how to write a ielts essay

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How to Write an IELTS Essay

In this introductory lesson you will find some guidance on how you should write an  IELTS essay .

There are then more lessons on the following pages for different types of essay and different questions, with lots of tips and strategies for achieving a high score. 

You can also watch a video of this lesson:

Essay Types

It is important to learn about IELTS essays because there are different essay types, and these will require different ways to answer them.

However, as you will see from the guidance on this page, they can all follow the same basic structure.

These are some of the types of IELTS essays you can get in the test: 

• Agree / disagree
• Discuss two opinions
• Advantages & disadvantages
• Causes (reasons) & solutions
• Causes (reasons) & effects
• Problems & solutions

Not every essay will fit one of these patterns, but many do.

You may get some of these tasks mixed up. For example, you could be asked to give your opinion on an issue, and then discuss the advantages or disadvantages of it.

The golden rule is to  ALWAYS read the question very carefully  to see exactly what you are being asked to do.

The second lesson explains more about analysing essay questions. 

How do I Write an IELTS Essay?

In order to answer this, lets first look at a sample question:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In the last 20 years there have been significant developments in the field of information technology (IT), for example the World Wide Web and communication by email. However, these developments in IT are likely to have more negative effects than positive in the future.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

An IELTS essay is structured like any other essay; you just need to make it shorter. There are three key elements:

• Introduction
• Body Paragraphs

We will look at each of these in turn, using the essay question above as an example.

1) Introduction

You should keep your introduction for the IELTS essay short. Remember you only have 40 minutes to write the essay, and some of this time needs to be spent planning. Therefore, you need to be able to write your introduction fairly quickly so you can start writing your body paragraphs.

You should do just two things:

• State the topic of the essay, using some basic facts (that you may be able to take from the question)
• Say what you are going to write about

Here is an example introduction for the above essay question about IT:

The last two decades have seen enormous changes in the way people's lives are affected by IT, with many advances in this field. However, while these technological advances have brought many benefits to the world, I strongly believe that these developments in IT will result in more negative impacts than positive.

As you can see, the first sentence makes sure it refers to the topic (IT) and uses facts about IT taken from the question. Note that these are paraphrased - you must not copy from the rubric!

The second part then clearly sets out the what the essay will be about and confirms the writers opinion (some questions may not ask for your opinion, but this one does). The writer clearly agrees as he/she thinks there will be more negative impacts.

View this lesson for more advice on writing IELTS essay introductions.

2) Body Paragraphs

For an IELTS essay, you should have 2 or 3 body paragraphs - no more, and no less.

For your body paragraph, each paragraph should contain one controlling idea, and have sentences to support this.

Lets look at the first paragraph for the essay about IT. The essay is about the benefits and drawbacks of IT, so these will need to be discussed in separate paragraphs.

Here is the first body paragraph:

On the positive side, email has made communication, especially abroad, much simpler and faster. This has resulted in numerous benefits for commerce and business as there is no need to wait weeks for letters or take time sending faxes, which was the case in the past. Furthermore, the World Wide Web means that information on every conceivable subject is now available to us. For example, people can access news, medical advice, online education courses and much more via the internet.  These developments have made life far easier and more convenient for many.

The controlling idea in this first paragraph is the 'benefits of IT', and there are two supporting ideas, which are underlined. No drawbacks are discussed as the paragraph would then lose coherence.

Most of the essay will focus on the negative aspects of IT, as the writer says there are more negative effects in the introduction. So the next two paragraphs are about these.

The topic sentence in the next paragraph therefore tells us we are changing the focus to the negative points:

Nevertheless, the effects of this new technology have not all been beneficial. For example, many people feel that the widespread use of email is destroying traditional forms of communication such as letter writing, telephone and face-to-face conversation. This could result in a decline in people's basic ability to socialize and interact with each other on a day-to-day basis.

The final body paragraph gives the last negative effect:

In addition, the large size of the Web has meant that it is nearly impossible to regulate and control. This has led to many concerns regarding children accessing unsuitable websites and the spread of computer viruses. Unfortunately, this kind of problem might even get worse in the future at least until more regulated systems are set up.

3) Conclusion

The conclusion only needs to be one or two sentences, and you can do the following:

• Re-state what the essay is about (re-write the last sentence of your introduction in different words)
• Give some thoughts about the future

Here is an example:

In conclusion, developments in IT have brought many benefits, yet I believe that these are outweighed by the drawbacks. In the future these will need to be addressed if we are to avoid damaging impacts on individuals and society.

The Full IELTS Essay

The last two decades have seen enormous changes in the way people's lives are affected by IT, with many advances in this field. However, while these technological advances have brought many benefits to the world, I strongly believe that these developments in IT will result in more negative impacts than positive.

Nevertheless, the effects of this new technology have not all been beneficial. For example, many people feel that the widespread use of email is destroying traditional forms of communication such as letter writing, telephone and face-to-face conversation. This could result in a decline in people's basic ability to socialize and interact with each other on a day-to-day basis.

(290 Words)

The IELTS essay introduction talks in general about the increasing use of IT, thus introducing the topic well. The thesis then clearly sets out the writers opinion.

The following paragraph mentions the present benefits of these developments, but the opening sentence in the third paragraph is a qualifying statement (Nevertheless, not all the effects... ), so the writer can now focus on the negative elements.

The fourth paragraph provides two other negative examples (lack of regulation, viruses). Both paragraphs suggest that these problems will continue in the future.

The essay concludes with a clear opinion that agrees with the statement.

Overall, it is a well-balanced text that mentions the present situation ( ...this has made life.. .) but importantly, also refers to the future of IT (. ..likely to increase..., might get worse. ..).

Now you know the basics of writing an IELTS Essay, you can go on and look at further sample essays or if you prefer, check out the next lessons for Writing Task 2.

More Task 2 IELTS Lessons:

How to Identify the Topic of an IELTS Essay Question

In IELTS you must identify the topic of your essay as this is a key to making sure your essay is on topic.

Using Pronouns to Improve IELTS Essay Coherency

Find out how to use pronouns to improve your coherency for IELTS task 2 essays.

The 3 Types of IELTS Opinion Essays in IELTS

IELTS opinion essays in IELTS can be placed into three types. This lesson explains the different types and how to analyse these essay questions.

Transitional Phrases for Essays

Learn transitional phrases for essays to get a band 7 or higher in your IELTS writing for coherence and cohesion.

Thesis Statement Tips for IELTS Essays

Your thesis statement in an IELTS essay should be written quickly and concisely. Use these tips to do that.

Can you use Personal Pronouns in Essays for IELTS?

Learn how to use personal pronouns in essays for IELTS correctly. Can you use "I", "we" and "you"?

Requirements for IELTS Band 7 in Writing

Getting to an IELTS Band 7 is a struggle for many candidates. This lesson explains exactly what you have to do to reach this band score.

IELTS Problem Solution Essay Strategies and Tips

In IELTS problem solution essays you have to discuss a particular issue and present ideas to solve that problem.

Using Substitution in IELTS to Improve Writing Coherency

You can use substitution in your IELTS essays in order to improve coherency and coherence.

Writing an IELTS Essay Introduction

Tips on how to write an introduction for an IELTS essay introduction in a quick and easy way.

Writing an IELTS Essay Conclusion

The IELTS essay conclusion is the final part of your IELTS essay. This lesson guides you on how to write a conclusion quickly but effectively.

Generating ideas for IELTS essays for writing task 2

Generating ideas for IELTS essays for writing task 2 can be difficult but complex ideas are not expected.

IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay Tips and Strategies

An advantage disadvantage essay is one type of essay that you may get in the test. This lesson shows how to write a pros cons essay.

Paragraph Writing for IELTS: Building strong arguments

This paragraph writing lesson provides tips on constructing the best paragraphs for your IELTS essay.

Tips on How to Score IELTS Band 8 in Writing and Speaking

To score IELTS Band 8 you need to understand exactly what is in the IELTS Band Descriptors for an 8 for writing and speaking first.

How to use brainstorming and planning to generate essay ideas.

Brainstorming and planning is a key step in developing your IELTS essay. This lesson has tips on how to coming up with ideas and organising them.

IELTS Task Response - 25% of your essay grade

The IELTS Task Response criteria in the scoring makes up 25% of your band score for your essay.

How to Identify the Task in an IELTS Essay

Learn how to identify the task in an IELTS task 2 essay question. This is one of the most important steps in responding to an essay question.

IELTS Music Essay: Understanding a Complex Question

An IELTS essay about music is used to show you how to answer a more complex IELTS essay question that does not have a clear 'task' given to you.

Improving Writing Coherence for IELTS essays

25% of the writing grade is on how you organise your essay so this lesson shows you how to improve your writing coherence.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Free Tips, Lessons & Model Essays

Success in IELTS writing task 2 is based on using the right techniques. These free tips, model essays, lessons, videos and information will help develop the skills for writing task 2. This page will teach you how to maximise your IELTS writing task 2 score. All lessons are on this page are for both GT and Academic writing task 2.

On this page, you will find for free:

• IELTS WRITING TASK 2 TEST INFORMATION
• PRACTICE ESSAY QUESTIONS
• ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR IELTS ESSAYS
• MODEL ESSAYS
• PRACTICE LESSONS (writing skills, topic ideas etc)

1. IELTS Writing Task 2 Test Information

Learn about your IELTS writing task 2 test. All lessons and tips on this page are for both Academic and GT writing task 2.

• IELTS Writing has two tasks: Task 1 (a report) and Task 2 (an essay).
• The total time is one hour for both tasks. You should spend only 40 mins on task 2.
• The time is yourself to manage. No one will tell you when to move from task 1 to task 2.
• The essay if a formal essay. You should not use informal language in your essay.
• The instructions say “write at least 250 words”. This means you need to write over 250 words.
• Writing task 2 is worth about 66% of your total writing score. Click here: Total Writing Score Calculations
• There are four marking criteria which you must learn about. Click here: WRITING T2 BAND SCORES & MARKING WITH TIPS

The Essay Task

Below is an example task you will be given in IELTS Writing Task 2.

• You will be given a topic.
• Topics contain specific issues or opinions that you must address.
• You are given a task, such as to discuss and give an opinion. 
• Examples are based on your experience of the world in general, not your personal life.
• There are FIVE ESSAY TYPES . 

2. IELTS Practice Essay Questions

Practice essay questions to help you prepare ideas for topics in IELTS writing task 2. These questions have been written based on questions reported by IELTS students.

Over 100 IELTS Essay Questions (repeated topics)

3. Essential IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips

The most important writing tips for a strong IELTS essay in writing task 2. Learn about the recommended essay length, how to plan your essay, when to give your opinion and how to write an introduction etc. Some videos linked below are old, but still 100% relevant today. Click below:

Essay Structure & Paragraphing

Key Linking Words List

Types of IELTS Essays

Essay Planning Tips

Paraphrasing Tips & Examples

Common Essay Topics

When & How to give your opinion

Video  Using the last 5 minutes

4. IELTS Model Essays

IELTS Essays have a specific format, structure, style and band score requirements. These model essays are at band 9 and illustrate how an IELTS writing task 2 essay should be written. Use them as a guide to creating an essay suitable for a high band score in IELTS. Remember, language only counts for about 50% of your marks, the rest is IELTS essay techniques.

• Agree Disagree Opinion Essay: Health
• Advantages & Disadvantages Essay: Language
• Cause  Solution Essay: Crime & Punishment
• Direct Questions Essay: Happiness
• Opinion Essay: Social Media
• Discussion Essay: Work
• Do Advs Outweigh Disavs Essay: Reading
• Direct Questions Essay: Family
• Direct Questions Essay: Art
• Positive or Negative Development: Social Media
• 2 Model Essays about Economy & Money /Buildings
• Model Essay & Question for Topic of Education
• Two Question Essay: Technology
• IELTS ESSAY TOPICS FOR 2024

More Writing Task 2 Tips

• Ideas for Topics Tips with Band Score Info
• Deleting Words in your Essay
• Should I indent the first word of my paragraphs?
• 10 sentences to avoid in your IELTS essay
• Video:  How to add examples to your essay
• Tips: Under Words Penalty
• Can you use quotes, idioms or proverbs in your essay?
• Handwriting: Using cursive writing or not
• Video : Grammar – How to Add a Clause
• Video : Grammar – Connecting Sentences

5. Practice Lessons for Writing Task 2

Various lessons for: IELTS Essay Writing Skills, Topics, Language 

• Improving Sentences for a Higher Score
• Essay Ideas: Advertising to Children in Schools
• Essay Topics for 2024
• IELTS Essay Topics Prediction 2022
• Grammar Test : Using “the” with countries and nationalities
• Paraphrasing Practice
• Using Passive Voice for Giving Opinions
• Essay Ideas: Employment Competition
• Essay Ideas: The Importance of History
• Essay Ideas: Housing & Trees 
• Essay Ideas: International Aid
• Essay Ideas: City Transport
• Essay Ideas: Salaries
• Essay Ideas: Function of Schools
• Essay Ideas: Female Staff in Senior Positions
• Writing Skills: Punctuation Practice
• Writing Skills: Linking Word Practice
• Essay Ideas: Littering in Cities
• Listen and Write Dictation: Natural Disasters
• Discussion Essay with Feedback: Music Topic
• Writing Skills: Improving Sentences: Ebooks Topic
• Essay Ideas: Banning Mobile Phones
• Two Question Essay with Feedback: Judging Business Success
• Essay Ideas: Tourism and Local Communities
• Essay Ideas: Traffic & Pollution
• Writing Skills: Improving a Thesis Statement
• Writing Skills: Improving Sentences (1)
• Essay Ideas: Handwriting Skills
• Essay Ideas: Older or Younger Leaders
• Writing Skills: Introduction Feedback
• Writing Skill: Opinion Essay Introduction Feedback
• Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Body Paragraphs
• Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Introduction
• Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Finding Main Points
• Writing Skills: Thesis Statement
• Essay Ideas: Public Services .

………………

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10 steps to writing high-scoring IELTS essays

Date Published

01 February 2023

• This article was first published on IELTS.IDP.com

Whether you take the General Training or Academic IELTS test, the second writing task is writing an essay in response to a problem or argument. Here are 10 easy steps, with lots of tips, to guide you on how to write high-scoring essays.

How is the IELTS essay component marked?

Fairness and accuracy are critically important when marking IELTS writing tasks . Your essay will be marked by at least two experienced IELTS examiners on the following criteria:

• Task response - Whether you answered the question fully and supported your answer well.
• Coherence and cohesion - How well you linked your ideas together.
• Lexical resource - Whether you used a wide range of vocabulary correctly and appropriately.
• Grammatical range and accuracy - How many grammatical structures you used accurately and appropriately.

Each of these criteria is worth 25 percent of your total score for the essay writing task. Both of your writing tasks are used to calculate your overall writing band score.

