What makes IELTS Writing inappropriate – personal pronouns or not?

Many students are told Personal Pronouns should never be used in IELTS essays. They are told this because some people believe it will make the essay style too informal and not academic enough. 

In case you don’t know, Personal and Possessive Pronouns are words like ‘I’, ‘my’,  ‘we’, ‘you’ and ‘they’.

Let’s be clear. 

The IELTS Test has two written tasks to be completed in 60 mins and so it is helpful to first clarify what those tasks are…..

IELTS Writing Task 1

Task 1 uses a prompt and visual information as a question. The task requires you to read, summarise and report essential elements.

The organisation of your writing needs to be logical to meet the task achievement criteria and so there should be an introduction, a summary and a reporting paragraph.

It’s a good idea to think of this Task writing as ‘a report’.

IELTS Writing Task 2

Task 2 uses a proposition, or suggests a view. 

This task requires you to understand the proposition and respond to the prompt instructions.

The prompt may ask you to discuss both views, ask you to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of development or trend, ask you to agree or disagree or ask you to think why something is the way it is and consider solutions, measures or proposals. 

The organisation of your writing again needs to be logical and follows an introduction, development of the topic paragraph(s) and conclusion pattern.

In contrast to Task 1 which is evidenced-based purely on the information you would find in a ‘report’, Task 2 asks YOU to respond and develop ideas in response to the question and in the way the question asks you to. 

It often requires you to introduce your own ‘objective’ based ideas, examples or evidence and may lead you to offer your own opinion based on the argument constructed. 

Objectivity over ‘being subjective‘ is the preferred style of writing that you should aspire to over the course of your IELTS Preparation.

There are ways of writing objectively but in some cases it is unavoidable to use a personal pronoun such as I, my, or they, for example, if you use evidence which is related to your personal situation.

In general, it is good practice to educate parents on the dangers of giving children too much screen time from a young age as they may be unaware of its effect on language development. In my case, I was not allowed a mobile phone until I was 10. However, not having my own device has not disadvantaged me in terms of my technological abilities and understanding.

If you are not sure what ‘objectivity’ means then this dictionary reference may help as well as this link to The University of Bristol or this English Skills webpage.

I can try to push your writing in that direction by offering you some examples before we look at ways personal pronouns can be incorporated into your writing as objectively as possible.

Which sentences are regarded as being more objective: you decide

I think that there are more advantages to cities of a mass transportation systems than the disadvantages of infrastructure cost and the initial disturbance in construction.

On balance, I am sure that the long-term advantages to cities of an effective mass transportation system in general must outweigh the initial cost and disturbance.

It would seem then that the long-term advantages of a cleaner, reliable and efficient mass transportation system benefits cities more than the initial high costs and construction upheaval. 

Note: Examples taken from my Membership Course and Training student essay submissions

So…it should be clear that objective writing requires some development in your current skills and requires you to support and evidence your own ideas. 

Ways to avoid subjective writing and Personal Pronouns in your writing

Look at these examples:

I believe that international sporting events encourage good relations between nations…. (personal (informal) statement)

There is good reason to believe that international sporting events encourage good relations between nations…. (IELTS) 

This essay proposes that international sporting events encourage positive relations between nations……. (formal/academic)

Clearly, if you eat too much fast food, you will get fat. (informal)

If the public generally eat too much, then the rates of obesity are likely to increase  (IELTS) 

If a person eats too much fast food, that person will get fat. (formal/academic)

Can you see that I am suggesting that you need to find a balance between your informal writing and writing for university. 

Writing in an Academic Style

On the other hand, many students insist on writing in what they believe to be an academic style throughout the test which leads to ‘flowerey’ and convoluted writing when above all, you need to present a clear, logical and progressive essay response to the question.

If I consider what makes my country wonderful then I think about the positive aspects of this great nation.The thing that makes it distinct from all other countries is the rights that a citizen has. We probably have more rights than the citizens from any other country in the world . The most important right a citizen has is freedom, a freedom that a citizen from no other country on the globe has. The second and probably the most important thought that comes to my head when I think about my country is how it is definitely the greatest country of our time. Another positive aspect is how beautiful it is, and how well preserved it is. Although these three things are wonderful things for a nation to be proud of, the people of America have to keep these things up or our great nation will disintegrate.

