How to write for IELTS

 

TASK TWO FORMAT

 

TASK TWO is an essay based on a topic given on the question paper.

You should write at least 250 words in 40 minutes.

It is important that you keep within the advised time limits as Task Two carries more weight in your final band score than Task One. Remember that illegible handwriting will reduce your final score.

 

In Task 2 of the Writing module, you are given brief details of an opinion, an argument or a problem, and have to produce an extended piece of discursive writing in response.

For example, you may have to consider an opinion or weigh the pros and cons of an argument before presenting your own view on the matter. You may also have to discuss various aspects of a problem and then outline your ideas for solving it.

 

Four indispensable basics for Task 1 and Task 2

• Task Achievement

• Coherence and Cohesion

• Lexical Resources Utilization

• Grammatical Range and Accuracy

 

 

How to write faster

 

• The first step is to write better, not faster. If you can't get the score you need when it takes you 2 hours to write an essay, you won't be able to write a good essay in 40 minutes.

• The next step is to break the 40 minutes into smaller parts. For example, you could practise writing introductions in only 5 minutes. Don't work on full essays yet; just practise parts.

• Separate the 'thinking' from the 'writing'. I do all my thinking (planning or brainstorming) in the first 10 minutes. When I'm happy with my essay plan, I start writing. I try to stick to my plan so that I can focus on writing rather than more thinking.

• Finally, remember that improvements happen gradually. You have to be prepared to do the hard work: practising lots of essays and parts of essays, preparing ideas and opinions for topics, building your vocabulary repertoire, and learning from mistakes. Do the work and you'll get better and faster!

 

How to write introductions for IELTS Task 2 essay

 

You only have 40 minutes to plan and write a fully developed 250-word essay. The “meat” (most important/substantial part) of your essay is in your main body paragraphs, so you don’t want to spend too much time thinking of a creative way to introduce your topic and opinion. Remember, you want to get straight to the issue and be as clear as possible. Here is your strategy in writing a good introduction to any Task 2 question:

1.                             Read the question very carefully - a few times if you have to, to make sure you completely understand the question.

2.                             Underline key words that you will use and paraphrase in your introduction.  

3.                             Highlight the specific question(s) you must answer.

4.                             Think of your answer (personal opinion) to the question.

5.                             Now write your introduction:

·                                 1st part: Write about the general topic – paraphrase the sentence that introduces the question of the Task. You should write 1 – 2 sentences only.

·                                 Next part: Answer the question(s) asked in the Task. Try to write it in 1 sentence. This is your opinion and heart of your essay. A great way to write this is to follow this format:

·                                 “Although [insert claim made in task question]…, I think …”

·                                 “While [insert claim made in task question] …, I believe/ agree/ disagree/ feel … “

Here are some examples:

Some people feel that competitive sports, both team and individual, have no place in the school curriculum. How far do you agree or disagree?

My introduction:

Competitive sports, such as basketball, soccer and track have become a regular part of daily life for school children. While some people feel that it should not be included in the school curriculum, I strongly feel that competitive team and individual sports should definitely be a part of the school curriculum.

Note:

1.                             First sentence introduced competitive sports in school – I referred to team (basketball, soccer)  & individual (track) sports

2.                             I used the “While…, I think…” construction. I clearly state my position and answer the question ” How far do you agree or disagree?”

 

The number of elderly people in the world is increasing. What do you think are the positive and negative effects of this trend?

My introduction:

This year we are going to reach a total global population of 7 billion people. In about 14 years the population will increase to 8 billion. This growth, especially of elderly people, is becoming more of a concern as there will undoubtedly not only be positive effects but negative effects as well.

Note:

1.                             I wrote 2 sentences to introduce the topic of growing population.

2.                             I specified elderly people and referred to both positive and negative effects, which is answering the question. It is only a discussion question of examining both sides.

4 Paragraph Structure for the IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay

To keep things simple and easy to organize – always plan on writing a 4 paragraph essay. By following this same formula, you will be able to plan your essay quickly and easily for any question.