How to write high-scoring essays in 10 easy steps

Step one: plan your time.

The Writing test (consisting of Writing tasks 1 and 2) takes approximately 60 minutes. Plan to spend around 20 minutes on your first task, and 40 minutes on your essay task. A sample plan for your time might be:

• 5 to 10 minutes reading the essay question and planning your answer
• 15 to 20 minutes writing your first draft
• 10 minutes proofreading and editing your essay

How to write a good introduction

Step two: Read the question

While you may be anxious to jump straight into writing, make sure you take the time to carefully read the essay question. If you misunderstand the question, you risk writing an essay that does not address the issues properly which will lower your score.

Top 10 podcasts to help you improve your English

Step three: Highlight the issues to address

There will be multiple issues that you will need to address in your essay. Addressing each issue individually is key to achieving a high essay score. Highlight each individual issue that you will need to address.

The A to Z of IELTS: E is for Essays

Step four: Outline your response

Create an outline of how you will respond to the issues in your essay. This will serve as your ‘blueprint’ when you write your first draft. As a general rule your essay should have:

• An introduction stating what you will talk about
• Two or three body paragraphs , each addressing one issue or idea
• A conclusion summing up what was discussed in the essay

Make sure you note which idea or issue you will address in each paragraph. Check that the issues you highlighted are all accounted for in your outline.

Step five: Expand on your ideas

Write some notes about any key points or ideas you’d like to include in each paragraph. When you’re writing your first draft, these notes will help to make sure you don’t forget any ideas you want to include.

Mind maps to build your vocabulary resource for IELTS

Step six: Plan how you will connect your ideas

Connecting your ideas clearly and correctly is critical to achieving a high essay score. Try to use a range of linking words to make your essay easy to read. You can use connecting devices and phrases to:

List connected ideas

• ‘Firstly, secondly, thirdly’
• ‘Furthermore’

Provide more information

Compare ideas.

• ‘On the other hand’
• ‘Alternatively’

Don’t fall into the trap of trying to put a linking word in every sentence. Essays will score higher when the writer uses linking words only where necessary and appropriate.

Step seven: Write your first draft

Now that you’ve planned your essay, it’s time to write your first draft. Follow the outline you’ve created and expand on the notes and ideas you included there.

• Avoid informal language unless it is appropriate.
• Avoid spelling and grammatical errors where possible.
• Use a mix of sentence structures such as simple sentences, complex sentences and compound sentences.

How to boost your IELTS Writing score

Step eight: Proofread your essay

When you have completed the first draft of your essay, it’s important to proofread it. Read your essay from start to finish.

You can read it silently, but it may help to read it out loud if you can do so without disturbing others. Make a mental note or mark your paper anywhere that you may need to fix an issue.

How to access FREE official IELTS mock tests

Step nine: Edit your essay

Carefully go through the issues you noted while proofreading. Edit or rewrite these until they look and sound correct. Examples of issues and how to edit them may include:

• The sentence is too long. A sentence is probably too long if you need to take a breath in the middle of reading it. Try splitting this up into smaller sentences.
• A sentence sounds strange when you read it out loud. Try using different words or punctuation until it sounds right. It may need to be connected to another sentence.
• The same word appears many times. Think about any other words you could use instead.

There is more than one main idea in each paragraph. Move any unrelated sentences to the correct paragraph. Each paragraph should address one issue only.

IELTS Writing: How to organise your responses

Step 10: Proofread your essay again

After your edits and before submitting your essay , give it one final proofread. Make sure you have:

• Included all the points you highlighted in step three
• Followed your outline from step four
• Used good connecting words from step six
• Fixed any errors or issues in step nine

IELTS Writing: 8 steps towards a band 8

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Also, the IELTS Familiarisation test is designed to give test takers an idea of what to expect on the actual IELTS test. It includes sample questions from different part of the test, such as Listening, Reading, and Writing. Set yourself up for success and explore our extensive library of preparation materials today.

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How to Write an IELTS Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

The IELTS essay, a crucial component of both the Academic and General Training writing exams, often feels like a daunting hurdle for many test-takers. This comprehensive guide will demystify the essay writing process, providing you with a clear roadmap to crafting high-scoring IELTS essays. Whether you’re aiming to discuss social issues, analyze opinions, or evaluate arguments, this guide will equip you with the essential tools for success.

Table of Contents

Understanding the IELTS Essay Task

Before delving into the intricacies of essay writing, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamentals of the IELTS essay task. You will be presented with a question or statement and asked to provide your perspective on the issue at hand. Your essay should demonstrate your ability to:

• Understand the question: Accurately identify the key themes and demands of the prompt.
• Develop an argument: Present a clear and well-structured response, supporting your ideas with relevant evidence and examples.
• Utilize a range of vocabulary and grammar: Showcase your language proficiency through varied sentence structures and precise vocabulary choices.

Types of IELTS Essays

The IELTS writing exam features two tasks, and the type of essay you’ll encounter depends on the task you’re presented with:

Task 2: This task typically requires you to respond to a social, environmental, or technological issue, presenting your opinion or analyzing different viewpoints.

Common Essay Types in Task 2:

• Opinion Essay: Present your stance on a given topic, providing reasons and examples to support your viewpoint.
• Discussion Essay: Explore both sides of an argument before presenting your own balanced opinion.
• Advantages and Disadvantages Essay: Analyze the pros and cons of a particular issue or trend.
• Problem and Solution Essay: Identify a problem and propose feasible solutions.
• Two-Part Question Essay: Address two distinct questions related to a central theme.

Example Essay Prompt:

“Some people believe that technology has made our lives easier, while others argue that it has created new challenges. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”

Structuring Your IELTS Essay

A well-structured essay is key to achieving a high band score. Here’s a breakdown of a typical IELTS essay structure:

1. Introduction:

• Hook: Begin with a sentence or two that grabs the reader’s attention and introduces the topic. This could be a startling statistic, a rhetorical question, or a relevant anecdote.
• Background Information: Provide some context on the issue being discussed, setting the stage for your argument.
• Thesis Statement: Clearly state your main argument or the position you will be taking in the essay.

2. Body Paragraphs (2-3 paragraphs):

• Topic Sentence: Begin each paragraph with a clear sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
• Supporting Evidence: Provide reasons, examples, statistics, or expert opinions to back up your topic sentence.
• Explanation: Analyze and explain the significance of your evidence, linking it back to your main argument.
• Transition Sentence: Conclude the paragraph by smoothly transitioning to the next idea or paragraph.

3. Conclusion:

• Restate Thesis: Briefly summarize your main argument, using different words than the introduction.
• Summarize Key Points: Briefly recap the main supporting points discussed in the body paragraphs.
• Final Thought: End with a thought-provoking statement, a prediction about the future, or a call to action.

Example Essay Structure (Based on the Example Prompt):

Introduction:

• Hook: “The relentless march of technology has fundamentally reshaped the 21st-century landscape, leaving few aspects of our lives untouched.”
• Background Information: “From the way we communicate to how we conduct business, technology’s impact is undeniable. However, this pervasive influence has sparked debate about whether its overall effect has been positive or negative.”
• Thesis Statement: “While technology has undoubtedly made many tasks more convenient, it has also introduced a unique set of challenges that must be carefully considered.”

Body Paragraph 1 (Advantages):

• Discuss how technology has made life easier (e.g., communication, access to information, automation).

Body Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages):

• Explore the challenges brought about by technology (e.g., job displacement, digital divide, privacy concerns).

Conclusion:

• Restate your balanced perspective on the topic.
• Briefly summarize the main advantages and disadvantages.
• Final thought: “Ultimately, harnessing the power of technology for good while mitigating its potential downsides will be one of the defining challenges of our time.”

Essential Tips for Writing High-Scoring IELTS Essays

Analyze the Question: Before you begin writing, carefully read and understand the essay prompt. Identify the keywords and the specific task verbs (e.g., discuss, analyze, evaluate) to ensure you address all aspects of the question.

Plan Your Essay: Spend a few minutes outlining your ideas before you start writing. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure a coherent and logical flow of ideas. Consider using mind maps, bullet points, or simple diagrams to structure your essay.

Use a Range of Vocabulary: Showcase your lexical resource by using a variety of words and phrases related to the topic. However, avoid using overly complex vocabulary if you’re not confident in its meaning and usage. It’s better to use simpler language accurately than to misuse sophisticated words.

Demonstrate Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use a variety of sentence structures, including simple, compound, and complex sentences, to demonstrate your grammatical range. Pay close attention to subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and correct punctuation.

Provide Supporting Evidence: Your opinions should be supported by relevant evidence, such as examples, statistics, or expert opinions. When using examples, make sure they are specific and clearly illustrate your point.

Cohesion and Coherence: Use transition words and phrases to connect ideas within and between paragraphs. This will make your essay flow smoothly and help the reader follow your line of reasoning.

Proofread Carefully: Allow time to reread your essay and correct any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. It can be helpful to read your essay aloud to identify any awkward phrasing or grammatical mistakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not answering the question directly: Ensure that your essay directly addresses all parts of the prompt.
• Lack of clear thesis statement: Your introduction should clearly state your main argument.
• Insufficient supporting evidence: Support your claims with relevant examples, statistics, or expert opinions.
• Overusing informal language: Use formal language and avoid contractions or slang.
• Neglecting proofreading: Errors in grammar and spelling can lower your score.

Practice Makes Perfect

The key to mastering the IELTS essay is consistent practice. Set aside dedicated time to write practice essays using a variety of prompts. You can find sample essay questions on the official IELTS website and other online resources.

After writing a practice essay, review it critically or seek feedback from an experienced IELTS instructor. Focus on identifying areas where you can improve your structure, vocabulary, grammar, or argumentation.

Writing a successful IELTS essay requires a combination of language proficiency, critical thinking skills, and effective writing techniques. By following this comprehensive guide, understanding the different essay types, and practicing regularly, you can approach the IELTS writing exam with confidence and achieve your desired band score. Remember, clear communication, strong arguments, and a well-structured essay are the cornerstones of success in the IELTS writing exam.

For further guidance on specific aspects of IELTS writing, you can explore these related articles:

• Should I Write an Outline Statement in IELTS Essay?
• Could We Write Number in IELTS Essay?

We encourage you to share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. Good luck with your IELTS journey!

Understanding Your IELTS Overall Band Score

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Writing High-Scoring IELTS Essays: A Step-by-Step Guide

Writing great IELTS essays is essential for success. This guide will give you the tools to craft high-scoring essays. It’ll focus on structuring thoughts, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar, and expressing ideas with clarity . We’ll also look at essay types and strategies for managing time during the writing exam .

Practice is key . Spend time each day doing mock tests or getting feedback from experienced teachers or professionals. With practice and dedication , you’ll improve your language proficiency and increase your chances of getting a good score. Good luck!

Understanding the IELTS Essay Task

To excel in the IELTS essay task, equip yourself with a solid understanding of its requirements. Dive into the sub-sections that uncover what is expected in this task and the various question types you may encounter. Mastering these topics will pave the way for success in crafting compelling and high-scoring IELTS essays.

What is expected in the IELTS essay task

The IELTS essay task requires applicants to demonstrate their writing abilities in a certain timeframe . It evaluates their capacity to create a coherent and structured piece of composition .

A clear thesis is a must. It should be succinct, conveying the primary thought of the essay . Also, there should be a logical structure including an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The content should be relevant, utilizing suitable examples, evidence, and arguments to back the main idea. Arguments must be coherent, with smooth transitions between paragraphs . Plus, formal language, correct grammar, and accurate syntax must be used.

Moreover, applicants must demonstrate critical thinking by analyzing the topic and giving a balanced argument . Furthermore, they must effectively manage their time to generate a thorough answer within the word limit.

To illustrate the significance of these requirements in real-life situations, let me tell you about Jennifer . She was an aspiring nurse from Brazil taking the IELTS test . At first, she found it hard to handle the essay task. She asked for help from expert tutors who highlighted the relevance of her thesis statement and the logic in organizing her ideas. With effort and dedication, Jennifer got the hang of these skills and eventually achieved her target band score .

The types of questions asked in the IELTS essay task

The IELTS essay task covers multiple types of questions. To comprehend the variety of these questions, let’s look at some examples.

To do well, you need to prepare and practice for each type. Develop strong analytical skills to effectively answer the prompts during the exam.

Pro Tip: Get used to various question types by writing essays on different topics. This will help you adjust and boost your performance.

Descriptive questions

It’s essential to comprehend the IELTS Essay Task. This section focuses on descriptive questions . To illustrate this info effectively, use a table with suitable columns. Unique details enhance our understanding. To sharpen essay writing abilities, certain tips are useful. For instance, practice time management and create a clear structure . These hints are helpful in keeping the writing coherent and providing a logical flow .

Also Read: 10 Must-Follow IELTS Reading Tips and Tricks to Boost Your Band Score

Argumentative questions

Queries that need a thorough analysis and a display of multiple perspectives on a given topic are called argumentative questions .

They come in different types, such as:

• Cause and Effect (e.g. What are the consequences of using social media?)
• Pros and Cons (e.g. Should zoos be forbidden?)
• Agree or Disagree (e.g. Is homework essential for students?).

These questions push candidates to think logically, consider evidence, and construct a convincing argument using the correct order and reasoning methods.

As per the British Council, the IELTS essay task assesses the capability of the applicant to articulate an argument in a clear, understandable, and structured manner.

Advantages and disadvantages questions

Advantages and disadvantages questions require a balanced overview of both the positive and negative perspectives. Here is a summary of these questions:

It is important to note that advantages and disadvantages questions offer the opportunity to show understanding by talking about diverse points of view. Nevertheless, you should be careful when replying to these questions, as they can lead to prejudice if not tackled objectively.

Pro Tip: When responding to an advantages and disadvantages question, try to remain balanced by considering both sides of the problem. This will help you create an in-depth reply.

Problem and solution questions

Problem and solution questions demand the test-taker to figure out a problem and suggest successful solutions. Here are 6 tips to help you excel in this IELTS essay type:

• Name the problem precisely: Start by accurately stating the dilemma you will discuss in your essay.
• Examine the causes: Examine the underlying causes of the problem and consider various points of view.
• Propose multiple solutions: Offer multiple possible solutions, taking into account their practicality and efficiency.
• Evaluate each solution: Analyze the pros and cons of each proposed solution.
• Offer supporting evidence: Back your ideas with real-life cases, data, or professional opinions.
• Recommend the best solution: Based on your assessment, pick one solution as the most appropriate and explain why it is superior.

Also, remember to follow these hints when responding to problem and solution questions:

• Think about short-term and long-term effects of applying each solution.
• Prioritize realistic and feasible solutions over idealistic ones.
• Anticipate potential challenges or disagreements to your suggested solutions and provide counterarguments.

By following these steps, you can successfully respond to problem and solution questions in an IELTS essay.

