IELTS Writing Task 2 Sentence Structures (2026)

Examiners do not count clever sentences. They judge whether you can choose a structure that fits the meaning and produce it accurately, which is why the IELTS Writing band descriptors (IELTS.org PDF) pair range with accuracy at every band. A Band 6 script often has complex sentences, but they follow one pattern (usually because or although) and the long ones contain errors. A Band 7 script spreads several patterns across the essay and most sentences have no errors at all.

The most reliable way to build range is to link structures to jobs. An introduction needs a paraphrase and a position, a body paragraph needs a claim, an explanation and an example, and a balanced essay needs a concession. Each job has two or three natural structures. If you know them, range appears as a side effect of answering the question, not as decoration. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1, so these sentences carry most of your Writing band (IELTS test format (IELTS.org)).

Your first sentence restates the issue in your own words. Two structures do this well. Passive reporting (It is often argued that...) lets you present the debate without claiming it as your own view. A noun clause as subject (Whether cities should ban private cars is...) turns the question itself into the topic of your sentence, which is useful for discussion essays.

Your second sentence gives the thesis. A concessive clause followed by your main view shows range and answers the question at once. Keep the thesis specific: name the two reasons you will develop, so the examiner can see your plan before the body begins. Avoid memorised openers that would fit any essay, because the descriptors note possible over-dependence on memorised language.

A topic sentence states one claim in one clear sentence. Long noun phrase subjects help here because they pack an idea into the subject position: The main advantage of studying abroad is... or One reason why house prices keep rising is that... These patterns are flexible and rarely go wrong, which makes them ideal for the first line of a body paragraph.

The explanation is where most range comes from. A non-defining relative clause adds a consequence (..., which means that...). A participle clause shortens a cause or result (Having grown up online, many teenagers...). A cause and effect clause makes the logic explicit (As a result of..., ...). Use two of these per paragraph and your explanation becomes both clearer and more varied.

Examples in Task 2 do not need real statistics. They need to be specific and plausible. Conditional sentences are the most natural tool: a first conditional describes a realistic result (If a city introduces congestion charges, fewer people will drive into the centre), and a second conditional imagines a policy that does not yet exist (If every school offered free meals, attendance would probably rise).

Reduced relative clauses and introductory phrases let you add a concrete case without starting every example with For example. A case in point is... and Take..., where... both introduce a specific situation and then explain it in the same sentence. Vary the opener, but keep the example tied to the claim of the paragraph.

Concession shows that you have considered the other side, which strengthens your position in opinion and discussion essays. The core patterns are a subordinate clause (While it is true that..., ...), a two-sentence move (Admittedly, ... However, ...) and a contrast inside one clause (Despite + noun or -ing, ...). Each gives a different rhythm, so use at least two across the essay.

The conclusion restates your answer without new ideas. A concessive summary (Although X has some benefits, I remain convinced that Y) and a comparative judgement (Overall, the advantages of X clearly outweigh its disadvantages) both close the essay in one or two sentences. Make sure the conclusion repeats the same position as your thesis.

The paragraph below answers the prompt: Some people think governments should invest in public transport rather than new roads. To what extent do you agree? It uses six different structures, but each one does a job. Read it, then label the structures yourself before checking the notes.

Investing in public transport is the more sustainable choice for growing cities. The main reason is that a single train can carry hundreds of commuters, which removes a large number of cars from the road at peak times. Having seen congestion fall after new metro lines opened, many city councils now prefer rail to road building. If a city added another motorway instead, traffic would probably return to the same level within a few years, as new roads tend to encourage more driving. Although buses and trains require large subsidies, these costs are lower than the long-term price of pollution and lost working hours.