how to improve essay writing for ielts

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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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IELTS Writing Task 2: ✍️ Everything You Need to Know

When helping students prepare for the IELTS test, one of the biggest fears is how to do well in IELTS Writing Task 2. 

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second part of the writing test, where you are presented with a point of view, argument or problem and asked to write an essay in response. Your essay should be in a formal style, at least 250 words in length and you should aim to complete it in under 40 minutes. 

IELTS Writing Task 2: Everything You Need to Know

In this video, I’ll outline exactly what you must do to create an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay that could score a Band 7, 8 or 9.

It doesn’t matter if you’re new to IELTS or if you’ve failed the exam before – I’ve broken everything down into a simple 3-step process that anyone can use to improve their scores! Watch the video above to find out what they are.

5 Steps to a Band 7 in IELTS Writing Task 2

1. Understand the question.

You must understand the question before you attempt to answer it. This way, you’ll know exactly what the examiner is looking for. One of the biggest mistakes students make is not answering the question fully, which stops them from getting a score higher than a Band 5.

To analyse the question , you must first identify the question type, then identify the keywords in the question and finally identify the instructions words. This will help you understand exactly what the examiner wants you to do with the question.

2. Plan your answer.

The students who get the highest marks in Writing Task 2 always plan their answers for up to 10 minutes. Planning helps you organise your ideas and structure your essay before you write it, saving you time and helping you produce a clear and coherent essay.

3. Write an introduction.

The introduction should answer the question directly. This tells the examiner that you know what you are doing straight away and helps you write your main body paragraphs.

4. Write the main body paragraphs.

This is where you give the examiner more detail . You do this by stating your main points and supporting these with explanations and relevant examples.

5. Write a conclusion.

In your conclusion , you should provide a summary of what you already said in the rest of your essay.

4 Ways to Improve your Score in IELTS Writing Task 2

Many people know they need to improve their writing skills but don’t know how to do it. Here are 4 ways you can boost your score in Writing Task 2:

1. Understand the exam.

You must first understand what IELTS Writing Task 2 is, what you are expected to do and how to give the examiners what they want. This is the first stage and one that is often overlooked.

There are many online resources, often with conflicting and poor-quality information, so finding a reliable source of information is key.

2. Identify your weak areas.

If your car breaks down, you would try and identify which part caused the problem. If you get sick, your doctor will run tests to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the same. We must first identify WHY you are not getting the score you need before we can help you improve.

However, be very careful! You wouldn’t ask the average man on the street for medical advice, so make sure you find someone who knows what they are doing and has the expertise to help you with this.

3. Fix the problems.

Now that we know what the problems are, we must fix them.

If your grammar needs work, fix those issues. If your vocabulary is lacking, work on fixing this issue.

Just as a good doctor can help you fix a medical problem, a good IELTS teacher can help you fix your specific issues.

4. Practice and get feedback.

Practice alone will not help you. It is an essential part of your preparation, but you must also get feedback on your work if you are really going to improve.

You wouldn’t try to teach yourself how to drive without an instructor, would you?

Find someone who will give you accurate and helpful feedback on your work. Otherwise, you will not be able to move to the last stage.

Now that you have understood what you need to do, identified the exact areas you need to work on, improved those areas, and received feedback on your work, you are now ready to get the IELTS Writing Task 2 score you deserve.

Writing Task 2 Structures 

I want to warn you about structures because they are not a magic wand that will help you automatically get a higher score. They WILL help you, but please realise that they are just a small part of your overall score.

These structures provide a sentence-by-sentence template for all the main Task 2 question types, making your job much easier on exam day.

• Task 2 Essay Structures

Essential Writing Task 2 Skills 

No matter how good your English is, you must still learn IELTS writing skills before taking the Writing Task 2 test. These helpful guides will take you through each of these skills step-by-step:

• How to Plan an Essay

Making a good plan actually saves you time when you write your essay. This guide will show you how to plan and write a clear essay every time.

• How to Think of Relevant Ideas

This guide provides 5 different methods to help you quickly think of relevant ideas that are directly linked to the question.

• How to Write a Complex Sentence

Complex sentences help you boost your score for grammar. They are actually very simple to write and are not complex at all.

• How to Paraphrase

Paraphrasing is one of the essential IELTS skills for all parts of the IELTS test. You should paraphrase the question in the very first sentence of your essay to help boost your vocabulary score in Writing Task 2.

• How to Write a Supporting Paragraph

Supporting paragraphs are the main body paragraphs and are the meat in the sandwich. This is where you provide the detail the examiner is looking for in the form of explanations and examples.

• How to Write a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement tells the examiner your opinion. Many IELTS Writing Task 2 questions specifically ask for your opinion, and if you don’t write it clearly, you have not answered the question properly. This article shows you how, where and when to give your opinion.

How many words should I write?

Around 250 words? Exactly 250 words or over 250 words? How many words over? How do I know how many words I have? Will I lose marks if I write too many words? This article answers all those questions.

• How to Understand and Analyse Any Question

A critical part of answering any question. This article shows you how to break down any Task 2 question and identify the keywords, micro-keywords and instruction words to help you answer the question effectively.

• How to Write a Great Introduction

The introduction is the first thing the examiner reads; therefore, we must give them a good first impression. I share a very specific sentence-by-sentence structure in this article to help you write introductions quickly and effectively.

• Task 2 Marking Criteria 

Do you know how Task 2 is marked? What is the difference between a Band 5 and a Band 8 answer? This article breaks down the marking criteria and explains it in simple language so you can give the IELTS examiners exactly what they want.

• How to Write a Conclusion

A good conclusion should be a summary of your main points. The conclusion is the last thing the examiner reads, and if you can write a good one, you will leave them with a very good impression.

• Using Examples

Each of your supporting paragraphs should have a specific example that supports and illustrates your main point. This is an essential skill to learn if you want to get one of the higher band scores.

• Cohesive Devices

Cohesive devices (sometimes called linking words) are one of the most misunderstood and misused elements of writing. Therefore, you must learn how to use them and when to use them.

• The Danger of Synonyms

While synonyms are very important, they can also really reduce your mark if used incorrectly.

• Paragraphing and Editing

This article will show you how to make your writing as clear and as easy to read as possible. It will also advise you on whether to use a pen or pencil.

• IELTS Writing Task 2: 8 Steps to Success

Read this blog now to access our 61-page Task 2 strategy.

• IELTS Writing Tips

I have compiled these tips after years of teaching IELTS, and all of them have been approved by IELTS examiners.

• Coherence and Cohesion

This is a video lesson that shows you in practical terms how to improve your coherence and cohesion score.

Writing Task 2 Common Topics 

Knowing the common topics can help you prepare for the test more efficiently. Here are the 10 most common topics over the last few years. Studying hard is great, but don’t forget to study smart.

The article below will show you the top 10 most common IELTS topics.

• Most Common Task 2 Topics 

Full IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice Lessons 

Here are some lessons that I have used when teaching students about IELTS Writing Task 2. I have changed them so that you can easily learn from home. They are very long but contain all the necessary information combined with the skills above.

• Agree or Disagree (Opinion) Lesson

In this lesson, we look at how to tackle an ‘agree or disagree’ question. Many people worry about whether to take one side of the other or discuss both sides. Additionally, people also worry about how to deal with ‘To what extent’ question types. We allay all of these fears in this lesson.

