Band 6 Writing Task 2: The Essay Masterclass
Target Score: 6.0 - 6.5 | Duration: 40 Minutes | Word Count: 250+ Words
Table of Contents
- The Task 2 Challenge
- The Scoring Blueprint
- The “Essay Sandwich” Structure
- Mastering Paragraphs: The PEEL Method
- The 5 Types of Essays
- Idea Generation: The “Friend” & “P.E.S.L” Tricks
- Vocabulary Vault: The “Golden” Linking Words
- Grammar for Band 6: Complex but Clear
- Common Algerian Mistakes (The “French” Trap)
- Full Sample Essay Walkthrough
1. The Task 2 Challenge
Writing Task 2 is worth double the marks of Task 1. If Task 1 is a sprint, Task 2 is the marathon. You have 40 minutes to write at least 250 words (aim for 270-290).
The Secret: The examiner is not looking for a “genius” idea. They are looking for clear logic and correct English. You can have the simplest idea in the world, but if you explain it well, you get your Band 6.
2. The Scoring Blueprint
To get a Band 6, you need to hit these four marks:
- Task Response: Did you answer all parts of the question? Is your opinion clear?
- Coherence & Cohesion: Do you use paragraphs? Are your ideas connected?
- Lexical Resource: Do you use topic-related words? Are there some spelling mistakes? (A few are okay for Band 6!).
- Grammatical Range: Do you use a mix of simple and long sentences?
3. The “Essay Sandwich” Structure
Don’t reinvent the wheel. Use this structure for 90% of your essays.
Paragraph 1: Introduction (2 Sentences)
- The Paraphrase: Rewrite the question in your own words.
- The Thesis/Plan: State your opinion and what you will discuss.
Paragraph 2: Body Paragraph 1 (5-6 Sentences)
- Discuss your first main point with an example.
Paragraph 3: Body Paragraph 2 (5-6 Sentences)
- Discuss your second main point with an example.
Paragraph 4: Conclusion (2 Sentences)
- Summarize your main points and restate your final opinion.
4. Mastering Paragraphs: The PEEL Method
Every body paragraph should be a “PEEL.” This ensures you don’t ramble.
Essay Logic Builder
Drag the sentence blocks to construct a Band 9 paragraph. Logic must flow: Topic → Explain → Example → Result.
Explanation
Topic Sentence
Result
Example
Assemble the paragraph to validate logic.
- P - Point: What is this paragraph about? (Topic Sentence)
- E - Evidence/Explanation: Why do you think this? Explain it to a child.
- E - Example: Give a real-life situation (can be made up!).
- L - Link: Connect it back to the main question.
5. The 5 Types of Essays
You must identify the question type before you write a single word!
- Opinion (Agree/Disagree): “Do you agree?” -> Pick ONE side and stay there.
- Discussion: “Discuss both views and give your opinion.” -> One paragraph for each side, then your opinion.
- Advantage/Disadvantage: “Do the benefits outweigh the drawbacks?” -> Compare both sides.
- Problem/Solution: “What are the causes and suggest solutions.” -> Para 1 = Causes, Para 2 = Solutions.
- Two-Part Question: Two different questions in one prompt. -> Answer one in each body paragraph.
6. Idea Generation
”Ted, my brain goes blank! I have no ideas!” Try these two tricks:
A. The “Friend” Trick
Imagine your friend is sitting with you at a caf© in Algiers. You ask them the question. What would they say in simple terms? Use that!
B. The P.E.S.L Trick (Think in Categories)
If you are stuck, look at the topic through these 4 lenses:
- P - Personal: How does it affect the individual? (Health, happiness, money)
- E - Economy: How does it affect money or jobs?
- S - Society: How does it affect the community or family?
- L - Learning: How does it affect education or skills?
7. Vocabulary Vault
Stop using “Good” and “Bad”. Use these Band 6+ alternatives.
The Collocation Connector
Band 7+ requires precise collocations. Drag to connect the adjective on the left with its perfect noun partner on the right.
Collocation Connector
Match the adjective with its noun partner Drag to connect the left item with its perfect match on the right.
The “Glue” (Linking Words)
- To start: First of all, To begin with.
- To add ideas: Furthermore, Moreover, Additionally.
- To show contrast: However, On the other hand, Nevertheless.
- To give examples: For example, For instance, To illustrate this.
- To show result: Consequently, As a result, Therefore.
- To conclude: In conclusion, To sum up.
8. Grammar for Band 6
You don’t need perfect grammar, but you need variety.
1. The “While” Sentence (Contrast):
“While some people enjoy living in big cities, others prefer the peace of the countryside.”
2. The “If” Sentence (Condition):
“If the government invests more in public transport, traffic congestion will decrease.”
3. The “Which/Who” Sentence (Relative Clause):
“Students who study abroad often gain more independence.”
9. Common Algerian Mistakes
- The “L’information” Trap: In English, “Information” is never plural. Don’t write “informations.”
- The “Because” Start: Avoid starting a sentence with “Because” in formal writing. Use “Since” or put the because in the middle.
- Over-complicating: Don’t use a big word if you aren’t 100% sure of the spelling. A simple word spelled correctly is better than a big word spelled wrong.
- Paragraphing: If you don’t leave a space between your paragraphs, the examiner might give you a Band 5 for Cohesion. Always leave a line!
10. Full Sample Essay Walkthrough
Topic: “Some people believe that it is best to work for the same organization for one’s whole life. Others think that changing jobs frequently is better. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
Introduction
It is often argued whether individuals should stay with one employer for their entire career or transition between different companies. While staying in one place offers stability, I believe that changing jobs frequently allows for more professional growth and a diverse skill set.
Body Paragraph 1 (Staying in one place)
On the one hand, remaining with a single organization provides significant job security. Employees who stay for a long time often build strong relationships and are more likely to receive a pension. For example, in many traditional Algerian companies, long-term workers are highly respected and have a stable income. Consequently, this path reduces the stress of unemployment.
Body Paragraph 2 (Changing jobs)
On the other hand, switching careers can lead to a wider range of experiences. By working in different environments, a person can learn new technologies and adapt to various work cultures. For instance, a software engineer who works at multiple startups will likely gain more skills than one who stays at the same firm for twenty years. Therefore, changing jobs can make a person more competitive in the modern market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while loyalty to one company brings peace of mind, I am of the opinion that changing jobs is more beneficial for personal development. It is essential for workers to keep learning in order to succeed in today’s fast-changing world.
Keep Going, Champion!
Remember why you started this journey. Your dreams are waiting for you.
You’ve got this!
Stay Connected
- TikTok: @tedkhercha
Copyright © 2026 Ted.Talks.DZ All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.