Note: this is not a response to an IELTS question but is an example of subjective writing lacking development or support.

Writing in this style either suggests that students have not understood a particular question or do not understand the IELTS exam format and requirements.

What do the official marking criteria say about personal pronouns? 

IELTS publishes a public criteria on IELTS Bands and Scores and it is posted here if you want to check the Official Marking Criteria

It is interesting to note that the criteria does not specify guidance on the use of personal pronouns, informal or formal language use nor academic language.

What do the past question papers suggest?

If you look at the official Cambridge Examination Papers they seem to accept that the use of personal pronouns may sometimes be inevitable. 

And looking at these standard example questions and studying what they require you to do….

‘Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion.’

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

‘To what extent do you agree or disagree.’

…. we can see that the use of the personal pronoun ‘you’ in the question, probably will result in the use of a personal pronoun at some point in the essay response.

However, in order to improve your score, there should always be that aim to write with a degree of objectivity and in order to do so you should try to follow these rules:

Rule Number 1

Read the Question carefully.

Does the question require you to give your opinion or to give direct examples of your knowledge or experience. Think how you can incorporate these into your objective writing.

Rule Number 2

Understand the style of writing required and write in an appropriate style.

Rule Number 3

If you are forced to use personal pronouns, don’t start every sentence with the subject ‘I’.

Rule Number 4

IELTS is NOT an academic writing test. 

It is simply a language test so don’t try to write a paper, a thesis, a study or a report for university. 

You don’t have the time or the word count and your writing will stand out as inappropriate for the task.

To sum up, it is perfectly acceptable to achieve a good score in IELTS by using a variety of language and writing in an appropriate style using appropriate vocabulary and this includes pronouns, as and when they are needed. 

The Best Approach to Task 2 Writing

Paragraphing in Task 2 Writing

Strong Arguments for Task 2

Writing the Introduction

Writing a Line of Argument

Cohesion for Task 2 Writing

Writing – Benefits of a Foreign University Education

 

Basic IELTS Task 2 Writing Structures for Task 2 Questions.

Writing for school and for university are very different processes; the same can be said for writing for IELTS.

IELTS is often seen as somewhere in-between.

You need to show the educated level of writing developed in the classroom, but it’s unnecessary to write to the extent or in the manner needed for university.

In this post:

• I’ve provided more detail on the sentences that should be contained within each of these paragraphs,
• Examples based around this sample Task 2 Question
• Guidance on the different types of questions you might find in Task 2 Writing.

Outline of the Writing Structure

I generally recommend to my students that their Task 2 essays use the following structure:

So now you have a guide to an outline plan, I will show you how to break the task down in to individual parts.

Different Task 2 Questions

Showing you the different types of IELTS Task 2 questions will help you apply similar techniques to all the questions you might get.

Writing the Introduction

Here’s a basic , but genuine Task 2 question.

Government investment in the visual arts, the kind you often see in art galleries, is a waste of money. Governments are better to invest this money in public services instead. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

To understand how to approach the introduction, it’s a good idea to make a quick plan.

Making a plan requires you to consider the question.

Look at the suggested focus of the question below.

Doing this carefully means that you’re already planning your answer!

And here is an example for you to study – notice how I follow the structure provided at the beginning of this post.

• Sentence 1 –Paraphrase the Task.
• Eg. Many people feel that spending money on the arts is a bad use of resources and that this money is better invested in upgrading public services to improve the life of the government’s citizens.
• Sentence 2 – Explain why you hold that position.
• Eg. I disagree with the statement as the visual arts can also have an important impact on our quality of life.
• Sentence 3 – Give an academic example that backs up your idea.
• Eg. For example, recent studies agree that individuals that regularly visit art galleries are cited as being 20 per cent happier in terms of well-being than people who do not.
• Sentence 4 – Summarise the paragraph showing how your example links your idea/argument back to the main idea.
• Eg. Seeing the health benefits that many people get from the visual arts, it is important that the government assists such public institutions so that they can continue to provide pleasure to the public.

Here’s my final introduction for the question altogether.

Example

Different types of question

Remember the different types of questions?

Now let’s look at considering the body of the essay.

Task 2 Questions To What Extent

In these questions you need to take some position towards the question.

