There are some simple tips for writing great introductions and conclusion in IELTS

When you go to start to write for Task 2, it’s often difficult to come up with relevant ideas.

This means it’s even more important that you’re equipped with some suitable and relevant introductory and concluding sentences.

A feature of high-level writing is often a combination of ‘noun phrases’ and passive sentences.

These are features of good academic English.

So, this post will provide a number of exemplary sentences that can be adapted and incorporated into your own writing.  

Useful Phrase 1 – Suitable for introductions

A simple introduction.

This essay will analyse ‘this issue’ using the examples from… …to demonstrate ‘a number of points’ and support arguments.

Of course, you have to provide your own examples in accordance with your particular topic.

For instance:

This essay will analyse this issue using the examples from wartime countries and conflict zones to demonstrate points and support arguments.

A more advance introduction using noun phrases and the passive tense is

Whether ‘something of something’ will be considered from a number of perspectives before a conclusion is made.

“Whether ‘the responsibilities of children within the family unit should be increased’ will be considered from a number of perspectives before a conclusion is made.”

It is widely recognised that ‘the issue of something’ is one of the most challenging issues for the western world/the developed world/developing world/the world and a number of aspects of this will be discussed and considered.

“It is widely recognised that ‘the effective and efficient recycling of plastic waste’ is one of the most challenging issues for the western world/the developed world/developing world/the world and a number of aspects of this will be discussed and considered.”

The ‘issue of something’ will be discussed by considering the advantages and disadvantages and using a number of examples.

The ‘the future application of e-commerce’ will be discussed by considering the advantages and disadvantages and using a number of examples.

 

Useful Phrase 2 – suitable for body paragraphs (opinions)

When introducing an opposing thought, instead of using just “but” or “However,” you can a phrase such as:

“However, it should be remembered (that)…” and add the opposing point.

 

Useful Phrase 3 – suitable for body paragraphs (examples)

Sometimes it is possible to cite examples from research or studies made, using the phrase,

“For example, a recent study by _________ has shown that…”

“For example, a number of studies have shown that…”

“For example, a recent studies by  _________ have shown that…”

“For example, research by _________ has shown that…”

For instance:

For example, a recent study by the National Sports Association has suggested that… (then supply the details of the findings).

Useful Phrase 4 – suitable for body paragraphs

It is fairly easy to comprehend the arguments as to why this proposal has been made.

There are at least aspects to this line of thought.

There are a number of arguments to support this point, the first being…….,

The issue of __X__ in developed/developing countries has grown in importance over the past few decades.
The issue of __X__ on most continents has increased in importance over the past few years.

Useful Phrase 5 – suitable for supporting sentences

Instead of saying “There is proof that…” you can say, instead:

There is evidence to suggest that…

For instance:

There is ample evidence to suggest that scientists will need to develop alternative forms of energy production.

and

There is some evidence to suggest that local governments will be implementing …

 

Useful Phrase 6 – suitable for supporting sentences

Give your findings a supportive introduction using the phrase:

Numerous studies have consistently found that …

Then provide your conclusion, for instance:

Numerous studies have consistently found that children from economically deprived families…

and

Numerous research have found that students who learn more that one language have increased life chances in terms of both quality and standard of life.

 

Useful Phrases 7 – suitable for strengthening an argument by being specific

Instead of generalising or citing samples provide a number of examples. For instance:

Replace: 

Recent electronic developments have…

with

Electronic developments such as the e-commerce, the smartphone, and personal on-line payment systems have drastically increased worker productivity.

Replace: 

Serious diseases are a daily feature in the developed world…

with

Serious diseases such as obesity, alcoholism and smoking related diseases are a daily feature in the developed world and can be a significant cost on economies.

 

Useful Phrase 8 – suitable for conclusions

As such it can be concluded that…

Therefore, it can be summarised that

In short, it can be suggested that

These phrases are specifically useful during a closing argument.

Example: In short, it can be suggested that in a widely globalised world where technology is freely accessible to the majority of citizens in both the developed and to some extent the developing world, social media marketing  has a strong influence of what consumer buy.

Summary

You may need to add just a few phrases to complete the phrases above.

To improve your grammatical range and accuracy it is important to practice the same structures I have given you but using different verbs and nouns.

You can find more structures by reading academic material and copying phrases you think you could adapt in your essays.

