IELTS GT Writing Task 2 (2025 Guide): Powerful Vocabulary, Phrases & Latest Essay Topics

IELTS General Training Writing Task 2: Powerful Vocabulary, Phrases & Latest Essay Topics (2025 Guide)

The Writing Task 2 of the IELTS General Training (GT) module is one of the most important parts of your exam. For many candidates, it can make a significant difference in achieving a Band 7 or higher. In this blog we’ll cover three essential pillars for success:

1. High-impact vocabulary and phrases you should actively use.

2. A list of the current topic types that appear frequently in GT Writing Task 2.

3. How to integrate those words and topic types into coherent, band-worthy responses.

And if you’d like to strengthen your Reading skills as well, don’t forget to check out the targeted guide for the GT Reading section—particularly the tricky True/False/Not Given question type—over at this blog: Decoding IELTS GT Reading: The Complete Guide to True, False and Not Given Questions.

1. High-Impact Vocabulary & Phrases for Writing Task 2

Using well-chosen vocabulary and linking phrases helps your essay flow and signals to the examiner that you’re comfortable with higher-level English. Below are categories of words and phrases you should aim to use (where relevant) in your GT Writing Task 2.

a) Formal linking phrases

• “On the one hand … on the other hand …”

• “It is widely acknowledged that …”

• “In light of the fact that …”

• “Taking into consideration …”

• “From my perspective …”

• “In conclusion / To conclude / In summary …”

b) Vocabulary for giving examples, causes, effects

• Cause: due to / owing to / as a result of

• Effect: lead to / result in / contribute to

• Example: for instance / for example / to illustrate

• Contrast: whereas / while / in contrast

c) Vocabulary for evaluations and opinions

• “It is essential / vital / critical to …”

• “One might argue that …”

• “It cannot be denied that …”

• “This approach appears to be / proves to be …”

• “Nevertheless / Nonetheless …”

d) Vocabulary for data, trends and comparison (useful for Task 2 when referencing general trend)

• an upward/downward trend

• a marked increase / a significant decline

• the vast majority / a minority / a small proportion

• compared with / in comparison with …

• in recent years / over the past decade …

e) Topic-specific vocabulary

Depending on the topic, you may need vocabulary such as:

• Environment: sustainable development, carbon footprint, renewable energy, conservation

• Work/Employment: job satisfaction, work-life balance, freelancers, automation

• Education: curriculum, vocational training, lifelong learning, digital literacy

• Health: public health, preventive measures, mental wellbeing, epidemic

• Technology & Society: digital divide, social media, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity

• Urbanisation / Migration: rural exodus, metropolitan area, infrastructure, accommodation

2. Latest Topic Types in GT Writing Task 2

Understanding what types of essay prompts keep recurring can help you prepare targeted content and plan your vocabulary. Here are the latest common GT Writing Task 2 topic types:

1. Opinion essays – e.g., “Some people think … Do you agree or disagree?”

2. Discussion essays – e.g., “Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

3. Problem-solution essays – e.g., “What are the main causes of …? What solutions can you propose?”

4. Double-question essays – e.g., “What are the reasons for …? What are the consequences?”

5. Advantages/disadvantages essays – e.g., “What are the advantages/disadvantages of …?”

6. Mixed type (three-part) essays – e.g., “Why has … happened? Is it a serious problem? What can be done?”

Let’s look at sample topic frames you might encounter:

• “In many countries, the proportion of older people is increasing. What problems will this pose for society and how can they be resolved?”

• “Some believe that job satisfaction is more important than high salary. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

• “Online shopping has replaced traditional in-store purchasing. What are the advantages and disadvantages?”

• “Many young people decide to travel abroad for work rather than work in their home country. Discuss causes and effects.”

By practising across these types, you’ll build flexibility and be ready for the range of prompts the exam might throw at you.

3. How to Integrate Vocabulary & Topic Types into Your Essay

Let’s break down how you can bring the vocabulary and topic-type awareness into your actual writing process.

a) Planning phase (5 minutes)

• Read the prompt carefully and identify its type (opinion/discuss/problem-solution etc.).

• Jot down your position (for opinion) or key points (for other types).

• Underline key topic words and brainstorm 2–3 vocab items or phrases from the lists above that fit.

b) Introduction

Use a formal linking phrase + topic vocabulary:

“It is widely acknowledged that the digital revolution has substantially altered the way we work and live. This essay will discuss both the benefits and drawbacks of working remotely and suggest practical solutions to optimise its advantages.”

c) Body paragraphs

• Use linking phrases and topic vocabulary liberally.