Analyzing the Essay Question

To analyze the essay question effectively in “Writing High-Scoring IELTS Essays: A Step-by-Step Guide,” focus on breaking it down, identifying key terms and instructions, and formulating a thesis statement. These sub-sections will provide the solution you need to approach the essay question strategically and produce a well-structured and coherent response.

Breaking down the essay question

Let’s break down an essay question with a table. The table has elements, description, topic, scope, task, and subtasks .

We can use this table to plan and structure our response. It helps us address all aspects of the question while staying clear and coherent.

Here are some tips for breaking down an essay question:

• Read and understand it. Look for keywords that give clues.
• Identify the main topic.
• Find out the scope.
• Analyze the task.
• Break down subtasks.

By following these steps, you can break down the essay question and write your response with clarity. Understanding the elements helps you structure your argument and provide a full analysis.

Identifying key terms and instructions

When analyzing an essay, it’s key to recognize key terms and instructions. This allows us to know what is being asked and how to approach the topic. We can do this by:

• Reading the question thoroughly.
• Looking for important words.
• Finding out the meanings of any unfamiliar terms.
• Understanding the instructions.
• Noting limitations or qualifiers.
• Setting boundaries for what should be included or excluded.

Recognizing these terms and instructions is essential for creating a solid basis for the essay. Also, taking into account language nuances like tone, style, and phrasing can raise the quality of the response.

I recall a time when I missed a keyword while answering a prompt in my high school English class. Despite spending hours on my response, I didn’t explicitly address one aspect mentioned in the instruction. That experience taught me the value of closely examining and understanding each part of an essay question before writing it.

Formulating a thesis statement

Creating a thesis statement requires careful thinking and consideration. The purpose of your essay – whether it is to persuade, inform, or analyze – will determine the type of statement you make. For example, if you aim to persuade, your thesis should plainly state your opinion and provide evidence to back it up.

To create an effective thesis statement, it is important to be specific and precise. Avoid making foggy or wide statements that are unclear. Instead, focus on making an exact statement or argument. This will help guide your essay and give it a clear purpose.

When forming your thesis statement, consider counterarguments. Addressing possible objections strengthens your argument and displays critical thinking abilities. By recognizing differing viewpoints and offering replies, you demonstrate that you have studied and viewed all sides of the situation.

In addition, a great thesis statement should be debatable. It should start a conversation and attract the reader. Avoid mentioning facts that everyone agrees with or making general assertions. Instead, take a stance on an issue that may be questionable or open to interpretation.

In conclusion, creating a firm thesis statement requires careful consideration. Take the time to brainstorm, study different angles, and refine your argument. By doing this, you will create an essay that interests readers and accurately expresses your message.

Planning and Organizing the Essay

To plan and organize your IELTS essay effectively, turn to ‘Planning and Organizing the Essay.’ Create an outline, brain dump ideas, and arrange them logically. These steps will provide a clear structure and help you express your thoughts with coherence and coherence, ensuring high scores on your IELTS essays.

Creating an outline

Thesis Statement: Outlining is a valuable writing technique that has been used since ancient times. It provides a roadmap for essays, helps maintain focus, and allows for coherent and persuasive arguments.

Paragraph 1:

• Introduction to outlining as a writing technique
• Definition of outlining and its purpose
• Explanation of how outlining structures thoughts in an organized way
• Importance of outlining in communicating arguments coherently and persuasively

Paragraph 2:

• Historical perspective on the use of outlining
• Mention of Aristotle and his belief in the effectiveness of outlining
• Reference to Leonardo da Vinci’s use of outlines when writing
• Reinforcement of the timeless importance of outlining

Paragraph 3:

• Consideration of the audience when creating an outline
• Importance of tailoring the structure to the audience’s knowledge level
• Inclusion of explanations or background information as necessary
• Discussion of addressing counterarguments or opposing views in the outline

Conclusion:

• Summary of the benefits and significance of outlining
• Reiteration of its role in structuring thoughts, maintaining focus, and presenting persuasive arguments
• Encouragement for writers to utilize outlining as a valuable tool in their writing process

brain dumping ideas

Brain dumping ideas is jotting down all thoughts about a topic or subject quickly. This way you can express without worrying about structure or organization. To make the most of this technique, consider these four points:

• Dedicate time and space to brainstorming. Find a quiet environment with no distractions.
• Grab pen and paper or open a blank document. Write any ideas that come to mind, even small ones.
• Review what you have written. Look for patterns and connections.
• Organize your thoughts into categories or themes.

Remember, brain dumping is not a final product. It’s a tool for creativity. Allow yourself to explore ideas and uncover details that improve the essay. Here are more suggestions:

• Go beyond the obvious ideas. Think outside the box.
• Use mind mapping and visual aids to represent thoughts.
• Discuss ideas with peers or mentors.
• Take breaks if you feel overwhelmed.

Arranging ideas logically

For illustrating the importance of arranging thoughts logically, let’s use a table. It demonstrates multiple organizational patterns:

Now let’s discuss extra details. A good way to enhance logical organization is using clear topic sentences for each paragraph. These sentences act as signposts. They guide readers through the essay’s main idea without giving away too much info upfront.

In addition, supporting evidence in each paragraph strengthens logical progression. This evidence can be examples, statistics, or quotations from reliable sources. These substantiate your statements.

Lastly, transitioning between paragraphs smoothly creates a coherent flow of thoughts. Using transitional words like “however”, “in contrast”, or “similarly” helps establish connections between ideas. This avoids abrupt changes of topics.

Writing the Introduction

To write a high-scoring IELTS essay, start your introduction with a strong hook that grabs the reader’s attention. This section will guide you on the importance of a strong introduction and share techniques on how to engage the reader from the first sentence. Additionally, you’ll learn how to structure the introduction paragraph effectively.

The importance of a strong introduction

Writing a strong introduction is essential. It sets the tone for an article and draws readers in. It acts like a doorway – grabbing the attention of readers and inviting them to explore the content further.

A strong introduction allows readers to quickly grasp the main ideas of an article. It gives an overview of what will be discussed, forming a basis for the article. Without a good introduction, readers may lose interest or have difficulty understanding the purpose of the article.

Furthermore, a well-composed introduction establishes authority and trustworthiness. By showcasing research-backed facts or intriguing insights, an author can show they are knowledgeable on the subject.

In addition, a strong intro evokes emotion in readers by appealing to their curiosity or feelings. It may pose a problem or highlight a fascinating aspect that piques their interest. By making an emotional connection with readers from the start, writers guarantee audience engagement through their piece.

Now let’s look at some unique details about introductions. One effective technique is to grab attention with a shocking fact or stat related to the topic. This not only attracts reader interest but also proves the writer’s knowledge of the subject.

Another technique is to use storytelling elements in introductions. Introducing a relatable anecdote or personal experience that connects with readers’ lives can make the topic more understandable. By adding these personal narratives, writers create empathy and relate to their audience.

Now let’s look at a real example of a powerful introduction – The opening line of Charles Dickens’ novel “A Tale of Two Cities.” His famous line “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times” immediately encapsulates both optimism and despair, captivating readers right away. This shows how a strong introduction can set the stage for an unforgettable journey.

Remember, a powerful introduction can make or break an article. By grabbing attention, providing a clear overview, establishing credibility, and making an emotional connection with readers, writers can make sure their work is both interesting and informative. So, take time to perfect your introductions – they are the key to engaging your audience and leaving a lasting impression.

How to grab the reader’s attention

• Start with an intriguing fact or a thought-provoking question. This will get the reader’s attention.
• Introduce the topic and show why it’s important. Keep it concise and focused.
• State your main point or argument. Give the reader a roadmap.

To make your introduction even better, add a story or an emotional connection. This will create an instant bond and keep them hooked.

Remember: Grab their attention from the start, but don’t give away too much info.

Pro Tip: Get feedback on your intro before finalizing it. Revise it as needed.

Structuring the introduction paragraph

Engage your reader with an interesting story or statistic. Then, outline your main points concisely and without jargon. Use transition phrases such as “building upon this idea” to move smoothly from hook to background. Finish off with a clear thesis statement. This will give readers a good understanding of what to expect in the article.

Developing Body Paragraphs

To develop strong body paragraphs in your IELTS essays, focus on crafting clear topic sentences and providing supporting details. Additionally, learn how to effectively present arguments and examples to strengthen your arguments. Finally, understand how to utilize cohesive devices to seamlessly connect ideas and enhance the overall coherence of your writing.

Topic sentences and supporting details

Topic Sentences and Supporting Details

Topic sentences provide the main idea of a paragraph. To explain them, it’s important to include relevant details.

To illustrate this concept, let’s look at a table. It shows how topic sentences and supporting details work together.

This shows that each topic sentence is followed by supporting details which strengthen the message.

Now let’s delve into the details about topic sentences and supporting details. They should be presented in a logical order. The details should also be relevant and specific to the main idea. By following these principles, writers can effectively convey their points while maintaining coherence.

To improve writing further, consider transitional phrases between supporting details. Also, acknowledge counterarguments within the paragraphs. This helps make it more persuasive without compromising its informative nature.

Providing arguments and examples

Let’s explore how to give strong arguments and examples. Imagine a neat table with data that supports our view. There should be columns of factual numbers to back up the argument. This visual aid is a great way to convince readers.

We also need to include details that haven’t been discussed before. These details add more to our writing, so it looks professional. By looking into lesser-known aspects, we can make our arguments better.

So why wait? Using evidence in your writing will make readers emotional. It will also make them feel like they have to join your perspective. Don’t be scared to use persuasive body paragraphs. Use evidence to make your writing stand out – make it specific to your audience’s needs and interests.

Using cohesive devices to link ideas

Cohesive devices like transitional phrases and linking words can make ideas seamlessly flow. This gives the reader a better understanding of the writer’s thoughts.

A unique way of using them is to introduce examples and supporting evidence in a paragraph. This helps arguments by giving more information that reinforces the main point. “For example” or “specifically” are great phrases for linking ideas and bringing clarity.

Pro Tip: Pick the right word or phrase for the intended meaning. Think about the context of the sentence and choose a cohesive device to accurately express your message.

Crafting the Conclusion

To craft a compelling conclusion in your IELTS essays, summarize the main points, restate the thesis statement, and leave a lasting impression. Summarizing the main points helps reinforce your arguments, restating the thesis statement recaps your stance, and leaving a lasting impression ensures your essay lingers in the reader’s mind.

Summarizing the main points

Crafting a powerful conclusion is essential to leave an impression on readers. Here’s how:

• Highlight each point’s importance & impact.
• Show their connection to form a cohesive narrative.
• Explain how they contribute to the overall message.
• End with a call to action or thought-provoking final remark.

When summarizing main points in an article’s conclusion, aim for clarity and brevity while making sure your words stay with the reader even after they finish reading. Remember that readers’ perception of the article is heavily influenced by the conclusion.

Restating the thesis statement

Have you ever wanted to live a crazier life ? Let’s give it a try! Dance ’till you drop, sing at the top of your lungs, and laugh like there’s no tomorrow . Let loose and have some fun! It’ll be an adventure you won’t soon forget.

Have you ever dreamed of living a wilder life ? Let’s do it! Dance ’til you can’t move, belt out your favorite songs, and laugh with joy . Go for it and have a blast! This will be an adventure you won’t forget anytime soon.

Leaving a lasting impression

It is key to craft a lasting impression. Get to the point, use strong words and visuals. End with a call-to-action.

Customize your message to cater to the needs of your audience. Speak with the right tone and style for engagement.

Winston Churchill is a prime example of leaving a lasting impression. His speeches during World War II inspired nations. Even after his death, his words still have an impact.

To leave a lasting impression, be concise. Employ impactful words. Use visual aids. And make a call-to-action. Understand your audience. Draw inspiration from those who have come before. You can make your mark in communication.

Proofreading and Editing

To ensure high-scoring IELTS essays in the section on proofreading and editing, focus on checking for grammar and spelling errors, improving sentence structure and clarity, and ensuring coherence and cohesion. This process will help refine your writing and make it more polished and effective.

Checking for grammar and spelling errors

Proofreading and editing are essential. Checking for grammar and spelling errors boosts professionalism and increases reader comprehension.

Pay attention to sentence structure, subject-verb agreement, punctuation, and verb tenses to identify potential grammar mistakes. Check for run-on sentences and fragments.

For spelling errors, read the document through and use spell-check tools. But, they may not detect homophones or typos.

A great technique is to read the text aloud. It can help spot awkward phrasing and spelling mistakes. It’s a good idea to get another set of eyes to review the work too.

By following these tips, and being careful, writers can deliver accurate and high-quality work. Proofreading ensures clear communication and boosts professional credibility.

Improving sentence structure and clarity

To better your sentence structure & clarity, follow these 6 steps!

• Start with a topic sentence – clearly state the main idea.
• Use active voice instead of passive for concise writing.
• Keep sentences short & simple.
• Use transitions to connect ideas.
• Cut out wordiness.
• Revise & proofread.

Plus, vary sentence length, check subject-verb agreement, adjust tone according to context, & read aloud . Practicing these tips will help you improve your sentences.

In 1928, Virginia Woolf wrote “Orlando,” a modernist masterpiece. She disregarded traditional sentence structures & embraced a fluid style. Her success proved breaking free from conventional sentences could lead to creative & captivating writing.

Ensuring coherence and cohesion

Key aspects for ensuring coherence and cohesion:

• Transition words – help make a smooth transition between ideas and paragraphs.
• Pronouns – like ‘it’, ‘he’, ‘she’ refer back to nouns, creating continuity.
• Repetition – of words or phrases reinforces main ideas.
• Synonyms – introduce different words to avoid repetition and stay clear.
• Logical order – so readers can follow thoughts easily.

To further improve your writing:

• Read out loud – awkward sentences and gaps in flow become clear.
• Use sentence variety – simple, compound and complex sentences.
• Take breaks – get fresh perspectives on improvement areas.
• Get feedback – let peers or professionals help with coherence and cohesion.

These suggestions help readers follow ideas without confusion. They create clear connections and a seamless experience.

Practice and Tips for Success

To improve your performance in IELTS essays, utilize the ‘Practice and Tips for Success’ section. Discover effective strategies to ace the exam by engaging in exercises such as practicing with sample essay questions, managing time effectively, and seeking feedback for continuous improvement.

Practicing with sample essay questions

Analyze the prompt. Read it carefully and identify the key words or phrases that define the topic. Grasping the prompt helps form a focused thesis statement.

Research and gather info. Do thorough research to gather pertinent facts from reliable sources. Make notes and organize them based on arguments or counterarguments.

Plan your essay. Put together an outline or structure before you start writing. This ensures coherence and logical progression of ideas.

Write a draft. Use the notes and outline as a guide and begin writing your essay. Focus on presenting arguments, proving them, and demonstrating analytical skills.

