IELTS - Writing Task 2 - Tips 1-10

TON DUC THANG UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES
001155 - IELTS
WRITING TASK 2
Lecturer: Tran Khanh Nhi
About the IELTS writing task two
u Three characteristics
1. Control of the message
2. Writing’s natural complexity
3. Its predictable type in IELTS
✓ Create tips to prepare ourselves
✕ Complexity for even English native users
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Category Sub-category
Task Response 1.Answers the question fully and
relevantly
2.Gives a position or opinion
3.Gives and develops ideas
Coherence & Cohesion 1.Organizes the writing, showing
progression
2.Makes the sentences and parts fit
together
3.Organizes paragraphs well
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Category Sub-category
Lexical Resource 1.Uses a range of words
2.Uses those words accurately
Grammatical Range & 1.Uses a range of grammar
Accuracy 2.Uses that grammar accurately
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FUNDAMENTAL TIPS
1-10
Tip 1 – How much to write
u Requires a minimum of 250 words

u May take 40 minutes to complete
u Should use wider margins to make the
writing look clearer
u Do NOT need to count words since this
wastes time
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Tip 1 – How much to write
Well over the

Using wider
margins length
requirement
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Tip 2 – Which tasks to do first
u Argument 1: Do task one first

✓ Task one is shorter, requires less words, students can
→ finish quicker,
→ have good feeling to write the second task.
✕ Task one is not always easy or straightforward for all
students.
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u Argument 2: Do task two first

Task one requires 20 minutes → 1/3
Task two requires 40 minutes → 2/3
→ Mathematically, if you receive Band Score 5 on task
one and 6 on task two, your score is likely to be:
(1/3 of 5) + (2/3 of 6) = 1.67 + 4 = 5.67 → 5.5
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→ However, if you receive Band Score 5.5 on task one and
6 on task two, your score is likely to be:
(1/3 of 5.5) + (2/3 of 6) = 1.83 + 4 = 5.83 → 6.0
→ If the difference between your task one and task two
scores is half a band score, it is your task two score will
determine your overall score.
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→ However, if you receive Band Score 5.5 on task one and
6 on task two, your score is likely to be:
(1/3 of 5.5) + (2/3 of 6) = 1.83 + 4 = 5.83 → 6.0
→ If the difference between your task one and task two
scores is half a band score, it is your task two score will
determine your overall score.
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The maths that we did only works if:
1. the difference between your task one and task two
scores is half a band score;
2. you are good enough at task two to score a reasonable
score. If the difference between scores is one full band
score, then it makes no difference which task you do
first.
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u Argument 3: Do the easier task first

If we do the easier task first, we:
1. make efficient use of the time by completing the
writing task quicker;
2. gain a good feeling, which help us with the next
writing task.
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Conclusion
It is your decision.
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Tip 3 – Read the question/ Fulfil the task
Task Response: 1. Answer the question fully and relevantly

5 6 7
(A) addresses the (A) addresses all (A) addresses all
task only partially; parts of the task parts of the task
the format may be although some parts
inappropriate in may be more fully
places covered than others
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Look at the following task
City centers are very crowded with cars. They often cause a
great deal of pollution. Cars should be banned from all these
centers.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this?
What is wrong with the following two sample answers?
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Essay A
City centers seem to be very crowded with cars, and it may be a
growing problem. This essay will agree with this.
People have too many cars, and they often work in cities. This means
they drive their cars to these areas, causing crowding. This is made
worse by the narrowness of many city streets.
Another reason cities a crowded is that the centers have many shops.
These shops need vehicles to deliver goods, bringing in even more cars,
or even trucks.
My opinion is that the city centers are indeed very crowded with cars,
and something must be done to solve this problem.
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Essay B
City centers are popular areas and particularly crowded with cars.
These cause some pollution, but whether it is great deal is certainly
worth considering. I think it is.
One reason for this is that cars are often jammed in city streets, and
they do not move fast. This means they remain still, emitting exhaust
gases into the air for long periods of time.
Some people might say that many cars do not cause much pollution
because these cars are built to modern standards. The trouble is, the
effect of thousands of cars together in small city spaces still creates a
great deal of pollution, particularly on windless days and in narrow
streets.
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Look at the following task two question
City centers are very crowded with cars. (Essay A)
They often cause a great deal of pollution. (Essay B)
→ warm-up sentences
→ statements of fact
Cars should be banned from all these centers.

