1 IELTS – Writing Task – 2 by Md.

Mizanur Rahman Mukta

IELTS Writing – Overview

 Full test duration is 60 minutes – 2 Tasks have to be completed within 60 minutes.
 Recommended time for Task 1 is 20 minutes and for Task 2 is 40 minutes.
 Marking is done by the following criteria –

TA (Task achievement) & One must write 150 words for task 1 and 250
TR (Task Response) words for task 2
CC (Coherence & Cohesion) Your writing should be relevant with the
question and should fulfill the demand of the
question.
LR (Lexical Resource) To get good score you should use some
uncommon lexical resources & use colocations
properly.
GRA (Grammatical Range & Sentences should be grammatically correct &
Accuracy) grammatical range should be properly
maintained.

Task -2 – Overview
The following categories or types tasks are to be described in the exam –
 Agree / Disagree
 Discuss both the view ARGUMENTATIVE
 Positive / Negative development
 Advantage / Disadvantage
 Cause / Effect
 Cause / Solution
 Problem / Solution PROBLEM/SOLUTION
 Compare / Contrast
Task -2 –Standard format of Task – 2 (265 to 285 words)

Introduction (max 4-5 sentences) – 30 to 40 words

Paraphrase the question and give your own opinion/ supporting argument
Body Paragraph -1 – 60 to 75 words
Explain your first point with logical supporting points./ Advantage/ Problem/Cause
Try to clarify with an example
Body Paragraph – 2 – 60 to 75 words
Describing another logic with relevant favoring statements/ Disadvantage/ Solution/ Effect
Plus an example.
Body Paragraph – 3 - 40 to 55 words
Logically explain your another point of view and compare with referencing.

Conclusion – 30 to 40 words
End with your strongest point.

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2 IELTS – Writing Task – 2 by Md. Mizanur Rahman Mukta

Tips for Task – 2

 Analyze the question carefully to make sure that you understand what you are going to
write.

 Allocate your time – 7+30+3 – Take points and organize your writing for 7 minutes.
Write for 30 minutes and revise for 3 minutes.

 Tips for planning and organizing your essay –

 Identify the main keywords of the question and focus on that point
 Brainstorming main points
 Choose the best main points & select which points will you put on which paragraphs
 Plan the supporting points and examples. Organize your paragraphs as well.

 While writing your introduction you should start by repeating the question. This does NOT
mean that you should COPY the question. You should say the question again, but using
different words/ paraphrasing/ Synonyms. You may write one general statement about
the main key point. Don’t forget to provide your own view in the introduction paragraph.

 To support your opinion, you can use

 Personally, I believe….. …../ According to my believe …………..
 From my point of view……/ According to my viewpoint ……….
 In my opinion………………/ In my view ……/ In my concern ……/ I presume ……
 My concern supports the statement on focusing the view ……….
 I agree with the statement because of …………
 My support goes with the flow of the statement regarding ……..
 My firm conviction supports that ………………….
 Supporting the …………….. view, I do believe that ……………
 My logical concern say that ……………………….

 Write and explain your supporting agreement/ view more. The ratio is 70% - 30%

 Always include the other side of the argument. In your next paragraph, you should look
at the question from the opposite viewpoint which is called comparing with relevance.
This shows that you have balance in your writing which is a sign of a good essay.
You can start this paragraph with phrases such as -
 It can also be argued that …..
 Someone who held the opposite/ opposing view would say that…….
 However, there is also another side to this discussion………
 In contrast, some people hold the view that …….

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3 IELTS – Writing Task – 2 by Md. Mizanur Rahman Mukta

 To get a Band score of 7 or above – Your writing must fulfill the following
criteria –

 Use complex and compound structure with proper collocations as well as accuracy.
 Use a range of complex structures to get a good score.
You can use (after, even if, once, so that, when, although, though, even though,
provided that, whereas, as, if, rather than, unless, whether, because, in order to, since,
until, while, Despite, In spite of, Because of, Having etc.)
 Use a rage of grammatical structures which means you should use all three tenses
accurately. Variety of sentence structures should be used as well.
 Most importantly, Use at least one interrogative sentence. If possible use a negative
structure.
 Use at least one passive form.
 Use gerund, participle and infinitive.
 Use some uncommon vocabularies. Linkers and connectors must be used. Try to use
the linkers in between the sentence.
 Use your strongest point to support your conclusion because a standard conclusion
can escalate your score.