You can do this buy using phrases such as I agree or disagree. You can go further by using mostly agree/partially disagree but you should still consider both sides of the question.

Brainstorming, Planning and Organising your Task 2 Writing

Another Example IELTS Question

Parents should not put pressure on their children to choose a particular profession. Instead young people should have the freedom to choose their own career path.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Here’s where I’ve focussed on the parts of the question –  so I can make an effective plan!

Introduction – what is your position on the question?

Introduction

Body paragraph 1

First Paragraph

Body Paragraph 2

Final Paragraph

To What Extent Essay Example

Example

Task 2 Questions To What Extent Part 2

Here’s some further practice. Again, you need to take some position towards the question.

Brainstorming, Planning and Organising your Task 2 Writing

Genuine Example IELTS Question

Professional athletes in popular sports like football and basketball are overpaid.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Organisation:

• Organisation
  • You should have at least two paragraphs
  • Each paragraph should present one new reason to support in the Introduction.
  • Don’t argue against yourself
  • Your opinion doesn’t need to be strong
  • It’s better to write a balanced argument
  • And reiterate your overall opinion as to which argument is better (mentioned in the introduction)

   

Introduction

Introduction

Main Point 1 Paragraph  

Paragraph 1

Main Point 2 Paragraph

Paragraph 2

Here’s my example To What Extent Task 2 response to the question.

Example

Task 2 Questions Advantage and Disadvantage

In these questions you need to attempt to talk about both the advantages and disadvantages equally.

This might not always be easy, especially if you have your conclusion planned, but you need to consider all sides.

Brainstorming, Planning and Organising your Task 2 Writing

Genuine IELTS Example Question

An increasing number of students spend time away from school to live abroad or gain experience before attending university.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this decision?

Organisation:

Organisation

Here’s my example Advantage and Disadvantage Task 2 response to the question.

Example

Task 2 Questions Causes and Solutions

In these IELTS questions, it’s important to consider and discuss why something is so.

There are two types of these questions.

1. Solution to a problem
2. The Cause and the Solution

Brainstorming, Planning and Organising your Task 2 Writing

Example IELTS Question

Technology now performs many of the kinds of work that people once did. Many workers have lost their jobs and lack the required training to get a new job in the tech economy. What should be done to solve this problem?

Organisation

Organisation

Language for Cause and Solution Essays.

Language

Here’s my example Cause and Solution  Task 2 response to the question.

Example

Task 2 Questions Discuss Both Sides

These are much like advantage and disadvantage questions.

It is not necessary to support one side yet. You can do this at the end if required.

Brainstorming, Planning and Organising your Task 2 Writing.

Example Question

Some people prefer to save money. Others prefer to spend their money on things they will enjoy. What is the best approach towards money? Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

You will need three paragraphs.

Organisation

Here’s my example Task 2 response to the Discuss Both Sides question.

Example

Task 2 Questions Themed Questions

You need to read these questions very carefully to remain on task and topic. After the example there is normally more than one question in the task.

Brainstorming, Planning and Organising your Task 2 Writing

Example IELTS Question

Many children have access to the internet and devices like smart phones, even at a very young age. Do you think this is a good trend? What rules should children follow related to this?

You should write a paragraph for each question in the rubric (the instructions to complete the task) – here there are two questions.

It is possible to write an additional paragraph if you have more to say or you need to write for the word count.

Organisation

Here’s my example Task 2 response to the themed question.

Example

Writing a conclusion

If you planned well at the beginning you probably already have a conclusion for your essay in mind.

You probably decided on your conclusion in your plan.

To consider

• It’s important to remember the original question instructions (give your opinion or not)
• The point of a conclusion is to reiterate a point
• and not repeat too much detail
• Remember only GIVE your opinion if asked in the instructions.

Organisation

Concluding Points

Example Essay and Conclusion

Here’s an essay from the beginning of this post.

I’ve included the conclusion now.

Example

For more information, visit ielts-jonathan.com

Finally, you can  go over to my Facebook page and join other students who are working towards the test and  join my IELTS WRITING TASK 1 group for free practice.

All the Best,

Jonathan

Teacher Resources

By the way,

If you are an IELTS teacher, I have posted the essays below so you can print and use them in class.

