- requirement
Tips on getting a high score in the IELTS Writing
1. Before you start writing, it is important to know the 7 types of essays to raise your task achievement score.
Your score will increase if you:
• Pay attention to ALL issues in the essay question
• Write about the issues rather than the general topic
• Answer the question with relevant main points
• Plan your supporting points so they don’t go off topic
• Write over 250 words
Writing Task 2: Seven types of Essays
Two single idea paragraphs: In a paragraph or body, write only one main idea.
1. Double questions
Eg. It is predicted that robots are going to become increasingly important in our lives. How could robots be used in the future? Will this development be a positive or negative development?
Body 1: Answer the first question “How could robots be used in the future?” Only give 1 main idea. Support that main idea with a reason. Support your reason with an example.
Body 2: Answer the second question “Will this development be a positive or negative development?” Only give 1 main idea. Support that main idea with a reason. Support your reason with an example.
2. Agree/ Disagree (to what extent?)
Eg. The prevention of health problems and illness is more important than treatment and medicine. Government funding should reflect this.
To what extent do you agree?
Body1: Your first reason whether you agree or disagree
Body2: Your second reason whether you agree or disagree
3. Discuss both views
Eg. Some people think that art is an essential subject for children while others think it is a waste of time.
Discuss both sides.
Body1: Give 1 reason why “Some people think that art is an essential subject for children”
Body2: Give 1 reason why “others think it is a waste of time”
4. (+ give your opinion)
Eg. Some people think that e-books are the death of paper books while others think that paper books will never disappear.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Body1: Give 1 reason why “Some people think that e-books are the death of paper books”
Body2: Give 1 reason why “others think that paper books will never disappear”
Write your opinion in the conclusion part
Two double idea paragraphs: In a paragraph or body, write 2 main ideas.
5. Problems / Solutions
Eg. Many criminals commit further crimes after they are released from prison.
What do you think are the causes of this?
What possible solutions can you suggest?
Body1: Write 2 causes
1st sentence: first cause (why / how?)
2nd sentence: reason (what’s my evidence? example?)
3rd sentence: example / according to / based on
4th sentence: second cause (why? / how?)
5th sentence: reason (what’s my evidence / example?)
6th sentence: example
7th sentence: short concluding statement (paraphrase both of your causes)
Body2: Write 2 solutions
** the same formula as above*
6. Advantages / Disadvantages
Eg. In some countries, most people prefer to rent their homes rather than buying them.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of renting a home?
7. (+ give your opinion)
Eg. Many big companies in the world are undergoing processes of modernization. What are the benefits and consequences of this modernization? Give your opinion and support your answer.
My Opinion: I agree with banning smoking because it is dangerous to one’s health.
Practice:
Identify the types of essays: Single idea, double idea, or mix?
1. Countries should restrict foreign companies from opening offices and factories in order to protect local businesses. Do you agree or disagree? = Single idea
2. Some countries focus on health care and education benefits while others on infrastructure and employment. Which do you think would be more beneficial for the population? Give specific details and examples to support your opinion. = single idea
3. Nowadays both men and women spend a lot of money on beauty care. This was not so in the past. What may be the root cause of this behaviour? (body1) Discuss the reasons and possible results. (body2) = mix
4. More people live alone today than they did in the past. Do you think this is a positive or negative development? Give your opinion and relevant examples to support your view. = Single
5. The costs of international travel are decreasing and tourism is growing.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of increasing tourism activity in different countries? = double
6. Some people who leave school early are more successful compared with those who complete their studies.
What are the reasons why they are more successful and what is required to be successful?= mix
7. Nowadays most people are not as fit and active, as they were in the past. What are the main causes of this situation? Suggest some possible solutions. = double
Tip: In order for you to get a high score in the task achievement, ask yourself “What is my task? Is it a single or double idea paragraph?”
Writing an Essay - Step by step tutorial on how to write properly.
Tips:
1: Do not start to write immediately.
2. Understand the question: If you don’t understand the question, you might write an off-topic essay and this could definitely bring your score down to 5.0.
3. Ask yourself a question: “What is my task?” (Determine if the essay is a single idea or double idea paragraph)
4. Brainstorm: think about possible ideas that you will write about. Spend at least 2 minutes thinking about what your main ideas are. ONLY CHOOSE THE EASIEST IDEAS. Do not pick ideas that you are not knowledgeable about.
Writing the introduction:
Make sure that you PARAPHRASE the introduction. Do not copy the entire essay prompt. Paraphrase what you see in the question. DO NOT ADD ANYTHING ELSE TO CHANGE THE IDEA OF THE ESSAY. DO NOT ASSUME.
For example:
a. Nowadays children watch too much TV. Why is this happening and what can be done to prevent it?
Paraphrased: In this modern era, many children spend their time watching TV.
b. People in the current generation are not fit and active. This will cause health problems in the future.
Paraphrased: In modern society, many people, young and old alike, lead a sedentary life. In the long run, this could lead to health implications.
c. Road accidents are more frequent these days and claim many lives each year. As a result, some people suggest that drivers should take regular driving tests throughout their lives, rather than one single driving test, to improve the situation.
Paraphrased: The number of automobiles on roads is increasing rapidly these days which is aligned with the number of road accidents. Consequently, some authorities opine that all driving licence holders must take a driving test periodically, rather than taking it only once in their life
Determine which paraphrased introduction is better:
1. Shopping is the favourite free time activity for many young people today.
Paraphrased1: Young people’s approach toward hobbies is changing dramatically and it is influenced by technology and the modern world.
Paraphrased2: At present, shopping as a favourite pastime activity is becoming extremely popular, especially among youngsters.
2. Nowadays many people have access to computers on a wide basis and a large number of children play computer games.
Paraphrased1: These days, computers are accessible to almost everyone, including many children who spend their time playing video games.
Paraphrased2: People use computers more extensively these days than ever before, and it is so widespread in our modern world that even children have access to these devices for playing games, watching videos, and downloading movies or music.