In my previous blog post, I wrote about building your IELTS writing task 2 (WT2) foundation, which included the first 3 steps to write your essay. If you have not read that post, go back and read it then pick up with this post. Read the foundation post here.
Steps for IELTS Writing Task 2
1. Analyze the question
2. Brainstorm
3. Plan
4. Write the introduction
5. Write the body paragraphs
6. Write the conclusion
7. Check / Edit
Today, we look at the formula (steps 4-7) for the IELTS writing task 2. These are the easy bits of the essay if you slow down and learn how to complete the first 3 steps.
Why are these the easy bits of the essay? Because you have already analyzed the question, brainstormed, and planned your writing. All you need to do now is follow the formula for steps 4-7.
And remember…you are not expected to be an expert. You will only be asked to write from your knowledge and/ or experience.
Your formula
Step 4: Introduction paragraph -what do I include?
• Paraphrase or restate the question in your own words. Do not copy the prompt. No points are given for repeating language in the prompt. You must show in your own words that you understand the prompt.
• Introduce the key arguments to be presented and state your opinion. Write your opinion in the intro and restate it in the conclusion. Without a clear position, you cannot score higher than a Band 5.
Opinion & Direct Question(s) essay: state your opinion and two ideas for supporting it or state the questions and how you will address them.
Problem and Solution essay: outline two problems/causes and two solutions you will address.
2-side Argument & Advantages/ Disadvantages essay: state your opinion and give 1 idea for each view or 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages.
Step 5: Main body paragraphs -how do I format these?
You want a clear topic sentence in each paragraph and supporting positions. Follow the formula laid out to simplify the writing process. This provides 3-5 sentences for each paragraph.
Opinion & Direct Question(s) essay
Main body paragraph 1: topic sentence for idea 1 + explanation for idea 1 + example for idea 1
Main body paragraph 2: topic sentence for idea 2 + explanation for idea 2 + example for idea 2
Direct Question(s) essay
Note: You only need to answer the question or questions you are asked. You will never have more than 3 body paragraphs as there will only be up to three questions asked.
Main body paragraph 1: topic sentence for question 1 + explanation for idea 1 + example for idea 1
If a second question -> Main body paragraph 2: topic sentence for idea 2 + explanation for idea 2 + example for idea 2
If a third question -> Main body paragraph 3: topic sentence for idea 3 + explanation for idea 3 + example for idea 3
Problem and Solution essay
Main body paragraph 1:
• state 1st problem/ cause + explanation of 1st problem/ cause + example of 1st problem/ cause
• state 2nd problem/ cause + explanation of 2nd problem/ cause + example of 2nd problem/ cause
Main body paragraph 2:
• state 1st solution + explanation of 1st solution + example of 1st solution
• state 2nd solution + explanation of 2nd solution + example of 2nd solution
2-side Argument essay
Main body paragraph 1:
• topic sentence + explanation of first idea + example of first idea + opinion sentence.
Main body paragraph 2:
• topic sentence + explanation of second idea + example of second idea + opinion sentence.
Advantages/ Disadvantages essay
Main body paragraph 1:
• state 1st advantage + explanation of 1st advantage + example of 1st advantage
• state 2nd advantage + explanation of 2nd advantage + example of 2nd advantage.
Main body paragraph 2:
• state 1st disadvantage + explanation of 1st disadvantage + example of 1st disadvantage.
• state 2nd disadvantage + explanation of 2nd disadvantage + example of 2nd disadvantage.
Step 6: Conclusion paragraph -what I should not add?
Do not add any new ideas. You are summarizing or re-paraphrasing what you have already said and restating your position.
Opinion essays: Restate your opinion and summarize the 2 ideas.
Direct Question(s) essay: Restate your opinion and summarize the questions asked.
Problems and Solutions essay: Restate the two problems/causes and two solutions.
2-sided Argument essay: Restate your opinion and summarize ideas for both views.
Advantages/ Disadvantages essay: Restate the two advantages and two disadvantages.
Step 7: Edit/ check your work -will I have time?
You must make time for this crucial but often overlooked step. You must check for spelling errors and grammatical errors -these do count! You will not have access to a spell-checking device if you take the exam on the computer, so do not rely on technology to help you.
Final thoughts…
You have one hour to complete Task 1 and Task 2. I suggest you write Task 2 first and give yourself 40 minutes to complete the essay. Then write Task 1 in the last 20 minutes. If you apply the foundation (steps 1-3) then the formula (steps 4-7) will be easier and faster. Practice the foundation over and over to become an ‘expert analyst’ of writing task 2 prompts, then apply the formula to your writing, and you should have no trouble writing on any topic within the time limits of the exam.
Always remember to:
• Read and carefully answer the question
• Have a clear position throughout the essay
• Plan and organize before you write
• Use clear paragraphs
• Do not repeat ideas
• Do not use bullet points. You must write in complete sentences
• Stick to the topic. If you have brainstormed and planned, this should be easy
• Check your work for mistakes
You’ve got this! Believe in yourself and enjoy the writing process.
If you found this information helpful, please share it with a friend or consider joining The Digital IELTS Academy to learn how to implement this and all aspects of IELTS preparation. I hope to see you in class soon!