• Discussion Essay Lesson

‘Discuss both views’ questions often confuse people because you are asked to do many things in one essay. As such, it is very important to remember that the question asks you to discuss BOTH views AND give YOUR opinion.

• Problem and Solution Essay Lesson

These questions are much easier than you think. You probably discuss problems and solutions in your day-to-day life all the time. Keep it simple.

• Advantages and Disadvantages Lesson 

There are a couple of different types of advantages and disadvantages questions. This lesson will show you how to answer them.

• Writing Task 2 Exercise with Video

Writing is a skill, and just like any other skill, it is important to practice to improve.

• From Band 6.5 to 8 Demo Lesson

This is my most comprehensive free lesson on IELTS Writing Task 2. We show you how we took one VIP student from Band 6.5 to an amazing 8.

Sample Answers

You must have some good examples to compare your writing and see if you are on the right track. Click the link below for lots of sample answers and over 100 questions.

Task 2 Sample Answers

• Agree or Disagree Sample Essays
• Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay
• Latest Real Task 2 Questions
• Official Sample Test Questions
• Cambridge Sample Questions
• Free Practice Test
• How To Use Task 2 Samples
• Recent Confusing Questions
• IELTS Writing Practice Guide

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essential Information

• You must write an essay in response to a question.
• You must write 250 words or more.
• Task 2 is worth 2/3 of your total mark on the Writing test.
• You should spend around 40 minutes on this part of the test.
• General Training and Academic are essentially the same for Task 2. However, they are different for Task 1.
• There are certain types of questions that you will be asked, for example, opinion, discussion etc. See below for more detail on these.
• Task Achievement (25%)
• Coherence and Cohesion (25%)
• Lexical Resource (25%)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%)

Grammar and Vocabulary

Grammar is one of the four things you will be marked on in the Writing Task 2 test. Finding out what your common grammar mistakes are and then fixing them is a very powerful way to boost your score in this area. Here are some common grammar mistakes I have found after making hundreds of tests.

• Top 10 Grammar Mistakes

For most IELTS students, the problem is not grammar in general. In fact, it is usually just 1-2 problem areas. Therefore, when you fix these main weaknesses, you’ll be able to improve your grammar and your writing score dramatically.

• Using Personal Pronouns

Hint- They aren’t as big of a deal as you think.

See the interactive tool below for the answers to the most commonly asked questions we receive about IELTS Writing Task 2: 

IELTS Writing Task 2 FAQs

How can i improve my writing.

You will find all the resources you need on our Writing Task 2 page. Click the link below:

Writing Task 2

We also have two Task 2 courses for those that need to improve their Task 2 skills and strategy. They are both based online and completely free of charge. Learn more about them below:

Task 2 5 Day Challenge

Task 2 Essay Builder

If you need serious help or personalised feedback, you should check out our VIP Course. There is a waiting list, but you can add your name here:

How can I get a Band 7, 8 or 9?

The answer to this question is different for every individual IELTS student, as it depends on a number of factors, including your work ethic, English skills and exam strategy. You'll find a guide to answering this question in this article

If you need serious help with improving your IELTS scores, you should check out our online writing course. There is a waiting list, but you can add your name by clicking the link below:

Can you correct my writing?

Please click the link below and it will give you all the information you need about our writing correction service:

Writing Correction Service

Do you have any sample answers?

Yes, you will find them at the link below:

Will using 'high level' or 'academic' words help me improve my score?

Probably not.

Read my recent article about IELTS vocabulary here:

5 Things You Need to Know about IELTS Vocabulary

Can I use idioms?

No, you should not write idioms for Task 2.

Can I use personal pronouns?

You should avoid using personal pronouns, but it is fine to use them when giving your personal opinion.

Do you write a conclusion for Task 2?

Yes, it is very difficult to get a good score in Task 2 if you haven't finished your essay with a conclusion. You will find an in-depth lesson on conclusions here:

How to Write an Effective Task 2 Conclusion

How many paragraphs should I write?

Most IELTS task 2 essays follow the same basic four paragraph structure:

• Introduction
• Supporting Paragraph 1
• Supporting Paragraph 2

However, you can find more comprehensive help with structuring your Task 2 essays here:

5 Day Challenge

Do I need to plan my essay?

I would highly recommend planning your essay. A good plan acts like a map that guides you through the essay, ensuring that you give the examiner exactly what they need to award you the score you need. You can find help with planning your essays here: How to Plan an IELTS Essay

You must write at least 250 words in Writing Task 2.

I would suggest that you aim to write around 270-280 words in total. Aiming for 20-30 words more than the required amount makes you more likely to reach the word limit without setting an unrealistic goal.

Will I lose marks if I don't write enough words?

Yes, if you don't write the required number of words, you will lose marks in 'Task Achievement' for not answering the question fully. Read more here .

Can I use contractions?

No, should not use contractions when you are writing an academic essay.

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9 Superb Ways to Improve Your Score in IELTS Writing Test Task 1/2

Don’t you think that the IELTS exam can make your life bright and sparkling? Do you want to study or work in the most incredible countries of the world with richness in personality? Have you ever given an attempt at this exam? Do you feel the IELTS writing section is the hardest to crack? Well, all of these questions can be solved very easily.

You don’t need to worry at all because you are not alone in this. Seven out of ten candidates feel IELTS writing is quite challenging. Writing seems challenging because everything depends upon your level and way of thinking, your vocabulary and grammar are checked deeply, and the precision is measured.

Many people find this test easy but when it comes to writing, they withdraw their steps because everyone can’t write perfectly according to the level of this test. You can be different and comfortable with the writing section if you read this article.

This article is all about letting you know how you can actually improve your IELTS writing test score. Before we move ahead, let us understand the marking criteria of the writing section in IELTS. So, let’s begin the success journey to the IELTS paper.

Also Read: IELTS Writing Task 1 Topic Asking Friend to Look After Home: Checkout this Sample Topic and Model Answers

How does IELTS Mark Your Writing?

The marking criteria are the most important aspect to know because you can answer adequately if you are completely aware of this sphere . If you know the criteria on which you are marked, then 25% of your job is done. All then left are you focussing on those areas to get better.

So, you should acknowledge the below-written marking criteria to provide the most promising answers in the paper. Marking criteria enables you to prepare appropriately for each section. Let’s have a look below.

Note that your IELTS Writing section consists of two tasks. Task one needs to be written in 150 words whereas task 2 asks for at least 250 words. Check pdf 1 and pdf 2 for an idea of how your writing exam question paper would look like.

Tips for Improving Your IELTS Academic Writing Score

Well, tips are an extremely significant and worthy aspect of this test. Tips are necessary to let you know about the most challenging and most easy aspects of the paper. You can begin your preparation according to the tips.

Overall, tips provide the candidates with a framework for their preparation journey. It enables them to know what to do and how to do it. Now let us move on to the tried and tested methods of improving your IELTS writing score.

Many tips are given below that will make you confident and comfortable with the IELTS exam. It will give you the information of the beginning and perfect structure of your answers to impress the examiners and fetch high scores.

Read the Passage Carefully

This is an utmost important thing because if you don’t read perfectly, you can’t answer the questions with precision. All the candidates should ensure a quintessential reading of the passage. There is absolutely no alternative to careful reading of a passage. Note the tone of the passage and keep a tab of the keywords. This will help you process the meaning of the text. You will understand every detail and become proficient in giving the answer.

