Do’s and Do not's of IELTS essays (Band 7,8,9)

You need to write at least 250 words and justify your opinion with arguments, discussion, examples, problem outlining, proposing possible solutions and supporting your position. You will have approximately 40 minutes to finish your Essay Writing. IELTS Writing Task 2 carries more weights than Writing Task 1.
DO
DON’T
  • analyse the topic
  • respond to all parts of the prompt fully.
  • spend the first five minutes planning your essay
  • in the introduction: Paraphrase the task and state the aim of vour essav in a thesis statement
  • divide your essay into paragraphs (min. four: introduction, two main body paragraphs, conclusion)
  • start each paragraph with a topic sentence
  • provide a reason and an example for each of your arguments
  • summarise the points made in the essay in the conclusion
  • if appropriate, state your opinion in formal style (e.g. It is my firm belief that)
  • use formal vocabulary (ex: keep --> - maintain: make sure --> ensure) TIP: words that sound or look more French, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese will usually be more formal.
  • use passive voice to sound more formal and objective (e.g. The film will be shown...)
  • avoid repetition by using synonyms (e.a. important = vital = essential = crucial)
  • use formal linking words (e.g. despite, nevertheless, furthermore)
  • use complex sentences
  • proofread your work to avoid simple mistakes
  • make sure you’ve written at least 250 words
  • DON’T use contractions (e.g. I don't --> I do not)
  • avoid being personal (e.g. I, me. my)
  • DON’T use emotive language (e.g. disgusting, fabulous)
  • DON’T use only personal examples
  • DON’T use colloquial expressions (e.g. I had great time)
  • avoid simple vocabulary (e.g. say, think, bad) and basic linking words (e.g. and. but, also)
  • DON’T repeat the same vocabulary throughout your essay
  • DON’T write simple sentences (e.g. Everyone thinks it's true. I disagree.)
  • DON’T use overgeneralisations (e.g. everyone, always, never, all)
  • DON’T copy the task in your introduction
  • DON'T forget to answer ALL parts of the task
  • DON’T write less than 250 words
  • DON’T forget to summarise and conclude your essay in the last paragraph
  • DON’T use examples or arguments unrelated to the topic

 

The Do’s of IELTS Essay
– Conciseness (8-15 words per sentence)
– Cohesion (link ideas, paragraphs, sentences together)
– Coherence (all ideas should be easily understood by the reader)
– Composition (use the correct essay structure)
– Answer the question fully (cover all points asked in the task statement)
Band 7+ essays need
a) more complex sentence structure
b) more complex vocabulary
c) more complex grammatical use and variation
– Use the official writing task 2 form to practice and check what 250 words look like in your own handwriting
– Read many essay topics
– Read many sample essays
– Know the right structure for all essay types
– Know when to give your opinion
– Add examples from your own experience if asked
– Use smart words and noun groups
– Use punctuation correctly
– Separate the arguments “for” and “against” into different paragraphs
– Use the right tone (essays are always formal)
– Only use possessive/personal pronouns when giving your opinion
– Lead from one paragraph to another well – connecting words are vital!
– Vary grammar
– Write neatly as it values the reader-writer relationship
– Write maturely to reflect mature way of thinking
– Make a plan in 3-5 minutes: it makes your essay more organised, mature and conveys the positive image of YOU.
– Make your opinion very clear: formal and reasoned point of view, give details.

The Don’ts of IELTS Essay
– Write too many words if your English is average (aim for 250-265)
– Use contractions such as “don’t”, “shouldn’t”, etc
– Overuse connecting words (assessors expect that!)
– Jump from one idea to the next: link, link, link!
– Mix arguments “for” and “against” in the same paragraph
– Use the wrong tone (essays are always formal)
– Use abbreviations
– Repeat words or overuse primitive verbs (does, makes, gets)
– Cross out many things
– Write illegibly
– Use idioms too frequently or inappropriately
– Write in a babyish manner (bad grammar and poorly developed ideas)
– Become a clock victim (constantly look at the clock and panic)
– Start writing without a plan
– Forget to leave a blank line between paragraphs
– Use generalisations (“All”, “Every”) as this reflects an immature way of thinking
– Use simple sentences if you want a high score
– Use cliches as they are often too informal
– Use ‘lazy’ expressions (“and so on”, “etc”).
– Copy part of task question
– Agree with both sides – choose one side to make your opinion clear
– Let adrenaline make you arrogant
– Go off topic
These tips are not exhaustive but will give you some important points how to pass the IELTS Writing test with a high Band Score.
Share this to help your friends do better in IELTS!

 

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