Let’s have a close look at “How to Master Writing Task 2 in IELTS.
Although there is no mandate on the maximum number of words, candidates need to write a minimum of 250 words. Task 2 is twice as significant as Task 1 to the writing score. Therefore, it is a good idea that they spend twice as long on Task 2 i.e. Task 1 – 20 minutes; Task 2 – 40 minutes.
For Task 2, irrespective of Academic and General Training Writing tests, candidates need to write their opinion on the questions which are presented with a point of view, argument or problem.
Both in the Academic and General Training Writing tests, the issues raised are related to social, cultural, or general interests.
Types of essay
IELTS test takers are often asked to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of something or discuss two points of view. This type of question requires the candidates to discuss both sides of the argument and give their opinion at the end of the essay. An example of such a question is:
“Some people think that the amount of time we spend using the Internet has a negative effect on social interaction, but other people feel that it opens up more possibilities for communication. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using the Internet.”
The question sometimes asks candidates whether they agree with something. In this situation, they can either choose to discuss both sides of the argument or just say what they think at the beginning or give reasons for their opinion. An example question:
“Some people think that the Internet has a negative effect on social interaction. Do you agree?”
Another question type that candidates can come across is to present a solution to a problem. An example question:
“In many countries, people are eating more unhealthy food and taking less exercise. What do you think the causes of this are? What can be done about it?”
Precisely, Task 2 requires the candidates to:
• Compare, contrast, and evaluate ideas.
• Present and justify an opinion.
• Present the solution to a problem.
Structure
The candidates must recognize the type of question because this will help them structure the essay and organize their points into paragraphs. Here are three suggested structures for the three questions on essays mentioned above:
Question: “Some people think that the amount of time we spend using the Internet has a negative effect on social interaction, but other people feel that it opens up more possibilities for communication. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using the Internet.”
Type: giving both sides of an argument.
Suggested structure:
• Introduction
• Advantages and disadvantages
• Conclusion + statement of opinion
Question: “Some people think that the Internet has a negative effect on social interaction. Do you agree?”
Type: giving an opinion and justifying it.
Suggested structure:
• Introduction + statement of opinion
• Justification for opinion
• Conclusion
Question: “In many countries, people are eating more unhealthy food and taking less exercise. What do you think the causes of this are? What can be done about it?”
Type: giving a solution to a problem.
Suggested structure:
• Introduction – description of the problem
• Possible solutions
• Conclusion
The assessment criteria:
• Task response: assesses the ability to give a full and detailed answer
• Coherence and cohesion: assesses the ability to organize and link ideas clearly
• Lexical resource: assesses the ability to use a range of appropriate vocabulary
• Grammatical range and accuracy: assesses the ability to produce a variety of correct sentences
The FOUR writing stages:
Stage 1: Preparing to write
Before the candidates start writing, they should write down some ideas.
This is the stage where the test takers should start organizing their ideas as this will make the writing stage easier and help them give overall coherence to their essay.
Stage 2: Writing the introduction
The candidates should let their readers know how the essay will develop. The introductory i.e. the first paragraph of an essay is very important as it introduces the topic to the readers. Therefore, to show that the candidates have really understood the question, it is important for them to restate the question in their own words and then make it clear how they are going to structure their answers in the essay. Copying the question statement and putting the same as the first sentence of the introductory paragraph is strictly a NO.
Stage 3: Writing the main body
After the introductory paragraph, the candidates must make sure that they expand their points as much as possible in Body Paragraphs 1, 2, or 3.
They can do this for each body paragraph by stating the main idea in the first sentence (Topic Sentence) and then substantiating it with one or more supporting points. This gives more weight to the argument and justifies the opinion mentioned in the topic sentence. Using the cohesive devices at this stage would increase the score for the lexical resources as well as cohesion and coherence. It is about linking ideas. Using pronouns is one of the ways to do that. Using linkers like although, because, on the other hand, etc. is another way to give the essay cohesion, as these act like signposts to lead the readers through the essay.
Some important linking words and their functions are given below:
Function Linking words
Giving reasonsbecause, as
Describing the resultas a consequence, as a result, therefore
Adding informationfurthermore, in addition, moreover
Giving examplessuch as, for example
Contrastinghowever, on the other hand
Summarizingin conclusion, to sum up
Listingfirst, finally
Stage 4: Writing the final or the concluding paragraph
The final or the concluding paragraph ideally needs to be short. The most important thing is to make sure the readers clearly understand the main points that the candidates are trying to put across. So, if the question is asking to discuss both points of view then the suggested structure of an essay would be like this:
Introductory Paragraph
Body Paragraphs 1 and 2 – discuss advantages and disadvantages.
Concluding Paragraph – summaries both sides of the argument. Give an opinion.
If the question is asking for a solution to any problem, then the suggested structure of an essay would be like this:
Introductory Paragraph – description of the problem.
Body Paragraphs 1 and 2 – discussion of possible solutions.
Concluding Paragraph – summaries the main problems and give a solution.
If the question is asking to agree or disagree, then the suggested structure of an essay would be like this:
Introduction + statement of opinion.
Body Paragraphs 1 and 2 – Justification of opinion.
Concluding Paragraph – (Re)state opinion and summary of reasons.
FAQs
