IELTS

WRITING TASK 2
 THE 4 SIMPLE STEPS OF IELTS ESSAY PLANNING

• Analyse the question

• Generate ideas
• Record synonyms
• Plan the structure
 ANALYSE THE QUESTION

• You just need to identify 3 different types of words.

1- Topic words
2 - Other keywords
3 - Instruction words
• So let’s look at a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question.
• 1. Identify the topic words
The topics words are the ones that identify the general subject of the question.
•

So, this question is about ‘how students perform in school’.

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.

What we need to do now that we know the general topic, is to understand exactly what aspect of student
performance we are being asked to write about.
• 2. Identify other keywords
The other keywords in the question tell you the specific topic you must write about. They define
the opinion or opinions stated in the statement.

By highlighting these words, it’s easy to see that you are being asked your view on whether reward or
punishment leads to better student performance. Your essay must only include ideas relevant to these
keywords.

Now for the instructions on the type of essay you should write.
• 3. Identifying the instruction words
• The instruction words tell you exactly what the examiner wants you to do. 25% of your marks are determined
by how well you answer the question.

• So, even if you have Band 8 language skills, you could drop down to a Band 6 overall score for failing to follow
the instructions.
• The instruction words are all the words that come after the question statement.
• Here are the 3 different types of words highlighted together.
•

This process should take you no more than 2 minutes in your exam. Make it the first thing you do. The more
you practice it before your test, the quicker and easier it will become.
 HOW TO WRITE TASK 2 INTRODUCTIONS

• Why the introduction is so important

• The 3 part structure
• 4 common mistakes to avoid
• How to write a great introduction
 1- Why the Introduction is So Important
Beginning your IELTS writing tasks well will immediately start stacking up the marks for both
Task Achievement and Coherence and Cohesion which together carry 50% of the marks.
A good introduction does several things:

• It gives an excellent first impression.

• It shows the examiner that you understand the question.
• It gives the examiner a brief overview of what you’ll cover in the rest of the essay.
• It focuses your thoughts and keeps you on track while writing.

•
 2- The 3 Part Structure
A good introduction has a simple 3 part structure:

• Paraphrased question
• Thesis statement
• Outline statement
This structure can be used for any type of question. It should:

• Have 2-3 sentences

• Be 40-60 words long
• Take 5 minutes to write
•
INTRODUCTION
 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
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