Academic material is easily found by searching in Google like this: Your topic (plastic waste) + .edu + pdf -this will usually result in academic reports about your given topic.

You Next Step!

The next thing you should do is make notes and practice using the phrases in your own sentences. This means that you will practice them for fluency and so you can adapt them to you own test situation, however, remember, these phrases can’t just be copied.  Just copying will probably lower you score if they don’t coherently fit your essay.

You must make sure that the way you use the phrases that fit your essay perfectly to maintain coherence in thought and correct grammatical structures.

For more advice you can look at my posts on Task 2 or the dedicated page to Task 2 Writing.

So remember, ‘without practice, improvement won’t happen’ and a ‘little action, day by day, makes great progress’

IELTS Writing Posts 

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

 

What words should I count towards a Task 1 or Task 2 word count?

Students often ask if they want to work towards a word count for both Task 1 and 2, what words can the include in the count.

What words are counted in an IELTS essay? 

The general answer is ALL of them!

Some of the words included in the word count but often ignored by students include

articles (a / an / the)

and

prepositions (in / on / at / of/ )

In some languages, such as Slavic Languages, articles are used less or even don’t exist, or prepositions are completely different, as in French or Italian.

This may explain why some students forget to use them!

But in the IELTS exam every “a” or “on” has the same value as a long word like “propaganda”, “internationalism” or “environmentalism”!

Previously, IELTS used complicated rules about what counted as one word and what counted as two.

Examples included words with a hyphen were one (e.g self-service = ONE), while figures and a symbol separated by a space where two (e.g. 60 % = TWO!)

Now those small differences are no longer so important because examiners need only estimate if a task is underlength.

However, I believe it is still a good idea for students to be able to gauge what 250 words and 150 words looks like in their own handwriting to negate the need of a word count. Just like examiners do!

The best way to do this is to practice writing on the official IELTS answer booklet paper. I’ve done this and 150 words in my handwriting is about a side and a half, and 250 is about 2 and a half sides.

Being able to estimate how much you have written is also useful to make sure you are on track in the exam – unless, of course, you are sitting the IELTS computer -based test, which has a word count!

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

Why is that?

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

Gaining work experience is more useful in today’s society than studying for a high-level education, such as a Master’s.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this, using your experience if possible, and say to what extent you agree or disagree.

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 argue, personally speaking)
2. It structures the essay by the division of Introduction, Discussion, Reason, Reason, etc, and Opinion paragraphs.
3. It provides a number of reasons (financial security, promotion opportunities, practical application) and a number of examples (integrate theoretical knowledge) AND extends the discussion (added to a resume or CV)
4. It links the discussion to the reasons (A further issue, a further advantage, the first and perhaps most obvious,)
5. It links further ideas in the paragraphs (therefore, in addition, additionally, while)
6. It answers the question directly and gives a reason (the practical aspects of work experience are the most appealing, the practical aspects of work experience are the more attractive)
7. It users a variety of words that link sentences and ideas (first of all , second, next, finally)
8. It emphasises the writers opinion (I feel)
9. It uses lots of synonyms so that it does not repeat the question(obtaining experience, work experience, financial security, earning a living)
10. It tries to use NOUNS rather than verbs to sound academic and authoritative (level of experience, lack of experience, financial burden, lack of professional knowledge)
11. It supports this with adjectives to add precision (accumulating, outstanding, sufficient specialized knowledge)
12. It concludes with a strong call to action (the practical aspects of work experience are the more attractive) and empahsises a consequence or condition (on a personal level)
13. These are just a selection of examples, there are more….

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 an argument for IELTS and Academic Writing.

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

Why is this?

Well, in an IELTS Task 1 report, you are not required to add additional opinions, or comments or speculate on reasons why figures or numbers might be the way they are.

In Task 1, there is no argument to write, you should only report the figures you can see.

Task 2 Writing

In a Task 2 essay, the task is completely different.

You have to respond to a prompt or preposition and often put forward ideas solutions or even measures.

A good way of improving your IELTS band score and a great way to substantially improve your writing is to be objective.

This is very different to subjective writing, where you only use your opinions or personal point of view.

If you try to be objective, you can provide support for your ideas, your opinions or when responding to the prompt given. 

At times in your essay, you may still need to use the personal pronouns such as “we” and “I“. 🙁 

You may find you can not avoid these words, but you should aim to be objective by using examples and explanations more than your subjective or personal viewpoint. 

