IELTS Discussion Essay: Useful Academic Expressions

Summary

In this lesson, the speaker outlines useful expressions for writing discussion essays for the IELTS exam. Emphasizing the importance of presenting different opinions, the speaker introduces various phrases like 'many people believe that' and 'it is commonly believed that,' highlighting their academic tone and passive structure. Expressions such as 'on the one hand' and 'on the other hand' are also discussed for presenting contrasting viewpoints. The speaker cautions against using informal phrases in academic writing, reinforcing the significance of flexibility in tense usage to enhance the essay's quality.

Takeaways

• 😀 Discussion essays for IELTS Writing Task 2 require you to support two different sides of an argument without stating your personal opinion.
• 📚 It's important to use expressions that reflect other people's opinions in your discussion essay.
• 🔍 'Many people believe that' is a common expression but may not score highly; it is clear and academic.
• 🔄 'It is commonly believed that' offers a passive voice option that can enhance your band score.
• 💡 Alternatives for frequency include 'it is frequently believed that' or 'it is often believed that'.
• ⚖️ 'On the side of the other side of the coin' is a phrase to introduce a contrasting opinion.
• 🔄 'It is considered by many that' is an academic and effective way to present opinions.
• 🗣️ 'Many argue that' succinctly presents a viewpoint without unnecessary words.
• 📝 'On the one hand' and 'on the other hand' are useful phrases for structuring your arguments clearly.
• 🚫 Avoid using informal expressions and idioms in your academic essay, as they are not suitable for IELTS.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the lesson?

The main purpose of the lesson is to introduce useful expressions for writing a discussion essay for IELTS Writing Task 2.

What is a discussion essay focused on?

A discussion essay is focused on presenting different sides of an argument based on other people's opinions, rather than the writer's personal opinion.

Why is using passive voice beneficial in IELTS essays?

Using passive voice can enhance the academic tone of the essay and demonstrate grammatical variety, which can positively influence the band score.

Can you name a few expressions that are recommended for use in discussion essays?

Some recommended expressions include 'Many people believe that...', 'It is commonly believed that...', and 'On the one hand...'.

What are two expressions that should be avoided in academic essays?

The expressions 'In my opinion,' and 'You know,' should be avoided as they are too informal for academic writing.

How can variations in adverbs improve an essay?

Variations in adverbs, such as using 'frequently' or 'often,' can help demonstrate flexibility in language use and enrich the essay's vocabulary.

What structure should writers aim for in their essays?

Writers should aim for a mix of simple tenses and passive structures to show linguistic range and maintain an academic tone.

What is the significance of using academic expressions in IELTS essays?

Using academic expressions is significant because it enhances clarity, demonstrates a higher level of language proficiency, and contributes to achieving a higher band score.

Why is it important to show both sides of an argument in a discussion essay?

It is important to show both sides of an argument to provide a balanced view, which is a key requirement for achieving a well-rounded discussion in the essay.

What should students focus on when practicing for the IELTS Writing Task 2?

Students should focus on incorporating the recommended expressions into their practice essays to become comfortable with using them in their writing.