IELTS academic writing task 2 is popular as one of the toughest sections in IELTS academic. This reputation is because you have to write 250 words in less than 40 minutes as an answer. You can randomly get a question from any of the 5 categories of questions. That is why having a single formula doesn’t help in this case.
The general and academic sections for this particular task differ only in their level of difficulty. The word count, the idea behind the test and the scoring pattern remain the same.
Following are some examples.
GT Essay Writing
What are the advantages and disadvantages of promoting tourism in a country?
Academic Essay Writing
Space exploration is a waste of money. To what extent do you agree?
The above examples elucidate the difference between IELTS general writing task 2 and academic sections in the IELTS test. Please note that it is possible for the general test question to be in the academic section.
Tips for Scoring a High Band in The IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics
1. Understand the Scoring System
Understanding how the scoring is done in this subjective task is an important part. In the writing tasks, the examiner isn’t looking at how good or noble your thoughts are. He will score on the following parameters:
a. Task Achievement (25%)
This is linked to your word count, presenting accurate information and an overview of the topic.
b. Coherence and Cohesion (25%)
This is linked to the flow of your thoughts. The way you organize paragraphs and the way you link them.
c. Lexical Resource (25%)
Here the marking is the basis of your use of words, the errors you make and the appropriateness of the language you use.
d. Grammar Range and Accuracy
Your knowledge of tenses, sentence construction and accuracy will all be under the scanner here.
2. Time Management
It is important to use the 40 minutes given to complete the task.
Since IELTS academic writing task 2 carries twice as many points as writing task 1, it makes sense to allocate twice as much time. We suggest dedicating 40 minutes to this task. Here’s how you can divide your 40 minutes.
Also Read : 5 Amazing Tips to Get High IELTS Listening Band Score on Section 3
a. Reading
Give 2 minutes to read the question well. Understand the category of the question being asked. You have to completely understand what is being asked of you. Whether to agree, disagree, give your opinion or discuss from a neutral standpoint. Once you have understood the question well, make a flow.
b. Planning
Plan the flow of the essay in one of the many structures that you can find. Finding an appropriate place in your article for the main idea with a supporting example or for discussing advantages and disadvantages with examples. Making a miniature flowchart before you begin can become a point of reference for you when you feel lost. Dedicate 5 minutes to this task because it will help you streamline your thoughts before you start.
- Writing and Revising
Once you put pen to paper, clear your mind of clutter and keep referring to the flow you have created in the rough. Make sure you leave time for a quick revision of what you have written. Both the activities combined should take you less than 25 minutes. Practice with a stopwatch to keep track.
3. Understanding the IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Topic
There are 5 categories from which you can expect a question.
- Opinion based- agree or disagree
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Discussion of both point of view argument
- Two-part questions
- A solution to a view argument or problem
Knowing the kind of question helps you make a sound strategy before answering.
A General Pattern to Follow
A simple general pattern that you could follow is this one:
- Introduction
- The main idea with examples
- Summary of your main idea
- Conclusion
This will differ according to the question you get in the IELTS test. When you are practising, make different flows for each type and analyse what best answers the question.
4. Structuring the Paragraphs
Breaking the essay into the right sized paragraphs can be tricky. But here’s a formula that should make it easy in the IELTS exam.
Each paragraph should not be more than 4 sentences and each sentence shouldn’t be more than 20 words. It can be very easy to keep on going without maintaining brevity of the essay.
The examiner doesn’t have time to read more than 250-300 words. Take care to maintain connectivity through the essay.
Practice breaking down the idea into the right sized paragraphs visually, since you won’t have the time count words.
PEE Method for Academic Writing Test
The PEE method that will help you write content easily within a paragraph
Make a Point; Explain the point; give Examples to support your explanation.
Following this formula will ensure that there is a logical flow to all your paragraphs making it easier for the examiner to mark your paper. The idea is to be predictable while answering and maintaining cohesion throughout the essay. Creating a seamless flow is as essential as the words you choose while writing.
Sample Opening Lines
You can always simply write the question in your own words while taking a stand on it.
Below we try to list the different ways to open an essay or start a point of view of an argument.
- In my opinion/ point of view
- I think that
- I believe that
- I understand that
- From my perspective
- From my understanding of the situation
- I agree
- I disagree
- I strongly agree
- I strongly disagree
- It appears that
- It may seem that
Sample Closing Lines
Closing strongly and in a way that summarizes your whole essay is essential. Here is some vocabulary you can use to do the same.
- In conclusion
- I would like to conclude by saying
- I would like to close this argument by
- Finally
- To summarize
- Overall
- To sum up
- I would personally conclude by saying
- In my opinion
Tips for Building a Strong Vocabulary
A strong vocabulary is your best armour in the IELTS exam. It won’t just help you write better in the academic/ general writing task 2, it will improve your understanding of the language which is what needs to show in the examination.
Here’s How You Can Build a Strong Vocabulary for the IELTS Exam
- When you are reading a book or magazine and come across a new word, try to guess the meaning before looking it up in a dictionary. Getting used to the context it is used in rather than the word itself will help you build confidence even when you don’t know words.
- Use the words you learn as often as you can to make them a part of your vocabulary.
- Try using a thesaurus when writing to find synonyms when you find yourself using one word too often.
- Try playing word games and crosswords every day to make the process of learning enjoyable.
How to Tackle Some Common Mistakes
Below are some common mistakes that can be tackled with by just being aware of them
- Not understanding the question well
- Not adhering to the word count
- Using bad handwriting and wrong spellings
- Not planning the time well
- Starting without a plan or flow for reference
- Starting with the main argument without an introduction
- Repeating the same thing using different words
- Not having clarity of thoughts
- Using the same word repeatedly
- Not writing a conclusion or closing line
Conclusion
Writing is a subjective task. There is no way that you can score yourself correctly or honestly. One of the best solutions available today is to find an online coach who will do it for you. With online coaching, you get access to a personal mentor who will focus on your progress solely. Helping you evaluate your strengths and weaknesses will only help you get closer to your dream band.
Hope you find this article helpful.
Best of luck with your exam!
Also Read : Model Answer for Previous IELTS Writing Task 2 Test: Copying Famous People
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