Original BandLadder material
It teaches a 4-step method: topic, ask, kind and parts. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a model answer with its key moves highlighted, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.
With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 8 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.
The first 2 of 11 cards
the slip in the first paragraph
The task asks something specific, but many essays only tour the topic.
Should cities ban cars from their centres?the question Cars are everywhere. They cause traffic, but they are useful too.a tour, no answer
Plenty about cars. No answer.
ielts.org and the public descriptors
| Task 2 | What IELTS says |
|---|---|
| Length | At least 250 words |
| Time | About 40 of the 60 minutes |
| Weight | Counts twice as much as Task 1 |
| Focus | Stay on the topic asked |
| The task | Give a complete, relevant answer |
| Band 7 | Main parts covered, clear position |
From ielts.org and IELTS's public Task Response descriptors, paraphrased. Academic and General Training.
Card 3 of 11 onwards
Card 3 is free too
Create a free account for card 3; the other 8 come with any plan.
Create a free account →11 cards
Start Decode the Task 2 question free
Create a free account to read the first 3 cards. The full lesson and its PDF come with any plan.
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Questions
The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.
The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.
The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.
Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.
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