The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is regarded as the most efficient English language proficiency test in the world to test a candidate’s command over the language. It is conducted to analyse the proficiency and command of a candidate in the English language. The IELTS score is considered very important for admission to universities abroad, as well as work opportunities; since this score is accepted by over 10,000 universities and organisations across 140 countries.

To fulfil the dream of studying abroad or migrating to other countries for professional purposes, applicants must work hard to ensure a good score/band in IELTS. The IELTS test is jointly conducted by the British Council, IDP, IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English.

Exam Pattern

Before seeing how to write an essay in the IELTS, it is important to know how the IELTS exam works. There are two different types of exams one can write which are Academic and General. Academic tests should be taken by people who want to study further at various universities in English-speaking countries and the General test should be taken by people wanting to move abroad for job purposes or permanent residence.

The test is further divided into different sections like:

#1 Listening

#2 Writing

#3 Reading

#4 Speaking

Also Read: IELTS Academic/ General Writing Task 1: Complete Guide for Vocabulary and Grammar

Discussing how and when the test is conducted, all the sections of the IELTS test except the speaking will be conducted at once in a time period of 2 hours 40 minutes without any break.

The writing section is further divided into two tasks. Task 2 contains writing a descriptive essay of at least 250 words in a time span of 40 minutes.

People often wonder how to prepare for IELTS essay writing. This article will tell you all about how to write an essay for IELTS task 2.

How to Write an Essay in the IELTS?

Try to keep your essay in short paragraphs. Here are a few step-by-step tips for IELTS essay writing.

#1. Introduce the Topic

While starting to write an essay, one should normally begin with an introduction. Keep the Introduction paragraph short and impactful. In this, you need to elaborate on the topic that is asked in the question. Try to put up an introduction that will build the topic and elaborate on how your essay is going to be.

#2. Write your View

After the introduction paragraph, you should give your opinion on the topic stated. To write this section, you need to know that there is no right or wrong answer in the essay. Even the examiner is also not looking for the right answer. With this task, they wanted to test your English writing skills. Hence, state your view undoubtedly and give your opinion.

#3. Support your View

After stating your view, you need to support it in your essay. Support your view with notable examples. The beginning of the paragraph is of utmost im[ortance for a good first impression. Hence, begin your paragraph with words like

#a. I personally believe that

#b. In my point of view

#c. I am personally convinced that

#d. In my view

#e. To support my opinion

#4. Give the Other Side of Your View

After supporting your view, look at the given topic from the opposite point of view. In your essay, share the view from all possible angles and make sure your essay will be a useful piece of information, easy to understand, and without grammatical errors.

You can also use words like:

#a. It can also be stated that.

#b. From the opposite point of view,

#c. However, looking at the other side of the topic

#d. In contrast to my opinion

#e People also hold the view that.

#5. Conclusion

Writing a good conclusion is a vital part of a good essay. Hence, use this to write a closing point for your side of the opinion or view. Also, conclude the whole essay in a few words, a conclusion that would leave a good impression on the assessor.

It is important to note that this whole essay should be finished in a time span of 40 minutes, with at least 250 words. If your essay is below or above that, you will get a low score. Keep these two points, time limit, and word limit, in mind and practice accordingly.

Skills required for IELTS Essay Writing 

Here are a few essay writing skills for IELTS that you need to master, for writing a good essay in the IELTS:

#1. Improve your vocabulary: Usage of good connectors, synonyms, adjectives, etc., will make your essay look good and powerful.

#2. Knowledge of Synonyms: To avoid redundancy, the usage of synonyms is important. This step will ensure that the sentences used are not repeated. Make sure you do not take away the original meaning of the essay while using synonyms.

#3. Handwriting: A good and understandable handwriting is important for examiners to understand what you are writing, as well as to make a good impression.

#4. Increased writing speed: As there is a time constraint in the task, it is important to practice writing fast well before, and schedule your time to complete the whole essay in the given time span.

#5. Read more: When you read a lot, you tend to understand sentence formation, language, and grammar better. Hence, to write better with a good presentation, reading is important.

What to Exclude while Writing an Essay?

While writing the essay, make sure you keep the tone formal. Keep the essay more descriptive and useful, and to do that, avoid using:

#1. Phrases

#2. Proverbs

#3. Idioms

#4. Quotes

#5. Informal language

Types of Essays Asked

These are a few of the general essays that were asked frequently in the previous years. We cannot be assured that such questions will be asked, but it is important to be prepared. Common essays are:-

  1. Current Affairs
  2. Social Issues
  3. Your favorite author/singer/movie/sport
  4. Advantages and Disadvantages
  5. Pros and Cons
  6. Opinion Essays

In order to write a good essay in the IELTS, practice is the key. Hence, try to attempt several mock tests, and solve different question papers, previous year’s question papers, sample questions, etc., before the exam. Even while writing the test, remember that through this test the examiner wants to test your proficiency in the language so do not worry about your view and concentrate on writing a clear essay without any errors.

We hope that helped you to know how to write an essay for IELTS task 2. Writing an essay is not very easy, but with all the above tips, strategies, practice, and the right preparation, you will easily perform well in the task and score a good band.

Conclusion

To get more help in this task or any other IELTS-related topic, continue reading IELTS Ninja’s blogs that will help you to score a good band. For more help, IELTS Ninja’s personal mentors with a lot of experience will help you in achieving your dream of moving abroad. They will solve your doubts, track your progress, and help you improve in your weak areas. Check out our free demo class before making the next-best decision to join them. Visit the IELTS Ninja website for more details.

Also Read: How Much Time is Required to Prepare for IELTS? Here’s a Guide for IELTS Test Preparation

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Shilpa

Shilpa is a professional web content writer and is in deep love with travelling. She completed her mass communication degree and is now dedicatedly playing with words to guide her readers to get the best for themselves. Developing educational content for UPSC, IELTS aspirants from breakthrough research work is her forte. Strongly driven by her zodiac sign Sagittarius, Shilpa loves to live her life on her own notes and completely agrees with the idea of ‘live and let live. Apart from writing and travelling, most of the time she can be seen in the avatar of 'hooman' mom to her pets and street dogs or else you can also catch her wearing the toque blanche and creating magic in the kitchen on weekends.

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