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IELTS Preparation tips

The best ways to study for the four IELTS sub-tests: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking

More Writing tips for the IELTS General module

Let’s continue with the Writing tips, because I have more of them for you.

By the way, for those of you who can’t wait to read “Ace The IELTS” book – it is coming, I will release it very soon. In the meantime – you’ll have to settle for these tips :).

In the Writing Task 2 you will receive a topic and you will have to write an essay of 250 words.
This task has more weight than the Writing task 1. It also takes longer – 40 minutes, whereas Writing task 1 takes only 20 minutes.

The topic of an essay can be one of 3 possible types: a description of an opinion, an argument or a social problem.

Any essay you write on any topic must have structure – you can receive (or lose :() points for it. Structure means having at least 4 paragraphs (5 is better). The first paragraph is introductory, the next two or three are the actual essay body, and the last one is the conclusion.

The first thing to do is to understand what kind of topic is before you.

Next:

  • for an argument – you need to explain both sides and agree with one of them
  • for an opinion – you need to present another point of view and say which one you agree with and why
  • for a problem – you need to explain it, discuss and offer a solution and discuss it too.

    • No matter what type of essay you are writing, you must provide some facts, evidence and information. When you explain the problem – evaluate it; say when/where/who for it is especially difficult. If you present an idea of solution – discuss it; say what its good and bad sides are. Add examples from your own experience to support what you’re saying.

    In any essay the logical sequence of information is very important. Jumping from one idea to another is very bad for you score, all ideas must be connected logically. Another important thing is “smart” words – try to use them as much as you can, because this also affects your score. Punctuation is important too. Take a look at some Examples Of Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2 here. This file is from the IELTS official site – it can be trusted.

    That’s all for today – keep up the good work!

    Writing tips for the IELTS General module

    Yesterday I received an email from a loyal visitor of IELTS-blog (hi, Ankur!) and it made me sit down and finally write some tips for the IELTS Writing test.

    Right now I am working on a book that will include everything you need to know to ACE The IELTS. But I know that you can’t wait and you’ve got to study RIGHT NOW, so here are some tips to keep you working :).

    As you know there are 2 parts, the Writing task 1 and the Writing task 2.

    In the Writing task 1 you receive a “scenario” and you have to write a letter. Not many people know that there are 4 types of letters in the IELTS test:

  • Complaint / Request (of information) letter
  • Formal business letter
  • Job application letter
  • Personal letter

    • In any letter you write IELTS examiners will be looking for these 3 important components: structure, vocabulary and fluency of language.

    Structure means that your letter must have paragraphs, at least 3 of them. Every paragraph has its job.

  • The first one must define the purpose of your letter in one – two sentences.
  • The second one must explain more about why you are writing this letter.
  • The third must say what kind of answer you expect.

    • Vocabulary means that you should use some “smart” words. In case you are writing a Complaint, a Business or a Job application letter you must use formal language, but not for the Personal letter.

    Fluency of language means phrases people usually use in letters. The best advice I can give you here is to read every IELTS Sample Letter you can get. This way you develop proper language for any type of letter.

    You can find some examples in the right side-bar of IELTS-blog, under “Writing Practice” (or Click Here) and I will continue to add more links to sample letters there.