Task 2 Counter-Argument Sprint

IELTS Task 2 essays that score Band 7+ acknowledge the opposing view. Most learners write one-sided essays. This drill forces the counter-argument reflex: for every claim, 60 seconds to generate the opposite claim plus a rebuttal.

Procedure

1. Display a Task 2 prompt: Some people believe that governments should ban all advertising aimed at children. To what extent do you agree?
2. Claim phase (2 min): students write their position in one sentence.
3. Counter-argument sprint (60 sec): students write the strongest opposite argument. Can't just be "some disagree"; must be a substantive claim.
4. Rebuttal sprint (60 sec): students write how they would answer that counter.
5. Pair up. Each student reads: My claim / the counter / my rebuttal. Partner rates: is the counter fair? Is the rebuttal strong?
6. Integrate into a single body paragraph: claim + example + counter + rebuttal. 10 minutes.

Counter-Argument Sentence Starters

• Opponents of this view argue that...
• It could be argued that...
• Those who hold the opposite view claim that...
• While it is true that..., this fails to account for...
• Although critics have suggested..., the evidence does not support...

Why It Works

• Direct address of the missing move: most Task 2 essays die at Band 6 because they never see the other side. This builds the reflex.
• Time pressure forces decision: 60 seconds is too short to hedge.
• Rebuttal, not just acknowledgement: a Band 7 response answers the counter, not just nods to it.

Variations

• Two counters: force two opposing arguments, not one. Essays become richer.
• Strongest-case version: students must write the best possible counter to their own position — steelman, not strawman.
• Written debate exchange: partner A writes claim; partner B writes counter; A writes rebuttal; B writes sur-rebuttal. Extended chain.

Tips

• The biggest learner mistake is weak counter-argument: a strawman no one actually believes. Challenge these explicitly.
• Pair with Devil's Advocate Discussion in speaking lessons — spoken practice of the same move transfers to writing.
• Once the reflex is built, move to full-essay writing without the sprint — but check counter-arguments are still there.