→ argument statement
→ Essays A and B are both not relevant to the question, and

would be heavily scored down in the ‘Task Response’ category.
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Now, let’s identify the argument statements
1. There are many problems on earth needing attention, and

there should be fewer missions into space.
2. Crime rates are growing in many major cities, so capital
punishment is necessary.
3. Fossil fuels are running out, and nuclear power is the only
practical alternative.
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Now, let’s identify the argument statements
4. Doctors have no right to withhold information and must

always be willing to tell the patients the truth.
5. The economy of a country should take priority, and the
environment should be regarded in second place.
6. The popularity of large-screen movies is declining, and
cinemas are dying out.
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These questions can be ‘distilled’ to whether you agree or

disagree that
1. there should be fewer missions into space

2. capital punishment is necessary
3. nuclear power is the only practical alternative
4. doctors have no right to withhold information
5. a country’s economy is more important than the
environment.
6. cinemas are dying out.
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Tip 4 – Identify the essay type
u Read the sample essay tasks and answer the questions

1. What is the difference between the first two of the
following essay tasks (A&B) compared to the second two
(C&D)?
2. How did you identify the difference?
3. How is the fifth essay (E) task different?
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u Sample essay tasks

A. The best way to reduce the number of traffic
accidents is to make all young drivers complete a
safe-driving education course before being licensed to
drive. To what extent do you agree or disagree with
this statement?
B. The threat of nuclear weapons undermines world
peace, but nuclear power provides cheap and clean
energy. Do the benefits of nuclear technology
outweigh the disadvantages?
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u Sample essay tasks
C. A large number of deaths are caused by road accidents.
Why do so many road accidents occur? Make
recommendations that would help to reduce their
number.
D. Modern life is very stressful. People have to manage their
time and other resources very carefully. How can they
have less stress when they are so busy?
E. Work is taking a more important role in people’s lives.
Why are people working so much? Do you think this
trend is good or bad?
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u Answers
A. The best way to reduce the number of traffic accidents is
[…]. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement? (straightforward)
B. The threat of nuclear weapons undermines […]. Do the
benefits of nuclear technology outweigh the disadvantages?
(another way to ask “Do you think nuclear technology is
good or bad?”, then you choose one side to argue)
→ Argument questions
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u Answers
C. A large number of deaths are caused by road accidents.
Why do so many road accidents occur? Make
recommendations that would help to reduce their
number. (straightforward)
D. Modern life is very stressful. People have to manage
their time and other resources very carefully. How can
they have less stress when they are so busy? (ask you to
“give suggestions”)
→ Discussion questions
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u BE CAREFUL! The word ‘discuss’ can be confusing

sometimes.
E.g. Smoking should be banned. Discuss the issue.
→ “Discuss the issue” = Discuss “smoking should be banned”
by arguing whether you agree or not
E.g. Discuss both these views/sides, and give your opinion

→ “Discussing” sides can only be done by “arguing” them
→ This is an ‘argue both sides’ essay.
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u Answers
E. Work is taking a more important role in people’s lives.
Why are people working so much? Do you think this
trend is good or bad?
→ Mixed questions (discuss and give an opinion/argue a
side)
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u Four types of questions as follows

1. Argument questions (give an opinion; argue a side)
2. Argument questions (give an opinion; argue both
sides)
3. Discussion questions
4. Mixed questions (discuss and give an opinion/argue a
side)
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Tip 5 – The ‘exam attack’ approach
u 1. Which of the following 50-word paragraphs (A, B

or C) do you like best? Why?
A. Cars should be banned and eliminated from cities.