Review and revise. After completing your draft, review it for clarity, coherence, grammar, and punctuation errors. Make the needed changes to strengthen your essay’s content and flow.

Time management is essential when attempting practice essays to prepare for real exams. Practice with sample essay questions to sharpen your writing, build confidence, and improve future performance.

Notable figures like authors, scholars, and professionals have honed their writing skills by regularly engaging in practice with sample essay questions. This has not only boosted their ability to effectively express thoughts, but also has helped them comprehend different perspectives on multiple topics.

Managing time effectively

Don’t let missed opportunities haunt you! Take control of your time and reap the rewards. To maximize your potential for success, start implementing these techniques now:

• Prioritize tasks. Identify most important ones first . This ensures time is spent on activities that have the greatest impact.
• Set goals. Establish clear goals for each day or week . This provides you with a sense of direction and purpose.
• Create a schedule. Develop a daily or weekly outline that blocks off time for different activities. This helps you allocate time efficiently and prevents procrastination.
• Avoid multitasking. Studies show this decreases productivity. Focus on one task at a time to ensure quality work.

Productivity tools such as task management apps or timers can help. Also, practice self-discipline, and eliminate distractions such as notifications or find a quiet workspace. This enhances focus and concentration. Commit to these strategies consistently and experience benefits like more tasks accomplished within deadlines, and reduced stress levels.

Seeking feedback and improvement

Actively search for feedback from mentors, colleagues, and supervisors . Accept criticism as a chance for progress, not personally. Ask for feedback on a project or performance, to get helpful feedback. Take the time to think about feedback and pick out what you can do to improve. Even with positive feedback, keep searching for ways to develop.

Remember, requesting feedback needs openness and humility . Showing you want to learn is a sign of growth.

Pro Tip: Listen closely to feedback, rather than defending yourself. This will help you understand the point of view and make improvements.

We have reached the end of our step-by-step guide for writing high-scoring IELTS essays . Reflecting on the key points covered, we explored strategies and techniques to improve your essay writing. Understanding the marking criteria, managing time, building strong arguments, structuring essays – these are all necessary tools for success. To craft a strong essay, use relevant examples from academic journals, news outlets, and official reports. Demonstrate critical thinking by analyzing perspectives on a topic. Also, ensure that your ideas flow logically, using transition words and phrases. Diverse vocabulary and sentence structures will show off your language proficiency and engage the reader.

It is important to note that practice is key to success in the IELTS exam . Practice planning, drafting, and editing essays within timed conditions to improve your writing. Dedication, practice, and understanding of the strategies discussed in this article will help you to achieve higher scores . According to The British Council (2020) , candidates who implement these techniques are more likely to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ 1: What is the key to writing high-scoring IELTS essays? The key to writing high-scoring IELTS essays is to clearly understand the essay question, plan your response, and structure your essay effectively. Additionally, make sure to use a wide range of vocabulary, demonstrate strong grammar skills, and provide evidence and examples to support your ideas.

FAQ 2: How can I improve my vocabulary for IELTS essays? You can improve your vocabulary for IELTS essays by reading extensively, especially from reputable sources such as newspapers, books, and academic articles. Make a note of unfamiliar words and their meanings, and try to use them in your own writing. Additionally, using vocabulary learning resources such as flashcards or vocabulary apps can be helpful.

FAQ 3: Are there any specific essay structures I should follow? Yes, there are several essay structures you can follow, depending on the type of essay question. The most common structures include the Introduction-Body-Conclusion structure and the Pros and Cons structure. It is important to choose a structure that suits the essay question and helps you present your ideas logically.

FAQ 4: How can I improve my grammar skills for IELTS essays? To improve your grammar skills for IELTS essays, practice writing regularly and seek feedback from native English speakers or qualified English language teachers. You can also use grammar reference books or online resources to learn about specific grammar rules and common errors. Take note of your frequent errors and work on them systematically.

FAQ 5: How long should an IELTS essay be? An IELTS essay should be between 250 and 300 words long. Writing within this word limit ensures that you have enough time to develop your ideas and demonstrate your English language proficiency. It is important to manage your time effectively during the exam to allocate enough time for planning, writing, and reviewing your essay.

FAQ 6: How can I practice for writing high-scoring IELTS essays? You can practice for writing high-scoring IELTS essays by practicing timed writing tasks using past IELTS essay questions. Familiarize yourself with the assessment criteria, and self-evaluate your essays. Additionally, seek feedback from experienced IELTS instructors or professional essay evaluators to identify areas for improvement and learn effective strategies.

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• Academic practice
• General practice
• Task 1 Academic
• Task 1 General
• Task 2 (essay)

Essay samples with tips and answers

Sample 1 ("Violence in media") Presenting opinion

Sample 2 ("Working students") Suggesting a solution

Sample 3 ("Death penalty") Pros & cons

Sample 4 ("Loss of bio-diversity") Cause/solution

Sample 5 ("Obesity") Causes and effects

Sample 6 ("Salary vs. job satisfaction") Agree/disagree

Sample 7 ("Sedentary lifestyle") Problem/solution

More IELTS Writing task 2 questions >

IELTS Writing task 2 - Essay

Here you can find all the essential information about IELTS Writing essay .

IELTS Writing task 2 (or IELTS essay ) is the same task for Academic and General IELTS . You will be presented with a specific topic and asked to write an 250-word essay about it. You should normally spend 40 minutes on IELTS Writing task 2.

On this page you will see :

IELTS Writing task 2 question sample

• Types of IELTS essay questions
• How to answer these questions
• More IELTS Writing task 2 questions and answers

You can get a lot of different topics for your IELTS Writing task 2. You can be asked to give your opinion, to state solutions to some problem, to describe advantages and disadvantages of something and so on.

Here's an example of how your IELTS Writing task 2 may look like :

Immigration has a major impact on the society.

What are the main reasons of immigration? To what consequences can it lead?

Write at least 250 words.

You can find the band-9 answer here >

More IELTS Writing task 2 questions & topics >

How to write IELTS Essay?

1) Determine your opinion on the topic

• Giving your opinion
• Agree/disagree
• Suggesting a solution
• Pros and cons

Depending on the topic, decide what is your opinion on it and why. Have a clear position, don't hesitate between two opinions! Then find examples you will use for this task. You should spend a few minutes on planning.

2) Write an answer using the following structure:

Note that this description is very general. To learn more specific answering strategies, look at the different question types .

3) Style your essay

Use various words and structures , linking devices and avoid repetition.

Use some words from academic word list .

Do not use informal style and avoid irrelevant information, you will receive less points for your work.

Also, don't forget to write at least 250 words, writing less will affect your mark negatively. You should aim at 260-280 words. You won’t get more points for a longer essay.

Other things that might affect your mark:

• Fluency : if your handwriting is not illegible for the examiner and he/she can’t read it properly, you are likely to lose points.
• Unoriginal answer : if you learnt a topic by heart and wrote it, you might get a low score for your essay. IELTS examiner assesses only your own thoughts and opinions.
• Limited answer : if you only answer half of the question and don’t expand your opinion, you will not get more than a band score 5 for the task.
• Information about IELTS Writing test
• Top 10 IELTS Writing tips
• Writing vocabulary

IELTS Worldwide

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IELTS Writing Task 2

Ielts writing task 2 page.

This page gives information and advice on IELTS writing task 2.

Task 2 is very similar for the general training and academic modules.

You will have to write a 250-word essay on a common topic.

See the list of essay writing topics .

Writing Test PDF Download

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Structure

• Place your ideas into paragraphs.
• The best IELTS writing task 2 essays have four or five paragraphs.
• Good paragraphing shows the examiner that your essay is well-organized.
• This structure also helps you write well-developed sentences.
• In this way, your essay will meet the 250-word requirement.

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Paragraphs

Students sometimes worry because they don’t know when to begin a new paragraph when they are writing an essay.

In general, you can organize your work as shown in the next section of this page.

This method of organization will demonstrate that you have thought about your response and planned your essay well.

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Paragraph 1 (The Introduction)

• The first paragraph provides is the introduction to the essay.
• This paragraph should include a clear thesis statement .
• The thesis statement is a sentence which indicates your main idea.
• The first paragraph can also give the reader an overview.
• The overview says what your supporting points are going to be.

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Paragraph 2

• In the second paragraph, you should expand on your first supporting point.
• Your essay might appear more persuasive if you state your strongest point in this paragraph.

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Paragraphs 3 and 4

• You should elaborate on your main idea in the third paragraph.
• Here you should give the second supporting point of your argument.
• Then mention the third supporting point in paragraph four.
• This can be the supporting point that you feel to be the weakest.
• You can combine these two points into one paragraph instead.

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Paragraph 5 (The Conclusion)

• In the final paragraph of the task 2 essay, you should come to a conclusion.
• The conclusion should sum up your argument.

IELTS Writing – More Help

If you need help with your report-writing skills for the academic module or letter writing skills for the general training module, please click on the first link below.

Go to Writing Task 1

Writing Task Tips

• Ebooks & Courses
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How To Plan & Write IELTS Discussion Essays

Students can find it difficult to identify IELTS discussion essays and often confuse them with either opinion essays or advantage and disadvantage essays.

This is one of the issues I’ll be covering in this lesson. I’m also going to show you how to plan and write discussion essays step-by-step.

Here’s what we’ll be covering:

• Identifying IELTS discussion essays 
• 3 Common mistakes
• Essay structure
• How to plan
• How to write an introduction
• How to write main body paragraphs
• How to write a conclusion

Want to watch and listen to this lesson?

Click on this video.

Click the links to see lessons on each of these Task 2 essay writing topics. 

Once you understand the process, practice on past questions. Take your time at first and gradually speed up until you can plan and write an essay of at least 250 words in the 40 minutes allowed in the exam.

The Question

The first part of the question for an IELTS discussion essay will be a statement containing two opposing views.

You will then be asked to discuss both sides of the argument and give your own opinion. Here is some typical wording that might be used:

• Discuss both views and give your opinion. 
• Discuss both these views and then give your own opinion. 
• Discuss both sides of this argument and give your own opinion.

Here's a question from a past test paper.

Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be closed down. Others, however, believe that zoos can be useful in protecting wild animals.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

I’ll be using this question to guide you through the process of planning and writing an IELTS discussion essay.

The key to identifying this type of question is the fact that you are required to discuss BOTH views. This is different to opinion questions where you must decide between two opposing views and make an argument to support your own opinion.

Opinion essays , also known as ‘agree or disagree’ essays, a generally worded in one of these ways:

What is your opinion? / Do you agree or disagree? / To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The other essay type that students mistake for discussion essays is advantages and disadvantages essays . With these, the statement will contain just one view and the question will typically be written as shown in this sample question.

School children are using computers in school more than ever.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this and give your own opinion.

The consequence of incorrectly identifying the question type is that you will use the wrong structure for your essay. This is a major reason why people make the mistakes we’ll now look at.

3 Common Mistakes

These three errors are common in IELTS discussion essays.

• Not stating your opinion.
• Not giving arguments for both views.
• Not developing both sides of the argument equally.

The most common mistake that students make is not giving their opinion. The question will clearly state that you must choose one side of the argument to agree with. If you fail to do this, you will get a low score for task achievement.

It doesn’t matter which side of the argument you take or even, that you actually agree with it.

However, you must give equal attention to both sides. A common error is to provide a stronger argument for the view you favour. This leads to an unbalanced essay and a low score for task achievement. 

Essay Structure

Now let’s look at a simple structure you can use to write IELTS discussion essays. It’s not the only possible structure but it’s the one I recommend because it’s easy to learn and will enable you to quickly plan and write a high-level essay.

1)  Introduction

• Paraphrase the question
• State two supporting reasons
• Give your opinion

  2)  Main body paragraph 1

• Topic sentence – outline the view you don’t agree with
• Explanation – explain why this view is held by some people
• Example – give an example

 3 )  Main body paragraph 2

• Topic sentence – outline the view you do agree with

  4)  Conclusion

• Summarise the key points and state your opinion

This structure will give us a well-balanced essay with 4 paragraphs.

We now need some ideas to add into the structure and we’ll have everything we need for our essay.

How To Plan IELTS Discussion Essays

# 1  analyse the question.

This is an essential step in the planning process and will ensure that you answer the question fully. It’s quick and easy to do. You just need to identify 3 different types of words:

1. Topic words

2.  Other keywords

3.  Instruction words

We’ve already considered the instruction words (the actual question) so we’ll focus on the first two.

Topics words are the ones that identify the general subject of the question.

Some people think that zoos  are cruel and should be closed down. Others, however, believe that  zoos  can be useful in protecting wild animals.

So, this question is about ‘ zoos ’.

Many people do this first step of the process and then write about the topic in general. This is a serious mistake and leads to low marks for task achievement.

What we need to do now that we know the general topic, is to understand exactly what aspect of zoos we're being asked to write about.

The other keywords in the question tell you the specific topic you must write about. They define the opinions stated in the statement.

Some people think tha t zoos are cruel and should be closed down . Others, however, believe that zoos c an be useful in protecting wild animals .

By highlighting these words, it’s easy to see that you are being asked to write about the opposing views that zoos are cruel and should be closed down and that zoos can be useful in protecting wild animals. Your essay must only include ideas relevant to these ideas.

# 2  Decide on your opinion

As already mentioned, it doesn’t matter if you genuinely agree with the view you take in your essay or not. IELTS discussion essays are about your ability to write a well-structured essay in the English language and you will not be assessed on any opinion you might hold.

So, choose one view and make sure that your opinion is clear throughout the essay.

For this model essay, I’m going to agree with the statement that zoos are cruel and should be closed down.

# 3  Generate ideas

The next task is to generate some ideas to write about.

There are several different ways to think up ideas. I cover them fully on the  IELTS Essay Planning  page.

We’re going to use the ‘friends technique’. This is my preferred method as it allows you to take a step back from the stress of the exam situation and think more calmly.

Here’s how it works. Imagine you are chatting with a friend and they ask you the question in a casual conversation. What answers would you give them off the top of your head? Plan your essay around these ideas.

Doing this will help you to come up with simple answers in everyday language rather than straining your brain to think of amazing ideas using high level-language, which isn’t necessary.

You might want to try this yourself before reading on for my ideas.

Here are my ideas:

Cruel  – closed down:

• Cramped cages – animals distressed
• Unnatural environments
• Most animals not endangered
• Animals become a public spectacle for entertainment

Useful – protect wild animals:

• Research work to learn more about wild animals
• Breeding programmes for endangered species
• Some species saved from extinction
• Seeing wild animals close up inspires people to want to help protect them

I’ve got more ideas here than I need so I’m going to pick two to develop in the essay – one for each of the main body paragraphs.

Idea 1  –  Cramped cages & unnatural environments, animals distressed.

Idea 2  –  Breeding programmes for endangered species, some species saved from extinction.

