IELTS Writing Task 2: 9 Trap Words That Quietly Lower Scores

Priya Sharma

Priya Sharma writes English learning guides for ESL students. Pune-based language enthusiast.

Visual representation of the voice · not a photographic portrait

Quick answer: Trap words in IELTS Writing Task 2 are words that sound safe but hurt your score: memorized phrases like "nowadays," vague words like "things" and "a lot of," overused linkers like "moreover," and absolute words like "always" and "everyone." Replace them with precise, natural words and use linkers only when they show a real connection.↗ Share on X

The trap words in IELTS Writing Task 2 are the words that feel safe but quietly lower your band. They fall into four groups: memorized openers like "nowadays," vague words like "things" and "a lot of," linking words used too often like "moreover," and absolute words like "always" or "everyone." Each one can hurt a different part of your score. The fix is simple: replace them with precise words and only link ideas when there is a real connection between them.

Below are 9 of the most common trap words, why they cause problems, and exactly what to write instead.

How do trap words affect your band score?

READ ALSOIELTS Task 1 Trends: Overview and Data Choices for Band 8 →IELTS Task 2 Examples: The 4-Step Paragraph That Works →IELTS Task 2 Paraphrasing: 5 Moves That Keep the Meaning →

IELTS Writing Task 2 is marked on four criteria, and each one counts for a quarter of your Task 2 score:

So a single trap word won't fail you. But five or six of them across a 250-word essay add up, and they can be the difference between a 6.5 and a 7.

Trap 1: "Nowadays" and other memorized openers

Many essays start with "Nowadays, with the development of technology..." or "In this modern era..." Examiners read these lines thousands of times. They add words but no meaning.

Instead: start by restating the question in your own words and giving your position.

• Weak: "Nowadays, many people think that university should be free."
• Better: "Some argue that governments should pay the full cost of university education. I largely agree, although students should still contribute in some cases."

Trap 2: "A lot of" and "lots of"

READ ALSOIELTS Task 2 Quantifiers: Fix "Less People" and Reach Band 8 →IELTS Task 2 Examples: Where They Go and How to Write Them →IELTS Speaking Fillers That Sound Natural (and Ones to Drop) →

These are informal. They are fine in speaking, but in a formal essay they suggest a limited vocabulary.

Instead: choose a word that matches the noun.

Note the grammar: "many" and "a number of" go with countable nouns (people, problems). "Much" and "a great deal of" go with uncountable nouns (money, time).

Trap 3: "Things" and "stuff"

"Things" is a word that hides what you mean. "There are many things that cause pollution" tells the examiner nothing.

Instead: name the actual thing.

• Weak: "There are many things that cause pollution."
• Better: "Car exhaust, factory emissions and burning waste are three major sources of air pollution."

This change also helps Task Response, because you are giving specific support for your idea.

Trap 4: "Good" and "bad"

These words are not wrong, but they are very general. If you use them five times in one essay, your vocabulary score suffers.

Instead: say good or bad in what way.

Trap 5: Starting every paragraph with "Moreover"

Linking words are useful. But many candidates believe more linkers mean a higher score. The opposite is often true. When every sentence starts with "Moreover" or "Furthermore," the essay sounds mechanical, and examiners notice.

Instead: use a linker only when it shows a real relationship. Often, a clear topic sentence is enough.

• Mechanical: "Moreover, public transport reduces traffic. Furthermore, it is cheaper. In addition, it is better for the environment."
• Natural: "Public transport reduces traffic and is usually cheaper than driving. It also produces far less pollution per passenger."

Trap 6: "Always," "never," "everyone," "nobody"

Absolute words make claims that are easy to disprove. "Everyone uses social media" is not true. A careful examiner sees this as a weak argument.

Instead: use softer, more accurate language. This is called hedging, and it is a sign of a mature writer.

• "Everyone" → "most people," "a large proportion of young people"
• "Always" → "often," "in many cases," "usually"
• "Never" → "rarely," "seldom"
• "This will solve the problem" → "This could help reduce the problem"

Trap 7: "In my opinion, I think"

This is a double statement. "In my opinion" and "I think" mean the same thing. Using both together is a common error.

Instead: choose one.

• "In my opinion, schools should teach financial skills."
• "I believe schools should teach financial skills."

Also, make sure your opinion appears in the introduction and the conclusion, and that it doesn't change in between. A position that shifts across the essay hurts Task Response.

Trap 8: Big words used in the wrong place

Some candidates learn lists of advanced words and push them into the essay: "The utilization of automobiles has an detrimental ramification." This sounds unnatural and often contains errors.

Examiners reward words that are precise and used correctly, not words that are long. A less common word used wrongly can hurt you more than a simple word used well.

Instead: use an advanced word only if you're sure of its meaning, its grammar and the words that usually go with it. "Car use has a harmful effect" is better than a long phrase with a mistake.

Trap 9: "In conclusion" plus a brand-new idea

"In conclusion" itself is fine. The trap is what comes after it. Many candidates add a new argument in the last paragraph. The conclusion should sum up, not introduce.

Instead: restate your position and your two main reasons in one or two sentences. "Overall" or "To conclude" are good alternatives if you want variety.

How do you find trap words in your own essays?

You can check your writing in about 5 minutes after each practice essay:

1. Circle every linking word. If you have more than one per sentence on average, cut some.

2. Underline "a lot of," "things," "good," "bad." Replace each with a more exact word.

3. Search for "always," "never," "everyone." Soften each one unless it is truly accurate.

4. Read your first sentence. If it could start any essay on any topic, rewrite it to match the question.

5. Read your conclusion. If it contains an idea not found in the body, remove it.

Keep a personal list of the trap words you use most. Most candidates have the same three or four habits, and once you know yours, you'll start catching them while you write.

A quick practice drill

Take this weak paragraph and rewrite it using the fixes above:

"Nowadays, a lot of people use cars. Moreover, this is bad for the environment. Furthermore, everyone knows that cars cause many things like pollution and traffic."

A stronger version:

"Car ownership has risen sharply in many cities. This has a harmful effect on air quality, since vehicle exhaust is one of the main sources of urban pollution. It also adds to traffic congestion, which lengthens daily commutes."

Notice that the stronger version has fewer linkers, no absolute words and more specific detail.

Your next step

Take your last two practice essays and run the 5-step check above. Write down every trap word you find, and count how many times each appears. Then write one new Task 2 essay in 40 minutes, keeping your top three trap words on a sticky note in front of you. Compare the new essay with the old ones: the difference in clarity is usually easy to see.

FAQ

Is it wrong to use "in conclusion" in IELTS Task 2?

No, it is not wrong, and it won't lose you points by itself. The problem is when it is part of a pile of memorized linkers. "To conclude" or "Overall" work just as well. What matters more is that your conclusion clearly repeats your position.

Do examiners penalize memorized phrases?

Memorized language that does not fit the question can count against you, and long memorized templates may not be counted toward your word total. Short, natural phrases that you can use correctly are fine.

How many linking words should I use in Task 2?

There is no set number. Use a linker only when you are actually showing a contrast, an example, a result or an addition. Many band 7+ essays use fewer linkers than lower-band essays, but use them more accurately.

Can I use contractions like "don't" in IELTS writing?

It's better to avoid them in Task 2. The essay is a formal piece of writing, so write "do not" and "it is" instead of "don't" and "it's."