To What Extent Task 2 Response

Professional athletes have often been criticised in the media for the increasingly higher salaries they receive for what many people view as simply a physical activity. While I mostly agree with this statement there are certain considerations to be taken into account to understand this question fully.

At first glance it might seem that the salaries of some sports people are excessively high, however it may have taken many years of practice, perseverance and self-sacrifice to reach a level to compete professionally, even if they have a natural talent.  In addition, success in competition will often put an athlete in the public eye or at the top of their game where they are able to take advantage of sponsorship deals and promotions and so they should be paid according to the market rate just like anybody else.

Unfortunately, some sports and teams are run as businesses and they demand the best sports people. In order to get the best teams, managers have to compete against others, and this competition inflates wages. Therefore, some sports people are paid too much but this is due to both talent, luck and inflation of wages.                                                                                                   

ielts-jonathan.com

Words 189

Advantage and Disadvantage  Task 2 Response

It is becoming more common for students to pause their educational career and take gap years to focus on living abroad or working before starting their university education. Generally, I think the advantages outweigh any possible disadvantages for the majority of these people.

University is often seen as the summative assessment of a developing individual before entering the workplace and the experience gained from living in another culture can make someone more worldly and understanding and benefit their final years of education. In addition, travel often broadens the outlook of individuals and this probably leads to more creativity and ability to solve problems, while the experience of work often prepares students with better informed choices about their career choices after university. 

For some students the experience away from education may place them in too much debt and these financial problems may lead to stress at university when they should be focussed on their studies and some students are unable to cope with this, however, the overall development of the individual, strengthening of character and increased employability means that gap years are a useful part of some students’ education.                                                            

ielts-jonathan.com

Words 186

Cause and Solution Task 2 Response

Increasingly some groups of people are finding it more difficult to find work due to the automation of their work and find they lack the skills to compete in the modern-day job market.

One reason for this loss of jobs might be that as computers, robotics and modern materials are becoming more advanced, they are better able to replace the repetitive or manual work that workers once did. This might be an advantage to a company as it improves efficacy, increases production and lowers costs, but obviously it makes a worker redundant. In some countries there are laws that encourage companies to find alternative work or opportunities within the company for employees whose work is replaced by machines.

For countries where this is not the case there are a number of solutions that could alleviate the experiences faced by workers who lose their jobs due to automation. I would also suggest that governments actively encourage investment by companies in their workforce when a worker’s position ends. One possible path is for companies to offer up skilling to suitable employees so that they can work in other areas of the company, for example in different departments. Another alternative is to offer retraining in the skills needed in the tech economy, for example, basic IT training.   This could increase a person’s employability, not just to the existing company, but to the economy as a whole.

 ielts-jonathan.com

Words 231

Discuss Both Sides  Task 2 Response

In some cultures and traditions saving money is highly valued by its citizens. Both governments and parents encourage their young to follow a pattern where money is saved and invested in the long term and where value is placed on the importance of planning for the future and security. In many cases, this planning is related to providing a family house, education for future children and security for the country.

In contrast some cultures and some individuals tend to take a short term view and place an emphasis on enjoying the moment. While there is no evidence that these people value property, education or security any less than others, they are more likely to purchase consumer items that satisfy their personal needs and are more likely to borrow money for larger items such as holidays or new cars rather than save.

While I tend to prefer the idea of saving rather than borrowing, I am not against the idea of spending money to satisfy a personal need if a person is in control and can manage their money.  I strongly believe that a balance between the two is required, one where debt does not place undue stress or pressure on the individual and the second where thrift does not deny any enjoyment in life. It is important to plan for the future but it is also important to treat one’s self occasionally.        

ielts-jonathan.com

Word 237

Theme Task 2 Response

Now that technology has entered almost every part of modern life, it is important that children gain an understanding of the internet and technology from an early age, provided the activities are monitored carefully by their parents.

There are many benefits to be aware of in the technology around us and encouraging children to use technology from a young age is generally a good trend.  Often younger people can astound older people with their skills and knowledge when using technology. Younger people it seems learn easier and are more open to new things. As technology is likely to dominate a child’s life more in the future, it is important that children are able to keep pace with the trends in technology and it is best to learn about this from an early age. 

