IELTS Writing Tips and tactics

1. Spend a few minutes reading and thinking about the task. Make sure you understand the,
proposition/situation and the question. Underline key words.

2. You don't have a lot of time, but you should make a brief plan. Write several reasons why
you might-agree with the proposition and several reasons-why you might disagree. Is it easier
to think of reasons to agree or to disagree? This can help you decide which position to take.
Same is the case with positive/negative essay - understand the situation, think of ideas for
both sides, and choose one side.

3. Your essay should include an introduction, two main paragraphs and a conclusion.

4. Your introduction should be brief. You should restate the proposition/situation in your own
words, and provide a. little background on the topic. Then state your own opinion: do you
agree, disagree or partially agree?

5. Begin each main paragraph with a topic, sentence (a sentence that states the-Main idea of
the paragraph). This Sentence can be quite simple, for example, there are several important
reasons to agree with this idea. All of the sentences in the paragraph should support the topic
sentence.

6. In each of the main paragraphs, you should use linking words and phrases to move
smoothly from one reason to another.

7. The second main paragraph should follow on from the first using a linking word or phrase,
for example, furthermore, there are additional reasons to favor this idea.

8. You should support the reasons that you give in your main paragraphs with specific details,
and examples.

9. The final paragraph can be brief. You should summarize the main points and restate your
own position. You shouldn't introduce new information or reasons in the conclusion.

10. The final paragraph should also begin with a word or phrase to signal that it is a
conclusion.

11. Your paragraphs should be clearly separated. For example; you can leave a blank space
between them or indent the first line of each new paragraph.

12. Keep track of the time. You have about 40 minutes to do task 2.

13. Make sure your handwriting is clear and legible enough for the examiners to read.

A Discussion Essay: The discussion Essay task tests your ability to discuss opposing
opinions and to give your own opinion.

On the question paper, you see a task which presents two different opinions about the same
topic and a question asking you to discuss both points of view and to explain what you think
about this topic. These essay questions often follow this pattern. Some people think.....other
people think........ + Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

SCOPE Page 1
Or, you could be given a situation and asked - "Do the advantages of this outweigh the
disadvantages?"

Here are the basic rules for writing discussion Essays:

■ Read and analyze the opinions and the question carefully.

■ Decide whether you feel opinion A is better or B.

■ Write a brief, well-organized introduction, at least two main paragraphs and a short
conclusion.

■ Include examples to support your reasons.

■ Write in paragraphs. Do not use notes or bullet points.

■ Use an academic register or style.

■ Write at least 250 words.

■ Complete the task in about 40 mirages.

You have to explain and support opinion A and present opinion B as your own opinion, or
vice versa.

SCOPE Page 2