Make Sure You Understand it Well

Understanding is very significant. If you don’t understand the given passage or topic, you will tend towards making a mistake. The more carefully you read the passage, the easier it will be to understand it. It is important to understand the point-of-view, tone, and bias, if any, of a text because these are the things you need to focus on, in your writing task 1/2.

So, first, read the instructions and passages carefully and then try to understand before starting writing. Don’t rush because without understanding you can go wrong. So, take your time to understand and then push yourself to write within the given time.

Also Read: IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Topic Internet Replace Books: Sample Answer of Essay Question

Make a Rough Format of the Essay

A rough format helps you to formulate the ideas and execution of the thoughts becomes easy. This may sound like an additional hassle but once you have a clear idea of how to approach the topic, then it will be very easy for you to build upon that.

The rough format brings your ideas to the paper with ease and precision. You can first think and build the ideas and then can start writing. It will make your writing pace fast and you will be able to include all the best points.

Have a Fairly Well-rounded Idea about the Topic

The idea generation and execution are the prominent things for this paper. You need to think about the topic and build ideas and vocabulary or phrases to add to it to make it worthy for the readers. This will require prior preparation for the IELTS academic writing.

Spend some time with past papers and IELTS writing samples to get an idea about the kind of topics IELTS to focus on. Once you know that, read those kinds of books or articles. If you don’t read enough it is unlikely that you will have enough information to write about. Remember you must show the coherence of complex ideas in your writing.

Use a Range of Linking Words

Linking words is the easiest and the most grammatically stylistic device to connect ideas or sentences or phrases in a piece of writing. You must show the examiner a range of linking words that are appropriate to the context.

Be Careful of Misspelled Words and Grammar Errors

Nothing marks an essay bad, more than grammatical errors and misspelled words. You need to have a keen eye to make sure your sentences are grammatically and stylistically error-free and the spellings are absolutely correct.

Organize Everything within the Given Number of Words

Writing more than the given word count is equally bad as writing less. It will either show your lack of organizational skills or your lack of information. Either way, it is a huge disadvantage. Therefore, make sure you round up the entire discussion within the allotted number of words.

Consider Getting a Personal Mentor

Preparing for IELTS writing requires constant improvement through professional feedback. You cannot go on practicing mindlessly, without anyone telling you where to improve. Remember it is a cyclic process, where you write, get your writing checked, work on your mistakes or drawbacks and write again. If you do not have a mentor, achieving higher bands will be impossible.

Finished writing needs to be proofread, so as to remove any silly mistake that can otherwise cause a deduction in marks. You need to have eyes like a hawk in order to successfully proofread what you wrote. Only a 100% error-free answer script should be submitted.

Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Writing Test

The preparation of IELTS writing is perhaps the most time-consuming. It also comes with common mistakes. Here are a few mistakes that you should totally avoid if you are aiming at a high score:

Using Special Words Unnecessarily to Showcase Your Vocabulary

IELTS is not a platform where you demonstrate your knowledge of the English lexicon. Rather, it is all about using only the words that are relevant to the topic given. Choosing words/phrases that are out of context, takes out the weight from your essay. While writing, care must be taken to ensure that the vocabulary is appropriate for the topic.

Quoting Random Reports

The essays in IELTS ask you to elaborate your opinions and ideas on general topics and social issues. They require your observations and your understanding of trends in that matter. Quoting random reports robs your essay of its originality. Make sure you only discuss the facts and figures and not put them inside inverted commas!

Also Read: Recent Exam Question in IELTS Writing Task 2: Check Out the Best Techniques to Write Perfectly for Band 8

Not having Concrete Ideas

It’s true that language quality is the primary focus but it should always be remembered that it is the idea that constructs your essay. While you are free to be as opinionated as possible, it is necessary to have concrete ideas.

Time Matters

Well, if you are preparing for the test, you must be quite clear about the importance of time management. You need to use your time wisely in all the sections of the test. You are given 60 minutes to complete this entire section.

You should understand that writing task 2 gives you more scoring opportunities, so you should give more time to that section. In the practice tests, make a habit to complete this section before 60 minutes. Also, include the time of thinking and planning in this time.

Practicing more IELTS Writing Sample and Past Papers to Ensure a High Score

Essay writing is not a discipline. It is a skill that needs to be mastered. Whatever level you are in, if you keep writing, again and again, it will not help you make the cut. In order to achieve a high score, you need to spend more time analyzing your mistakes and working on them.

Going Over the Top with Linking Words

A Linking word can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how you use it. While it is a wonderful tool to add coherence to your writing, it can ruin your entire essay if you overuse it. Do not use connectives, where several short sentences can work.

Word limit is essential to acknowledge and keep in mind while writing. You should plan and execute your ideas according to the given word limit. You should write a minimum of 150 words for task 1 whereas task 2 requires 250 words. So, think according to the word limit and count the words at the end. You are considered a good and effective writer if you meet all the requirements.

Inserting Idioms Unnecessarily

Do not show that you are a genius of the English language, rather use potential and significant words, phrases, and idioms, etc to support your sentence. Scattering idioms throughout your essay only makes it culturally unsound. Remember your essay should represent you, your ideas, opinions, and your culture.

Also Read: How to Prepare For IELTS Writing Task 1 General? Here’s the Best Guide For you to Deal With the Writing Task 1

Using Lengthy and Wordy Sentences

The length of a sentence does not justify your command over a language. In fact, long sentences sound unnecessarily wordy and complicated. You can use complex sentences to express your ideas but do not turn them into an endless line of gibberish!

Writing in Passive Voice Only

Passive voice gives the content an imperative and direct approach to the readers. If you use active voice, it can confuse the examiner or will give them wrong concoctions about different elements in your write-up.

Remember passive voice focuses on the action, whereas, Active voice focuses on the person behind the action. You need to choose one, depending on your needs. You should understand the requirements and urge or both the voices to showcase your ideas and perceptions with clarity.

Also Read: How to Describe Pie Chart in IELTS Writing Task 1? Learn the Best Way

We hope that the article has given you all the answers to your queries along with enlightening your mind with the best tips. The article has been written to show the importance of writing as well as to increase your capability of performance in the examination.

Improving your performance in the IELTS writing test requires full dedication. The best way is to get a personal trainer who can assess your progress and give regular feedback.

If you agree to this point, the only platform to give you the best preparation is IELTS Ninja . Why? Well, it is normal to think that you should visit this website over all the others. You must visit this website because of the most authentic and detailed articles available there.

The articles are presented related to each section of the test, different preparation methods, descriptions of several universities of the world, and the requirements and updates of the exams. It is a complete package of knowledge for all the candidates.

Moreover, the experts are always there to provide you with aids to your confusion. You can get the online video lectures taken by the experts. Have strategies, understand the examiner’s expectations, and go ahead with the help of the best professionals! All the best.

One Comment

The article was quite helpful and the 9 ways were inspiring, may I know what should be the exercises that we should do to increase our vocabulary?

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IELTS Writing: Everything You Need to Know

IELTS Writing has two tasks. The first, Task 1, involves writing a summary of a visual or process (for the Academic test) or writing a letter (for the General test). In Task 2, you’ll write a complete essay. You’ll be tested on how well your ideas flow together, your vocabulary and grammar, and if you fulfilled all the requirements. Read on to learn more about this task, and more about how to practice IELTS Writing at home!

