Ielts Writing Task: Get Strong In The Essay, Enter The Coveted 7+ League

Before knowing and understanding how to go about your strategy, what to do, what not to, what is to be taken care of etc. it is (imperative) that your fundamentals are known and taken care off. You need to see the ground basics so that you may strategize your (plans) accordingly.

The IELTS – academic or general exam is not one in which you fail or pass; it is something which merely checks the proficiency, the command you have over the English language. For starters, the testing process is divided into four categories – writing, speaking, listening and reading. In this (piece of writing, article) I will, however, emphasize the writing part.

Again, writing is comprised of 2 tasks. In this 1st task, for IELTS general – a letter has to be drafted in a given situation and in IELTS academic – a letter has to be written summarising, describing or even (explaining) visuals, graphs, tables, events, etc. The Task – 2 is Essay Writing, with slightly varying degrees of variations and difficulty.

Before writing or doing something, you have to know its parameters. The limitations. It could also mean what is looked for; in this case, what the examiner wants. Therefore, a familiarisation is necessary concerning assessment criteria.

Let me brief you about a few general skills accessed, in a nutshell. A person should be able to place ideas systematically, justify their arguments with proper proof or samples, cite relevant examples, be able to logically link relevant data and information, use a variety of structures, appropriate usage of language, etc.

• Task Response: Cover the major details as asked, and explain them adequately. It is okay not to overdo it, but try not to underdo.
• Coherence & Cohesion: Link relevant ideas in an appropriate order, use suitable connectors, link ideas logically, etc.
• Lexical Reasoning: Have a detailed usage of vocabulary.
• Grammatical range & accuracy: Precise usage of grammar and usage of a various variety of structures.

Let us understand the essential skills needed for TASK R 1

• Task response to write as asked for and in the particular style in which a letter/description has to be written.
• Grammar range and vocabulary for creation of complexity.
• Correct usage of punctuations for extra points.
• Presentation style and the way the written content is organized.
• Faultless use of words and spellings

Most importantly, read and understand what is asked for in the first task. Engage in a regular practice which covers all aspects and a broad variety of tasks.

Let’s now look at vital points for TASK – 2

• Superior task response to create your essay or present your solution to a problem by evaluating) arguments, expressing) ideas), etc.
• Cohesion and Coherence to link ideas or data in a proper flow and connect them via appropriate connectors etc.
• A uniform organization or thoughts and ideas and not spreading them haphazardly.
• An assorted use of grammar and vocabulary by placing them at proper places, connecting them with other words, etc.
• Using error-free spellings after knowing its meaning and where to place them
• A good reasoning of the flow of events which has to occur in due course of time.

Although you need to write for both the tasks R proper planning on how to write, how to present ideas, how to place them, maintain flow, do effective brainstorming, etc. is crucial in the stage before you start writing.

While you should give equal importance to both the tasks, I would ask you to emphasize the 2nd task over the 1st. (Task – 2 > Task – 1)

In the first task, a letter has to be written considering the question or basic summary or description has to be written for the 1st task as already mentioned. In this, even if you miss a piece or two of not – so – important – information, you can always cover up with the earlier flow you’ve maintained in your write – up.

The 2nd task, in the one with the essay, you have to, compulsorily have that flow of ideas. One break from your concentration and you could end up changing the entire course of the topic and thereby, the flow. You have to maintain those noteworthy trends and maintain a continuous relationship with them while painting your words through the essay.

But, before we delve into some hacks, it is good to know, in general, about band descriptions – key pointers, characteristics, etc.

Now then you get the hang of what it is, here are some points to help you get into the elite 7+ league

• To get a range of ideas on the types of IELTS questions asked, procure and source essay questions from the internet and learn the art of brainstorming and writing in a well R organized manner. It will also enable you to analyze and interpret what is truly asked for.
• Try to launch your essay after introducing the given topic, its relevance, need and then putting forward your point – of – view. Use examples, if required and connect them with arguments, situations, etc. But do not jump out of the purview of the topic.
• Learn the art of 3. Introducing, writing and giving a neutral conclusion to the topic given. Most importantly, maintain a good flow. The art of proper storytelling will surely get you in the coveted league.
• Another thing which could give you massive leaps to improve your writing flare is reading. A book, blogs, essays, arguments not only help you gain knowledge of the topic but also develop your writing skills. Also, read up essays on popular websites and trending topics. It will also enhance your understanding and pool of vocabulary. Grammar structure, maybe?
• Contradicting to the point I’ve mentioned above, keeping your original way of writing, your style is crucial. The person examining it knows more about ‘templates.’ Also, knowledge about the assessment criteria could be helpful.
• The K.I.S.S formula – Keep it simple and short. Unwanted complexity could result in unseen errors, and there might not be time to rectify the same, given the time period and stress factor.
• Don’t repeat statements or sentences now and then. Use a wide range of connectors. Also, use capital letters only when required. Also, do not use abbreviations or symbols, wrong quotes by famous personalities, etc.
• Although the essay (task – 2) may appear more scoring, don’t waste unwanted time on it and neglect the first topic.

There’s ONLY one way to improve, and that is by following this mantra: practice – practice – practice!!! Practice a lot of essays, take a lot of tests and make use of writing correction services to get them evaluated in order to know your strengths and weaknesses. To get 20+ FREE IELTS Practice tests with a mere sign up, visit popular sites like IELTSTutorials.online

Following and implementing these tips into your writing style could take a while, but getting into the 7+ league is classy isn’t it. And as Theodore Roosevelt said, “Nothing worth having comes easy.”

Author Bio:

KRINA PATEL

Project Manager at IELTSTutorials.online

Hi there! I and my team have researched, worked and developed a method, a solution for IELTS practice. A one stop solution. IELTS Tutorials as we call it, is a web portal that brings several beneficial features to the potential applicant that it targets to lift their overall score. The features include access, but not limited to practice resources, image description booklets, test – like environment, test evaluation, test analytics, informative mediums and more. Increase your knowledge and bands!