IELTS Writing Task 2: 8 steps towards a band 8

Question 1

Step 3: organise

If you are asked to present both views and your opinion, state your opinion at the (…) of the essay and then move on to present both views

Answer 1

beginning or introduction

Question 2

Step 3: organise

Use a range of (…) words and phrases, but don’t overuse them

Answer 2

linking

Question 3

Step 3: organise

don’t overuse basic linking words like firstly (instead, try using ‘The (…)/ The primary reason for this’) / what is the next phrase?

Answer 3

first reason for

Question 4

Step 3: organise

don’t start every sentence with a (…) (Try to put it in the (…) of a sentence. Eg. “Some people believe, however, that individuals must also take responsibility for the environment” or “I believe, on the other hand, that individuals do have a responsibility to…”)

Answer 4

linker
middle

Question 5

step 3: organise

don’t use (…), symbols or abbreviations

Answer 5

numbers

Question 6

step 4: paragraphs

You can use the acronym “PEEL” when writing your essay:
P(…) – introduce your (…) or topic sentence
E(…) – an example that (…) your (…)
E(…) – (…) this (…) (…) your (…)
L(…) – (…) the (…) or paragraph

“I need an example”?

Answer 6

oint
topic
xample
supports
point
xplain
why
evidence
supports
point
ink
transition to
next topic

Question 7

step 5: vocabulary

Use language that we use in (…) speech

Answer 7

everyday

Question 8

step 5: vocabulary

Use words that you u(…)

Answer 8

nderstand

Question 9

step 5: vocabulary

Use (…) and (…) (words that go together naturally – environmental pollution | major issue | promising future)
Don’t

Answer 9

collocation
phrasal verbs

Question 10

step 5: vocabulary

don’t (…) up American and British spelling (You should use one or the other)

Answer 10

mix

Question 11

step 5: vocabulary

don’t use (…) words like ‘stuff/thing’

Answer 11

imprecise

Question 12

step 5: vocabulary

don’t use (…) like ‘gonna’

Answer 12

slang

Question 13

step 5: vocabulary

dont’t overuse synonyms, one is (…)

Answer 13

enough

Question 14

step 5: vocabulary

don’t use (…) (can’t, doesn’t)

Answer 14

contractions