What is IELTS Writing?

The IELTS Writing section is the third section of the main IELTS exam, right after the Reading Section. Here are some basic stats for the test:

IELTS Writing Section Basics

• Time limit: 60 minutes
• Number of tasks: 2
• Handwritten (IELTS Paper-Based Test)
• Typed (IELTS Computer-Delivered Test and IELTS Indicator Test)
• This section has a band score of 1-9, based on a rubric (this is the same band score range as rest of the exam).

Comparison of the Different IELTS Writing Tasks

Academic writing task 1.

On the Academic version of the IELTS, the first Writing task requires you to describe an infographic in at least 150 words, with a recommended 20 minute time limit. Common types of infographics include pie charts, bar graphs, line graphs, maps, and process diagrams. Sometimes you will describe combinations of more than one kind of infographic.

Magoosh offers a complete guide to Writing Task 1 (IELTS Academic) , including sample questions and answers. We also offer a quick 15 minute video guide for this first task, seen below (click here for instructions on how to use the Writing Task 1 video guide) .

General Training Writing Task 1

Like IELTS Academic, Writing for General Training Task 1 requires a minimum of 150 words, with a recommedned 20 minute time limit. But the similarities end there. In IELTS GT, this first task requires you to write a letter; the instructions will tell you the context of the letter and the specific points you should include.

Letters for IELTS GT can vary in how formal they are. To help you with this, I’ve written a guide to formal vs. semi-formal language for this task , and Kuangyan has put together a great guide to formal and informal language in IELTS letter writing .

And of course, you should also check out Magoosh’s full guide for this task: “ IELTS General Training Letter Writing Tips and Examples ,” as well as our shorter video guide:

Task 2 for IELTS Writing

The second Writing task is the same on both versions of the test, and requires you to give and defend your opinion on a social issue. Common IELTS Writing topics for this task may be broadly public (such as the issue of government funding for the arts) or more personal (such as one’s preferences on where to live, how to study, etc.).

Magoosh breaks this second essay down for you in detail, with example questions and sample responses. Check out our complete guide to Academic Writing Task 2 . You can also check out the video below for some quick tips on this second question:

How Is IELTS Writing marked?

The Writing section is scored in IELTS bands. For a summary of these scoring levels, take a look at the official IELTS band descriptors for Task 1 , and Task 2 .

And for a more in-depth look at how Writing scores are calculated and what they mean, check out the following Magoosh guides:

• IELTS Band Descriptors: How to Improve Your Score in IELTS Writing
• Lexical Resource for Writing Task 1 (Academic)
• What is Coherence and Cohesion in the First IELTS Academic Writing Task?
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy in IELTS Academic Writing
• Do You Lose Points for Bad Handwriting on the IELTS?

How to Improve Your Score in IELTS Writing

The guides below really focus on boosting your band score in the Writing Section. Learn the best way to improve your score in IELTS Writing, task-by-task.

Better Scores for Task 1 (Academic)

• Useful Words for the IELTS Graph Essay
• IELTS Paragraph Structure (Academic Writing Task 1)
• Getting a Band 9 in Writing for IELTS Academic Task 1
• Paraphrasing for IELTS Academic Task 1
• Describing an IELTS Academic Chart

Better IELTS Scores for Task 1 (General Training Writing)

• IELTS Letter Writing Tips and Examples
• Example Letters for IELTS General Training Writing Task 1

Better IELTS Writing Scores for Task 2

• Sentence Structure for Task 2
• Agree/Disagree Questions in the Second Writing Writing Task
• Paraphrasing for Academic Writing Task 2
• How to Write Faster on IELTS Writing Task 2

General Articles to Improve Your IELTS Writing Score

• IELTS: Linking Words in the Writing Section
• IELTS: Common Grammar Mistakes in Writing
• The Best IELTS Writing Resources

Examples of IELTS Essays

Perhaps the very best way to improve your score in IELTS Writing is to look at sample essays. Read these examples carefully to learn how to practice IELTS Writing for the various tasks.

Examples of Writing for Task 1 (Academic)

• Pie Chart Model Answer
• Bar Chart Model Answer
• Process Diagram Model Answer
• Map Model Answer
• Two Graphics Model Answer
• IELTS Writing Sample Questions and Practice Resources (Task 1, Academic)

IELTS Writing Models for General Training Task 1

• General Training Model Formal Letter
• General Training Model Personal Letter
• Example Letters for the General Training Test

Samples of IELTS Writing for the Second Task

• The Best Template for Writing Task 2 on the IELTS
• Common IELTS Writing Topics for Task 2

IELTS Writing is multifaceted, testing your English writing skills in a variety of ways. While you may want to hire an IELTS Writing tutor or take a class, with Magoosh that isn’t always necessary. We offer essay feedback to our students. Check out Magoosh IELTS to learn more about how to improve your writing with Magoosh.

David is a Test Prep Expert for Magoosh TOEFL and IELTS. Additionally, he’s helped students with TOEIC, PET, FCE, BULATS, Eiken, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. David has a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an MA from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His work at Magoosh has been cited in many scholarly articles , his Master’s Thesis is featured on the Reading with Pictures website, and he’s presented at the WITESOL (link to PDF) and NAFSA conferences. David has taught K-12 ESL in South Korea as well as undergraduate English and MBA-level business English at American universities. He has also trained English teachers in America, Italy, and Peru. Come join David and the Magoosh team on Youtube , Facebook , and Instagram , or connect with him via LinkedIn !

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IELTS Writing Test

The IELTS writing   test is the module that many students find the most difficult.

This is because in a short space of time (one hour) you have to write an essay and a graph (academic module) or a letter (general training module).

At IELTS buddy we'll provide you with top tips and strategies to get the score you need in the test.

Strategies for the IELTS Writing Test

These are some of our most important IELTS Writing Pages for the Academic module: 

• Task 1 Lessons  
• Task 2 Lessons 
• Model Essays with Feedback
• Model Graphs with Feedback
• Writing Practice Tests
• Writing Tips
• IELTS Grammar

If you are taking General Training , you can get tips and strategies and learn more about this particular module here:

• IELTS General Training

Read on to learn more about what you have to do in the IELTS writing test.

About the Writing Test

The IELTS writing test module varies depending on whether you are doing the Academic Test (for university applications) or the General Test (usually for work / general migration). 

• In IELTS Academic  you have to describe a graph or diagram (Task 1) and write an essay (Task 2). 
• In IELTS General Training you have to write a letter (Task 1) and write an essay (Task 2). 

The Task 2 (essay) is actually worth more marks than the Task 1 (graph or letter) so you should spend 40 minutes of the time on the essay and 20 minutes on the graph / letter. 

This difference in marking is represented in the number of words you have to write, which is a minimum of 150 for the Task 1 and 250 for the Task 2.

Academic Task 1

In the first section you will need to describe, summarize or explain a graph, diagram or process. Here is an example question: 

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task .

The chart shows components of GDP in the UK from 1992 to 2000.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

You will have to describe the chart in no less than 150 words. In this section of the test, you could also get a line graph, a pie chart, a process, a table, or a map to describe.