However, while using technology can be seen as developmental it should not be used as a replacement for good parenting or education or as an excuse for parents to shun responsibilities as numerous medical evidence points to the harmful effects and dependency of too much screen time. I believe that children should always have rules and there should be strict guidelines on the use of technology, for example, parents should limit the amount of screen time a child has and decide when children should take breaks. In my opinion, there should even be technology free days to discourage dependence on such devices and encourage a balance between traditional education and play.

ielts-jonathan.com

Word 242

Best Wishes, Jonathan

The Best Approach to Task 2 Writing

Paragraphing in Task 2 Writing

Strong Arguments for Task 2

Writing the Introduction

Writing a Line of Argument

Cohesion for Task 2 Writing

Writing – Benefits of a Foreign University Education

 

Writing the Introduction for Task 2.

 

Here’s a basic, but genuine Task 2 question;

 

Government investment in the visual arts, the kind you often see in art galleries, is a waste of money.

Governments are better to invest this money in public services instead.

To what extent do you agree with this statement?

To understand how to approach the introduction, it’s a good idea to make a quick plan.

Making a plan requires you to consider the question.

Look at the suggested focus of the question below

 

Planing!

Doing this carefully means that you’re already planning your answer!

And here is an example for you to study – notice how I follow the structure provided at the beginning of this posts.

 

• Sentence 1 – Paraphrase the Task

 

• Eg. Many people feel that spending money on the arts is a bad use of resources and that this money is better invested in upgrading public services to improve the life of the government’s citizens.

 

• Sentence 2 – Explain why you hold that position.

 

• Eg. I disagree with the statement as the visual arts can also have an important impact on our quality of life.

 

• Sentence 3 – Give an academic example that backs up your idea.

 

• Eg. For example, recent studies agree that individuals that regularly visit art galleries are cited as being 20 per cent happier in terms of well-being than people who do not.

 

• Sentence 4 – Summarise the paragraph showing how your example links your idea/argument back to the main idea.

 

• Eg. Seeing the health benefits that many people get from the visual arts, it is important that the government assists such public institutions so that they can continue to provide pleasure to the public.

Here’s my final introduction for the question altogether.

 

Many people feel that spending money on the arts is a bad use of resources and that this money is better invested in upgrading public services to improve the life of the government’s citizens.

However, I disagree with the statement as the visual arts can also have an important impact on our quality of life. 

For example, recent studies agree that individuals that regularly visit art galleries are cited as being 20 per cent happier in terms of well-being than people who do not. 

Seeing the health benefits that many people get from the visual arts, it is important that the government assists such public institutions so that they can continue to provide pleasure to the general public.

 

Learn more about Task 2 Questions – visit ielts-jonathan.com

 

You can  go over to my Facebook page and join other

students who are working towards the test and join my IELTS

group for free practice.

All the Best,

Jonathan

The Best Approach to Task 2 Writing

Paragraphing in Task 2 Writing

Strong Arguments for Task 2

Writing the Introduction

Writing a Line of Argument

Cohesion for Task 2 Writing

Writing – Benefits of a Foreign University Education

 

Many students are afraid of the second task in IELTS writing.

Why?

Well, Task 2 writing can be challenging for a number of reasons.

You can follow rules and advice, but do you still find it a problem to write 250 words?

Well, maybe you’re not sure you understand

• what you are writing,
• why you’re writing
• and for what purpose?

This post is going to provide a checklist so you can best attempt the task for a high Band Score

• and provide an example essay that answers a specific question
• which displays all the positive features of a high scoring Task 2 response.

I know candidates often struggle to get a good score in Task 2 writing and many don’t know the reason why?

Unlike Task 1, there are no rules to follow, no charts to comment on or features to notice.

In many ways, it’s a very different task and, unlike Task 1, it really does need you to talk about your ideas and opinions.

The first thing to do with any task question is to identify the parts of the question, the instructions and consider your opinion, for example, whether you agree and disagree with the statement presented, or to what extent.

You can do this by reading the question and identifying the topic and using the structure words to plan a line of argument.

You can use your own experience, but it is important to answer the question and answer it fully!

Too often, I see students attempt to answer their own question, be off topic by answering a similar question or even worse, attempt a question memorised from class.

Here is a checklist of the text features to consider in TASK 2

Remember to score highly in Task Achievement have you?