 DO NOT USE the following formats - The following phrases should be

avoided in your IELTS Essay
1. This essay will discuss both sides and give an opinion at the end.
2. With the development of science and modern technology………
3. In the modern era,……/ Since the dawn of time……….
4. This is a highly controversial issue.
5. The crux of the discussion is …….
6. For example, a recent study from the IMF showed that…./ Research indicates that
7. It can broaden a person’s horizons.
8. There are good grounds to argue in favour of …../ It cannot be denied that …….
9. In a nutshell, ……
10. ….. the aforementioned arguments offer insights into vindications for the
impression that ……

 DO NOT USE the following Linkers in Conclusion –

1. In general
2. In a nutshell
3. Finally
4. To sum up

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 You do not have to write too long sentences to do well in your writing test. Just write
correct sentences with proper collocations. If sentences are too long, they will become
less coherent and also make it harder for you to control the grammar.
 Don’t repeat the ideas or words again and again. Don’t use bullet points and don’t write
the memorized answers.
 In Task -2, you have to use formal languages.
 Be careful about Subject – Verb – Agreement, singular and plural form of the words.
 Write the correct spelling of the word. Carefully use the punctuations.
 Write in between 265-285 words.

Linking Words for IELTS Writing Task – 2

Listing
This often used to either put your paragraphs in order or used inside the paragraph to list
your supporting points.
 Firstly
 Secondly
 Thirdly
 Fourthly
 Lastly/ Last but not least / finally

Adding Information
You will need to support your main points in your IELTS essay. These linkers the reader that
extra information is about to be presented.
 In addition
 Additionally
 Furthermore
 Moreover
 Also
 Not only …. But also
 As well as
 And

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Giving Examples
It is often useful to give examples to support your ideas in IELTS writing task 2. Make sure
you use this range of linking words to do so.
 For Example
 One clear example is
 For instance
 Such as
 Namely
 To illustrate
 In other words

Results & Consequences

These linking devices can be used for solution essays or any essay when you need to
explain the consequences of something.
 As a result
 Consequently
 Therefore
 Thus
 Hence
 So
 For this reason

Highlighting & Stressing

It is important to be clear about what you mean in your essay. These linking words help to
stress particular points.
 Particularly
 In particular
 Specifically
 Especially
 Obviously
 Of course
 Clearly

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6 IELTS – Writing Task – 2 by Md. Mizanur Rahman Mukta

Concessions and Contrasts

For opposite ideas, particularly discussion essays, the following linking words will help you
–
 Admittedly
 However
 Nevertheless
 Even though, Although, Though
 But
 Despite
 In spite of
 Still
 On the other hand
 By contrast
 In Comparison
 Alternatively
 Another option could be

Reasons and Causes

These connecting words will help you explain reasons and causes for something which is
very common in IELTS writing task 2, especially for cause/ solution essays,
 Because
 OWING TO
 Due to
 Since
 AS

Giving Your Opinion

 In my opinion/ View/ Concern
 I think/ Believe/ Admit / Presume
 I concur / Agree
 I Disagree / I cannot accept

Concluding Linkers
 In conclusion
 To Conclude
 To Sum up
 In the end

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7 IELTS – Writing Task – 2 by Md. Mizanur Rahman Mukta

Some possible writing patterns for writing Task -2

Argumentative & Non - Argumentative

Introduction Paragraph:
When it comes to the issue of ………….. (Topic word/ keyword from the Question) ……….. a
significant number of inhabitants/people stand with different/various kinds of
views/arguments. While a good number of individuals tend to take this issue as
rosy/positively, others seem to hold opposite trend. However, I am going to outline both sides
of this issue prior to/before giving a reasoned conclusion. According to my
concern/view/opinion I am with the flow of the statement/I support the view/statement
regarding the factors that …………………………… OR According to my concern/view/opinion I
am against the flow of the statement/I do not support/against the view/statement regarding
the factors that ……………………………

Body Paragraph – 1:
On the one hand, a great number of merits come from this affair in many possible ways. The
first and foremost point is that ……………. (1st Point)………….. To
cite/mention/illustrate/depict/disclose an example ……… (1 Example) ………… Another
st

mentioning point is that …………….. (2nd Point) ………………. To

cite/mention/illustrate/depict/disclose an example ……… (2nd Example) …………… Last but
not the list, …………………. (3rd Point) …………….