Check out this video giving you an overview and tips on the language you'll need to know:

Academic Task 2

Task 2 is an essay question. You will have to write a response to the question giving reasons and examples to support your answer. The topics are general interest. 

Here is an example of a question:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

The dangers and complexities of the modern world have made the mobile phone an absolute necessity for children.

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.

Check out this video giving you an overview of the kind of questions you could get for the IELTS Essay:

General Training Task 1

The task of the general training module is to write a letter. You will be presented with a situation and you will need to write your letter explaining the situation or asking for information. The letter may be one of three styles: 

• Semi-Formal

Your response will have to reflect the appropriate style. 

Here is an example question:

You want to sell your television. You think a friend of yours might like to buy it from you.  Write a letter to your friend.

In your letter:

• Explain why you are selling the television
• Describe the television
• Suggest a date when your friend can come and see it

Write at least 150 words

You do  NOT  need to write any addresses

Begin your letter as follows:

General Training Task 2

This is the same as the IELTS writing Academic module. You will need to write an essay responding to a point of view, argument or problem.

However, on the test day, the essay will be different to the one given to those taking the Academic module.

The essays is sometimes in a slightly more personal style than for the academic essay, but you need to follow the same methods for writing the essay.

Any comments or questions about this page or about IELTS? Post them here. Your email will not be published or shared.

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10 Proven Tips to Enhance Your IELTS Writing Task 2 Introductions

Are you struggling to craft compelling introductions for your IELTS Writing Task 2 essays? You’re not alone. Many test-takers find this initial paragraph challenging, yet it’s crucial for setting the tone and direction of your …

Written by: IELTS Mentor

Published on: October 20, 2024

Table of Contents

Understanding the Importance of a Strong Introduction

Before diving into the tips, it’s essential to recognize why a well-crafted introduction matters. Your introduction serves as the gateway to your essay, providing the examiner with their first impression of your writing skills and understanding of the task. A strong start can set you up for success, while a weak one may leave you playing catch-up throughout the rest of your response.

IELTS test day tips and strategies can help you perform at your best, but mastering the art of introductions is a skill that requires practice and preparation well before exam day.

1. Analyze the Question Thoroughly

The foundation of a great introduction lies in a clear understanding of the task at hand. Take a moment to:

• Identify the topic and key issues
• Recognize the instruction words (e.g., discuss, argue, compare)
• Determine the scope of the question

By thoroughly analyzing the question, you’ll be better equipped to craft a relevant and focused introduction.

2. Paraphrase the Question Effectively

One of the most critical skills for IELTS Writing Task 2 introductions is paraphrasing. This involves restating the question in your own words, demonstrating your language proficiency and understanding of the task. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Use synonyms and alternative phrases
• Change the sentence structure
• Maintain the original meaning without copying words verbatim

Remember, the goal is to show your ability to express ideas in different ways, not to completely change the question’s meaning.

3. Provide a Clear Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement is the backbone of your essay. It should:

• Clearly state your position or main idea
• Be concise and specific
• Address all parts of the question
• Set the direction for the rest of your essay

A well-crafted thesis statement gives the examiner a clear roadmap of what to expect in your essay.

4. Use a Hook to Engage the Reader

Starting with an engaging hook can capture the examiner’s attention and make your essay more memorable. Consider using:

• A surprising fact or statistic related to the topic
• A thought-provoking question
• A brief anecdote or scenario

However, ensure your hook is relevant and seamlessly transitions into your main discussion.

5. Keep It Concise and Focused

While it’s tempting to write a lengthy introduction, brevity is key. Aim for 2-3 sentences that:

• Paraphrase the question
• Present your thesis statement
• Optionally, include a brief outline of your main points

Dr. Emma Thompson, a renowned IELTS expert, advises: “A concise introduction shows the examiner you can communicate your ideas efficiently. It’s about quality, not quantity.”

6. Practice Varied Sentence Structures

Demonstrating a range of grammatical structures in your introduction can significantly impact your score. Try to incorporate:

• Complex sentences with dependent clauses
• Compound sentences using coordinating conjunctions
• A mix of long and short sentences for rhythm

How to improve task 2 introductions offers more detailed guidance on enhancing your sentence variety and overall writing quality.

7. Use Appropriate Transition Words

Smooth transitions between sentences in your introduction create a cohesive and logical flow. Some useful transition words for introductions include:

• Furthermore
• In addition
• Nevertheless

Use these words judiciously to connect your ideas and guide the reader through your introduction.

8. Avoid Common Pitfalls

Be aware of these common mistakes in IELTS Writing Task 2 introductions:

• Using memorized phrases or templates excessively
• Including irrelevant background information
• Making overly broad or vague statements
• Introducing new ideas not related to the question

By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll create a more focused and effective introduction.

9. Time Management is Crucial

How to manage writing time effectively is essential for the entire essay, but it’s particularly important for your introduction. Aim to spend no more than 5 minutes on your introduction to ensure you have ample time for the body paragraphs and conclusion.

IELTS instructor Sarah Lee suggests: “Practice writing introductions within a 3-5 minute timeframe. This will help you develop the skill of crafting concise, impactful openings under pressure.”

10. Review and Refine

After writing your introduction, take a moment to review it. Ask yourself:

• Does it clearly address the question?
• Is my position or main idea evident?
• Have I used a variety of sentence structures and vocabulary?
• Is it concise and focused?

If time allows, make quick refinements to strengthen your opening paragraph.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction Checklist

Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2 introductions is a skill that can significantly boost your overall writing score. By implementing these ten tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting compelling, focused, and effective openings for your essays. Remember, practice is key. Ways to practice IELTS writing task 2 at home can provide you with additional strategies to refine your skills.

With consistent effort and application of these techniques, you’ll approach your IELTS Writing Task 2 with greater confidence and precision. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!

How long should an IELTS Writing Task 2 introduction be?

An effective introduction typically consists of 2-3 sentences or 40-60 words. Focus on quality and conciseness rather than length.

Is it necessary to include background information in the introduction?

Generally, it’s not necessary. Stick to paraphrasing the question, stating your position, and briefly outlining your main points if time allows.

Can I use personal pronouns in my IELTS Writing Task 2 introduction?

While not strictly forbidden, it’s generally better to use more formal language. Instead of “I believe,” try phrases like “It is widely believed” or “This essay will argue.”

How can I improve my paraphrasing skills for the introduction?

Practice regularly by rewriting sample questions, use a thesaurus to expand your vocabulary, and study synonyms for common IELTS topics.

Should I write my introduction first or last?

Most experts recommend writing the introduction first to set the direction for your essay. However, some find it helpful to write the body paragraphs first and then craft an introduction that aligns perfectly with the content.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Global Economic Sanctions and Financial Markets

October 25, 2024

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How to Improve IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay? (5 Tips)

In IELTS Writing Task 2 , you need to write an essay on a given topic. Writing an essay may often seem a difficult and also daunting task. But don't worry, it will become a lot easier and make better sense as you follow along.

We advise you to take time to read the 5 Tips on how you can improve your writing skills for IELTS and achieve a high score.

Prepare smarter, not harder, and writing tasks won't stop you from getting the band score you deserve!

Don't get confused about the structure of IELTS essay

Keep your ielts essay structure simple.

There is a ton of information available online about different types of IELTS essays, and if you are a self-learner, it is easy to get confused. Especially, when the information is often conflicting as well. Therefore, we recommend that you do not worry about identifying what type of essay you must write or what structure you need to follow. It is all redundant and unnecessary.

