IELTS Task 2 Writing Band 9 Ultimate Guide 2024

Summary

This video script addresses common pitfalls in IELTS essay writing, emphasizing that memorized templates can lead to lower band scores. It explains the importance of understanding the IELTS criteria set by Cambridge University and the need to write in either the first or third person voice without mixing. The script provides a detailed guide on how to achieve a high band score by focusing on task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy. It also includes a step-by-step correction of a sample band 6 essay to illustrate improvements for a band 9 score, highlighting the significance of clear structure, concise language, and proper grammar.

Takeaways

• 📚 The IELTS exam is created by Cambridge University, not British Council or IDP, which are involved in administration.
• 🎯 To achieve a high band score in IELTS, it's crucial to understand the official task 2 marking criteria: task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy.
• 📝 Cambridge University, established in the 1200s, has a deep understanding of English language and literature, which influences the IELTS writing task requirements.
• 📈 The goal of a standard persuasive essay, like those in IELTS, is to convince the reader of an idea, and it should have a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• 🗣️ When writing an essay, the author can choose between a first-person voice (using 'I', 'me', 'my') or a third-person voice (using 'people', 'individuals'), and should not mix these voices.
• 💡 A band 9 task response requires the author to fully address the task and create a well-developed answer with accurate and precise ideas.
• 📑 For coherence and cohesion, a band 9 essay should skillfully manage paragraphing, including a hook, background information, and a direct thesis in the introductory paragraph.
• 🔄 To achieve a high lexical resource score, it's important to paraphrase key words in the essay to avoid repetition, rather than using overly complicated vocabulary.
• ⚖️ Grammatical range and accuracy require the use of a wide range of structures flexibly and accurately, with purpose, rather than simply using complex grammar for the sake of it.
• 👨‍🏫 The video provides a step-by-step correction of a band 6 essay to a band 9, highlighting common mistakes and how to correct them for higher scores.
• 🔗 The video suggests using a premium IELTS package for more help with writing, including understanding essay structures and receiving professional feedback.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video script?

The main issue discussed in the video script is the common mistakes made by IELTS candidates when writing essays, particularly the use of templates and the lack of understanding of the IELTS scoring criteria.

Who is responsible for creating the IELTS exam?

Cambridge University is responsible for creating the IELTS exam, including task two writing questions and the necessary English requirements for high band scores.

What are the four columns of the IELTS task 2 marking criteria?

The four columns of the IELTS task 2 marking criteria are task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy.

Why are templates not effective for the IELTS exam?

Templates are not effective for the IELTS exam because they do not allow for the full development of ideas and do not demonstrate the range of language skills required for high band scores.

What is the goal of a standard persuasive essay?

The goal of a standard persuasive essay is to convince the reader of an idea, which requires a clear structure with an introductory paragraph, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

What are the three different voices an author can choose to write an essay in?

The three different voices an author can choose to write an essay in are first person voice (using 'I', 'me', 'my'), third person voice (using 'people', 'individuals'), and never mixing these voices.

Why is it important to maintain the same voice throughout an essay?

Maintaining the same voice throughout an essay is important because mixing voices can confuse the reader and lead to a decrease in the essay's coherence and the author's credibility.

What does a band 9 task response require from the author?

A band 9 task response requires the author to fully address the task and create a well-developed answer with accurate and precise ideas.

What is the importance of paraphrasing key words in an essay?

Paraphrasing key words in an essay is important to avoid repetition and redundancy, and it can help achieve a higher lexical resource score without using overly complicated vocabulary.

What does the grammatical range and accuracy category assess in an essay?

The grammatical range and accuracy category assesses the author's ability to use a wide range of structures flexibly and with accuracy, ensuring that grammar serves a purpose and is not used incorrectly.

How can a student improve their IELTS essay score?

A student can improve their IELTS essay score by focusing on task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy, as well as avoiding common mistakes such as incorrect verb forms, unnecessary articles, and wordiness.