Not only should they be banned, but also not
tolerated and thrown from the lives of all urban
dwellers. Such removal from society allows for
cleaner air, purifying what we breathe and purging an
evil from society and a burden from our existence.
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B. I think cars should be banned from cities. One reason

for this is to improve the air quality, which surely
would follow. Another reason is to reduce car
accidents, and this in turn would save society a great
deal of money. These reasons alone are sufficient to
justify removing cars.
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C. Cars multiply as flowers do. As flowers are thought of

as good, if they grow on a farmer’s field so thickly to
replace the rice, then their beauty is not considered.
Animals can eat flowers, but not always, so farmers,
animals, and flowers must have a proper balance in
this world.
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u 2.
Which of the following lines (1, 2, or 3) best
shows the way each paragraph makes its point?
1. 2. 3.
u 3.
Which of the paragraphs do you think would be
the best in an IELTS test, and in western
universities?
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u 2.
Paragraph B - a straight line

- Makes clear point at the beginning
1.
- Argues it logically
- Repeats it at the end
→ Western writing style
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u 2.
Paragraph C - a spiraling line

- No clear point
2. - Creative writing
- Different thoughts
→ Asian writing style
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u 2.
Paragraph A - a series of similar

structures
3. - Clear and repeated points
- Some force and interesting images
→ Arabic writing style
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u 3.
Which of the paragraphs do you think would be the
best in an IELTS test, and in western universities?
• Straight line logic
→ Either give direct opinion (agree or disagree)
→ or look at both sides of the issues
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u Questions
1. What are the differences between the following two
essay structures?
2. Which do you think is better?
3. Which would be better if you ran out of time at Point 1
or Point 2 (as shown)?
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'For & Against’ Essay Opinion-led Essay
Introduction Introduction (with your opinion)
One side (with reasons) First reason
Second reason No time

Other side (with reasons) left 1
Other side No time

left 2
Conclusion (with your Conclusion (with your
opinion)
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opinion) 3/16/22 40
u Suggestion
An opinion-led essay is a better ‘exam attack’ approach
since even if we run out of time, it still creates a
strong, coherent, and purposeful piece of writing.
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Tip 6 – Planning and organizing
Coherence & Cohesion: 1. Organizes the writing, showing

progression
5 6 7
(A) presents (A) arranges (A) logically
information with information and organizes
some organization ideas coherently and information and
but there may be a there is a clear ideas; there is clear
lack of overall overall progression progression
progression
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42
Part 1: Planning an argument essay

Look at the original (argument) essay question.
City centers are very crowded with cars. They often

cause a great deal of pollution. Cars should be
banned from all these centers.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this?
There are five steps in this planning process.

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u Step 1: Draw up the following table
Yes/Agree/True No/Disagree/Not true

(e.g. should ban) (e.g. shouldn’t ban)
• •
• •
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u Step2: Your main points need to be (match the two
tables)
1 logical A they apply to, or affect, many or most people.
they are not repetitive, every word is
2 relevant B
meaningful and counts.
they make sense; the are based on the real
3 strong C
word.
4 honest D they can convince the reader.
they are clearly linked to the specific essay
5 concise E
question (not just the general topic).
6 wide in scope
F you actually believe in them.
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u Step 2: Your main points need to be

(e.g. should ban) (e.g. shouldn’t ban)
•reduces pollution in city • very impractical, costs a
centers great deal
• makes city centers more
attractive, with more • far too unpopular
space
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u Step 3: Choose your side or opinion

Task Response: 2. Gives a position or opinion
5 6 7
(A) expresses a (A) presents a (A) presents a clear
position but the relevant position position throughout
development is not although the the response
always clear and conclusions may
there may be no become unclear or
conclusions drawn
repetitive 3/16/22 47
u Step 4: Look at the side and extent each point.

Think of:
• the consequences (good or bad)
• what further consequences (better or worse)
could follow
• examples, both general and specific
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u Step 4: Look at the side and extent each point.