Although there are 5 Different Types of IELTS Essays , learning about suggested essay structures one by one just overburdens you and at the end of the day, there is no actual benefit. All that matters is to answer all the questions and stick to that. It is as simple as that! You just need to address all parts of the task . That's it!

Take time to read the essay question and answer it completely and directly. There is no need to overthink whether the essay is this or that type and which structure you need to use. You will do yourself a favour when you skip learning about "the right" essay structures to follow as there are none found. Instead, trust yourself and listen to your gut.

Plan your IELTS essay before you write

Think and plan before you write! It is necessary to brainstorm for at least 2-5 minutes. Write down all the keywords and phrases that come to your mind, and then organise your ideas by making a simple plan for the IELTS essay structure. The more you practice essay writing, the faster you will become at brainstorming.

It is crucial to keep in mind what the task prompt asks you to do. If you fail to address all parts of the writing task prompt, achieving a high score will become unlikely. So, by making the plan make sure you answer all the questions!

For example, if you need to discuss both views, then make sure that you have one body paragraph for one view, another for another view and so forth.

Stick to the plan and use the words, phrases and ideas that have come to your mind while brainstorming.

Show good grammar and vocabulary

To write a high-level IELTS essay and attain a high score, you need to demonstrate that you can use a variety of sentence structures and vocabulary . For example, use different tenses, conditionals, passive voice, wide vocabulary and avoid repeating the same words.

You need to find a good balance between showing your writing skills and feeling comfortable.

Using good language in your essay does not mean that you know some sophisticated sentences by heart that you are desperately trying to use in your essay. It is a bad practice, and we recommend that you should avoid doing that.

If your overall usage of language is consistent throughout the essay and then, all of a sudden, you use a very complex sentence, it looks unnatural. Furthermore, IELTS examiners consider this to be a learned expression and, as a result, it pushes your score downwards.

Write coherently and use cohesive words

Writing coherently will surely give your score an extra boost. Actually, "Coherence and Cohesion" is one of the four band criteria your writing will be evaluated on. Therefore, it is super useful to learn linking words along with IELTS essay vocabulary . You can use these resources all the time while studying.

After writing about 3 IELTS essays, many good phrases and linking words will glue to you. You will find out your favourite ways to start and end the essays, state viewpoints and add arguments.

As a result, the essay becomes easier to write, and you will be a lot quicker too. But do not memorise long phrases or sentences ; these samples are all listed just for inspiration. However, learning words for different topics is highly recommended! It will give you ideas and the ability to express yourself.

Get feedback on your IELTS essay and practice

Finally, it is important to get feedback on each practice essay you write. The key to improving your IELTS essay writing is to get your writing task reviewed by a qualified IELTS professional , so you can learn from feedback and improve your writing skills.

Writing evaluation gives you an idea of what level you are at and what band score your writing would likely get. You will learn about your weak areas, and you will receive tips and suggestions on how to improve them.

• IELTS Corrected Essay Sample

If you struggle and want to improve your writing skills, let IELTS experts help you . The last thing you want to happen is to discover your weaknesses on the exam day, especially if the result is unsatisfying for you. After all, taking the exam gives you nothing but a plain band score that carries absolutely no weight regarding feedback: you will not get to know your mistakes and why you failed.

So, instead of risking failure, consider using the IELTS writing correction service to be better prepared, achieve your desired result on the first try and ultimately become better at writing.

"I have 7+ years of IELTS teaching experience . I will correct your grammar and give suggestions for more appropriate word use. I will give you tips on how to answer the question in the way the IELTS examiners expect." — Claudia, IELTS teacher from the UK

"I am a PhD Candidate in Linguistics , a well-qualified Teacher of English with years of experience in teaching and supporting English-related work. Especially Exam support for IELTS/TOFEL, etc. I am also an easygoing and friendly character, willing to deliver the work with the maximum output." — Teachy Pro, IELTS teacher

MORE ESSAY RESOURCES

IELTS Essay Writing

5 Types of IELTS Essays

How to Improve IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay?

IELTS Discussion Essay Sample

IELTS Agree / Disagree Essay Sample

IELTS Advantage / Disadvantage Essay Sample

IELTS Problem / Solution Essay Sample

IELTS Two-part Question Essay Sample

Vocabulary for IELTS Essay

Linking words for IELTS

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Whether you have any questions, want to leave feedback or discuss cooperation possibilities, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and will answer as soon as possible. In the meantime, discover our site and let it help you smooth your IELTS journey and make your studies more efficient.

You will find useful information on all the four IELTS test components:

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How to structure your essay for the IELTS writing test

If you're preparing for the IELTS exam, you know that a clear and well-structured essay is essential for success on the writing test. The IELTS writing test is designed to assess your ability to write clearly and effectively in English, and a well-structured essay is crucial for making a good impression on the examiners. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to structure your essay for the IELTS writing test.

1. Introduction

The introduction of your essay should introduce the main topic and provide some background information. You should also state your main argument or thesis in the introduction. The introduction should be brief, generally no more than a few sentences, and should set the stage for the rest of your essay.

2. Body paragraphs

The body paragraphs of your essay should present your main ideas and supporting evidence. Each body paragraph should have a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph and a number of supporting sentences that provide evidence or examples to back up your argument. Make sure to use transitional words and phrases to connect your ideas and create a logical flow.

3. Conclusion

The conclusion of your essay should summarize your main points and restate your thesis. It should also provide some final thoughts on the topic and may include a call to action or a suggestion for further research. The conclusion should be brief, generally no more than a few sentences, and should leave a lasting impression on the reader.

4. Use proper paragraph structure

Proper paragraph structure is essential for a clear and well-structured essay. Each paragraph should contain a single main idea and a number of supporting sentences. The topic sentence should be the first sentence of the paragraph and should introduce the main idea of the paragraph. The supporting sentences should provide evidence or examples to back up the main idea and should be arranged in a logical order. Make sure to leave a blank line between paragraphs to help your essay look more organized and professional.

5. Use headings and subheadings

Headings and subheadings can help you organize your essay and make it easier for the reader to follow. Headings should be used to introduce major sections of your essay and should be written in bold or italics. Subheadings should be used to introduce subtopics within the main sections of your essay and should be written in regular font. Make sure to use headings and subheadings consistently and to choose ones that accurately reflect the content of your essay.

Structuring your essay is an essential part of the IELTS writing test. By following these tips and using proper paragraph structure, headings, and subheadings, you can improve the organization and clarity of your essay and increase your chances of success on the exam. With a little bit of planning and attention to detail, you can create a well-structured and effective essay that impresses the examiner.

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How to paraphrase and boost your IELTS Writing Score

If you want to score well for your IELTS Writing test, then you need to learn and master the art of paraphrasing! You’ll be able to show that you understand the idea enough to write in your own words. Here’s how to start paraphrasing like a boss!

Content Tags

Whether you are sitting for the General Training or Academic writing test, the IELTS Writing part of the test is a challenge that many students struggle to score well in. 

With two different types of tasks with unique demands for each of them, you’ll need to put your best foot forward to ace the test to achieve an overall band score you desire. 

The IELTS Writing test assesses your ability to write not just for clarity and cohesion but for variation as well. 

