IELTS is one of the common tests for English proficiency required to travel abroad. This test is divided into 4 sections as it assesses your ability to write effectively in English to specific tasks.
This article deals specifically with excelling in the IELTS writing task 2.
Read More: ielts ghana sample questions pdf
Understanding the Format and Requirements of Writing Task 2
Task 2 which is common to both the Academic and General Training tests, tests you on how to write an essay in response to a point of view or a problem.
They always deal with general interest topics ranging from science to society and academics. The content they expect you to write on depends on whether you’re taking the Academic or General Training version.
Based on that answer, the assessment of your writing will be conducted in the same way. Take note, Task 2 affects your final band score more than Task 1, therefore, it is advisable to pay more attention to this than Task 1.
Read More: australia visa fee in ghana
What is Assessed in the Task
This task was designed to see if you can write. It will test the following things:
Curious about the advantages of pursuing your studies overseas? Reach out to IBS Consulting and book your FREE consultation to learn more!
Book Your Free Consultation
- Task Achievement
Do you really answer the question and present a strong argument? Do you use appropriate examples to buttress your point? In other words, did you really get what they asked you to do?
- Cohesion and Comprehensive
Is your writing easy to follow? Do you use transitional phrases and connectors to link your ideas together? Are your paragraphs well-organised and logical?
- Lexical Concord
Do you have a wide range of vocabulary? Do you use a range of words and phrases to express yourself accurately? Did you avoid tautology?
- Grammatical Range
Do you understand grammatical structure? Can you use different kind of sentence and grammar accurately? Didnt you make mistakes with tenses, clauses, and punctuation?
Read More: cost of ielts in ghana
Word Count and Timing
You will be given 60 minutes to answer both task 1 and 2.
It’s typically recommended to spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2 since task 2 contributes ⅔ of your final score in the writing tasks. The final time allocation would depend on the person writing the exams.
You will be required to write 250 words in task 2.
Read More: ireland visa requirements for ghanaian citizens
Developing a Strong Essay Structure
The structure of essays are simple:
- Introduction
- Body
- And conclusion
If you can include these three sections in the body of the work, you will be fine. Before you start, you need to know how to get ideas for IELTS writing task 2. The best of them is brainstorming.
Formulating an Introduction
All essays start with a clear introduction. This is how to write an introduction for IELTS writing task 2.
The introduction is when you let your readers know what you are writing about. It should be concise and a summary of what is in the write up.
Interested in learning more about the benefits of studying abroad? Call IBS Consulting to schedule a FREE consultation right away!
Book Your Free Consultation
Writing Clear and Logical Body Paragraphs
Make your body as clear as possible. Don’t imitate what you are not. If the work is an argument or a point of view, this is when you choose a side.
Crafting an Effective Conclusion
Conclusions, as their name implied is when you end your essay. Make sure you summarise what is in the article and tie all loose ends into a neat knot.
Read More: how long does it take to get a canadian student visa in ghana
Using Appropriate Vocabulary and Grammar
Employing a Variety of Sentence Structures
Using one type of sentences can come out monotonous. All articles and write ups are combinations of simple, compound and complex sentences. Using all types of sentences shows that you have a high degree of understanding of the language.
Incorporating Linking Words and Phrases
Linking words and phrases connects one idea to another. Their use helps with flow and readability and makes you shine. Use them.
Avoiding Common Grammar Mistakes
My simple rule is, if you can’t spell a word or you don’t totally understand what it means, avoid it. Nothing will be as annoying as losing marks due to silly grammar mistakes. Familiarise yourself with simple expressions and grammar.
Read More: canada universities without application fees
7 Essential Steps to Achieving Band 7
It’s possible to achieve a band 7 score in your exams, lots of people do. It’s just about taking the necessary steps and following the right information.
Answering All Parts of the Question
Aim to answer all parts of the question. Since it’s a written test, you might veer to one part of the question while negleting the others.
Presenting a Clear Position
Make your position clear. Are you making an argument against the point made? Make that clear. Use examples that show which position you wish to take and don’t steer away from that lane.