5 themes to think of MESHL
1. Money/ Economy
2. Environment
3. Safety/ Crime
4. Physical/ Mental Health
5. Lifestyle
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Reduces medical
(e.g. should ban) (e.g. shouldn’t ban) Almost
problems e.g. unaffordable
allergies •reduces pollution in • very impractical,
city centers costs a great deal Causes great
Save money • makes city centers inconvenience
Attract more more attractive, with • far too unpopular
tourists more space
Politically possible?
Paraphrase the question People love their cars
Generate more Intro.
+ Give your opinion People are lazy, they
income
won’t like walking.
1st point + Support
Essay body 2nd point + Support

Other side + Reason why
this is NOT true
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Conclusion
Part 2: Planning a discussion essay

Look at the original (argument) essay question.
Obesity (being extremely overweight) is a growing

problem in society. Discuss the causes and effects of
this, and make suggestions to deal with this problem.
The planning is similar to that of argument essays,

without the ‘other side’.
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Junk food, many
Paraphrase western fast-food Because of modern
Intro.
the question Obesity outlets lifestyle: cars, DVDs,
+ Topic play stations, e.g.
children don’t play sport
• Bad diet
Causes
• No exercise Heart, lungs, diabetes,
Essay body
• Health problems crash-dieting problems

Effects
• Psychological problems
Rejection
• Physical edu. in school Loneliness
Suggestions
• TV advertising Personal experience?
Conclusion
Final Encourage sport, give

thought e.g. campaigns similar more opportunity
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evasion ones
Tip 7 – Write in formal style
u Sample ‘Banning Cars’ Essay
We have got more cars than ever on the roads, e.g. in city centers. It’s pretty
much like this everywhere. Anyhow, although it’s like this, I reckon that cars
shouldn’t be banned from city centers. Do u agree?
Firstly, it’d be impractical. It’d be like paying $300 per person. It’d cause us
too many problems, e.g. during the rush hour. In the rush hour, you’ve got to
be able to get to all things, that’s for sure. This is even things in city centers,
etc.
Secondly, it’d be far too unpopular. There are lots of cars on the roads. All of
us, especially kids, like cars a lot. They are No.1. We have got really caught
up on cars, like taxis, trucks, etc. The number of cars is gonna get greater
every year. We can’t choose anything anymore. We have to just sort of put up
with cars.
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u The sample essay has some good points. These points

are:
1. An opinion is given, which is on the topic and the
task.
2. The second and third paragraphs both begin with
clear topic sentences
3. These topic sentences are short, to the point, and
clearly show reasons.
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u The sample essay has some good points. These points

are:
4. These reasons logically support the opinion in the first
paragraph.
5. The essay organization, by following the model we
discussed, is clear.
6. The essay is grammatically correct.
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u However, in one very important way, the essay

is not well written.
1. What is the major problem with this essay?
2. How can you fix it?
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u We should write formally since IELTS writing is formal.

This means we should try NOT to use:
• Informal words, including slang/colloquialisms: reckon, a
lot, lots of, No. 1, wanna
• General, common, or less defined words: get, things
• Informal grammar: first-person plural nouns (we, us),
second-person pronoun (you), have got, pretty (as an
intensifier), like (as a preposition)
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u We should write formally since IELTS writing is formal.

This means we should try NOT to use:
• Spoken English phrases: anyhow, that’s for sure, maybe,
gonna
• Abbreviations: e.g. and etc.
• Phrasal verbs: caught up on, put up with
• Figures: $300 – because they are changeable, too subjective
in value, and too dependent on time and place
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u Some specific hints

Hint 1: The use of ‘get’
- ‘Get’ has so many meanings, is often used → does
not show an ‘attempt to use less common vocabulary’
Hint 2: The use of ‘thing’
- ‘Thing’ is a flexible but common word
→ Replace these words with more formal words

adds style, precision, and variety to your writing.
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Hint 3: The use of ‘we’, ‘us’, ‘you’
Grammar Example
a defined collective noun ‘Cities should ban cars.’
the passive voice ‘Cars should be banned.’
the structure: ‘Those who ‘Those who decide on
verb …’ or ‘Those verb- traffic policy should ban
ing…’ cars.’
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Hint 4: The use of ‘etc.’ and ‘so on’
Use the ‘adj + n’ combination to describe the class or
category of objects.
… example A, example B, and other [category of A & B]
E.g.
People like chocolate, sweets, and other fattening food.
sugar-based items.
unhealthy fare.
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Hint 5: The use of ‘NOT’
Avoid using ‘bare negatives’ in phrases such as:
✗ ✓
not any no
not much little
not many few
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Hint 5: The use of ‘NOT’
E.g.
Criminals do not have many friends and do not have much
hope in life.
→ Criminals have few friends and little hope in life.
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Hint 6: Think about Noun Phrases
Example
✗ I think children attend school is necessary.
✓ I think children attending school is necessary.
✓✓ I think school attendance/attendance at

school is necessary for children.
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Instead of writing… aim for