Therefore you need to develop the skill of paraphrasing, which is simply rewriting a sentence using different words for greater clarity. It shows to the examiner that you have understood the source and idea enough to write it in your own words. 

And in this article, we will be going through six tips and tactics you can employ to help you master the art of paraphrasing to score better in your written test! 

Learning to paraphrase effectively: Six things to do

1. start using synonyms.

Synonyms are different words that hold the same meaning. For example, ‘money’ is a synonym of ‘cash’ or ‘funds’ while ‘lethargic’ is a synonym of ‘tired’ or ‘drained’. 

By using synonyms, you can effectively replace a series of words with others without changing the core meaning of the sentence. You need to use words that have the same meaning and not just something similar, which can be penalised during the examination. 

 Take the sentence: 

‘We are heading to Disneyland for a well-deserved holiday’ 

You can easily replace it with: 

‘We are travelling to Disney for our hard-earned vacation’ 

The key here is to ensure the meaning isn’t changed and you should only use words that you are entirely sure about to score well without the risk of being marked down. 

2. Changing the word order

Another essential paraphrasing skill you’ll need is to change the word order of a sentence. This means adding in a word, omitting a word or changing the word itself. 

Take the sentence: 

“We are famished and would like to quickly head to the Chinese Restaurant for dinner.” 

You can change the word order: 

“We are rushing towards the Chinese restaurant for dinner because we are famished.” 

When changing the word order, you need to ensure the sentence makes grammatical sense as well as being error-free. You can also combine this with using synonyms to make your paraphrasing even more effective. 

3. Changing word forms

A great way to paraphrase sentences is to change the form of the word. To do this, we can interchangeably swap nouns into verbs or verbs into adjectives. 

For example: 

“Many children are terrified of entering the spooky house alone during Halloween.” 

You can paraphrase the sentence by changing the word form of ‘entering’, ‘terrified’, ‘spooky’ and ‘alone’. 

“Many children are not brave enough to enter the frightful-looking house by themselves during Halloween.” 

By changing word forms, you are showcasing your versatility in the English language as well as your depth of vocabulary, helping you to score better in your Writing test. 

4. Change from active to passive voice

Because the IELTS Writing test involves writing a discursive essay and discussing various viewpoints, understanding how to switch between active to passive voice is a valuable skill. 

This can be easily done by identifying the sentence’s direct object and placing it at the beginning of the sentence, removing the action and then changing the verb’s form.  

“Most of the students are reading the magazines.” 

You can rewrite this sentence into the passive voice by placing ‘magazine’ at the beginning of the sentence and removing the action of reading and changing its form. 

“The magazines are being read by most of the students.” 

5. Changing sentence structure

Another effective way to paraphrase is to change the structure of the sentence without losing its core meaning. 

“Many students struggle in their tests because they do not put in the hard work and practice enough.” 

You can see that there are two clauses ‘many students struggle in their tests’ and the second being ‘because they do not put in the hard work and practice enough.’ 

All you need to do is to swap the order and change a few word forms to make it flow more naturally. 

“Not working hard and practicing enough are the main reasons why students struggle in their tests.” 

The meaning of the sentence is not lost but the structure has changed. 

6. Start paraphrasing with sample tests

The best way to start paraphrasing is to practice on the sample tests themselves! 

This will allow you to not just practice your skills on static sentences but allows you to master the art of paraphrasing.  

By writing under a time limit with real sample test topics, you’ll quickly understand how to paraphrase your own words as well as the information provided. This will accelerate your progress by leaps and bounds. 

You can access a wide range of our sample IELTS Writing tests here to start paraphrasing today! 

Prepare for the IELTS Writing test with IDP today

Preparing early for your IELTS Writing test is critical to success, especially if you are honing your paraphrasing skills. 

There are many forms of paraphrasing and they should all be used in conjunction for your writing to flow well and be fluid. 

Early preparation allows you to get familiar with the format with ample practice to help you gain confidence on test day and attain the band score you desire! 

Take the time to go through our resources and prepare yourself better with our wide range of sample tests at your disposal! 

And once you are prepared and ready, you can book your IELTS test here ! 

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IELTS Test Preparation Tips

How to Improve Your IELTS Essay Writing?

You should prepare yourself well before the test on how to plan and construct an essay. The planning comes first. You should not spare much time for planning, a well prepared you hopefully should know that taking 3 to 5 minutes for planning the essay is adequate enough. Prior to writing an essay you should first read and analyze the question thoroughly, this is an indispensable part. You should be aware about the fact that, if you cannot write addressing all the parts of the question you won’t be able to get a good Band Score. So scanning each and every part on the question is compulsory, and you should not jump start to write, without making an impeccable plan.

Why you should make a plan before start writing :

Planning before writing is an integral part to ensure higher Band Score. It ensures that you would never get lost in the middle, also planning would help you write the exact sequence things should be written. One who writes without planning would have to stop- then think – then write – again stop and think – and write this process simply wastes time incurs errors at the same time it lowers the quality of the essay. Planning and working accordingly would also save your time and help you write in a more organized manner. So, as mentioned above, first read and analyze the question and have a clear idea of what exactly you need to write about. For example, let’s write a sample question to make you understand finding the keywords. Say, the questions are as below:

A major number of children of the age group 5 to 11 years are getting addicted towards playing games on the cell phones and becoming unsocial: What is your opinion, is it completely bad or has some good side as well? Do you think that they should socialize more? Here the major keyword is ‘G etting addicted towards playing games on the cell phones’, and the smaller keyword is ‘becoming unsocial ‘ . If you can’t identify the exact ‘Keyword’ your essay would be off the track and carry no marks for you at all. Your answer through the essay should be exactly to the point. So once you have got the ‘Keyword’ you start planning your essay. Remember, you are writing on papers, not typing on your computer screen, so that you have the liberty of delete-rewrite-edit-then write again. You have to plan what you are going to write, then start writing according to the plan. A good plan would work as a roadmap preventing you from losing on the midway.

How to plan your essay : In short, we can write that there are four things to do:

• Identifying the right keyword that means the central idea.
• Identifying the micro-keywords that are the main points.
• Starting with a good introductory paragraph.
• Thinking and constructing the body of the essay.
• While thinking about the construction framing them into paragraphs is necessary.

An average IELTS essay is 250 to 280 words long with 14 to 18 sentences in it. So you could spend 5 minutes for planning and then 35 minutes for writing. In the case of constructing an essay first comes the introduction part, think about the introduction part, first. Remember a good introduction bears immense importance as we all know the famous quote saying “well begun is half done”. For writing a good introduction, first decide what is your opinion, is it in favor of the ‘Keyword’ or against the ‘Keyword’. Once you decide what exactly you are going to write, you can write your opinion clearly and transparently, clarify on which side you are, ‘Against’ or ‘For’. So this is the first phase of planning. Plan to write a compact context without overlapping ideas. Write every sentence with a purpose.

Now you have to ‘Generate the Exact Idea’ for forming of the essay : You have written down your opinion or view in the introduction part, now you have to justify it with logic. At this juncture make yourself ready with how to weave the sentences to form a complete and compact essay. It might sound easy, but doing it in the exam hall without sufficient practice would be almost impossible. Generate the ideas using logic, which sentence comes when, whether it fits there or not, etc. Having a rock-solid plan from the start would make you move through the context with ease without having to think about the structure, it would be formed automatically. Note that you have to write both the options ‘Good’ or ‘Bad’ and establish it with logic.