• Clearly stated an opinion
• Discussed both sides to an argument
• Supported both sides of an argument with relevant examples related to the question
• Clearly stated why one side of an argument is right
• Clearly stated why one side of an argument is wrong
• Discussed both the advantages and disadvantages
• or stated to what extent you agree with the question

You can find out more about approaches to Task 2 Writing in this detailed post.

The Best Approach to Task 2 Writing for any candidate.

So, here’s the Question I want to answer:

Studying at university is a great opportunity for all and it’s even more beneficial if the university attended is in a foreign country. 

To what extent do you agree?

Here is my Response in four paragraphs.

 

Remember you can write over the 250 words limit. This is a minimum, not a maximum target.

This is a Band 9 discussion essay because…

1. It shows the writers opinion from the beginning (I would argue)
2. It structures the essay by the division of Introduction, Discussion, Reason, Reason and Opinion paragraphs.
3. It provides a number of reasons (personal development, professional opportunities) and a number of examples (responsibility and understanding ) AND extends the discussion (linguistic improvements, addition to CV)
4. It links the discussion to the reasons (The reasons for this are, while there are)
5. It links further ideas in the paragraphs (this may, while there are, there may be)
6. It answers the question directly and gives a reason (I therefore strongly argue)
7. It users a variety of words that link sentences and ideas (finally, while, this and it)
8. It emphasises the writers opinion (I therefore strongly argue)
9. It uses lots of synonyms so that it does not repeat the question(university career, opportunity to attend university abroad)
10. It tries to use NOUNS rather than verbs to sound academic and authoritative (difference, additions, tolerance, acceptance )
11. It supports this with adjectives to add precision (increasingly, significantly )
12. It concludes with a strong call to action (I therefore strongly argue) and empahsises a consequence or condition (however, this is dependent on the individual)

 

For more posts like this , you can follow me on Facebook, or easier sign up below.

The Best Approach to Task 2 Writing

Paragraphing in Task 2 Writing

Strong Arguments for Task 2

Writing the Introduction

Writing a Line of Argument

Cohesion for Task 2 Writing

Writing – Benefits of a Foreign University Education

 

Introduction to IELTS and Academic Writing.

The kind of writing we are going to describe here is ONLY suitable for IELTS Task 2 Writing and not TASK 1.

Why?

Because in Task 1, you are not required to add additional opinion, or comment or speculate on why figures or numbers might be so.

In Task 1, you should only report the figures you can see.

You should not speculate, predict or introduce personal experience in your writing.

Task 2 Writing

For Task 2, often your writing can be improved substantially by providing support to your ideas, your opinions or when answering the prompt given.

Providing Support

Academic writing tends to be impersonal in style in order to be objective.

This may make it appear formal.

Unfortunately, too many IELTS Candidates write in a subjective style.

The result can be:

If an IELTS Task 2 appears too subjective, this can affect the tone of the writing and lower the Score.

Therefore, it is important to notice how academic writers express themselves and support their opinions.

Support consists of evidence.

Here are four kinds of evidence to make your argument stronger:

 

1. Example: from your own experience or from what you heard or read.

2. Common Sense: things that you believe everybody knows.

3. Expert Opinion: the opinions of experts or professionals

(e.g. scientists or doctors) — this comes from research.

4. Statistics: numbers (e.g 75% ) — this also comes from research.

 

Task: Read the arguments for the following statement:

Here is the statement to consider.

Statement: “Smoking should be banned in all public places”

This is the position I am going to take.

Position: Agree

So, now I am going to agree with this statement by providing an example.

1. Example:

For example / for instance / let me give an example

“Let me give an example: Whenever I go to a restaurant or bar and there are people smoking near me, I feel that I am breathing in their smoke. This makes me a smoker even though I don’t want to be”.

or by providing a shared belief.

2. Common Sense:

Everyone knows / it’s common knowledge that / it’s no secret that

“It’s common knowledge secondhand smoke is very unhealthy for nonsmokers”.

or by providing figures or percentages.

3. Statistics:

“Secondhand smoke causes about 250,000 respiratory infections in infants and children every year, resulting in about 15,000 hospitalizations each year”.

or by providing the voice of another.