• For advantage/disadvantage:

  “On the one hand, remote work offers greater flexibility and improved work-life balance for employees, which can lead to enhanced job satisfaction. On the other hand, it may result in a sense of isolation and blur the boundaries between professional and personal life.”

• For problem-solution:

  “One of the main causes of excessive urbanisation is better employment opportunities in metropolitan areas. As a result, rural areas are suffering from population decline and infrastructure deprivation. To tackle this issue, governments should prioritise investment in rural vocational training and digital literacy initiatives.”

d) Use evaluation & comparison vocabulary

“Compared with traditional employment, freelancing can offer significant autonomy. However, it cannot be denied that the absence of job security proves to be a major drawback.”

e) Conclusion

Use a summarising linking phrase and reaffirm your stance or suggestion:

“In conclusion, while working remotely brings tangible benefits in terms of flexibility and autonomy, its potential downsides – notably professional isolation – must be addressed. By implementing structured communication tools and promoting digital literacy, organisations can ensure that the shift remains sustainable and beneficial for all parties.”

4. Why THIS Practice Matters

Many GT candidates overlook how powerful vocabulary and precise phrases can raise their score from Band 6 to Band 7 or above. The difference lies not just in correct grammar or coherence, but in showing lexical resource, a key criterion. Using the right phrases shows the examiner you are comfortable in a formal written context.

Equally important is knowing the topic types. If you misidentify the prompt or treat a “problem-solution” as an “opinion” essay, you’ll lose coherence and task-response marks. By practising essays across the six types above, you build agility and reduce surprises on test day.

Lastly, when you link your vocabulary and topic types to the prompt design, you’re thinking like the test-writer rather than responding randomly. That gives you confidence, clarity and structure.

5. A Smart Strategy: Combine Reading + Writing + Speaking

To maximise your score in the GT exam, it’s not enough to focus on one module. A holistic approach works best. For example, you may have read my blog post on mastering the tricky “True/False/Not Given” question type for GT Reading—Decoding IELTS GT Reading: The Complete Guide to True, False and Not Given Questions —and now you’re working on Writing Task 2. These skills reinforce each other: better reading means better understanding of task prompts; stronger writing means better expression of your ideas.

Additionally, for those serious about achieving Band 7 or above, I’d like to highlight a highly recommended resource. The GT Reading-Writing-Speaking combo book available on Amazon India covers all three modules in one set – specially tailored for Indian students preparing the General Training version. This is the exact book set that many successful candidates have used. (Purchase link: https://amzn.in/d/5bCCYGE)

In this book combo you will find:

• Full-length Reading practice tests (15+)

• Model essays for Writing Task 1 (letters) and Writing Task 2 (essays)

• Practice cue-cards and Q&A for Speaking

• Guidance on vocabulary, grammar, linking phrases, and structure specifically for GT candidates

If you invest in one good resource, make sure it covers the three modules and reflects the GT format (not Academic). Having all three in one place allows you to cross-link your skills and time your studies effectively.

6. Final Tips for GT Writing Task 2 Success

• Time-management: Aim for ~40 minutes for Task 2. That includes planning, writing ~250–300 words, and revising.

• Word-count: Don’t go too short (<250 words). Over-writing unnecessarily will cost time and may introduce errors.

• Task-response: Always answer each part of the prompt (for example, if it asks causes and solutions, give both).

• Coherence & cohesion: Use linking phrases and paragraph structure (intro, body, conclusion).

• Lexical resource: Use topic-specific vocabulary and formal linking phrases (as outlined above). Avoid over-repeating simple words (e.g., “good”, “bad”, “things”).

• Grammar & accuracy: While higher vocabulary helps, avoid complex grammar constructions you cannot manage well. A few errors are better than many big errors.

• Review: If time permits, spend the last 2-3 minutes scanning for obvious mistakes (missing words, verb agreement, spelling).

In Summary

The GT Writing Task 2 can appear daunting, but with a smart strategy it becomes manageable. Focus on refining your formal vocabulary and phrases; familiarise yourself with the 6 common topic types (opinion, discussion, problem-solution, double-question, advantages/disadvantages, mixed). Use planning, clear structure, and link your language to your thinking.

Don’t forget to complement your Writing preparation with strong Reading skills—my blog post on mastering the “True/False/Not Given” questions in GT Reading is a great place to start. And for complete preparation across Reading, Writing and Speaking, the GT combo book available via Amazon India is a solid investment.

Prepare consistently, practise smart, and you’ll increase your chances of achieving your target band score. Best of luck with your GT writing journey!

If you found these tips helpful, feel free to share this blog with fellow GT candidates and comment below with which Writing Task 2 topic you’d like model essays for next. Also, check out the book combo (link above) to streamline your GT preparation and stay ahead of the exam curve.