 phrases into 5 categories: Opinion, Discussion, Problem-Solution, Advantage/Disadvantage, and General Linking Connectors. Practice these phrases for Writing Task 2 to level up your writing instantly.

phrases for writing task 2

1. Opinion Essay (Agree/Disagree)

Introduction Phrases

  • “Contemporary discourse increasingly revolves around…”
  • “It is often contended that…”
  • “This essay will assert my firm stance that…”

Giving Your Opinion

  • “I vehemently endorse the view that…”
  • “From my vantage point…”
  • “I am unequivocally convinced that…”

Supporting Arguments

  • “A compelling rationale supporting this position is…”
  • “This perspective gains credence from the fact that…”
  • “Empirical evidence substantiates that…”

Conclusion Phrases

  • “In summation, I maintain an unwavering conviction that…”
  • “To encapsulate, the preponderance of evidence confirms…”

2. Discussion Essay (Discuss Both Views)

Introduction Phrases

  • “Divergent viewpoints exist regarding…”
  • “This contentious issue polarizes opinion between…”

Presenting Both Sides

  • “Proponents of the first stance posit that…”
  • “Conversely, advocates counter-argue that…”
  • “A nuanced examination reveals merit in both positions…”

Conclusion Phrases

  • “After weighing both vantage points, I gravitate toward…”
  • “Ultimately, a hybrid approach merits consideration…”

3. Problem-Solution Essay

Introduction Phrases

  • “An escalating crisis regarding… demands urgent scrutiny.”

Describing Problems

  • “The crux of the predicament lies in…”
  • “Foremost among the exacerbating factors is…”

Proposing Solutions

  • “A multipronged strategy should be implemented, commencing with…”
  • “Feasible remedies encompass…”

Conclusion Phrases

  • “Mitigating this issue necessitates coordinated action on…”

4. Advantage/Disadvantage Essay

Introduction Phrases

  • “The merits and demerits of… warrant rigorous analysis.”
  • “The ongoing debate surrounding [topic] necessitates a balanced appraisal of its merits and drawbacks.”
  • “This essay will scrutinize the tangible benefits and inherent limitations of [topic].”

Describing Advantages

  • “A paramount benefit manifests in…”
  • “This confers significant advantages, notably…”

Describing Disadvantages

  • “Counterbalancing these gains are drawbacks such as…”
  • “Serious ramifications include…”

Conclusion Phrases

  • “On balance, the benefits eclipse the disadvantages when…”
  • “In final analysis, while [disadvantage 1] and [disadvantage 2] pose challenges, the transformative potential of [advantage 1] and [advantage 2] cannot be overlooked.”

5. General Linking Phrases

Adding Ideas

  • “Furthermore, [idea]…”
  • “Compounding this, [idea]…”
  • “Not only [point A], but also [point B]…”

Contrasting Ideas

  • “Notwithstanding this, [counter-idea]…”
  • “Conversely, [opposing view]…”
  • “Despite compelling arguments for [A], [B] remains problematic because…”

Giving Examples

  • “Illustrative of this is [example]…”
  • “A case in point emerges in [specific instance]…”

Cause-Effect Relationships

  • “Consequently, this triggers [outcome]…”
  • “This invariably results in [effect]…”

Summarizing

  • “Collectively, these factors substantiate that…”
  • “The overarching implication is that…”

Sample Essay Snippet Using Phrases

ielts writing task 2 phrases

1. Opinion Essay (Technology Topic)

Topic: “Artificial intelligence will do more harm than good. To what extent do you agree?”

Introduction:

“Contemporary discourse increasingly revolves around AI’s societal impact. I am unequivocally convinced that its benefits vastly outweigh potential risks when regulated ethically.”

Body Paragraph:

“A compelling rationale supporting this position is AI’s capacity to solve complex medical dilemmas. Illustrative of this is IBM Watson diagnosing rare cancers 30% faster than human doctors. Furthermore, automation liberates workers from hazardous jobs, enhancing workplace safety. Notwithstanding this, critics cite job displacement fears; however, reskilling initiatives can mitigate this concern. Collectively, these factors substantiate that AI’s advantages transcend its drawbacks.”

2. Problem-Solution Essay (Environment Topic)

Topic: “Plastic pollution has reached catastrophic levels. What solutions can governments implement?”

Introduction:

“An escalating crisis regarding oceanic plastic contamination demands urgent scrutiny. This essay will propose actionable policies to curb this menace.”

Body Paragraph:

“The crux of the predicament lies in single-use plastic dependency. Foremost among the exacerbating factors is inadequate recycling infrastructure, only 9% of plastics are recycled globally. A multipronged strategy should be implemented, commencing with banning non-biodegradable plastics. Feasible remedies encompass imposing manufacturer taxes to fund circular-economy innovations. Consequently, this triggers reduced production of virgin plastic. To encapsulate, legislative rigor and corporate accountability are pivotal.”

3. Advantage/Disadvantage Essay (Education Topic)

Topic: “Online learning is replacing traditional classrooms. Do the benefits outweigh the disadvantages?”

Introduction:

“The merits and demerits of digital education warrant rigorous analysis. This essay will argue that its accessibility advantages eclipse its limitations.”

Body Paragraph:

“A paramount benefit manifests in democratized access; rural students can now attend Ivy League courses remotely. This confers significant advantages, notably cost reduction and flexible scheduling. Counterbalancing these gains are drawbacks such as diminished peer interaction, potentially stunting social skills. Serious ramifications include rising dropout rates among disadvantaged learners lacking tech access. On balance, however, hybrid models merging online and in-person elements offer optimal outcomes.”

Conclusion

ielts writing task 2 phrases

Mastering the right IELTS Writing Task 2 phrases can be the difference between a Band 6.5 and a Band 7+. Whether you’re writing an opinion essay, discussing both views, or solving a global issue, using these targeted phrases for Writing Task 2 helps you write faster, more clearly, and with greater confidence. These sentence starters are not just academic fluff, they show examiners you know how to organize your ideas and use high-level vocabulary under pressure.

Join thousands of high-scoring students on IELTSTestPro and access our complete IELTS Writing Phrase Bank, Band 9 sample essays, and expert feedback tools. Don’t leave your score to chance, start practicing smarter today!