We’re almost ready to start writing our IELTS discussion essay but first, we have one other small task to do.

# 4  Vocabulary

In an IELTS essay, it’s important to be able to say the same things in different ways, either by paraphrasing and/or using synonyms. During the planning stage, quickly jot down a few synonyms of key words you could use to save you having to stop and think of the right language while you’re writing.

For example:

zoos  – animals in captivity, collections of wild animals, menagerie, wildlife park

cruel  – to cause suffering, inhumane

protect  – safeguard, preserve

animals  – creatures, species

With that done, we can focus on the first paragraph of the essay – the introduction.

How To Write an Introduction

Good introductions to IELTS discussion essays have a simple 3 part structure:

1)  Paraphrase the question

2)  State two supporting reasons (outline statement)

3)  Give your opinion (thesis statement)

• Have 2-3 sentences
• Be 40-60 words long
• Take 5 minutes to write

Start your introduction by paraphrasing the question.

Question:   Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be closed down. Others, however, believe that zoos can be useful in protecting wild animals.

There are various phrases you can use to do this. Here are three examples. They all say the same thing using different language.

• Some people argue that… while others say that…
• It is considered by some…. while there are others who think….
• It is often argued that... whilst others disagree and think...

Choose one and add the details in the question statement in a paraphrased form. I recommend putting the view you don’t agree with first.

Paraphrased question:  

Some people argue that zoos help to preserve wild creatures, while others say that they are inhumane and should be abolished.

Note my use of synonyms. You don’t have to replace every key word but do so where possible whilst ensuring that your language sounds natural. There aren’t any suitable synonyms of ‘zoo’ that I can think of, so I've repeated this word from the statement.

2)  Thesis and outline statements

Now we need to add an  outline statement  where you outline the two main points that you’ll cover in the rest of the essay (ideas 1 and 2 above) and a  thesis statement  where you state your opinion.

Outline & thesis statements:

While the development of breeding programmes contributes to the preservation of endangered species, I believe that the poor conditions that many animals held in captivity are kept in make the existence of zoos unacceptable. 

So, let’s bring the three elements of our introduction together.

     Introduction

This introduction achieves three important functions:

• It shows the examiner that you understand the question.
• It acts as a guide to the examiner as to what your essay is about.
• It also helps to keep you focused and on track as you write.

The two ideas in your introduction will become your two main body paragraphs.

Main body paragraph 1  – Breeding programmes for endangered species, some species saved from extinction.

Main body paragraph 2  – Cramped cages & unnatural environments, animals distressed.

How To Write Main Body Paragraphs

Main body paragraphs in IELTS discussion essays should contain 3 things:

It is easier to begin by discussing the opinion you don’t agree with and then present the reasons for the opposing view that you support. So, we’ll start with idea 1.

Main Body Paragraph 1

The  topic sentence  summarises the main idea of the paragraph. That’s all it needs to do so it doesn’t have to be complicated.

It plays an important role in ensuring that your ideas flow logically from one to another. It does this by acting as a signpost for what is to come next, that is, what the paragraph will be about.

If you maintain a clear development of ideas throughout your essay, you will get high marks for task achievement and cohesion and coherence.

We’ll now take the idea for our first main body paragraph and create our topic sentence.

Topic sentence:  

On the one hand, there are many projects in existence in zoological parks around the world where species facing extinction have been successfully bred in captivity and their numbers increased substantially.

Next, we must write an  explanation sentence that expands on the idea. This explains to the examiner what we mean or why this is the case.

Explanation sentence: 

This is important for ensuring the survival of animals under threat from poaching and the destruction of their natural environments.

Finally, we add an  example  to support our main point. If you can’t think of a real example, it’s fine to make one up, as long as it’s believable. The examiner isn’t going to check your facts.

Example sentence:

A good example of this is the golden lion tamarin from Brazil which nearly died out because of logging and mining activities which are destroying its habitat. Today, a third of wild golden lion tamarins were raised in captivity.

That’s the 3 parts of our first main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

We now follow the same process for our second main body paragraph.

Main Body Paragraph 2

Main idea 2  – Cramped cages & unnatural environments, animals distressed.

First, we write the  topic sentence  to summarise the main idea. I started main body paragraph 1 with the phrase ‘On the one hand...’, so main body paragraph 2 will naturally begin, ‘On the other hand... .

These are great cohesive devices to use when making a direct contrast between two opposing views and they link the ideas together well. They can be used in most IELTS discussion essays and will help to earn you a good score for cohesion and coherence.

Topic sentence:

On the other hand, a significant percentage of zoos house their animals in cramped cages with very little space to move around or behave naturally.

Now for the  explanation sentence  where we expand on this idea.

Explanation sentence:

This can lead to them becoming distressed and depressed as well as suffering physically through lack of exercise.

Finally, an  example  to support this point.

A friend of mine recently visited a wildlife park while on holiday abroad and was very upset to see the lions pacing up and down in a narrow, bare pen and eagles in enclosures so small that they were unable to fly.

That’s the 3 parts of our second main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

Now we need a conclusion and our IELTS discussion essay is done.

How To Write a Conclusion

Conclusions to IELTS discussion essays should do two things:

• Summarise the main points
• State your opinion

This can generally be done in a single sentence.

If you're below the minimum 250 words after you’ve written your conclusion, you can add a prediction or recommendation statement.

Our essay currently has 231 words so we’re on target and don’t need this extra sentence but you can learn more about how to write a prediction or recommendation statement for IELTS discussion essays on the Task 2 Conclusions page.

The conclusion is the easiest sentence in the essay to write but one of the most important.

A good conclusion will:

• Neatly end the essay
• Link all your ideas together
• Sum up your argument or opinion
• Answer the question

If you achieve this, you’ll improve your score for both task achievement and cohesion and coherence which together make up 50% of the overall marks. Without a conclusion, you’ll score below band 6 for task achievement.

You can start almost any final paragraph of an IELTS discussion essay with the words:

• In conclusion

        or

• To conclude

Now all you need to do is briefly summarise the main ideas into one sentence.

Here’s a top tip . Go back and read the introduction to the essay because this is also a summary of the essay. It outlines what you are going to write about.

To create a great conclusion, you simply have to paraphrase the introduction. Let’s give it a go.

Introduction:

Here is the same information formed into a conclusion:

That’s it. We’ve completed our essay. Here it is with the 4 paragraphs put together.

Finished IELTS discussion essay.

Go through this lesson as many times as you need to in order to fully understand it and put in lots of practice writing IELTS discussion essays from past exam questions. Practice is the only way to improve your skills.

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More help with ielts discussion essays & other task 2 essays.

IELTS Writing Task 2  – T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know.

The 5 Types of Task 2 Essay   – How to recognise the 5 different types of Task 2 essays. 15 sample questions to study and a simple planning structure for each essay type.

Understanding Task 2 Questions  – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 2 Essay  – Discover why essay planning is essential & learn a simple 4 step strategy, the 4 part essay structure & 4 methods of generating ideas.

How To Write a Task 2 Introduction  – Find out why a good introduction is essential. Learn how to write one using a simple 3 part strategy & discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Main Body Paragraphs  – Learn the simple 3 part structure for writing great main body paragraphs and also, 3 common mistakes to avoid. 

How To Write Task 2 Conclusions  – Learn the easy way to write the perfect conclusion for a Task 2 essay. Also discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

Task 2 Marking Criteria  – Find out how to meet the marking criteria in Task 2. See examples of good and poor answers & learn some common mistakes to avoid.

The 5 Task 2 Essay Types:

Step-by-step instructions on how to plan & write high-level essays. Model answers & common mistakes to avoid.

   Opinion Essays

   Discussion Essays

  Problem Solution Essays

  Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

  Double Question Essays

Other Related Pages

IELTS Writing Test  – Understand the format & marking criteria, know what skills are assessed & learn the difference between the Academic & General writing tests.

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Ielts writing tips for task 2 simply and completing the test quickly.

Task 2 accounts for 60% of the total score in the IELTS Writing test. Therefore, Task 2 is always more challenging to score well compared to Task 1. Additionally, IELTS Writing Task 2 requires candidates to have a deep and broad knowledge base. So, let's refer to the following article shared by a Preppies member on IELTS Writing tips for Task 2 quickly and effectively to improve your writing skills!  

1. IELTS Writing tips for Task 2 - Read Carefully & Understand the Prompt

• 2. IELTS Writing tips for Task 2 - Brainstorm Before Writing 

3. IELTS Writing tips for Task 2 - Each Paragraph Should Focus on One Main Point 

4. ielts writing tips for task 2 - provide relevant and highly authentic reasoning.

The first thing you should do when writing Task 2 is to read the prompt carefully and understand its requirements. Did you know that you shouldn't underestimate the prompt and think that you just need to paraphrase it to write the introduction? The prompt in Writing Task 2 actually tells you what the examiner expects you to write. It also indicates the direction you should take. This is the part that informs you about what to include in your thesis statement and topic sentence.

➡ IELTS Writing Task 2 Prompt:  “Some people think spoken communication is more powerful than written communication. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

➡ In this prompt, the examiner presents two aspects:  “spoken communication” and  “written communication” . They want you to argue which one is more important. And of course, you can only choose one side based on your personal opinion. So, if your approach to Writing Task 2 here is  to agree with the given opinion, you will think that "spoken communication" is more important, and vice versa . Don't be wishy-washy in your essay, as it will weaken your argument and reduce focus.

2. IELTS Writing tips for Task 2 - Brainstorm Before Writing  

In the past, when writing persuasive essays in high school, teachers always required us to outline our essays before writing them. The purpose of this was to identify the ideas we needed to include and arrange them logically within the essay. The same applies to writing argumentative essays in English. Therefore, brainstorming before writing is an effective approach to Writing Task 2!

➡ The IELTS Writing tips for Task 2 here is to spend  at least 2-3 minutes on brainstorming. This is even applicable during the actual exam because it is extremely helpful. When you have organized your ideas beforehand, you will be able to write higher-quality topic sentences. The writing time is reduced as you don't need to think while writing. Once you have control over your writing speed, you can calculate the time to go back to the essay and proofread it.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• The ultimate guide to mastering the detailed approach to writing IELTS Writing Task 2

To ensure clarity of your essay and to be highly persuasive, show the examiner the "valid" reasons you present to support your viewpoint as correct. This is one of the highly effective approaches to Writing Task 2. Consider the following example to practice writing an effective IELTS Writing Task 2:

➡ Prompt:  Nowadays it is not only large companies that can make films. Digital technology enables anyone to produce films. Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

The two ideas for the body paragraphs in this prompt are: 

• ➡ The fact that filmmaking is increasingly more accessible has helped add variety to cinematography.
• ➡ Additionally, easy access to filming technology helps discover hidden talented people.

To support the personal viewpoint that modern digital technology allows everyone to make films is a positive development, the author presents the main benefit of this, which is that it makes cinematography in general  more diverse , and with the advantages of the technology, we have  discovered many hidden talents .

In their essay, they present these two main points. And they use introductory phrases and paragraph structure to let the examiner know which point they are addressing. Learn these IELTS Writing tips to have an effective Task 2!

To achieve a band score of 7.0 or higher for the Writing Task 2, you must provide authentic evidence to persuade the examiner. Refer to the following example to understand more about how to write IELTS Writing Task 2:

Using the same prompt as above, the development would be as follows, for the first argument:

• The fact that filmmaking is increasingly more accessible has helped add variety to cinematography. Movies made by big companies, on the one hand, are restricted to a handful of themes and backgrounds, several of which are even heavily censored. On the other hand, films made by potential filmmakers, albeit amateur, transcend barriers of ethnicities and backgrounds.
• Around 400-500 movies are made by Hollywood every year, many of which are Americentric and revolve around superheroes, romance, thrillers, and comedies. Meanwhile, with a phone sitting in our pockets and film editing applications at our disposal, that number can add up to millions, with more themes covered and a great array of settings shown.

They prove the point that the increasing accessibility of filmmaking has helped diversify cinematography. They mention that films produced by large companies often face issues with censorship and copyright. Additionally, they provide two figures, 400-500 and millions, to talk about the number of films made by major producers and amateur filmmakers.

Hopefully, some IELTS Writing tips for Task 2 shared in this article will help you complete the exam quickly and efficiently. PREP wishes all Preppies good luck in their exam preparation, knowing how to write IELTS Writing Task 2, and achieving high results in the real exam!

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How to write an IELTS thesis statement.

Ielts essay introductions and thesis statements..

updated: July 27th 2022. When writing the introduction of an IELTS essay there are two steps that need to be taken. Paraphrase the task question and write a Thesis Statement . If the question asks for an opinion then it must be in the thesis statement. It depends on the type of essay you are writing as they are not all the same. It is advisable to write a thesis in the introduction for every type of essay. A good thesis statement can help you get a good band score in task response in the writing section.

The thesis statement tells the examiner what the essay is going to be about and the conclusion of the essay paraphrases the thesis statement. Some teachers have other views and say that a thesis statement is not needed. There are different approaches to writing an IELTS essay. If you have 10 IELTS teachers in a room there will most likely be 10 different opinions on the matter.

In my opinion, a thesis statement is logical and shows the reader what to expect in the rest of the essay. However, do not confuse Thesis statements with memorised outline sentences. See this link here about that.

What exactly is a thesis statement?

‘A thesis statement tells the reader what your essay is going to be about in one or two sentences. It usually includes your opinion or states your position’

• Don’t use rhetorical questions in the thesis. The thesis statement is not a question.
• Make it clear what you are going to write about briefly (1 or 2 sentences)
• If it’s an opinion essay, give 2 reasons for your opinion in the thesis statement.
• The thesis statement comes after paraphrasing the question.
• Do not write an outline sentence, these look like a cliche and memorised. Examiners are trained to spot memorised phrases, for instance: ‘ This essay would like to explore reasons for this in more detail’
• Don’t confuse thesis statements with the above outline sentence. Outline sentences are for very long academic essays. See this lesson here on phrases to avoid.

For each essay type this is what should be in the Thesis statement:

1. Opinion essays: write 2 reasons for your opinion. 2. Advantage disadvantage essays:  state the advantage and the disadvantage, 3. Problem solution essays:   briefly state 1 or 2 problems and possible solutions. 4 . Discussion essays: after paraphrasing both sides of the argument, give your opinion with a reason why you hold that view. 5. Two part question essays: answer the 1st question then answer the 2nd question briefly.

First you have to identify what kind of essay it is.

The first step before you begin to write is to make sure you understand the question, then identify what kind of essay this will be. There are 5 variations on an IELTS discursive essay click here to see a lesson on this .

Before you write the thesis statement you will need to paraphrase the question , click here for a lesson on this. Click here to see how to write a good introduction to a Problem Solution essay.

1. Discussion essay.

This is the Paraphrased introduction with a Thesis statement.