Body Paragraph – 2:
On the other hand/However, it also seems to be more likely to come up with a couple of
shortcomings/problems. To begin with, ……………… (1st point) ………………. For example/To
illustrate ..................... (1st Example) ……………….. Another most striking point is that
……………… (2nd point) ………… For instance/To exemplify …………………(2nd Example)……………..
Moreover/In addition/Additionally/What is more/Another major factor is that ……………… (3rd
point) ………………………..

Conclusion:
To conclude/In conclusion/To cut the long story short/To summarize, having both sides of
this affair/aspect I would like to state my opinion that I strongly
agree/support/disagree/against with the aforementioned statement as it comes up with a
good number of merits/demerits regarding ……………… (Strongest Point)…………………………….

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Advantage & Disadvantage

It needs to have 4-5 paragraphs

1. Introduction
2. Body – 1
3. Body – 2
4. Conclusion

Introduction:
In this material world, the affair/aspect of …………….. (Keyword/Topic Word)…………. tends
to be one of the most ordinary issues for all walks of people/inhabitants/humans.
Whereas, a good number of people/individuals seem to take this issue as rosy, others
seems to hold opposite trend. However, I am going to outline both the merits and demerits
of it prior to giving a reasoned conclusion.

Body Paragraph – 1:
Fortunately, this issue/aspect/affair appears to come up with a great number of
advantages/merits/favors/benefits/amenities in many ways. To begin with/Firstly/At first/
Initially/First of all/In the beginning, ………………… (1st Point) ……………. To
cite/mention/illustrate/depict/disclose an example ……… (1st elaborated sentence) …………
Secondly, another worth mentioning advantage/merit/favor/benefit/amenity is that
…………….. (2nd Point) ………………. To cite/mention/illustrate/depict/disclose an example
……… (2nd Elaborated sentence) …………… Last but not the least, …………………. (3rd Point)
…………………….

Body Paragraph – 2:
However/On the other hand/In contrast/On the contrary/Reversely/Alternatively, it also
seems to be more likely so as to invite a couple of
shortcomings/limitations/disadvantages/demerits in various ways/paths. For a start ………..
(1st Point) ………….. For instance/ To illustrate/For example/ To exemplify, ………… (1st
explanation sentence) ……………… Another most crucial
shortcoming/limitation/disadvantage/demerit is that ………….. (2 Point) ………. For
nd

instance/ To illustrate/For example/ To exemplify, ………………. (2nd elaborated

sentence)…….. Moreover/In addition/Additionally/What is more/Another major factor is
that ……………… (3rd point) ………………………..

Conclusion:
To conclude/In conclusion/To cut the long story short/To summarize, after analyzing both
the merits and demerits of this issue, I have realized that this affair seems to come up with
more advantages/disadvantages that disadvantages/advantages for all types of people
regarding the/highlighting the ………… (Most strongest point) ………. Factor.
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Reason & Solution

Introduction:
In these present/recent/modern years, the affair/aspect of …………(Topic Word/
Keyword)……tends to be one of the ordinary shortcomings/limitations for all walks of
people/individuals/inhabitants. I personally believe that a significant number of
reasons/causes appear to be reasonable for this drawback. However, I am going to outline
some workable initiatives so as to overcome this particular problem prior to giving reasoned
conclusion.

Body Paragraph – 1:
In fact/Actually/Basically/Fundamentally, a good number of reasons seems to be found to
take place this shortcomings. The first and foremost reason/cause is that ……………. (1st
reason/cause/problem)………. To cite/mention/illustrate/depict/disclose an example ………
(1st elaborated sentence) ………… Another most striking point/reason/cause is that …….. (2nd
Point/Reason/Cause/Problem)………… To cite/mention/illustrate/depict/disclose an
example ……… (2nd elaborated sentence) …………. Last but not least …………….. (3rd
Point/Reason/Cause/Problem) ………………

Body Paragraph – 2:
However/On the other hand/In contrast/On the contrary/Reversely/Alternatively, so as to
get rid of this problem, a couple of effective steps/measures ought to be taken into account
properly. To begin with/Firstly/At first/ Initially/First of all/In the beginning, ……………. (1st
Solution)…………. For instance/ To illustrate/For example/ To exemplify, ………… (1st
explanation sentence) ……………… Another worth mentioning solution could be that ………..
(2nd point/solution) ………… For instance/ To illustrate/For example/ To exemplify, …………
(2nd explanation sentence) ……………… Moreover/In addition/Additionally/What is
more/Another major factor is that ……………… (3rd point) ………………………..