People can see litter Litter is a common sight.
everywhere.
We are living longer and Life expectancy is steadily
longer. increasing.
This helps economy develop. Economic development will
inevitably follow.
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u Exercise 1
There are more cars than ever on the roads, for example, in city
centers. It is very much the same everywhere. Despite being the same
everywhere, I believe that cars should not be banned from city centers.
Firstly, it would be impractical. The cost would be prohibitive. The
inconvenience would be considerable, for example, during the rush
hour. In the rush hour, cars certainly need freer access to all roads. This
includes roads in city centers.
Secondly, it would be far too unpopular. There are many cars on the
roads. People, especially children, like cars very much. Society has
become heavily dependent on cars, such as taxis, trucks, and other
forms of transport. The number of cars will rise every year. There is no
choice. Cars simply have to be accepted.
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Tip 8 – Essay coherence and cohesion
Keep your essay on course
Coherence & Cohesion: 2. Makes the sentences and parts fit
together
5 6 7
(A) makes (A) uses cohesive (A) uses a range of
inadequate, devices effectively, cohesive devices
inaccurate or over- but cohesion within appropriately
use of cohesive and/or between although there
devices sentences may be maybe some
faulty or mechanical
3/16/22
under/over-use
67
Tip 8 – Essay coherence and cohesion
Keep your essay on course
Opinion-led Essay
Intro. Paraphrase the question + Give
your opinion
1st point + Support
Essay body 2nd point + Support
Other side + Reason why this is

NOT true
Conclusion
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Hint 1: Introduction & 1st point
Essay Method 1: Introduce reasons first

[…] for the reasons; for many/several
reasons.
Paraphrase the for the following reasons.
question + give ,and here are some reasons.
your opinion ,and these are my reasons.
,and my reasons are as follows.
Here are my reasons.
1st point + Firstly,
support
Fist of all 3/16/22 69
Hint 1: Introduction & 1st paragraph
Essay Method 2: Introduce reasons second

Paraphrase the
Give your opinion (whether you agree or
question + give
not).
your opinion
1st point + The first

reason is that [clause]
support One
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Essay Method 3: Use reason signposts

Paraphrase the Give your opinion (whether you agree or
question + give not).
your opinion
To begin with, Clearly,

1stpoint +
To start with, Basically,
support
For a start, Admittedly,
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Essay Method 4: Use non-reason signposts
Paraphrase the
Give your opinion (whether you agree or not).
question + give
your opinion
Signpost Your point
benefit
A clear advantage
1st point +
positive is that [noun clause]
support
is [phrase]
major concern
My
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Hint 1: Introduction and 1st point
Essay Method 5: ‘Inverted’ Topic Sentences
Paraphrase
the question
Give your opinion (whether you agree or not).
+ give your
opinion
Reason leading to… Opinion
1st point +
Noun
support for - Noun phrase
phrase one reason
against - Subject + Verb
+ is
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Hint 2: 2nd point
E.g. The impracticality

The lack of viability is one reason for this.
The implementation difficulty
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Hint 2: 2nd point
Essay Method 1: Signposts
The second reason,

Another reason,
Secondly
2nd point
+ support
The second why [clause]
reason
Another for (not) [noun phrase]
point
A further against [noun phrase]
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Hint 2: 2nd point
Essay Method 1: Signpost

Clearly,
Basically,
Admittedly,
Signpost Your point
2nd point benefit
+ support A clear advantage
positive is that [noun clause]
is [phrase]
major concern
My
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Hint 2: 2nd point
Essay Method 2: Transition sentences

First reason + Restating Second
Noun phrase opinion reason
2nd point
Apart from
+ support opinion [Second
In addition to [First reason]
statement reason]
As well as
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Hint 2: 2nd point

