IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 9 Checklist and Reference File Download Link

1. Understanding the Task

Identify the question type (opinion, discussion, problemsolution, advantagesdisadvantages, doublequestion).
Underline the twopart prompt (the issue and the specific directive).
Make sure you answer *all* parts missing a part automatically caps the score.
Paraphrase the prompt in your introduction to demonstrate lexical range.
Avoid going offtopic; every paragraph must relate directly to the question.

Spend 30 seconds deciding your position (if required) and outlining the main ideas.
Write down 12 supporting points for each body paragraph, plus relevant examples.
Allocate roughly 1 minute for each paragraphs content planning.
Check that you have at least three distinct ideas a typical band9 essay has three welldeveloped arguments.

Start with a concise paraphrase of the prompt (12 sentences).
Clearly state your thesis the main stance or the outline of what you will discuss.
Keep it short; lengthy introductions often waste valuable time.
Use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures.

Each paragraph should follow the PEEL pattern: Point Explanation Example/Evidence Link.

Topic sentence (Point) directly addresses one of the ideas from the plan.
Explanation develop the idea, show logical reasoning.
Example/Evidence realworld data, personal experience, or academic study (specificity matters).
Link tie the paragraph back to the question or transition to the next idea.
Use a variety of complex structures: relative clauses, conditionals, passive voice, and nominalisation.
Ensure cohesive devices are varied (e.g., however, furthermore, on the other hand, consequently).
Avoid repetition of the same lexical items; synonyms and collocations show lexical resource.

Target 03 grammatical errors per 250word essay.
Use at least 1012 different lexical items that are topicspecific (e.g., mitigate, ubiquitous, counterproductive).
Show control of tenses mainly present simple for facts, present perfect for experiences, and past simple/past perfect for examples.
Employ a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences aim for 3035% complex structures.
Maintain appropriate formal register no contractions, colloquialisms, or slang.

Logical order of paragraphs each idea builds on the previous one.
Use clear paragraphing: an opening line, development, and a concluding sentence.
Employ discourse markers strategically; avoid overuse.
Pronoun referencing should be unambiguous.
Check for jumping ensure every sentence follows logically from the one before.

Planning 2minutes
Writing 35minutes ( 5minutes per paragraph + intro & conclusion)
Proofreading 3minutes (look for glaring grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors)

Did I answer *all* parts of the question?
Is my thesis clear and reflected in the conclusion?
Do I have at least three body paragraphs with distinct ideas?
Have I used a range of sentence structures and academic vocab?
Is there any repetition of words that could be replaced with synonyms?
Are all examples relevant and specific?
Have I checked for subjectverb agreement, article use, and preposition accuracy?
Are my cohesive devices varied and used correctly?
Is the essay within the 250word limit ( 270300 words is acceptable)?
Did I leave a minute for a quick proofread?

Read highscoring sample essays weekly and note their structure and vocabulary.
Maintain a personal glossary of useful collocations and academic phrases.
Practice timeboxed writing at least twice a week.
Record yourself summarising a prompt; this helps with idea generation under pressure.
After each practice, analyse your errors against the checklist and track improvements.
Stay updated on common IELTS topics (technology, environment, education, health, etc.) to have ready-made ideas.