The majority of IELTS aspirants look around for IELTS writing tips. Many IELTS test takers spend a lot of time practicing writing a top-notch essay. To get higher scores, they stuff their essay with difficult vocabulary and overuse complicated grammar and writing structure. Are these things necessary? The answer is NO.
To get a Band 8, there are several simple tricks you can practice to get your desired score. In the writing section, you do not need to come up with complicated and special knowledge; the examiner will evaluate your writing, not your thoughts. The expression and articulation of your simple ideas will help you get a higher band score. To succeed in IELTS, you will need to practice accuracy and write down simple things well. Unfortunately, even well-trained candidates lose points on IELTS writing as they make silly mistakes. Primarily, the candidates get off the topic and make several mistakes when writing too many words.
Whether you are taking IELTS or IELTS UKVI, a writing task is something that daunts all the applicants. In this blog, we will enlist the IELTS writing tips that can help you achieve your desired band score.
What is an IELTS Writing Section?
For the IELTS writing task, the candidate has to attempt two different tasks. The first is the letter writing for IELTS General Training and report writing for the IELTS Academics. This task in the writing section is considered relatively easier than the second one.
For the IELTS writing task two, you have to write an essay on any given topic in at least 250 words. This task requires you to write an essay on a given topic within a time limit. The essays you will have to write could be an opinion essay, an advantage/disadvantage essay, an argumentative essay, or a problem/solution essay. You will have to use your skills and experience and quote some examples while answering this section.
How is the Writing Section Scored?
The scoring criteria for the writing task are based on the following:
- Task Response
- Lexical Resources
- Coherence and Cohesion
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Each of these criteria contributes to 25% of the total writing score. If you are not paying attention to these parameters while writing, you will lose quite a lot of marks. IELTS aspirants should prepare well before the time for these tasks. You can take help from online resources or from IELTS preparation books to achieve a decent score on the test.
IELTS Writing Tips
Now that you have an idea of what the writing section in the IELTS exam is. Let’s proceed to some IELTS writing tips and tricks that will help you score well on the exam.
1). Understand the Question
The first and very basic thing you need to be careful about is reading and understanding the question thoroughly. Only when you understand the question correctly can you articulate your answer correctly. Oftentimes, test-takers make the mistake of not giving their thoughts in opinion-based questions and just focusing on facts. They might also end the problem-/solution-based essay without presenting the solution. These lead to a significant deduction from your score. So, be mindful when reading the question.
2). Outline your Ideas
Once you have understood the question, your next step will be to brainstorm ideas for the answer. The best practice is to map out the ideas on paper. Make out the map, enlist the ideas, and put them in charts, or do whatever works best for you. It will help you structure the essay well and minimize the chances of forgetting any point when writing.
Additionally, when you are mapping out the ideas, ask yourself further questions. Having the answers to the questions of why, when, where, who, and how will help you get more ideas. These answers will help you think more clearly and come up with more ideas.
3). Present your Personal Opinion
The best practice when writing an essay is to include your personal opinion in the essay. Only adding facts about the topic will not convince the reader that you can express your ideas eloquently. Also, try using relevant examples and quoting instances in the essay to make it clearer.
If the question asks, “What do you think?” you should just give your opinion to get a good score. Try not to leave your opinion until the conclusion of the essay. When adding your opinion to the essay, make sure to hold on to either end of the rope. Be clear and take the same position throughout your essay.
4). Take Care of Lexical Resources and Grammar
Lexical resources are one of the four writing assessment criteria that will contribute to your writing score. Many of the IELTS test takers are unaware of the use of lexical resources in their writing. It refers to the use of a sufficient vocabulary, correct spellings, and proper implementation of collocations and word formation.
Additionally, the examiner is looking for a variety of words and avoids repeating the same words again and again. Not having enough words to jot down your ideas gives the reader a negative impression. Moreover, use appropriate grammar and put punctuation in the right places. These IELTS writing tips play a vital role in getting you a good score.
5). Make Paragraphs
One of the best writing practices is to make paragraphs while writing any academic article. Candidates usually do not practice this and describe the entire topic in one flow, which gives a negative impression. The structure of the essay should consist of the following:
- Introduction
- Body Paragraph 1
- Body Paragraph 2
- Conclusion
Break down your ideas into different paragraphs. Explain the ideas in detail with the relevant example in each paragraph. Start the next paragraph with another new idea, thereby each paragraph reflecting a different idea. Additionally, keep in mind to use formal language throughout the essay. Informal language is strictly prohibited from being used in the IELTS exam.
6). Manage your Time and Complete your Answer
Like other tests, the IELTS exam is also time-bound; you need to complete your task within the time frame. You must develop proper time management skills before appearing in the test. Start with a proper strategy and divide your time. It is advisable to leave some time for proofreading.
To complete the answer before the time is over, candidates often leave the answer incomplete. Some choose to complete their answer by opting for writing either short sentences or bullets. These practices are not advisable, and they will deduct your marks. By leaving answers incomplete, you can prevent the examiner from evaluating your English language proficiency.
Conclusion
Now that you are familiar with IELTS writing tips, it will be easier to get your desired score. Make sure you go through these IELTS writing tips and put them into regular practice. Achieving a high score in the IELTS writing section is possible with simple, effective strategies. Focus on understanding the question, organizing your ideas, and expressing your thoughts clearly. Pay attention to lexical resources, grammar, and proper paragraphing. Lastly, manage your time wisely to ensure you complete your answer. By following these IELTS writing tips, you can boost your chances of attaining your desired band score.