First reason + Noun Restating Second
phrase opinion reason
E.g. Apart from - impracticality, excluding
would be
In addition to - its impractical cars from
far to
nature, urban
As well as unpopular
- being impractical, centers
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Hint 2: 2nd point
First reason Second reason

2nd point
Apart from
+ support Noun phrase, using
In addition to [Second reason]
different words
As well as
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Hint 2: 2nd point
First reason Second reason
Apart from - its infeasibility,

E.g. In addition to - its questionable prohibiting cars from
viability central areas would be
As well as - the difficulty of far too unpopular.
implementation
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Hint 2: 2nd point

2nd point
+ support Noun phrase another for - Noun phrase
+ is reason against - Subject + Verb
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Hint 2: 2nd point

leading
Reason to…
Opinion
Overwhelming unpopularity - for city centers

E.g. is not banning cars.
Distinct lack of popularity another - why city centers
reason should not ban
Resultant civic resistance cars.
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Tip 9 – Essay coherence: Balance
What
might be
Paraphrase the question
Intro.
Paraphrase the question

the
+ Give your opinion + Give your opinion
problems
1st point + Support 1st point + Support about this
essay?
Essay body
2nd point + Support 2nd point + Support

3rd point + Support
this is NOT true
Con.
Because of [1, 2, 3], I

am right.
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Tip 9 – Essay coherence: Balance
u Pros
- Well written → high score
u Cons
- The difficulty of thinking of three reasons
- One-sided argument → not adult or deep
- A lack of preparation for argue-both-sides requirement
- Repetitive grammar structures
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Hint 1: Balancing the Argument
Intro. Paraphrase the question

+ Give your opinion Such balancing is
not always easy.
1st point + Support
Argument
Essay body
2nd point + Support

this is NOT true
Counter-argument
Con.
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Hint 1: Balancing the argument
What do you think about each paragraph?
[Opening] … I believe that cars should not be banned from city
Intro.
centers.
The first reason is that it would be far too impractical. [And so

on].
Essay body
The second reason why city centers should not ban cars is that it
would be far too unpopular. [And so on].
However, banning cars would reduce pollution. This would make
the centers cleaner [and so on].
Con.
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What do you think about each paragraph?
Intro.
Okay, this gives the writer’s opinion [not to ban cars].
Okay, this support his opinion [it’s impractical].

Essay body
Okay, this support his opinion [it’s unpopular].
Huh? But I thought the writer didn’t want cars banned? So why
does he write that cars cause pollution, and that banning them
would have good results? Huh? I don’t understand!
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 87
The ‘other side’ must be:

1. introduced as the opinion of someone else
2. introduced somewhat weakly (since it is not what we
believe)
3. counter-argued (or argued against)
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Some people might claim that banning cars would reduce

pollution. They say this would make the centers cleaner.
However, this argument is wrong. (counter argument) The
surrounding factories and industry will continue to
produce pollution. Cars just outside the center will
continue to produce pollution. It will simply drift across.
It will equally pollute the air.
1.Not beginning with “On the other hand” or “However”

2.Using “people” or “they” to give the opinion in someone
else’s voice.
3.Using “some” and/or “might” to weaken the argument.
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Hint 2: Using better words/Adding Specificity
Some people might claim that banning cars would reduce

pollution. They say this would make the centers cleaner.
However, this argument is wrong. [And so on].
“People” here can be:

§ Environmentalists
§ City designers
§ Urban planners
§ Health enthusiasts
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Four different approaches to beginning ‘the other side’

paragraph:
1.A general collective noun about people

2.The passive voice/removed subject
3.A general name
for the people against your opinion
4.A specific name
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 91

1. A general collective noun about people
Some people may argue…

Some might claim… that banning cars
should reduce
There may be groups who could say…
There are still some who think… pollution.
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2. The passive voice/removed subject
It might be argued…
One may argue… that banning cars
The point could be made… should reduce
It is possible to argue… pollution.
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 93

3. A general name for the people against your opinion
Proponents of banning cars could say…

Those who favor banning cars might claim… that this*
would reduce
Advocates of a car-ban may contend…
Those opposed to cars in city centers may say… pollution.
* “Banning cars” is not repeated.
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 94

