IELTS 5 to 6

IELTS Time Management for Writing Task 2

Introduction

Time is your biggest enemy in Task 2. You’ve got 40 minutes to read the question, plan your response, write a clear essay, and check it — all under pressure.

This guide gives you the precise minute-by-minute breakdown to hit Band 7+ without running out of time.

Explore more:

  • How to Plan IELTS Essays Under Pressure
  • Band 7 Essay Templates
  • Fixing the Last 10 Minutes: Editing Like an Examiner

Why Time Management Matters

Even excellent writers lose marks when time runs out.
Here’s what poor time use causes:

  • Incomplete conclusions
  • Weak introductions
  • No editing = careless grammar slips
  • Rushed ideas = unclear logic

The 40-Minute Breakdown for Task 2

Minute 1–3: Analyze and Plan

  • Identify task type (opinion, discussion, problem-solution, etc.)
  • Decide your position
  • Bullet your 2 main points and examples

Minute 4–5: Write the Introduction

  • Paraphrase the topic
  • Add a clear thesis with two reasons

Minute 6–20: Write Body Paragraph 1

  • Topic sentence
  • Explanation
  • Example
  • Final sentence linking back to the thesis

Minute 21–35: Write Body Paragraph 2

Same structure as Paragraph 1, but with your second main idea.

Minute 36–38: Write the Conclusion

  • Restate your thesis in different words
  • Summarize the two main reasons
  • Optionally add a final insight

Minute 39–40: Edit and Upgrade

  • Remove repetition
  • Add better vocabulary
  • Fix grammar and sentence flow

Grammar Tip: Control Time with Short Sentences

Use shorter, accurate sentences to save time and avoid mistakes.

Instead of:
“Although it is often argued that railways are expensive and that many people still prefer to drive, I believe that trains are better because they are faster and reduce pollution.”
Try:
“Trains may be expensive, but they reduce traffic and pollution. That’s why I support rail development.”

5 Vocabulary Phrases for Quick Writing

  1. In my view – short and direct opinion signal
  2. A key factor – introduces a main idea
  3. One clear example is – plug-and-play structure
  4. This leads to – shows cause and effect
  5. In conclusion – signals the final paragraph immediately

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Final Words

Time pressure doesn’t have to ruin your essay. With this plan, each minute has a job — and each sentence earns marks.

Practice with a stopwatch. Repeat the process until it’s automatic.
The difference between Band 6.5 and 7 is often just five minutes of lost focus.

[Download the 40-Minute IELTS Writing Timer Sheet]