Writing objectively for IELTS

Compare these two sentences and then consider which is subjective and which one is objective.

It seems to me that people who continue to smoke in public places are rude and selfish.

It seems likely that those who continue to smoke in public places lack manners or are anti-social.

Compare these sentences and decide which puts forward examples and explanations and which is a personal viewpoint.

It is pretty clear that stronger punishments are needed. If these people were fined heavily or even threatened with a criminal record then this problem would disappear.

An effective way to deter people from smoking in public places might be to introduce more severe punishments. Heavy fines or even the possibility of a criminal record are examples of how this issue might be reduced.

Ways of providing support for objective IELTS Essay writing

There are two simple ways to provide support in your IELTS essay and to strengthen your argument. 

The first way is two follow a simple formula: in other words, what you could say is a template, and the second is to introduce support from outside sources.

If you follow a template it will help you develop your ideas and will help you write with clarity.

A paragraph template for IELTS

A good piece of writing makes a point clearly and may illustrate it to help the reader understand. 

To avoid rambling, plan the points in your essay argument and the evidence that you will use to illustrate your ideas, and only include the necessary detail.

Plan just one main point per paragraph and expand it like this:

P: Topic sentence introducing the point with essential detail.

E: Illustration of point using evidence: using an example.

A: Critical analysis of point and explanation.

L: Summing up the point, linking it to the question or your argument.

What not to do in an IELTS Essay

Academic writing tends to be impersonal in style.

It tries to be impersonal in order to be objective.

This may make it appear formal and students stress that they must use formal words and waste valuable preparation tie doing this.

My advice is to be certain about what words ARE informal and just get writing.

This is a far better solution.

Unfortunately, a bigger issue is that too many IELTS Candidates write in a subjective style.

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

This can create a negative impression in the examiner and this can lower the essay band score.

This issue is a big problem in my country but it is pretty clear to me that stronger punishments are needed for dangerous driving offences. If these people were fined heavily or even threatened with a criminal record then this problem would disappear.

It is important to be aware and notice how academic writers express themselves and support their opinions, like this.

Dangerous driving is an issue in many countries, however it seems clear that stronger punishments are needed for the most dangerous driving offences. If offenders were fined heavily or even threatened with a criminal record then this problem in general would most likely be reduced.

How can you support you effectively ideas

Support consists of evidence.

Here are four kinds of evidence you can use 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.

Writing a supported argument

Read the arguments for the following statement:

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. By 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 second-hand smoke is very unhealthy for non-smokers”.

or by providing figures or percentages.

3. Statistics:

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

or by provide the voice of another.

4. Expert Opinion:

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

“According to the Environmental Protection Agency, second-hand smoke causes approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths in non-smokers each year”.

A balance of objectivity and time in the exam

For the IELTS test, there is not enough time or number of words to allow a completely written IELTS essay in an academic style.

The ‘take home‘ to remember is to aim for a balance.

So remember, although IELTS writing is not informal, it is much more semi-academic in style.

Other things to avoid in your IELTS essay.

Your writing should be formal, but it does not need to be over sophisticated.

To be formal, there are various colloquialisms and shortened forms to avoid:

Avoid shortened forms:

Shouldn’t, it’s for it is

Avoid phrases or cliches such as:

at the end of the day; in a nutshell; when it comes to the numbers

Replace with: finally, in summary, in a crisis

Avoid colloquial words such as:

literally, really, okay, maybe.

Avoid rhetorical questions

Don’t pose questions to the IELTS examiner, for example

‘Wouldn’t you feel happier if you could wear what you want at school?’

Avoid emotive language

Don’t use language that appeals to emotions, for example,

‘Many children are forced to suffer the indignity of wearing clothes that do not match their personal style.’

The essay should be a considered, objective response.

Avoid Hyperbole

Don’t use exaggeration purely for effect, for example, 

Millions of school children every year ………

What you should do in the IELTS Exam

You do not have much time, but planning the paragraph structure is the key to a higher writing score.

Remember to only plan one main point per paragraph using the PEAL format:

P: Main point with essential detail.

E: Evidence of the point using an example.

A: Analysis of point and explanation.

L: Linking to the question or your argument with a summary. 🙂

That’s it on preparing a strong argument that free from distractions. 

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

I would appreciate if you could share this to someone you know.

I also recommend taking a look at my free blog below, or join my IELTS Membership Course 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