For executing your plan in the best way and not forgetting them you can write the planning on the question paper, the examiner won’t mind it, he would mind about your answer only. Hundreds of top students have found getting low Band Score because of their poor planning or no planning at all for the essay. Another very important thing is if you fall low in the word count. In the exam hall you won’t be able to count your words, so practice it at home by watching ‘How 250 words look in your handwriting’, this is important.

There are 4 main marking criteria for giving marks for the IELTS essay. They are as follows:

• How your response to the task
• How good the essay is from the point of view of ‘Coherence’ and ‘Cohesion’
• How good it is regarding the ‘Lexical Resource’.
• How appropriate is the range of grammatical expertise and accuracy
• Accuracy in spelling.

A suggestive discussion, for getting a high Band Score like 8 is:

• Address all parts of the tasks.
• Write complete answers of all issues in the essay questions.
• The contextual meaning should be transparent to the readers.
• All the answers are supported by justifying opinions.
• Don’t write in big paragraphs, exceeding 140 words, complete the essay in 2 to 3 paragraphs.
• Be always relevant to the topics, don’t write irrelevant points and sentences, the examiner will be annoyed.
• Strictly avoid any errors in linking words and paragraphs.
• Write paragraphs in perfect sequence, so as to be transparent with your writing.
• Don’t use too common words, use synonyms instead.
• Use a wide range of rich vocabulary to stand tall amongst the crowd.
• Use a wide range of complex sentences without losing lucidity.

While giving your opinion, remember that you would have to justify it with the solid argument in favor. At the same time when you are talking about the ‘Dark side’, you have to establish your view with the solid justifying statement.  To get a high Band Score like 8 or 9 you have to do something specials during your preparation, you have to

• Read a lot of good essays.
• Practice on ‘how to make planning within 5 minutes before starting’. This would make you write in the coherent form.
• Your opinion should be transparent and you have to establish it with 100% convincing and justifying points.
• Always keep in mind that, ‘The purpose of writing’ is to convey the meaning of the essay, at the same time showing the examiner how impressive your range of vocabulary is and how expert you are in construct complex sentences keeping the cohesion intact.

Focus on writing clearly and you will do very well. They know the key to high grammar scores is accuracy.

Originally posted 2016-12-26 14:06:06.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Scores 5 to 8 with Tips

Learn how your IELTS writing task 2 is marked and the difference between band scores 5, 6, 7 and 8 with tips to improve your score. You need to understand the 4 marking criteria used by the examiner to fulfil the requirements of the score you want.

Four Marking Criteria for IELTS Writing Task 2

The examiner will assess your IELTS essay using the 4 criteria below. Each criterion is worth 25% of your total marks for task 2. You will be given a band score for each criteria and then a total score for task 2. See bottom of page for example of scoring.

Task Response

• Coherence and Cohesion
• Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy

This task 2 marking criterion is about your answer to the IELTS essay question, your main ideas and how you develop them.

Your score will increase if you:

• pay attention to ALL issues in the essay question
• write about the issues rather than just the general topic
• answer the essay question with relevant main points
• plan your supporting points so they don’t go off the topic
• write over 250 words

 Coherence and Cohesion

The IELTS examiner will check the organisation of your essay, the paragraphs and your use of linking devices.

• this means you should have two or three body paragraphs only
• have just one central topic in each body paragraph
• organise your ideas logically
• use a range of linking words
• avoid errors in linking words

Lexical Resource

Your use of vocabulary, your paraphrasing, your spelling and the number of mistakes you make will be assessed in this criterion.

• pay attention to collocations (which verb matches which noun)
• paraphrase carefully to avoid errors
• use a range of words appropriate for the topic
• spell words correctly
• avoid making errors (errors will lower your score – see table above)
• avoid using informal language

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

The IELTS examiner will give you a band score for your sentence structures, the tenses you use, your control of grammar and also the number of mistakes you make.

• use different grammar tenses (conditionals, perfect tenses, passive voice, past, future etc)
• pay attention to word order in your sentences
• use a range of sentence structures
• use the correct punctuation (full stops and commas)
• common grammar errors: articles, plural nouns, uncountable nouns, word order)

Example of Writing Task 2 Scoring Calculated

You will get a band score for each of the above criteria and then a total score for task 2. Here’s an example:

• Task Response: Band 6
• Coherence & Cohesion = Band 7
• Grammar: Band 6
• Vocabulary: 6

Total Score for IELTS Writing Task 2 : 6 + 7 + 6 + 6 = 25/4 = 6.25. This score will be increased to 6.5. To calculate your score, add all scores together and divide by 4.

More IELTS Marking and Band Score Information

• IELTS Writing Task 1 Band Scores 5, 6, 7 & 8: Differences and Tips
• All IELTS Band Scores Explained
• Penalty for Under Word Count

Note: The information above is taken from the band score descriptors published by IELTS. To learn about band scores 1-9, please see the  public band score descriptors for writing task 2 published by IELTS.

Recommended Pages for IELTS Writing Task 2

• 100 Essay Questions for IELTS Writing Task 2
• All Writing Task 2 Tips, Model Essays and Videos

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IELTS Writing Test Preparation - Tips for Success

Subject: English language learning

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Other

Last updated

18 October 2024

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A valuable resource specifically tailored to help IELTS test takers excel in the Writing section of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Whether you are aiming for academic or general training, this comprehensive guide equips you with the knowledge, strategies, and practice materials needed to achieve a high score in the IELTS Writing test.

Key Features:

• Task Types and Format: Gain a thorough understanding of the different task types in the IELTS Writing test, including Task 1 (Academic/General Training) and Task 2 (Essay). Learn about the specific requirements, format, and assessment criteria for each task.
• Step-by-Step Approach: Follow a structured approach to tackle each task effectively. Learn how to interpret and analyze the question, plan your response, organize your ideas, and develop coherent paragraphs.
• Model Essays and Exemplar Responses: Access a wide range of model essays and exemplar responses that demonstrate the qualities of a high-scoring answer. Analyze these examples to understand how to present your ideas, use appropriate vocabulary, and structure your essay effectively.
• Language and Grammar Enhancement: Enhance your writing skills by exploring various language features, vocabulary, and grammatical structures commonly used in the IELTS Writing test. Learn how to express ideas accurately, develop arguments, and showcase a range of vocabulary.
• Task-Specific Strategies: Discover effective strategies and techniques tailored to each task type. Learn how to approach data interpretation and description in Task 1, as well as how to generate ideas, provide a balanced argument, and support your viewpoints in Task 2.
• Practice Exercises: Engage in targeted practice exercises designed to reinforce your understanding of key concepts and develop your writing skills. Work on specific aspects such as coherence, cohesion, paragraph development, and sentence structure.
• Time Management Techniques: Master the art of time management in the Writing test. Learn how to allocate your time wisely between planning, writing, and reviewing your answers to ensure you complete the tasks within the given timeframe. “IELTS Writing Test Mastery” is an essential resource for IELTS test takers who seek to improve their writing skills, boost their confidence, and achieve outstanding results in the IELTS Writing test. With its comprehensive guidance, model answers, and ample practice opportunities, this resource is your pathway to writing success in the IELTS exam.

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