IELTS Writing Tips

IELTS Writing Tips

General

Word Choice and Meaning: 

·      Use simpler words you are sure of rather than more elaborate words you are less certain about.

·      Don’t invent words.  For example, “unemployees” is not a word.  Use real words.  If you are not sure about a word, use a simpler synonym.

Spelling:

·      If in doubt on spelling, use a synonym you can spell.

Verb Tense: 

·      Determine and use the appropriate tense before you begin writing the essay.

·      Be consistent in verb tense use.

·      Get the basics down first!  You must not overlook things such as the third person singular present conjugation ending (i.e., -s for he, she, and it).

·      Study Verb Tense handout (all 20 cases) from Day One

Sentences:

·      Do not write overly long sentences:  You should not use more than 15 words.

·      Do not write fragments:  Every sentence must have a subject and a verb.

·      Make capital letters at the start of a sentence and end punctuation marks very clear and unmistakable.

Conjunctions:

·      Subordinating conjunctions, both beginning and middle of sentence use

·      Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS). Don’t start sentences with “and” or “but”

·      Study Conjunctions handout from Day One

Gerunds and Infinitives:

·      Know the difference between gerunds (“swimming”) and infinitives (“to swim”)

·      Know which verbs are followed by an infinitive, which are followed by a gerund, and which can be followed by either.

·      Study Gerunds handout from Day One

Troublesome Words and Word Pairs:

·      Specially/Especially

·      Other/Another

·      Everyday/ Every day

·      Interesting/interested, boring/bored, excited/exciting, etc.

·      Teach versus learn

·      a lot

·      RAVEN  (Remember Affect Verb Effect Noun)

Word Lists: 

·      Develop your own method for learning the words in these two important lists:

·      NGSL (New General Service List)

·      NAWL (New Academic Word List)

Br or Am English:

·      Use either Br or Am English, but be consistent and use only one type or the other in spelling, prepositions, and punctuation.

·      Spelling

o   Br:  Centre

o   Am:  Center

·      Prepositions

o   Br:  At the weekend

o   AM:  On the weekend

·      Punctuation:

o   Br:  …invention of “black powder”.

o   Am: …invention of “black powder.”

Web Sites:
Purdue OWL:  https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/ 
Cambridge Dictionary:  http://dictionary.cambridge.org/ 
Thesaurus:  http://www.thesaurus.com/

Task 1

1.     Look at any graphs or charts first and find patterns or trends.

2.    Write the intro paragraph, without specific data.  Do not just copy what the directions say, but state it in your own words.  Make sure you explain what the graph, chart, or drawing is about, but do NOT give details in the introductory paragraph.

3.    Think about your data pattern or trend again and make sure it agrees with your introduction above.  Once that is done, you can start writing.

4.    If you can’t see a pattern after two or three minutes, start writing what you think the major points are.

5.     No opinions.  This is a factual essay, not what you believe or think it means.

6.    No “I” or “we”

7.     Don’t draw conclusions.  If it is not stated, do not infer or assume it to be true (e.g., don’t assume there is “camping” on the island or say that the island is much nicer now than before). 

8.    Useful Words and Phrases from IELTS Writing Handout:

a.     Direction (rose, climbed, fell, dropped, remained stable, etc.)

b.    Degree of change (dramatic, sharply, huge, steeply, slight, minimally, etc.)

c.     Speed of change (rapidly, quick, swiftly, steady, gradually, etc.)

d.    Comparatives (slightly larger/smaller, much larger/smaller, etc.)

9.    Very short conclusion:  Just repeat main trends.  No opinion!

Task 2

1.     Read the question carefully and understand what the key words are.  What are the main points they want you to describe or talk about?  Make sure you understand this clearly.  For example, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of both parents working is NOT the same as writing about the advantages and disadvantages of working abroad. 

2.    Write on the side your main points, such as lists of advantages and disadvantages, before you begin writing.  Know your main points before you start writing the actual essay.

3.    You will almost certainly be asked for your opinion.  Make sure you state it clearly so there is no doubt.

4.    Unlike Task 1, this essay requires a strong conclusion.