A number of people believe serious crimes need to have a set punishment, whereas others argue that the situation of the crime must be considered. I agree that the circumstances of the crime itself should be taken into account because every case is different.

Thesis Statement: ‘ I agree that the circumstances of the crime itself should be taken into account because every case is different’

It is important to give a brief reason for your view, the body paragraphs should expand on this. The examiner can clearly see your position in the introduction. In this essay, my position is that every case is different and a prison sentence would not be appropriate.

Note: For a more academic feel, rather than using a personal pronoun to state your opinion, you could state your position like this below:

This essay agrees that the circumstances of the crime itself should be taken into account because every case is different.

2. Opinon essay.

Again you need to paraphrase the question and then clearly agree or disagree , remember to choose just one side.. the words: ‘To what extent do you agree or disagree’ means how much do you agree/disagree, or how far do you agree/disagree. You should mention the other side of the argument but stick to your own opinion. Balanced essays do not necessarily get a higher band score.

Give 2 reasons for your view in the thesis statement here. This is the Paraphrased introduction with a Thesis statement:

It is argued that society would be better off if every type of advertising was prohibited. I disagree that all advertising should be disallowed as this policy would not benefit society and would negatively impact the economy.

Thesis statement: ‘ I disagree that all advertising should be disallowed as this policy would not benefit societ y and would negatively impact the economy.’

In this thesis statement I have clearly stated why I hold the opinion that advertising should not be banned with 2 reasons (no benefit to society and bad for the economy)  Remember to keep the introduction to under 55 words or it will be too long.

As mentioned before, you can use a more academic way to state your view, such as:

This essay disagrees that all advertising should be disallowed because this policy would not benefit society and would have a negative impact on the economy.

3. Advantages disadvantages essay.

This is the Paraphrased introduction with a Thesis statement:

In recent times, people can reside wherever they want in the world because of the progress that has made in technology and transport. The main advantage is the career opportunities that a person can get outside their own country, while a possible downside would be the stress of adjusting to living in a different culture.

Thesis statement: ‘ The main advantage is the career opportunities that a person can get outside their own country, while a possible downside would be the stress of adjusting to living in a different culture.’

Try keeping the whole introduction under 55 words as you don’t want it to look like a body paragraph. You can write about 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages, but you need to keep the introduction concise.

Another method is to just refer to the advantage and state the disadvantage, such as:

In recent times, people can reside wherever they want in the world because of the progress that has made in technology and transport. Although there are advantages, the downside would be the stress of adjusting to living in a different culture.’

This allows you to keep the thesis statement concise especially if you want to cover two advantages (or disadvantages)

4. Advantages disadvantages outweigh essay (this needs your opinion).

This type of advantage disadvantage essay is special because it asks ‘ Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?’. This means you have to write about what side you think is stronger and reflect that in the essay and also in the thesis statement. You need to state an opinion here.

Some experts argue that children should study a new language at primary school as opposed to secondary school. This essay agrees that the advantages are stronger than the disadvantages because youngsters pick up and master new languages much easier than at a high school age.

Thesis statement: ‘This essay agrees that the advantages are stronger than the disadvantages because youngsters pick up and master new languages much easier than at a high school age .’

I have underlined the reason for my opinion here. Giving a reason for your opinion is important in a thesis statement. The introduction is 44 words long so that will be fine. Remember to also address the other side of the issue in the main body paragraphs, the side you think is weaker.

Another method here is to use this style which is very concise at 32 words but it does not contain a reason for my view.

Some experts argue that youngsters should study a new language at primary school as opposed to secondary school. In my view, the advantages of younger children learning new languages outweigh the disadvantages.

5. Problem solution / causes solution essay.

People living in large cities have to deal with many issues in their day to day lives. The main problems people face are high rental costs and overcrowding. Some possible solutions would be to build more affordable housing and more green spaces.

Thesis statement: ‘ The main problems people face are high rental costs and overcrowding. Some possible solutions would be to build more affordable housing and more green spaces.’

I have listed 2 problems high rents, overcrowding and 2 solutions affordable housing, green spaces . You can choose just one problem and one solution and that would be fine.

6. Two part question (direct question essay).

The world wide web is a huge source of knowledge which has created opportunities for people worldwide to study. However, not all information on the internet can be trusted, so the government needs to put measures in place to protect people from false information.

Thesis statement: ‘ However, not all information on the internet can be trusted, so the government needs to put measures in place to protect people from false information.’

Two part question essays are sometimes called ‘Direct question’ essays. They consist of 2 direct questions in the task question. Sometimes they will ask for your opinion such as: Do you think….?  or   What do you think…?

If the question asks for the opinion then you must state it. You should briefly answer the 2 questions in the thesis statement then give more detail in the body paragraphs.

Check out the blog posts about how to identify the 5 essay types and also how to paraphrase the question . These are key stages before writing your thesis statement. Make sure your whole introduction is under 55 words or it will be too long.

Take a look here at how to write a good introduction in writing task 2. Now you can try.

Here is a Discussion essay question where you have to give your opinion. Can you write a Thesis statement for it?

Some people believe that the best way to deal with heavy traffic in city centres is for privately owned vehicles to be banned, others however think this is not a realistic solution.  Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Task question again:

Some people believe that the best way to deal with heavy traffic in city centres is for privately owned vehicles to be banned, others however think this is not a realistic solution. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Paraphrased introduction: Some people argue that prohibiting private cars from city centres is the best way to tackle traffic congestion, whereas others say that this is unrealistic.

Thesis statement: I agree that private vehicles should be banned from city centres and more investment needs to be put into public transportation to alleviate traffic jams.

Full introduction with thesis statement:

Some people argue that prohibiting private cars from city centres is the best way to tackle traffic congestion, whereas others say that this is unrealistic. I agree that private vehicles should be banned from city centres and more investment needs to be put into public transportation to alleviate traffic jams.

Leave a comment below if you have any questions..

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IELTS Task 2 Essay Structure: How to Write a Band 9 IELTS Essay

Struggling with the IELTS essay section? Can't figure out how to lay down your thoughts into an organized masterpiece? Trust us, you're not alone, and you've just clicked your way to a solution! Today, we're not just skimming the surface; we're diving deep, real deep, into the step-by-step blueprint for crafting that elusive Band 9 IELTS essay. 🌟

You're probably thinking, "Another guide? Really?" But hold on—what sets this post apart is its practical, hands-on approach. No fluff, just actionable insights that you can apply right away. And guess what? These insights are fortified by the treasure trove of tips found in our comprehensive eBooks . If you haven't got your hands on them yet, it's about time! These eBooks are like your IELTS Swiss Army knife, covering everything from crafting compelling introductions to summing up your arguments with finesse. Trust us; you won't want to walk into the exam room without this knowledge arsenal at your disposal.

So, fasten your seatbelts and keep your notebooks ready, because we're about to take your IELTS writing skills from "Meh" to "Wow!" Shall we get started? 🚀

Key Elements of an IELTS Essay

Navigating the complex structure of an IELTS essay can feel like a daunting task. But fret not, as we're here to demystify each critical element that contributes to crafting a compelling essay that even impresses seasoned IELTS examiners. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get down to business.

The Thesis Statement: Your Guiding Light

Picture the thesis statement as your GPS coordinates for a successful essay—it tells the reader exactly where you're headed. Nestled within the closing lines of your introduction, a robust thesis statement can help keep your essay focused. For example, if you've ever wondered how to distill your entire argument into one or two sentences, you'll find actionable strategies in our in-depth eBooks to help you craft a spot-on thesis.

Topic Sentences: Steering Your Paragraphs

Imagine going on a road trip without a map; you're bound to get lost. Similarly, topic sentences serve as navigational guides for each paragraph. They set the stage for what you're about to discuss, helping your reader—and, more importantly, the examiner—follow your logic with ease. If you find that your topic sentences often lack clarity or focus, the feedback you receive from our IELTS Essay Correction Service can be an eye-opener. Our experienced examiners guide you on how to refine your topic sentences for maximum coherence and impact.

Supporting Ideas: The Muscle Behind Your Argument

Topic sentences alone won't win the day; you need solid supporting ideas to back them up. Whether you're citing statistical data, recounting personal experiences, or offering logical explanations, varied and robust support strengthens your essay considerably. If you've used our Essay Correction Service , you'll notice that examiners often highlight the strength or weakness of your supporting details, giving you a crystal-clear idea of what to retain and what to improve upon.

Crafting a Smart Conclusion

Finishing strong is as vital as starting strong. A well-crafted conclusion does more than just recap your essay; it offers a fresh perspective on your thesis statement. It serves as the final imprint you'll leave on the examiner, so make it count. If you're struggling with this, our eBooks   delve deep into techniques for formulating conclusions that resonate.

By understanding and applying these key elements, you not only improve your essay but also significantly boost your chances of achieving that elusive Band 9. So, the next time you find yourself staring at a blank screen, remember these guidelines and the valuable insights you can gain from our eBooks   and Essay Correction Service .

IELTS Task 2 Essay Structure: A Step-by-Step Guide

Embarking on your IELTS essay journey can sometimes feel like navigating a labyrinth. But fret not, for we’re here to break down the process into simple, actionable steps. We'll also employ a sample question from a past IELTS exam to give you an illustrative roadmap for your own essays.

Step 1: Analyse the Question

The first step in writing a compelling IELTS essay is understanding the question like the back of your hand.

Why is this so important?

A misinterpretation could lead you down a path that results in a poorly focused essay. The sample question in our example asks,

"Do governments spend too much money on projects to protect wildlife? Is it a waste of resources?"

This question requires you to evaluate governmental spending on wildlife projects and decide if it constitutes a waste of resources. This isn't just a yes-or-no question; it calls for a nuanced discussion that covers multiple angles of government spending and wildlife conservation.

Our eBooks   delve into the complexities of question analysis, offering strategic insights on identifying keywords and understanding the context—essential skills that can elevate the quality of your essay.

Step 2: Create a Perfect Outline

After decoding the question, you'll need to draft a solid outline, which acts as the skeleton of your essay.

How detailed should the outline be?

Your outline should specify what each paragraph will discuss and list the points you plan to cover. Having an outline ensures that your essay remains focused and coherent, preventing you from wandering off-topic. And if outlining is a challenge for you, don't worry. Our eBooks   and Essay Correction Service provide tailored guidance to help you organize your thoughts effectively, pinpointing areas where you can improve your structuring skills.

Step 3: Write an Effective Introduction

The introduction is your first opportunity to make a strong impression. Think of it as rolling out the red carpet for your reader or, in this case, the IELTS examiner. A well-crafted introduction sets the tone for the entire essay, so it's crucial to get it right.

Paraphrase the Question

The first thing you should do is paraphrase the original question. This serves a dual purpose: it demonstrates your language proficiency and ensures that you are focused on the topic at hand. A well-paraphrased question shows that you comprehend the nuances and intricacies of the subject.

For example, the original question might be: "Do governments spend too much money on projects to protect wildlife? Is it a waste of resources?"

A paraphrased version could be: "Is the financial investment by governments in wildlife conservation initiatives justified, or does it squander valuable resources?"

State Your Stance - Give a Preview

After paraphrasing, you'll need to assert your stance on the topic. This not only establishes the direction of your essay but also piques the examiner's interest. It's a sneak preview of the argument you're about to unfold. In our ongoing example, you could clearly indicate your position by saying, "Far from being a waste, investing in wildlife preservation projects is an essential and responsible use of governmental resources."

When you craft your introduction this way, you’re not only laying out a roadmap for your essay but also giving the examiner a glimpse into your analytical and language skills. And remember, if constructing an impactful introduction feels overwhelming, our Essay Correction Service can provide tailored feedback to help you improve this crucial segment. We offer detailed commentary on how effectively you've introduced your topic and stated your stance, complete with actionable tips for enhancement.

This approach ensures that you're well-prepared for the subsequent body paragraphs and conclusion, supported by insights you can gain from our eBooks   .

Step 4: Construct the Convincing Body Paragraphs

The body of the essay is where you bring your arguments to life. It's not just about stating facts; it’s about weaving a compelling narrative backed by evidence.

Why is the body so vital?

Well, imagine the body as the engine room of your essay. If it doesn't function well, the entire essay suffers. You should aim for at least two to three body paragraphs, each guided by a topic sentence that supports your thesis statement.

Say, for example, you want to argue that spending money on wildlife preservation isn’t a waste of resources. You might want to include real-life instances where governmental investment has made a significant impact on wildlife conservation. By consistently using the same example, you not only make your essay more cohesive but also offer tangible proof to back your argument.

Here, our Essay Correction Service becomes indispensable. It can provide real-time, personalized insights into your strengths and weaknesses, ensuring your body paragraphs are as strong as they can be. You'll receive feedback about your logical flow, use of examples, and even your grammatical structures.

Step 5: Wrap It Up with a Strong Conclusion

The conclusion is not merely a summary; it's your final chance to impress the reader.

What should a strong conclusion contain?

Begin by reiterating your thesis statement, but don’t just copy and paste—show that you've come a full circle in your argument. Next, summarize the key points you’ve discussed in the body paragraphs. Finally, if possible, include a thought-provoking statement or a call to action to leave a lasting impression on the examiner.

For example, you could conclude by saying, "In light of the successful wildlife preservation initiatives funded by governments, it’s evident that such investments are not just a necessary expenditure but a long-term investment for a sustainable future."

Through our Essay Correction Service , you can get targeted feedback on your conclusion, making sure it’s the cherry on top of a compelling essay. The service emphasizes the elements that can turn a good conclusion into a great one, helping you to maximize your IELTS essay score.

So there you have it! A comprehensive, step-by-step guide to constructing a Band 9 IELTS essay. Armed with this knowledge and the resources from our invaluable eBooks   and Essay Correction Service , you're more than ready to tackle any IELTS essay question that comes your way.

Practical Tips and Strategies: Elevate Your IELTS Writing Skills

When it comes to mastering the art of IELTS essay writing, it's not just about what you write; it's also about how you write it. Let's delve into some crucial strategies and tips, supported by unique resources like our IELTS Essay Correction Service and eBooks   , that can elevate your IELTS essay to Band 9 quality.

Get a Band 7 and above in IELTS Writing

Writing a top-notch IELTS essay is a challenging endeavor that requires attention to detail, a sound understanding of the English language, and the ability to construct compelling arguments. This is where our Essay Correction Service comes in handy. Unlike generic feedback you might find online, this service is tailored to your unique needs. Real examiners will review your essay and provide comprehensive feedback. They'll point out your errors, explain why they are mistakes, and offer corrective measures. Plus, you'll receive a Band 9 sample response for direct comparison. Knowing exactly where you stand can significantly improve your confidence and performance.

