The IELTS Academic & General Writing module is a test of the written English language, and it follows certain rules that need to be followed.
Writing according to the guidelines is the most critical of the top 10 tips for IELTS essay writing.
Top 10 tips for IELTS essay writing
Tip #1: Study the guidelines
If you want to achieve a good score in this part of the examination - make sure you understand the rules.
It's important for students to study these guidelines carefully before sitting down to write their essay paper on the day of the IELTS exam.
You need to understand each marking criterion:
- Task Response
- Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy
- Coherence and Cohesion
Tip #2: Understand the question
Applying the instructions and grammar guidelines to a particular question is key.
You must read each question closely in order to understand what you are being asked for.
Then you can produce an answer which satisfies all the Task Achievement requirements.
Many candidates score badly because they don't take time to read the question carefully. Or misunderstand it!
Tip #3: Make an essay plan
It's advisable to make a plan before you begin writing the essay, this will help you write faster and more efficiently.
An essay plan helps the writer to fully understand what they want from their essay and how they are going to achieve that.
The most important thing about an essay plan is that there needs to be a clear objective.
1. Introduction
The introduction should be around 45 words and should introduce the topic of the essay and give your thesis statement.
2. Body Paragraph 1
The first body paragraph should be around 120 words and should discuss the first point that you are making in your essay.
3. Body Paragraph 2
The second body paragraph should be around 120 words and should discuss the second point that you are making in your essay.
4. Body Paragraph 3 [optional]
The third body paragraph should be around 120 words and should discuss the third point that you are making in your essay.
5. Conclusion
The conclusion should be around 45 words and should summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis statement.
Note: the nukmber of paragrpahs may vary depending on if it is an opinion / discussion / problem-solution essay question.
The minimum word count = 250. But with practice, you should be able to write a 300+ word essay in 40 minutes.
Tip #4: Organize paragraphs before writing
Outlining the main points in a paragraph before writing it will help with clarity and coherence.The key is to organize "supporting" information (such as data, facts) followed by "concluding" thoughts on the topic.
It's important to avoid randomly adding paragraphs without organizing the ideas, as this will lead to not having a clear focus.
Tip #5: Avoid verbosity
This is so important because, as we know, the word limit on an IELTS essay is 250+ words.
How to avoid "wordy sentneces" you might get wrong.
1. Use Shorter Sentences
One of the best ways to make your writing more concise is to use shorter sentences. This may seem counterintuitive, as you may think that using longer, more complex sentences will make your writing sound more intelligent. However, in reality, shorter sentences are easier for readers to understand and follow. Additionally, shorter sentences can help to keep your writing focused and on-topic. In the IELTS writing test you are expected to show that you can use simple and complex sentences, but avoid overdoing complex structures in an attempt to impress.
2. Use Simpler Language
Another way to make your writing more concise is to use simple language. This means avoiding unnecessarily complicated words and phrases. Instead, opt for straightforward language that is easy for readers to understand. Additionally, using simple language can help to keep your writing focused and on-topic.
3. Be Selective with Your Words
Finally, another way to make your writing more concise is to be selective with your words. This means choosing only the most essential words and phrases needed to convey your message. Oftentimes, writers will include unnecessary words and phrases that add nothing of value to their writing. By being selective with your words, you can ensure that every word in your piece serves a purpose and helps to further your argument or point.
It's not about using long and fancy words - it's more to do with getting to the point quickly without being too wordy or ambiguous. Unless you have excellent writing skills - it is better to be clear and correct than try to use too many complex sentence structures incorrectly.
Tip #6: Avoid common errors in grammar
There are many common errors that IELTS students make in their essay writing that can be easily fixed.
One of these errors is the use of irrelevant modifiers.
An irrelevant modifier is a word or phrase that modifies a word or phrase in a way that is not relevant to the meaning of the sentence.
Irrelevant modifiers can often be found in writing that is trying to sound more impressive or "flowery" than it needs to be.
Irrelevant modifiers can make a sentence confusing and difficult to understand.
To avoid using irrelevant modifiers, make sure that the word or phrase you are modifying is relevant to the meaning of the sentence.
If you are unsure whether a modifier is relevant, try reading the sentence without the modifier and see if it still makes sense.
Contextual examples of unnecessary modifiers in writing
He was extremely tall.
Better sentence: He was tall.
The dog is so adorable.
Better sentence: The dog is adorable.
I am so exhausted.
Better sentence: I am exhausted.
This is a really huge problem.
Better sentence: This is a huge problem.
He is such an extremely smart kid.
Better sentence: He is a smart kid.
I want to go outside right now.
Better sentence: I want to go outside.
Tip #7: Avoid common errors in punctuation and spelling
Avoid grammatical mistakes by being careful how you use commas, capitalization and apostrophes.
One of the most common grammatical errors in essays is using periods for commas or missing a period at the end of a sentence.
Tip #8: Time management
When taking the IELTS Writing test, managing your time effectively is key to completing both tasks successfully.
For Task 2, it's important to take a few minutes at the beginning to plan and outline your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and structure your arguments, allowing you to write more efficiently in the allotted time.
As you write, keep track of the time and make sure to leave enough time for proofreading and checking for grammar and spelling errors.
It's also helpful to practice timed writing exercises in preparation for the test so you can become familiar with how long it takes for you to finish a Task 2 essay.
Good time management skills will allow you to confidently manage your time during the IELTS Writing test and maximize your score on Task 2.
IELTS test-takers are given 40 minutes to write their essay. You can't control the time limit in IELTS writing tasks, but there are ways that you can manage your time more efficiently.
Divide your essay into three sections:
- Introduction paragraph
- Body paragraph #1
- Body paragraph #2
- Conclusion
And include a limited number of sentences per paragraph.
Don't forget to allow 4-5 minutes at the end for checking your essay!
Tip #9: Useful linking phrases
Another way to improve our essay writing skills is by using linking phrases.
Linking words and phrases make it easier for the reader to understand what we are saying.
They also make sure that the examiner doesn't get lost in a sea of information.
Some useful linking words or phrases include:
- however; synonyms include but, nevertheless, and on the other hand
- which is because; synonyms include which means that and as a result of this
- another reason why...; synonyms include another one of the reasons for, …and yet another reason to...
- also, furthermore, in addition
More useful linking words or phrases
Sequence linking words, examples:
- first, second, third
- then, next, after that, subsequently, finally
Tip #10: Conclusion paragraph
One of the most important parts of an essay is the conclusion paragraph. As the last chance to leave a lasting impression on the reader, it should effectively summarize your argument and provide closure.
When writing a conclusion, start by restating your thesis in different words. Then, briefly review the main points that you made in your essay and tie them back to your thesis. Finally, end with a strong statement or call to action that leaves the reader with something to think about.
Remember that a conclusion paragraph should not introduce new information or arguments; instead, focus on reinforcing the ideas you have already presented.
Follow these tips, and you can write a compelling conclusion that brings cohesiveness and closure to your essay.
Allow about 5 minutes at the end to check your essay for errors. You'll be surprised how many errors you can avoid just by doing this.
Okay, there's one more common error we should mention: repeating the same word(s) too often in your essay!
When you do your final check, make sure you focus on any necessary sentence rephrasing. Use synonyms and a variety of words, to avoid repetition (e.g. using the word "because" too many times).