Here is the simple 4 paragraph structure:

1.                             Introduction. This will be a short paragraph of only 2 – 3 sentences. It should clearly introduce the topic and claim made in the Task question. And it should clearly state your opinion and general answer to the call-to-action part of the Task question. See How to Analyze the Essay Question and How to write introductions quickly for IELTS Task 2.

2.                             First Main Idea. Here you provide your first main reason of support for your opinion. Add supporting details and examples.

3.                             Second Main Idea. Here you provide your second main reason of support for your opinion. Add supporting details and examples.

 

Conclusion Simply restate your opinion and OR summary/ recommendation/prediction

Let’s look at an example of an Agree/Disagree question:

Some people think that all teenagers should be required to do unpaid work in their free time to help the local community. They believe this would benefit both the individual teenager and society as a whole.

Do you agree or disagree?

Here’s how I would structure my essay:

1.                             Introduction. I paraphrase the first sentence about requiring teenagers to volunteer in the community. I state my opinion that I agree because it benefits both the teenager and the community.

2.                             First main reason why I agree – it benefits the individual teenager. Explain how it benefits them and give examples – opens their eyes to the problems of others, instills discipline and commitment, helps their communication skills as they have to work with others, etc.

3.                             Second main reason why I agree – it benefits society as a whole.  Explain how it benefits society and give examples – helps create stronger bonds within communities if teenagers are involved, communities always need helping hands in various projects – clean ups, setting up free events, providing services for elderly, sick or poor, etc.

4.                             Conclusion – restate that I believe that community volunteering is important to both teenagers as individuals and to society as a whole.

 

 

 How to analyze the essay question?

 

You could use one of the following analytical strategies, according to the kind of essay:

 

A:

 Firstly (initially)

 Secondly (subsequently)

  Finally (lastly)

 

B:

One possible approach would be ….

Another feasible perspective ……….

Most important viable (opinion – concept - view – estimation – perception …….)

 

C:

From a personal – professional - academic (opinion – concept - view – estimation – perception ……. )

 

D:

From attitudinal – financial – logistical (opinion – concept - view – estimation – perception ……. )

·        Also you could use:

From: Cultural – Social – Ethical viable (opinion – concept - view – estimation – perception …….)

 

 

 What are the types of Task 2 essays?

 

1. Agree or Disagree 

Ex. Some people think that scientists experimenting with animals in a laboratory is the only way we can guarantee new products will be safe for human use. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

2. Advantages/Benefits outweigh Disadvantages/Drawbacks

Ex. In some countries, governments are encouraging industries and businesses to move to regional areas outside the big cities. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

3. Discuss two views plus your opinion

Ex. Some people say children no longer need to develop handwriting skills. Others believe that handwriting is still important. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

4. Discuss two views only (no opinion)

Ex. Many people believe that an effective public transport system is a key component of a modern city. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of public transport.

5. Causes/Problem and Solution

Ex. Crime rates tend to be higher in cities than in smaller towns. Explain some possible reasons for this problem and suggest some solutions.

6. Two questions/ two-part questions

Ex. To some people studying the past has little value in the modern world.  Why do you think it is important to do so? What will be the effect if children are not taught history?

7. Opinion

Ex. Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than other experiences we may have in life. Which do you consider to be the major influence?

How to approach the essay?

The most important thing you must do first when you approach the essay for Task 2 is to read the question carefully and to understand what the question is asking you to write about.

 Yes, that’s obvious, but I’ve seen countless essays where the students have worked so hard on brainstorming, organizing and supporting their ideas only to later realize that they didn’t answer the question AT ALL.

So, get it right from the beginning. Make sure you:

1.                             Read the question carefully. Reread it if you have to.

2.                             Underline key words. These words will be about the topic and issue – the focus of your essay.

3.                             Identify what the call-to-action part of the question is. Usually, the Task consists of 2 parts: the first is a claim about an issue and the second is the call-to-action question – asking you to do something specific in your essay. Call-to-action questions include: agree/disagree; cause/effect; problem/solution; advantages/disadvantages; discussion; etc.