3. A general name for the people against your opinion
Environmental activists may contend… that banning

Supporters of the environment might suggest… cars would
Those preferring public transport may say… reduce
pollution
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 95

4. A specific name for the people against your opinion
Environmentalists may claim…

Many pedestrians could make the point… that banning cars
should reduce
Urban designers may argue…
Health enthusiasts might say… pollution.
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 96

Hint 3: How to counter-argue
There are three approaches
1. Simply directly counter/refute the point

2. Add a refuting signpost, then counter/refute the point
3. Concede the point (weakly), but counter the point by:
• minimizing/trivializing the effect,
• seeing a better/worse consequence.
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 97

1. Direct Countering/Refuting → Support and Examples
Environmentalists could claim that banning cars

Direct
from city centers would reduce pollution…
Countering
since the surrounding factories and industry, as

well as cars just outside the central regions, will
Support +
continue to produce emissions, and these will
Examples
simply drift across and equally contaminate the
air. For example,…
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 98
2. Refuting/Countering → Adding a Refuting Signpost →
Support + Examples
Refuting signpost
this - over-simplifying/too simplistic
argument is - dubious/not convincing
- (somewhat) suspect
- rather weak/not strong
;however
these - overlook the fact that
people - see the world too simply
- are overly idealistic
- ignore social reality
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 99
2. Refuting/Countering → Adding a Refuting Signpost →
Support + Examples
Countering
from city centers would reduce pollution;
Refuting however, this argument is dubious.
signpost
The surrounding factories and industry, as well as
cars just outside the central regions, will
Support +
continue to produce emissions, and these will
Examples
simply drift across and equally contaminate the
air. For example,…
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3. Countering/Refuting → Conceding Statement → Support +
Examples

Countering
from city centers would reduce pollution.
Conceding However/ While/ Although
statement
Support + Minimizing/ Trivializing the effect
examples Better/Worse consequence
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 101

Examples
However, even if this were true
Conceding statement
While - there may be some truth in this,

- this may be true in some circumstances
- [I]t may do this to some degree ; however
Although - [T]his could be partly true
- [T]his may happen to some extent
- [T]his seems plausible
- [T]his argument has some value
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 102
Examples
Support + Example
any supposed benefits in health could only

be slight, and the consequent saving not
Minimizing the
significant at all when compared to the
Effect
economic benefits that vehicular traffic
brings to city centers.
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 103

Examples
Support + Example
any supposed benefits in health could not be

great since pollution is not a direct cause of
Trivializing the
serious health issues – it is merely a
Effect
background irritation which most of modern
society has come to accept.
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 104

Examples
Support + Example

Better/Worse
serious health issues – it is merely a
Consequence
background irritation which most of modern
society has come to accept.
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 105

Examples

Countering
from city centers would reduce pollution.
Conceding While there may be some truth in this,
statement
Support +
serious health issues – it is merely a background
examples
irritation which most of modern society has come
to accept.
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 106
Tip 10 – Cut the fluff
u What is wrong with the following parts of an answer?

1. Such issure has a roused debated among citizens and is
worth indepth to discuss because undeniably is the
fact.
2. While there are certainly valid disagreements to the

contrary, opposing people with different perspectives
will often not argue.
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 107

3. A variety of different arguments have put forward
about this issue, and different people have different
answers due to their respective points of view, but as
there are two sides to every coin, from the given
comparison and contrast, we cannot turn a blind eye
to unavoidable disadvantages.
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 108


4. As to whether it is a blessing or a curse, there arises a
heated debate among people with different backgrounds,
but there is no unanimous consensus on this because it is
such a complex issue; nevertheless, I have developed my
point of view on what constitutes the best answer.
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 109


5. By way of conclusion, I think this issue is so
complicated that it is difficult to say whether the
advantages outweigh the disadvantages. In my opinion,
provided that the government can maximize the
advantages and minimize the disadvantages, society
can lead to a happier future.
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 110


5. The controversy about this erupted, and there are
compelling reasons to examine this in depth.
6. At first glance, this seems somewhat logical, but it is

based on dubious assumptions, and some of the
premises on which the conclusions are based are highly
questionable.
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 111
u Reason 1: Junk Input

