IELTS Essay - Tips to Write a Good IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay

Summary

This video lesson from Oxford Online English provides valuable insights on how to approach writing an IELTS Task 2 essay. It covers analyzing the task, developing a plan, and organizing ideas effectively within the time constraints of the exam. The lesson explains the importance of clearly understanding the question, rephrasing it, and structuring body paragraphs with clear topic sentences and examples. It also emphasizes crafting a strong introduction and conclusion to present a coherent argument. Ultimately, viewers are guided on how to write an IELTS essay that addresses both sides of an argument while making a well-supported personal conclusion.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand the question: Rephrase the task in your own words to ensure you fully comprehend what’s being asked.
• 😀 Analyze the task: Break down the question to identify how many things you need to do in your essay.
• 😀 Plan your essay: Decide on your conclusion and structure your body paragraphs to support it.
• 😀 Introduction strategy: Your introduction should signal your position and briefly outline your approach.
• 😀 Use a clear and consistent plan: Each body paragraph should have only one main idea aligned with your conclusion.
• 😀 Reframing the question: It’s essential to clarify how you interpret the key ideas, especially if aiming for a higher score.
• 😀 Topic sentences: Begin each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea of that paragraph.
• 😀 Detailed explanations and examples: Develop your topic sentence by providing examples and further explanation.
• 😀 Strong conclusion: Restate your opinion clearly and connect all the ideas you discussed in the body paragraphs.
• 😀 Proofread: Always check for clarity, grammar, and spelling mistakes before finalizing your essay.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the IELTS task two essay?

The main purpose of the IELTS task two essay is to assess a candidate's ability to present an argument, discuss multiple views on a topic, and give a clear opinion while demonstrating good writing skills within a 40-minute time frame.

How can candidates avoid misunderstanding the IELTS writing task?

Candidates can avoid misunderstanding the task by carefully reading and rephrasing the question in their own words. This helps ensure a clear understanding of what is being asked, including key concepts and instructions.

What are the four key tasks in the given IELTS writing question?

The four key tasks in the question are: 1) Discuss both views (freedom of choice vs. government intervention), 2) Give your own opinion, 3) Provide reasons for your answer, and 4) Include relevant examples.

Why is it important to have a plan before writing the essay?

Having a plan is crucial because it helps ensure the essay is well-organized, clear, and coherent. Without a plan, candidates risk losing focus, making the essay harder to follow, and potentially missing key points.

What are the three possible conclusions that can be drawn from the sample question?

The three possible conclusions are: 1) People should be free to make unhealthy choices without government interference, 2) The government should intervene to prevent unhealthy choices, or 3) A balanced approach where both personal freedom and government guidance are considered.

What are the key elements to include in the introduction of the IELTS essay?

The introduction should include a hook or background information (optional), a rephrasing of the question (important for higher scores), and a clear statement of the essay's direction, including the conclusion.

How should candidates structure their body paragraphs in the essay?

Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence, followed by more detailed explanations and examples. The paragraph should end with a mini-conclusion that restates the central idea, ensuring clarity and cohesion.

What is the role of the conclusion in the IELTS essay?

The conclusion should clearly state the candidate's opinion and summarize the key points discussed in the body paragraphs. It should not introduce new ideas but instead connect the discussion to the overall position taken in the essay.

How can candidates strengthen their arguments in the body paragraphs?

Candidates can strengthen their arguments by providing specific examples and supporting details for each main point. Using advanced vocabulary and grammar structures also helps make the essay more persuasive and engaging.

Why is it important to maintain consistency between the body paragraphs and the conclusion?

Maintaining consistency ensures that the essay is coherent and the points discussed in the body paragraphs align with the conclusion. This helps the examiner see a clear and logical progression of ideas throughout the essay.