Structuring the Essay Effectively
Like I said before, a typical essay has an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Stick with such a simple formula when structuring your essay and you should be fine.
Checking Your Work Thoroughly
Typographical, tensual errors and grammatical errors can rob you of a band 7 score. Make sure you cross check your work thoroughly before hitting the submit button.
Read More: list of universities in quebec canada for international students
Tips for Different Essay Types
There are different kinds of IELTS writing task 2 sample questions. Below are some of them.
Discuss Both Views Essays
Example include
Q1.
Some people think technology development decreases crime, while others believe it actually encourages crime.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Problem-Solution Essays
Examples include
Read More: masters programs in canada for international students
>Contact us
Q1.
In some parts of the world traditional festivals and celebrations have disappeared or are disappearing.
What problems is this causing?
What measures could be taken to counter this situation
Q2.
A rise in the standard of living in a country often only seems to benefit cities rather than rural areas.
What problems can this cause?
How might these problems be reduced?
Advantages-Disadvantages Essays
Example include
Q1.
Young people are often influenced in their behaviors by others in the same age group. Some argue that peer pressure is important while others feel it has distinct disadvantages.
Do the disadvantages of peer pressure outweigh the advantages?
What kind of question is “A teacher and a doctor who is more important” essay? It’s a “both view essay”.
Read More: canadian law schools for international students
Mastering Time Management
Planning Your Essay Within 30 Minutes
You are required to answer task 1 and 2 in 60 minutes. Following our suggestion of splitting the tasks to parts of 20 and 40 minutes, you will have the latter for task 2. Despite that, you should write for only 30 minutes. Plan all your essay writing within this time frame.
Leaving Time for Proofreading
Writing for 30 minutes max gives you some time to go over it and proofread. This process eliminates some silly mistakes that you might have otherwise missed. And this leads to a better test result.
Managing Time Under Pressure
Time management is essential if you are going to finish the entire task in 30 minutes. You should practise managing your time under pressure.
Read More: usa ivy league universities
Sample Questions, Answers and Feedback
Common Topics Breakdown
IELTS sticks to some topics. It is not rare to find those topics repeating themselves
- Education
- Health
- Technology
- Government expenditure
- Environment concerns
- Sociology
Sample Band 9 Responses
You can find classic band 9 responses that can improve your answers. These answers are the best and you can use them as a template for your own responses.
Read More: cost of living in australia
Writing Score
Focusing on Weak Areas
No one is perfect, like they say. Despite how good you are, there are some writing techniques you struggle with. You should work on your weak areas so as to further maximise your time.
Practising Regularly
The more you practise, the better you become. Every master you see was a novice once upon a time. You should hone your skills by constant practising.
Learning from Past Mistakes
You should write down previous mistakes and try to do something to correct them. If you want to improve you can keep doing the same thing and expect different results.
Read More: usa university list for international students
Conclusion
Getting a band 7 in your IELTS task 2 is possible. While I agree that you can’t just waltz your way to such a score, if you put in the effort and are open to learning, you will see that it’s totally possible to excel in the IELTS task 2.
If you need effective coaching, tricks and tips that can help with your journey, then you have come to the right place. We offer coaching on how to ace your IELTS task 2 and post a score of band 7.
Contact us today for a free quote, we will love to hear from you.
Read More: post graduate diploma in canada
Frequently Asked Questions
How to write writing task 2 in IELTS?
IELTS is a written task. You will need understand the basic sof craft an netiful essay.
What type of questions are asked in IELTS writing task 2?
There are many arguments, opinion pieces or advantages and disadvantages essay abouts popular topics.
Read More: letter of recommendation for masters program
How to write a 250 word essay in IELTS?
Practising, that is the short answer. You need to get accustomed to writing beautiful peoces of essay in under 30 minutes.
How to give examples in writing task 2?
The popular rule is put your examples after your main idea. Examples should serve as support to the main idea and not the main idea itself. And stick to popular world known examples, not some that is popular in a particular locality.
