IELTS Writing Task 2: How to prepare for task 2.

Look at as many sample questions as you can. Practice underlining the key points and brainstorming the topics, making plans for each one. Gradually reduce the time you allow yourself to do this, so you can do it in less than 5 minutes. See all the practice books and websites for sample questions. Lots of them have sample answers as well.

Look at the language used for making paragraphs and sentences cohesive (linking your ideas within and between sentences and paragraphs). For example: logical links that show addition (as well as, in addition) or contrast (whereas, on the other hand).

Look at the language used for expressing views. For example: ‘I believe that….’ ‘I would argue that….’, for making contrasts and concessions. For example: ‘Despite the fact that….’.

Look at the language for refuting an argument. For example: ‘There is little evidence to support the….’, for giving arguments, for providing support to your main points. For example: ‘In my experiences…’, ‘A good example of this is ….’. And in conclusions. For example: ‘In conclusion…’ or ‘On balance…’.

Think about the topics that could be used for this task. For example:

• Technology
• Crime
• Tourism
• Transport
• Education
• Population
• Media
• Health
• Society.

Brainstorm the topics for possible questions. Write as many timed essay as possible. Do the ones that have sample and model answers in the exercise books.

Before the exam, practice writing answers to the tasks in the time allowed, especially if you haven’t written at speed by hand for a while; keep up to date with current affairs.

During the exam, you should use a pen. It should be easier to write faster with a pen. Make sure you have a checklist in mind for editing your writing at the end. Make one up now with the errors you know you make.

Reference: How to Prepare for IELTS Writing. City University of Hongkong: English Language Center.

IELTS Writing Task 2: One-sided Argument.

Example of task: Children are spending more time at their computers today than playing with their friends.To what extent do you agree or disagree?

 Task 2 will examine your ability to do one or maybe more of the following tasks:

• present justify opinions,
• argue case,
• evaluate and challenge ideas.

Your scope tells your reader the main points you will make. Your thesis statement tells the reader your opinion.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Two-sided Argument.

Example of the task: Some people think that children get a better education if they study away from home at a boarding school. Others believe it is better for them to stay with their families and attend day school.

Discuss both these points of view and give your opinion.

Task 2 will examine your ability to do one or maybe more of the following tasks:

• present justify opinions,
• argue case,
• evaluate and challenge ideas.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Give your argument.

The writing test is a part of IELTS test. You have 60 minutes for this test. For your information, there are two tasks or to do in writing section. One task on each side of the card. You can make notes on the card but it will not be seen/examined by the examiner. You will be given an answer book and you must write your essay in the answer book. Notes are not acceptable and essays under the word limit will be penalized. So, you must read what you have to do carefully.

Task 2 will examine your ability to do one or maybe more of the following tasks:

• present justify opinions,
• argue case,
• evaluate and challenge ideas.

Here some example. In this part of the test, you will be given a discussion topic. The question will either present you with an opinion or argument. You have to discuss the question with two or three main points and supporting detail for each point. The length of paragraph that you must write is consisted of at least 250 words. And the maximum time is 40 minutes on this task.

Remember. Your task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource and grammatical will be assessed on this test.

Task Response: you must write with logical and well-supported arguments, give some good reasons and experiences. Avoid giving anything irrelevant from the topic.

Coherence and Cohesion: write fluently and clearly, so the examiner can read your arguments.

Lexical Resource: enrich your vocabulary. Spell accurately and use appropriate word formation.

Grammatical: use grammatical structures accurately.
You must know that this part carries more weight in marking than Task 1. Look at this following example:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:

A  great  many  countries  around  the  world  are losing  their  cultural  identity because of the Internet.To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

How to do on Task 2:
Read the question carefully.
Underline the key points in the question.
Make sure you read all the question. Include all required.
Quickly brainstorm the topic. Think about your point of view, personal experiences and supporting details.
Write a plan. Decide the main points, and organize!
Don’t forget the introduction, body and conclusion. 

The structure for your essay will depend on the type of question. Good luck!
Reference: How to Prepare for IELTS Writing. City University of Hongkong: English Language Center.

Speaking IELTS: Practicing Based on Topic Conversation

Practice makes perfect is in line with the last section of IELTS, speaking. In this skill, there are some parts that you can arrange in some ways so that you become the driver of the conversation between you and the examiner. You can drag the conversation to things that you master well. This skill will not be granted just like that. You need to practice to have it. That is why, it is important for you to look at some examples of the conversation topic so that you can train yourself answering the questions smoothly.

IELTS Writing Task 1: Golden Rules of Writing Task 1

Remember that this takes about 20 minutes. You write a report about a graph, table, bar chart or diagram, using a minimum of 150 words. You are marked on task completion and use of range of vocabulary and grammar, organization and development. 

Do Task 1 first. There is a reason why it is Task 1. From the psychological point of view, it gives you a sense of accomplishment when you have finished it. A common feature of the writing process is the concept of getting oneself going. With the shorter task you can get yourself into your stride in writing. By the time you start Task 2, you’ll then be much more alert and perform Task 2 much more efficiently.

IELTS Writing Task 1: How to prepare for Task 1

This article describes how to prepare for Task 1. First, become familiar with the graph types, for example bar, and line graphs. Do lots of practice exercises in describing graphs. Practice identifying key information in graphs and charts. Practices working out what graph axes represent. Become familiar with a variety of ways to:

IELTS Writing Task 1: Objects/How Something Works

This part of the test will test your ability to describe objects or describe how something works. See the example below.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The diagrams below show how to plumb in a washing machine.

Summarize the information by describing the main features and explaining how a washing machine works.

You should write at least 150 words.

Reading: True/False/Not Given Question Type

The True/False/Not Given question type is maybe one of the question type in IELTS reading that is hard to answer by the test takers. Here are some tips on how to deal with those kind of question type.

IELTS Writing Task 1: Processes or Flow Charts

This part of the test will test your ability to describe something. Here’s the example describing the stages of a process/procedure.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The following flowchart shows the process students at an English language school go through.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.