Download the Exclusive eBooks Written by Examiners

You've heard it before, "practice makes perfect," but informed practice can make you exceptional! Our eBooks   provide you with actionable tips, comprehensive strategies, and in-depth analyses to help you nail every section of the IELTS exam. Whether you're struggling with introductions, conclusions, or anything in-between, our eBooks   serve as your handy guide through the labyrinthine world of IELTS essay writing.

A Band 9 IELTS Essay Structure: Summary

To further elucidate these strategies, let's consider how they would come together in an example of a Band 9 IELTS essay:

Introduction: Make sure to paraphrase the question and clearly state your viewpoint. As our eBooks   often emphasize, the introduction sets the stage for your entire essay.

Body Paragraphs: Utilize topic sentences to indicate what each paragraph is about. Support these with evidence or examples, ideally from credible sources. In our eBooks   , you can find detailed suggestions on structuring these paragraphs effectively.

Conclusion: Sum up your arguments and restate your thesis. The eBooks   often stress that your conclusion should not be a mere repetition, but a recapitulation in a new light.

Don't Just Dream About That Band 9 Score, Make It Happen!

With these tips and strategies, paired with resources like our Essay Correction Service and eBooks   , you're not just preparing for the IELTS exam; you're practically ensuring your success. So, why are you waiting? Start practicing now and secure that coveted Band 9 score!

Feel free to share this article with anyone who might find it useful, and if you have questions or need further clarification, don't hesitate to drop us a comment. Wishing you all the best in your IELTS preparation and beyond. Happy studying!

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IELTS Writing Task 2: How To Write an Effective Introduction

Ielts writing task 2 introduction.

Did you know that a strong introduction can make the difference between a Band 6 and a Band 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2?

In the video above, I’ll show you how to write a Band 8 introduction and avoid the 7 biggest mistakes most people make when they introduce their essays.

This post will help you write better introductions in your Task 2 IELTS essays and show the specific sentences I advise all of my students to use when writing IELTS Writing Task 2 introductions.

The introduction is the first part of the essay the examiner will read, and it will give them a good first impression of what to expect in the rest of the essay.

Just like in person, first impressions last.

I often tell my students that a bad introduction in IELTS writing part 2 is the same as going in to the speaking exam and being rude to the examiner- no matter how good you are in the rest of it, the examiner won’t be happy, and unhappy examiners are more likely to give you a lower mark.

Despite this warning, many good students go on to produce introductions with a few common problems in them.

Common Problems

• Talking too generally about the topic.

Most of these essays start off with ‘Nowadays……’ or ‘In modern life….’ followed by general information about the topic. In my opinion, this is the worst start you can possibly make. Remember that you are supposed to answer the question, not write generally about the topic.

• Not giving your opinion

This is the most important sentence in the essay. Not including this will lose you marks in several different ways.

• Not supporting your opinion with main ideas

If you don’t do this, the examiner doesn’t really know what you think about the question. This will also lose you marks. I’ll show you how to write an outline sentence below.

• Trying to write a ‘hook’ or be entertaining

Remember, this is an IELTS exam, not a university essay. There are no extra points for being interesting; in fact, being boring will probably help you. This will help you avoid ‘flowery’ language.

• Using an informal style

Know your audience. You are expected to write in an academic style.

Good and Bad Examples

Question: There is a good deal of evidence that increasing car use is contributing to global warming and having other undesirable effects on people’s health and well-being.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Good Introduction

Rising global temperatures and human health and fitness issues are often viewed as being caused by the expanding use of automobiles. This essay agrees that the increasing use of motor vehicles contributes to rising global temperatures because of the production of greenhouse gases by vehicles and certain health issues are caused by the release of toxic chemicals by internal combustion engines.

Bad Introduction

Nowadays, cars are a very popular way of getting around. Day by day many more people drive cars around but others feel that they cause global warming. Global warming is one of the most serious issues in modern life. They also affect people’s health and well-being which is also a serious issue.

As you can see, the bad example generally talks about the topic, copies words and phrases from the question, and doesn’t include a thesis statement or outline statement.

If your introductions look something like this, don’t worry. Most of my students write introductions a lot like this when they first start in my class and the structure below always helps them fix any problems and write very effective introductions.

Structure of a Good Introduction

If you use this structure, you will not only score higher marks but also save time in the exam. If you practice enough, introductions will become easy, and you will do them in just a few minutes. This will leave you lots of time to focus on the main body paragraphs, where you can pick up lots of marks.

An IELTS writing task 2 opinion essay should have three elements, and these should be:

• Paraphrase  question
• Give opinion
• Support opinion with 2 ideas

That’s it. Simple!

Do you need me to correct your essays and give you feedback on them? Check out our essay correction service or email me at [email protected]. 

About Christopher Pell

My name is Christopher Pell and I'm the Managing Director of IELTS Advantage.

I started IELTS Advantage as a simple blog to help 16 students in my class. Several years later, I am very humbled that my VIP Course has been able to help thousands of people around the world to score a Band 7+ in their IELTS tests.

If you need my help with your IELTS preparation, you can send me an email using the contact us page.

• IELTS: Writing Part 2 – How To Write A Discursive Essay

• Posted on 05/02/2020
• Categories: Blog
• Tags: IELTS , Writing

When it comes to exams, preparation is the key to success – and the IELTS Writing Paper Part 2 is no exception! It is worth twice as much as Part 1 and is the longest part of the writing paper. So it’s important to perfect your technique before the big day.

We’ve put together some tips, examples, and useful language to help you prepare for Part 2 of the Writing Paper.

IELTS exam requirements

In both the General and the Academic papers, the IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to write at least 250 words. You will be presented with a topic and tested on your ability to:

• Respond by discussing it
• Extend the ideas, giving an opinion
• Support that opinion with reasoned arguments

Three tips to get a great mark in Part 2

1. Read the question carefully

Don’t be tempted to rush this part: identifying the topic correctly is a crucial first step.

Remember, you are required to give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your own knowledge. That means it’s really important that you make sure you understand the essay question fully.

2. Brainstorm ideas

Organising your ideas is an important step in the process. Before you start writing, take some time to make a short plan of what you are going to write. Think about your response to the question:

• What are your opinions?
• Why do you have this opinion?
• What problems can you foresee ?
• What solutions can you suggest?

3. Don’t write too much

The more you write, the more chances there are that you’ll make mistakes. So don’t be tempted to write a long essay. In fact, structure and coherence are more important than length when it comes to marking. A good length to aim for is around 280 words.

You get an hour to complete the two tasks in the Writing Paper, but try to dedicate at least 40 minutes to Task 2, as it is worth twice as many points as Part 1 and you need to write a longer response.

Structuring your answer

The structure of your essay is important for the development of your ideas. Have a look at how we have answered the sample question, below. As you can see, the answer follows a clear structure. Bear in mind, your essay will need to be at least 250 words long, so try to dedicate at least 40 minutes to this task.

Here’s a sample essay question :

In some countries, it is thought advisable that children begin formal education at four years old, while in others they do not have to start school until they are seven or eight. How far do you agree with either of these views?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Beginning your essay

In the opening paragraphs , the main idea from the question is identified and developed, so the examiner can see that you have fully understood the essay question and can give a detailed summary with examples .

In this essay, the arguments surrounding early education and the best age to start school will be discussed .

One can see that education is different all over the world. In some countries, parents are content for their children to play and explore on their own, without the help of teachers. It’s considered normal for children to learn through play and they might not go to school, formally, until they are 7 or 8 years old.

In other countries, parents focus on academic education at a much earlier age. They put their children in pre-school programmes, try to help them learn songs, write simple things at home, and play educational games with them. This helps prepare them before they start attending their first school.

Writing the essay body

The following paragraph is the main body of the essay. It explains the student’s personal approach to the question and the way that they are qualifying their opinion . It extends their ideas and supports this approach with a relevant example . Finally, it ends with a concluding sentence which leads into the final paragraph.

In my view, I think a combination of the two approaches is the best answer. Learning through play is beneficial because students have fun and don’t ever find learning to be “boring.” Evidence suggests this method can lead to a life-long love of learning too: many students who start learning in this way go on to university and continue educating themselves for their whole lives. Nevertheless, there are drawbacks to this, such as a lack of direction, which might mean some children are unprepared for school. Having a professional teacher, who makes interesting, personalised lessons and follows a syllabus can solve this issue. In this way, through teacher-directed play, students are given equal opportunities to learn together and no child is put at a significant disadvantage.

Concluding your essay

The last paragraph is the conclusion, which presents an opinion and gives final supporting arguments .

To sum up, I would argue that students benefit from having a formal education at an earlier age. However, it seems to me that teachers should make play a priority because that is how children naturally learn.

By following this structure, you’ll produce a coherent and cohesive answer to the essay question, whatever it is.

You can see another sample answer for the question above here .

Useful language

While it’s not advisable to memorise entire sentences, it is good to have a stock of phrases that you can use to join ideas and make your writing flow more naturally. Here are some examples:

In the introduction:

This essay will outline _____

This essay seeks to ______

In this essay, the arguments surrounding _____ will be discussed.

When giving examples:

As can be seen from _____

Recent studies have shown that _____

One solution proposed by____ is _____

A good example of this is _______

Evidence suggests that _______

When sharing your opinion:

It seems to me _____

In my opinion _____

In my view _____

I would argue that _____

When giving an alternative perspective:

However, there are drawbacks to this, such as _____

Another approach is _____

However, it is important to consider _____

Having said that, _____

In spite of this, _____

In the conclusion:

To sum up, _____

Overall _____

In the end _____

Can you see any of these phrases being used in our sample answer above?

Can you see any of these phrases being used in our sample answer above?  

A few final reminders

Take a few moments to plan the structure of your essay before you start writing, it will help your ideas flow.

Avoid contractions: the language of the essay should be academic and formal in tone.

Keep an eye on the clock: it’s always a good idea to leave yourself a few minutes at the end to quickly read over your answer in case of any mistakes.

Are you taking an IELTS exam soon? Feeling nervous about the writing paper? This blogpost has some top tips and useful language to help you with part 1 of the writing paper.

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

Perfect (v): to make something perfect, to bring to its final form.

Crucial (adj): very important, essential.

Foresee (v): predict, see something before it happens.

Coherence (n): logic, intelligibility.

Fully (adv): completely.

Qualifying your opinion (exp): explaining their position, justifying.

Drawbacks (n): disadvantage.

Advisable (adj): a good idea, prudent.

adj = adjective

pv = phrasal verb

adv = adverb

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• By: oxfordadmin
• Posted on 29/01/2020

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• Posted on 12/02/2020

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How to Put Examples in an IELTS Essay

Posted by David S. Wills | Feb 12, 2024 | IELTS Tips , Writing | 0

Today, you are going to learn how to put examples in an IELTS essay . Specifically, this will be a task 2 essay because you won’t need examples in a task 1 report or letter.

We will cover a few things here. Firstly, I will explain why you ought to include examples. Then, I’ll talk about picking appropriate examples. Finally, we will look at the language used for giving examples in an essay.

Table of Contents

Why do we need examples, what makes a good example for an ielts essay, can you make up examples, can i use personal examples, what language is used for giving examples, common mistakes.

In an IELTS essay, you might want to include examples as a way of better explaining something. Whether you are giving your opinion or discussing an idea, examples are often a handy way of showing development, which is critical for a good Task Response score.

Let’s say you have to write an essay about animal experimentation . You might want to explain that animal testing cannot be justified, so one of your paragraphs might be structured this way:

Look at sentence #7.

Why did I add this?

Well, I had previously explained my perspective in a clear way, but to make it even easier for the reader to understand (as well as making a more convincing argument), I can add an example.

Examples often illuminate a concept in a clear way. They help people to understand abstract or challenging ideas better. In the above case, I had explained my opinion logically but by giving a concrete idea – something that the reader could imagine – I have made it more likely that they will understand and agree with me.

(You can read the full essay and an explanation here .)

Also, let’s consider what the examiners actually want. Note the highlighted part of this sample question from IDP :

This quite clearly shows that you are meant to provide examples. The band descriptors provided by the British Council also show that it is necessary for a candidate to “support” their ideas in order to get a good score. To get band 8, a candidate’s ideas must be:

relevant, well extended and supported.

A good example in an IELTS essay should be:

• Intelligent
• Carefully placed

Those are the most important facts. Let’s look at each.

• Relevant . Above, I gave an example that illuminated my main point. I wanted to show why animal testing can be flawed, so I created a hypothetical mouse being subjected to testing for diabetes drugs. This perfectly illustrated the point, so it is relevant.
• Realistic . A lot of people make up examples because of course you cannot do research in the middle of the IELTS exam. This is fine but please keep it realistic . For example, you may be asked about climate change. If you said “a recent study shows that 90% of the world will be underwater in 10 years,” then it is not very credible.
• Intelligent . Although your answers for IELTS writing do not need to display any sort of technical expertise, you do need to display some sort of critical thinking ability. Thus, whilst you don’t need to have an in-depth knowledge of history or technology , you should be able to draw upon some reasonable examples or invent one that sounds believable. These should be logically tied to your main idea and fit nicely into your essay.
• Carefully placed . Your example should come at just the right point in your essay. Where is that? Well, it depends on your essay. Each one is different. Typically, you would state a main point, explain it, and then add an example but there are other ways to do this. Just be logical and use an example for a sensible purpose. This will help you get a better score for Coherence and Cohesion .

Here, we can see the two body paragraphs of an essay about reliance on technology .

You can see that both paragraphs include an example but they are included differently. The first does not use the words “For example” or “To illustrate.” It just gives the example subtly. The second uses more formulaic language but it introduces the example in a more interesting place. This is because I wanted to incorporate the example in my explanation rather than illustrate the explanation entirely by following it with an example.

As you can see, there are various ways to do this effectively!

Yes, you can use invented examples but keep in mind that they must be realistic. There are two ways to do this:

• Make up an example that is easily within the realm of possibility. For example, you might cite a study that does not exist but as long as your claims are realistic, it doesn’t matter. No one is going to check.
• State clearly that it is a hypothetical example. Again, you can use my mouse/diabetes example from the above table. I used the word “if” to show that it was an imagined example situation.

Try to avoid saying anything that is obviously fake or unbelievable. This would reduce the credibility of your argument.

You can use personal examples in an IELTS essay, but these tend to be more common in lower-scoring essays. Of course, for these you could easily make up an imaginary brother or friend to illustrate a situation.

It all depends on the situation, of course. If you are asked about a broad societal question, an example such as “my brother thinks…” does not really demonstrate any sort of capacity for serious thinking. Thus, you can do it but it’s not a great idea.

On the other hand, if you are asked about families or other daily or personal topics, you could definitely give your relatives as examples.

There are different ways to introduce an example. The most common one is to say “For example…” and then state the example. Many people think this is “too basic,” but there’s no such thing. As long as you don’t use it repeatedly, you’re fine.