Conclusion:
To conclude/In conclusion/To cut the long story short/To summarize, although this
drawbacks seems to be consists of a great number of reasons, it appears to be possible in
order to overcome, if above steps/measures are maintained and applied in an efficient way.

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Synonyms
Increase Decrease Conclusion
Rise, growth, climb up, Decline, drop, fall, fall back In conclusion, To conclude,
upsurge, rocket, boom, to, dip/ dipped to, plummet, In brief , In summary,
soar, escalate, upswing, plunge, diminish, reduce, tail To summarize, To
recapitulate, To cut the
inflation, increment, off, fade away, decrement,
long story short, Above all
expansion, wax, waxing, collapse, lessen, reduction,
thriving/ thrive. ebb, tone down.

For making Comparisons

Than, In comparison with, compared with, in between them, rather than, apart from that/ this,

Some effective phrases for TASK – 2 (Cambridge 1-14)

It is noticeable that This means that
We can see immediately that Another unique feature is that
The focal point is that It is interesting to note that
However, it is remarkable to mention that Most importantly/ significantly/ certainly
It is clearly noticeable that It is extremely important/significant to
mention that
It has been often said that/ It is quite For this Reason
common in these days that
It is also true that/ It is certainly true that/ It They will be so complex that
is certainly very understandable that
There is a certain inevitability that / It is I believe that/ It is now acceptable that/ I
undeniable that / There is no doubt that think it is true that
Of crucial importance, in my opinion, However, this does not mean that

There is, however, another possible way of I am in favour of,

defining that part of quotation.
Of course it goes without saying that The argument is that

That is why/ Which is why So far so good

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I would like to begin by pointing out that An important consideration is that

The issue of …………….. is a complex and It is an unfortunate fact that

sensitive one. (Argumentative/Non-
Argumentative)
The reason for this trend may involve the My view is that/ My own view is that
recognition that
It is the interaction of the two that It seems that/ I personally think that

I think to tackle the problem of ……….. (for There are, however, some disadvantages (for
addressing solution) addressing disadvantages)
The obvious argument is that It has been suggested that

Advocate of this believe that However, there may be better ways of tackling
this problem. (for addressing solution)
Based on my knowledge (cam 14) Besides that (Cam 14)

Regarding that matter, (Cam 14) In my opinion, I strongly suggest that (Cam
!4)
This means that (Cam 14) Some People Consider That (Cam 14)

This essay will look into the key factors as to This first reason is linked with the second
why ………………….. (Cam 14) (Cam 14)
Apparently, the first issue is that …(C - 14) And last, but not least ………. (C-14)

Some essential Linkers for TASK – 2

In addition Additionally In the end
Moreover According to Likewise
Besides In accordance with Meanwhile / while/ whereas
Thus Although On the other hand
Theoretically In spite of Nevertheless
Interestingly Despite Therefore
Globally At the same time Though / Although
Albeit Eventually / respectively Furthermore
By contrast/ In contrast Firstly/ initially/ To begin Basically
Instead Thereafter Finally
That is why/ Which is why The other side As is observed
As is given/ presented In common To start with

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Favor Opposite
Similarly However
In the same way But
Moreover On the other hand
In addition On the contrary / in contrast
Besides Reversely
Side by side By contrast / instead of
So to say/ To put it more simply In the lieu of

Similarity Contrast
Equally Instead / however / in spite of / whereas
Likewise Conversely / Although
Correspondingly On the contrary / in contrast / Despite
In the same way In comparison
Similarly On the other hand

Reinforcement Result / Consequence

Also/ Furthermore/ Moreover So/ therefore / In that case
What is more/ In addition As a result/consequence
Besides/ as well (as) Accordingly/ Consequently
In the same way/ above all Because of this/that
Not only … but also Thus/ Hence/ So that
Along with / Altogether Under these circumstances

Example Generalizing
For example/instance In general/ Generally
As follows / That is On the whole/ as a rule
In this case For the most part
Namely / in other words In most cases
Just as / such as As a whole
To illustrate/ in particular On an average

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Highlighting Expressing Alternative

Particularly/ In Particular Alternatively / the alternative is
Specifically Rather / rather than
Mainly / Most significantly On the other hand
Especially Another possibility is

Some more cohesive devices

However much Reason Time
Even though Since Before
Nevertheless as since
still so as
As well as Because (of) until
Afterwards Due to meanwhile
Obviously/ certainly Owing to at the moment
Consists of The reason why when / whenever
Admittedly Leads to as soon as
In that case Cause just as

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