Task 2: Writing an Essay
In Task 2 of the General Training Writing test, you are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, an argument, or a problem.
Your ideas should be organized clearly, using paragraphs for each idea. You must write a minimum of 250 words.
IELTS Essay Task 2: evaluation criteria
IELTS writing tests are evaluated across 4 areas when your band score is calculated:
To what extent does the examinee address all parts of the task with a fully developed position, inclusive of fully extended and well-supported ideas?
Does the candidate logically organize the information and ideas? Is the entire essay cohesive with a logical progression of ideas?
To what extent does the examinee use a wide range of vocabulary with accuracy?
Do they demonstrate sophistication regarding the use of lexical items?
- 4-Grammatical range and accuracy
Does the examinee use a range of grammatical structures accurately?
Examples of these can be the use of complex sentences with sophisticated clauses instead of simple sentences with a repetitive structure
IELTS Writing Task 2: 8 steps towards a high band score
Step 1: Answer is relevant to the question
Make sure your ideas are directly related to the question
Use ideas and examples that you are familiar with, and that relate directly to the topic
Extend your answer to include a number of ideas that will support the question.
Don't:
Include irrelevant information
Over-generalise
Produce a memorized essay
Present ‘recent’ research or statistics related to the topic “At least 41% of all men…”
Step 2: Answer all parts of the question
Do: Ideas must be expressed and ordered clearly - starting with an introduction and moving through to a conclusion.
Don't: Use numbers, symbols or abbreviations (1, 2, etc, &, +)
Use headings or subheadings
Underline words or phrases
Use one-sentence paragraphs
Step 3: Organise your essay logically, with clear progression using linking phrases
If you are asked to present both views and your opinion, state your opinion at the beginning of the essay and then move on to present both views. You can then come back to your own opinion and then conclude the essay. This is a logical way to present these ideas.
Step 4: Organise your essays into paragraphs
Use paragraphs to organise your essay into clear parts. Make sure each paragraph contains a clear and developed topic with a minimum of two sentences.
You can use the acronym “PEEL” when writing your essay:
Point – introduce your topic or topic sentence
Example – an example that supports your point
Explain – why this evidence supports your point
Link – transition to the next topic or paragraph
Step 5: Use less common vocabulary and spell it correctly
Do: Use precise word choices
Use language that we use in everyday speech
Use words that you understand
Use words and phrases that are related to the topic
Don't Make spelling mistakes
Mix up American and British spelling
Use slang like ‘gonna’
Overuse synonyms, one is enough
Step 6: Don’t use memorised language, phrases or examples
Don’t use any memorised language, phrases or examples throughout your essay. They are easy for examiners to spot and don’t demonstrate your ability to write fluently.
Step 7: Use a variety of complex sentence structures
At high score band it is expected that you can use a wide range of structures accurately to present your ideas and opinion. Show the examiner that you can use a wide range of structures and make sure your sentences are error-free.
It is important to use a mix of complex and simple sentences. But remember, your complex sentences should not be long and complicated.
Your punctuation needs to be accurate, using capitalization, commas and full stops correctly.
Step 8: Checklist
1. Answer what is being asked!
2. Plan your work, work your plan.
3. Write, review, re-write
4. Where are you falling?
To pass with an If you follow these 8 steps, you will be well on your way to a high band score in Writing Task 2.