The learner can write a clear thesis and topic sentences, link ideas with appropriate cohesion, and develop an idea with explanation and example.
Thesis, topic sentences and idea development
Building blocks of a strong Task 2 essay
A thesis is a single sentence in your introduction that states your direct answer to the question. It must be specific. Compare: 'Social media has many effects' (weak — says nothing) versus 'Social media causes more harm than good because it spreads misinformation and damages mental health' (strong — states a position and signals two reasons).
A topic sentence opens each body paragraph and tells the reader what that paragraph will argue. Every sentence that follows should support that topic sentence — not jump to a new idea.
To develop an idea, use the Point–Explain–Example pattern. Point: state the argument. Explain: say why or how it is true. Example: give a specific, concrete illustration. For example — Point: 'Social media accelerates the spread of misinformation.' Explain: 'Algorithms reward emotionally engaging content regardless of its accuracy, so false stories reach millions of users before fact-checkers can respond.' Example: 'During health crises, unverified remedies shared on these platforms have led people to delay or reject effective medical treatment.'
This three-part pattern shows the examiner that you can reason, not just state opinions, which is essential for a band 7+ Task Response score.
Lesson notes
Building blocks of a strong Task 2 essay
A thesis is a single sentence in your introduction that states your direct answer to the question. It must be specific. Compare: 'Social media has many effects' (weak — says nothing) versus 'Social media causes more harm than good because it spreads misinformation and damages mental health' (strong — states a position and signals two reasons).
A topic sentence opens each body paragraph and tells the reader what that paragraph will argue. Every sentence that follows should support that topic sentence — not jump to a new idea.
To develop an idea, use the Point–Explain–Example pattern. Point: state the argument. Explain: say why or how it is true. Example: give a specific, concrete illustration. For example — Point: 'Social media accelerates the spread of misinformation.' Explain: 'Algorithms reward emotionally engaging content regardless of its accuracy, so false stories reach millions of users before fact-checkers can respond.' Example: 'During health crises, unverified remedies shared on these platforms have led people to delay or reject effective medical treatment.'
This three-part pattern shows the examiner that you can reason, not just state opinions, which is essential for a band 7+ Task Response score.
How cohesion is really assessed
Coherence and Cohesion is one of the four equally-weighted Task 2 criteria. It covers how logically your ideas flow and how well you use cohesive devices (linkers, pronouns, reference words).
A common mistake is over-using linking words: starting every sentence with 'Furthermore', 'Moreover', 'However', 'Additionally' actually lowers your Coherence and Cohesion score. Examiners look for a range of cohesive devices used naturally — not a mechanical list.
Strong cohesion means: each paragraph has one clear central idea; sentences within a paragraph connect through pronouns ('it', 'they', 'this'), synonyms, and the occasional linker; and paragraphs are linked logically so the reader always knows where the argument is going.
Useful connectors by function: adding (in addition, furthermore, also); contrasting (however, although, while, yet); cause–effect (therefore, as a result, consequently); exemplifying (for example, for instance, such as); conceding (admittedly, granted that). Use each sparingly and vary them.