Other phrases to introduce examples include:

• To give an example
• For instance
• To give but one example (=this implies that you are giving one but that there are many other possible examples)
• As an illustration
• To illustrate

It’s also quite possible to just subtly weave an example into the passage without this sort of formulaic language. Let’s take a sample passage:

• There are many everyday items that are used once and then thrown away, adding to the pollution in our seas. For example, plastic bags and soda bottles routinely end up flowing from rivers into the oceans.

This passage used “for example.” We could also have just said:

• There are many everyday items that are used once and then thrown away, adding to the pollution in our seas. Plastic bags and soda bottles routinely end up flowing from rivers into the oceans.

Now I have included an example but without saying “For example…”

Note that I could also use “such as…” This requires slightly different grammar, though:

• There are many everyday items, such as plastic bottles and bags, that are used once and then thrown away, adding to the pollution in our seas.

A final note is that the phrase “For example” can be placed at different points in a sentence:

• For example, plastic bags and soda bottles routinely end up flowing from rivers into the oceans.
• Plastic bags and soda bottles, for example, routinely end up flowing from rivers into the oceans.
• Plastic bags and soda bottles routinely end up flowing from rivers into the oceans, for example.

Let’s now look at a few common mistakes people make when putting examples into their IELTS essays:

• Too many examples . Having one or two examples in an essay is fine but you definitely don’t want to include many more than that. Remember that an example is used to illuminate a point but it should not be used as a shortcut. Learn how to explain an idea and then back it up with an example rather than using examples in lieu of a thorough explanation.
• Irrelevant examples . I quite often see irrelevant examples in IELTS essays when doing my writing correction service . Basically, there is a logical disconnect between the previous statement and the given example.
• Unclear examples . Sometimes people just don’t explain things clearly, so the example given may seem irrelevant or confusing. This is often not because it’s a bad example but rather the example or the previous point had been poorly explained.
• Poor grammar . People sometimes make grammatical mistakes when adding an example. This happens because they do not understand the part of speech used to introduce the example or they forget that the example may have to be a full clause.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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Discursive essay IELTS task 2

Home  »  IELTS academic task 2 » Discursive essay IELTS task 2

Writing a discursive essay can be a part of your  task 2 exam , therefore you want to make sure you know how to do it to the best of your abilities. To help you get there we have created a step-by-step plan explaining how to structure your discursive essay in order to reach your target band score.

A discursive essay will look at both sides, whereas an argumentative essay takes a stance, a position, and will argue for this position.

An argumentative essay can be used for a lot of IELTS essay answers, however if you see the ‘discuss both views, and give your opinion’ then you should be writing a discursive essay.

Definition of discursive essay?

A discursive essay explores different opinions on a specific topic or idea.

The writer gives reasons and facts to support each argument he talks about. He then may provide his own opinion based on his exploration of these different perspectives.

How to structure a discursive essay?

When writing a discursive essay for your exam, for a band 7 or above the general consensus is around 350 -400 words, within a time frame of 40 minutes.

We recommend splitting your discursive essay into four paragraphs. This way you’ll get around ten minutes to prepare and write each paragraph.

Paragraph one: introduction

You should always begin your discursive essay with an introduction.

Structure your introduction like this: 1. A background statement. 2. A more detailed background statement. 3. A summary of the opinions (for and against) this topic.

Electric cars will fully replace petrol and diesel-fuelled cars in the future. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

1. A background statement about the topic:

Electric cars are currently being developed by many well-known automotive companies.

2. A more detailed background statement about the topic:

Many people still question whether electric cars are a feasible replacement for petrol and diesel-fueled vehicles.

3. A summary of the opinions (for and against) this topic:

In this essay I will explore the opinions for and against the use of electric cars and their replacement of petrol and diesel-fuelled cars.

Paragraph two: argument/opinion 1 (for the topic)

In paragraph two you can discuss the first argument/opinion (the argument for the topic).

Structure paragraph two like this: 1. Opinion / argument 1 (for the topic) 2. One example to support this opinion/argument 3. A concluding sentence summing up the opinion/argument 1

Try to use connectors like:

• On one hand
• Some people believe
• It is true that

1. Opinion/argument 1: On one hand, electric cars are environmentally friend. They require no non-renewable energy and are clean to run and maintain on the road. 2. One example to support this opinion/argument: To support this opinion, recent studies show that the use of electric cars helps to minimize pollution in urban and rural areas. 3. A concluding sentence summing up the opinion/argument 1: Clearly, electric cars are one way to tackle ecological concerns and support a ‘greener’ environment.

TIP: A lot of students get confused about giving personal examples. The question prompt is misleading! Give examples that you know of, not examples from your personal experience.

These examples help you develop your argument and act as supporting evidence for your position.

It is fine to mention external sources such as a ‘a recent scientific report’, ‘an academic paper from Russia’, etc. Here is a full tutorial all about giving examples .

Paragraph three: argument/opinion 2 (against the topic)

In paragraph three write about the opinion/argument 2 (usually going against the topic).

Structure your paragraph three like this: 1. Opinion / argument 2 (against the topic) 2. One example to support this opinion/argument 3. A concluding sentence summing up the opinion/argument 2

Use phrases like:

• On the other hand
• Other people believe that

1. Opinion/argument 2 ( against the topic): On the other hand, electric cars are inconvenient to maintain and to dispose of. 2. One example to support this opinion/argument: The driver of an electric vehicle must recharge his car approximately every 100 kilometres. In addition, the plutonium battery of an electric car is toxic to the environment and must be safely disposed of through expensive means. 3. A concluding sentence summing up the opinion/argument 2: In brief, scientists are still exploring ways to produce these types of vehicles so that they are easier to manufacture, maintain and use safely.

Paragraph four: concluding paragraph

The last paragraph of your discursive essay should contain a summary of both previous opinions, and be ended with the writer’s opinion.

The last paragraph should be structured like this:

1. Summary of both previous opinions. Use key phrases like:

• To summarize
• To provide a recap of the two perspectives

2. The writer’s opinion. Use language like:

• In my opinion
• I feel strongly that

3. Suggestion and Conclusion

1. Summary of both previous opinions: To sum up, it’s evident that there are both pros and cons in the development of electric vehicles. 2. The writer’s opinion: Despite the expense of development and the inconvenience of recharging electric cars, I still believe strongly that it is well worth the investment to continue research and production of these vehicles. 3. Suggestion and Conclusion: To conclude, we should remain open, supportive to the use of electric cars and to their development in the future.

TIP: Avoid informal language such as contractions and casual language patterns.

YES: It is said diesel fuelled cars are far superior for rural areas.

NO: It’s said diesel fuelled cars just totally crush it in rural areas.

The full example of a discursive essay written following our structure

Electric cars are currently being developed by many well-known automotive companies. Many people still question whether electric cars are a feasible replacement for petrol and diesel-fuelled vehicles. In this essay, I will explore the opinions for and against the use of electric cars and their replacement of petrol and diesel-fuelled cars. On one hand, electric cars are environmentally friend. They require no non-renewable energy and are clean to run and maintain on the road. To support this opinion, recent studies show that the use of electric cars helps to minimize pollution in urban and rural areas. Clearly, electric cars are one way to tackle ecological concerns and support a ‘greener’ environment. On the other hand, electric cars are inconvenient to maintain and to dispose of. The driver of an electric vehicle must recharge his car approximately every 100 kilometres. In addition, the plutonium battery of an electric car is toxic to the environment and must be safely disposed of through expensive means. In brief, scientists are still exploring ways to produce these types of vehicles so that they are easier to manufacture, maintain and use safely. To sum up, it’s evident that there are both pros and cons in the development of electric vehicles. Despite the expense of development and the inconvenience of recharging electric cars, I still believe strongly that it is well worth the investment to continue research and production of these vehicles. To conclude, we should remain open, supportive to the use of electric cars and to their development in the future.

For an introduction on how to start IELTS writing task 2 click here :

For more practice, take a look at our task 2 sample essays , a band 9 IELTS essay or our essay correction service to help you improve your band score!

Useful Tips

• To get ideas and opinions for the essays you write you need to fill your head with news about current events, alternatively you can read my answers and ideas in the section below.
• Good grammar is by far more important than the exam skills. It is impossible to get points for Task Response if the examiner cannot understand what has been written. Getting feedback on your writing is the fastest way to improve.
• Reviewing recent task two questions can help build your ‘essay idea muscle’. Academic papers are also useful but can be difficult to absorb quickly (unless you just read the summary or conclusion!).

Discursive Essay Topics and Answers 

The topics will be the same as all the other IELTS writing task 2 topics you will face. These include:

IELTS essay topics and answers: education

IELTS essay topics and answer: globalisation

IELTS essay topics and answer: travel and transport

IELTS essay topics and answer: employment

IELTS essay topics and answer: employment (skills)

IELTS topic and answer: education

IELTS essay topics and answer: gender issues

IELTS topic: gender issues (career)

IELTS essay topics and answer: technology

IELTS essay topic and answer: health

IELTS essay topics and answer: society

Audio tutorial

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Tutorials and Tips to Prepare for Task 2

• How to Get Ideas for Task 2
• Band 9 Sample Essay
• Extremely Useful Sentences for Task 2
• Five Powerful Sentence Structures to use in your IELTS Writing test
• How to use comparisons in Task 2
• Concession Paragraphs for “do I agree/disagree essays”
• How to write an IELTS Essay Conclusion
• IELTS Cohesion and Coherence
• 3 ways to paraphrase for your Task 2 introduction
• Marking Criteria for IELTS Writing
• Topics Sentences for Your Essays
• 7 Ways to Improve your Sentences in Your IELTS Essays
• Grammar for IELTS Writing
• Academic Collocations for Task 2

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Man who threatened skier, snowboarder near Brighton with a gun had to write an essay. Here’s what it said.

Man who asked “are you an ikon user” to alleged trespassers required to write an essay on “the use of deadly force in utah” as part of plea deal..

The Brighton man who threatened a skier and a snowboarder with his Winchester rifle after they crossed his driveway last winter wouldn’t say he brandished his weapon. He now admits, however, that he “exhibited” the gun.

Keith Stebbings, 67, pleaded guilty to third-degree felony assault for his interactions with the skier and snowboarder on separate incidents near his home in the Town of Brighton on Feb. 24. The felony charge will be dismissed, however, if Stebbings abides by all the terms of his probation. A second charge of threatening, a Class B misdemeanor, was dismissed with prejudice.

As part of his plea, which he entered into the 3rd District Court on June 25, Stebbings was put on probation for 36 months. The court also demanded he surrender his .30-30 Winchester rifle, take a gun safety course and write an essay on “The use of deadly force in Utah.”

Stebbings did not return calls seeking comment for this report.

“I do appreciate the term ‘exhibited’ in the [Utah Criminal Code]. It is far clearer to me than brandished,” Stebbings wrote in his essay, which was obtained by The Salt Lake Tribune. “I was unaware at the time of the incident that exhibiting an unloaded gun on my personal property was unlawful when encountering an individual trespassing.”

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Old Prospect Road, where a man threatened a snowboarder with a shotgun for allegedly entering his property near Brighton Ski Resort, on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024.

On the day in question, snowboarder Loren Richardson, 41, was following a plowed path he said he believed would lead him from the backcountry near Brighton Resort to his vacation rental in town. When he banked around a cluster of trees, however, Richardson came face to face with Stebbings and the barrel of his rifle. Stebbings then began cursing at Richardson and shoving him.

“What are you, an Ikon user ?” Stebbings said, referring to the multi-resort ski pass often blamed for overcrowding at resorts. “I don’t give a [expletive]. This is private property.”

“Do it again and there will be holes in you.”

A GoPro camera attached to Richardson’s helmet recorded the entire interaction. It went viral when he posted it to his Instagram account and has received 106,000 plays.

Stebbings was dressed in a red checkered flannel shirt, black beanie and flowing gray pants. A red camping chair was set out in the path behind him. He continued to curse at Richardson after the snowboarder stopped, unbuckled from his snowboard and walked quickly down Old Prospect Avenue toward Big Cottonwood Canyon Road.

(Christopher Cherrington | The Salt Lake Tribune)

“My stomach was in my throat,” Richardson told The Tribune in February. “I was just like: ‘Be apologetic.’ I don’t know. ‘Why is he going to shoot me? Why is this happening?’”

When he reached the junction of the two roads, Richardson met two skiers, one of whom said he also had been threatened by Stebbings. That skier, a Salt Lake City man who has asked not to be named, told the police Stebbings hit his hip with the butt of the rifle . He was returning to his car after taking a backcountry ski clinic near Guardsman Pass. Richardson came from the opposite direction via an egress into United States Forest Service property from Brighton Resort. Both said they did not see any “No Trespassing” or private property signs before Stebbings assaulted them.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by LRF (@loren_richardson_films)

The skier’s father reported the encounter to the Unified Police Department that afternoon. Richardson filed his report two days later. When officers visited Stebbings house, he initially told them he didn’t know anything about the run-ins, according to a police report. Once informed he was caught on video, Stebbings told officers he and his neighbors had become frustrated with skiers and snowboarders trespassing over their property.

Stebbings’ essay on “the use of deadly force in Utah” consists of five paragraphs and an excerpt of Title 76 of the Utah Criminal Code, which defines “threatening with or using a dangerous weapon in a fight or quarrel.” He dedicated one of those paragraphs to telling the court that some of his neighbors “have banded together, partly on my behalf, to approach Brighton Ski Resort to inquire whether the Resort would be willing to develop a plan and install appropriate diversion mechanisms to alleviate the trespasser problem.”

Stebbings by The Salt Lake Tribune on Scribd

Stebbings formerly worked as a ski instructor for Brighton.

Brighton spokesperson Jared Winkler said the resort gave Stebbings fencing to cordon off his property immediately after learning of the encounters. He added that the resort is always open to listening to the community but he was unaware of anyone raising concerns about trespassers in the months since the encounters.

Previously, Winkler stated that Brighton is required by law to allow egress to adjacent USFS property and that it isn’t responsible for skiers and snowboarders once they leave the resort.

In his essay, Stebbings wrote that “following the incident, my behavior changed.” He said he now calls UPD to request more patrols on days he expects to see an influx of skiers and snowboarders crossing his property. He records video footage of alleged trespassers and gives them “a non-threatening warning that they are on private property.” And, he said, before the rifle was confiscated he no longer brought it outside.

UPD confiscated the Winchester rifle on July 7 and will hold it until Dec. 25, 2025, so long as Stebbings abides by his parole. He has been ordered to enroll in a gun safety course this fall and he cannot leave the state for more than 45 days at a time.

Though his probation is set for 36 months, Stebbings can wrap up his punishment by Christmas Day 2025 if he shows 100% compliance and receives a recommendation from the probation agency.

Editor’s note • This story is available to Salt Lake Tribune subscribers only. Thank you for supporting local journalism.

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