4. Expert Opinion:

According to…/ to quote…/ the book _____ says…

“According to the Environmental Protection Agency, secondhand smoke causes approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths in nonsmokers each year”.

For the IELTS test, there is not enough time or number of words to allow completely for this academic style, so although IELTS writing is not informal, it is much more semi-academic in style.

I hope that you found this information useful and you have taken on board some of the tips.

Please share to someone you know and in the meantime take a look at my

Facebook Page and Website for IELTS answers and you can also join my Facebook Group here too.

I also recommend taking a look at my free blog below, or sign up to my Newsletter which gives further instruction on how to give that perfect Task Response:

The Best Approach to Task 2 Writing

Paragraphing in Task 2 Writing

Strong Arguments for Task 2

Writing the Introduction

Writing a Line of Argument

Cohesion for Task 2 Writing

Writing – Benefits of a Foreign University Education

 

Many students are afraid of the second task in IELTS writing.

Why?

Well, Task 2 writing can be challenging for a number of reasons.

You can follow rules and advice, but do you still find it a problem to write 250 words?

Well, maybe you’re not sure you understand

• what you are writing,
• why you’re writing
• and for what purpose?

This post is going to provide a checklist so you can best attempt the task for a high Band Score

• and provide an example essay that answers a specific question
• which displays all the positive features of a high scoring Task 2 response.

I know candidates often struggle to get a good score in Task 2 writing and many don’t know the reason why?

Unlike Task 1, there are no rules to follow, no charts to comment on or features to notice.

In many ways, it’s a very different task and, unlike Task 1, it really does need you to talk about your ideas and opinions.

The first thing to do with any task question is to identify the parts of the question, the instructions and consider your opinion, for example, whether you agree and disagree with the statement presented, or to what extent.

You can do this by reading the question and identifying the topic and using the structure words to plan a line of argument.

You can use your own experience, but it is important to answer the question and answer it fully!

Too often, I see students attempt to answer their own question, be off topic by answering a similar question or even worse, attempt a question memorised from class.

Here is a checklist of the text features to consider in TASK 2

Remember to score highly in Task Achievement you must have

• Clearly stated an opinion
• Discussed both sides to an argument
• Supported both sides of an argument with relevant examples related to the question
• Clearly stated why one side of an argument is right
• Clearly stated why one side of an argument is wrong
• or stated to what extent you agree with the question

You can find out more about approaches to Task 2 Writing in this detailed post.

The Best Approach to Task 2 Writing for any candidate.

So, let’s begin. Here’s the Question I want to answer:

Studying at university is a great opportunity for all and it’s even more beneficial if the university attended is in a foreign country. 

To what extent do you agree?

Here is my Response in more than four paragraphs.

Remember you can write over the 250 words limit. This is a minimum, not a maximum target.

This is a Band 9 discussion essay because…

1. It shows the writers opinion from the beginning (I feel)
2. It structures the essay by the division of Introduction, Discussion, Reason, Reason and Opinion paragraphs.
3. It provides a number of reasons (future career, career prospects, enhance independence) and a number of examples (bring challenges and experiences) AND extends the discussion (long-term opportunities)
4. It links the discussion to the reasons (A further issue, a further advantage, the first and perhaps most obvious, potential drawbacks)
5. It links further ideas in the paragraphs (as a result, despite that, both of these, a very good example)
6. It answers the question directly and gives a reason (the greater long-term opportunities that it potentially offers successful graduates in the employment market is explained in the popularity of international education.)
7. It users a variety of words that link sentences and ideas (first, finally, however)
8. It emphasises the writers opinion (I feel)
9. It uses lots of synonyms so that it does not repeat the question(study abroad, international education, University attendance rates in foreign countries)
10. It tries to use NOUNS rather than verbs to sound academic and authoritative (enhance their independence, adaptability, versatility)
11. It supports this with adjectives to add precision (sufficiently, successful, )
12. It concludes with a strong call to action (the greater long-term opportunities that it potentially offers successful graduates in the employment market) and empahsises a consequence or condition (is explained in the popularity of international education.)

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The Best Approach to Task 2 Writing

Paragraphing in Task 2 Writing

Strong Arguments for Task 2

Writing the Introduction

Writing a Line of Argument

Cohesion for Task 2 Writing

Writing – Benefits of a Foreign University Education