VSTEP Writing Task 2: A 4-Paragraph Essay Plan That Reaches B2
Quick answer: VSTEP Writing Task 2 is an essay of at least 250 words written in about 40 minutes, and it carries more weight than Task 1. A 4-paragraph plan — an introduction stating your position, two body paragraphs each with one main idea, explanation and example, and a conclusion — is the safest way to score well on every question type.
Common question types
- Opinion: To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Discussion: Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- Advantages and disadvantages: What are the advantages and disadvantages of…?
- Causes and solutions: What are the causes of… and what can be done?
Using the 40 minutes
- 5 minutes: read the prompt, underline keywords, plan.
- 30 minutes: write.
- 5 minutes: check spelling, tenses, singular/plural and articles.
The 4-paragraph plan
- Introduction (2–3 sentences, ~40 words): paraphrase the prompt and state your position or what the essay will cover.
- Body 1 (~90 words): topic sentence → explanation → specific example.
- Body 2 (~90 words): your second idea (or the other side), same structure.
- Conclusion (2–3 sentences, ~40 words): summarise both main ideas and restate your position. No new ideas.
Sample introduction
Prompt: Some people think that students should be required to do community service. To what extent do you agree?
It is often argued that community service should be a compulsory part of every student's education. I completely agree with this view, as volunteering helps young people develop practical skills and a stronger sense of responsibility towards society.
Developing ideas: the PEE formula
Point → Explain → Example. For instance:
Firstly, community service teaches skills that classrooms cannot. When students organise a charity event, they must plan a budget, communicate with strangers and solve unexpected problems. For instance, many university volunteer clubs in Vietnam run summer programmes in rural areas, where students learn teamwork far more effectively than in group assignments.
Linking words to use
| Function | Linkers |
|---|---|
| Adding | Furthermore, In addition, Moreover |
| Contrasting | However, Nevertheless, On the other hand |
| Examples | For instance, A clear example is |
| Results | As a result, Consequently, Therefore |
| Concluding | In conclusion, To sum up |
See how examiners mark it in VSTEP Writing marking criteria.