• Many mistakes in
- grammar
- style
- spelling
- appropriateness
• E.g. (1) issure; discus; because undeniably is the fact
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 112

u Reason 2: Misremembering
• Remember sample sentences wrongly
→ It’s impossible to understand
• E.g. (2) While there are certainly valid disagreement
to the contrary, opposing people with different
perspectives will often not argue.
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 113

u Reason 3: Meaningless
• Long sentences of nothing → fluff
E.g. (3) A variety of different arguments have been put
forward about this issue,…
(4) As to whether it is a blessing or a curse,… ;
nevertheless, I have developed my point of view
on what constitutes the best answer
(5) By way of conclusion, I think this issue is so
complicated that it is difficult to say whether the
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 114
advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

u Reason 4: Untruths
• The sentences are NOT true. → NOT a good message
• E.g.
- ‘There are erupting arguments about this.’
→ Are there actually arguments?
- ‘This is an absolutely pivotal point.’
→ Is it an ‘absolutely pivotal point’?
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 115

u Reason 5: Dishonesty
E.g. ‘There is a rising controversy about this.’
‘There are compelling reasons to explore this
issue in depth.’
→ Do students actually believe there is a
controversy or there are ‘compelling reasons’?
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 116

u Reason 6: Disregarded passages

• IELTS examiners can recognize fluff.
• When the students’ real writing skills are shown in the
rest of the essay, which pieces do you think examiners use
to device upon the scorer?
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 117

u Reason 7: Incoherence
• By introducing large amounts of memorized material, the
essay is not written by a single mind writing honestly, but
from many people creating it dishonestly.
• Do you think these parts ‘fit together well’?
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 118

u Cut the fluff, so your essay can be

• balanced
• well-argued
• mature
• with many points that are
- supported
- extended
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 119

u Your score goes higher, when you
• use non-mechanical approaches
• have appropriate vocabulary
• show clear meaning
• show (clear) progression
• address all parts of the task
• develop ideas
• support ideas
• fit the parts together clearly
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 120
Reference
u Guilfoyle,
A. (2015) Practical IELTS Strategies - IELTS
Writing Task Two. Andre Guilfoyle & Bookman Books, Ltd.
Nhan Tri Viet Co., Ltd
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 121

THANK YOU!
001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 122

IELTS - Writing Task 2 - Tips 1-10

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TON DUC THANG UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES

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u Requires a minimum of 250 words

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Well over the

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u Argument 1: Do task one first

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u Argument 2: Do task two first

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u Argument 2: Do task two first

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u Argument 2: Do task two first

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u Argument 2: Do task two first

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u Argument 3: Do the easier task first

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Task Response: 1. Answer the question fully and relevantly

Look at the following task

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this?

What is wrong with the following two sample answers?

001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 16

Cars should be banned from all these centers.

→ Essays A and B are both not relevant to the question, and

1. There are many problems on earth needing attention, and

001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 20

4. Doctors have no right to withhold information and must

001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 21

These questions can be ‘distilled’ to whether you agree or

1. there should be fewer missions into space

u Read the sample essay tasks and answer the questions

001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 23

u Sample essay tasks

u BE CAREFUL! The word ‘discuss’ can be confusing

E.g. Discuss both these views/sides, and give your opinion

001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 29

u Four types of questions as follows

001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 30

u 1. Which of the following 50-word paragraphs (A, B

A. Cars should be banned and eliminated from cities.

u 1. Which of the following 50-word paragraphs (A, B

B. I think cars should be banned from cities. One reason

u 1. Which of the following 50-word paragraphs (A, B

C. Cars multiply as flowers do. As flowers are thought of

Paragraph B - a straight line

001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 35

Paragraph C - a spiraling line

001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 36

Paragraph A - a series of similar

001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 37

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001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 39

One side (with reasons) First reason

Second reason No time

Other side No time

001155 - Tran Khanh Nhi 3/16/22 41

Coherence & Cohesion: 1. Organizes the writing, showing

Part 1: Planning an argument essay

City centers are very crowded with cars. They often