In this post, Kishore Roy discusses the importance of planning ahead in the IELTS Writing test and practise planning with a new exercise.
Category: Writing
IELTS Writing: Overview sentences
Overview statements can improve your IELTS Writing score. This post explains what a data overview is, how to write one and how you can practice for your test.
IELTS Writing Task 2: Everything you need to know
This post outlines everything you need to know about IELTS Writing Task 2 — from the basics, to a sample essay.
IELTS Writing: Better vocabulary, better band score
Bryan Dowie explains why a better vocabulary will result in a better band score in IELTS Writing, and offers some practical tips and exercises.
IELTS Writing: How important is spelling?
In this post, Peter Hare focuses on three areas candidates commonly lose marks in IELTS Writing — word count, spelling and punctuation.
IELTS Writing: The four keys to success
The first thing you should know before going into your IELTS Writing test is what the examiner is looking for. Take a look at the four keys to success.
IELTS Writing: Boost your score by reading
‘Reading and writing cannot be separated from each other: the more in-depth reading you do, the more in-depth writing you will eventually do.’ The University of Washington points to a clear link between reading and writing. Reading exposes you to different styles; it shows you how grammar is used correctly; and it helps you to build vocabulary and use it accurately. As the IELTS Writing paper has been referred to as the most difficult paper, all of these skills can help to improve the way you write. But to get the maximum benefit for your IELTS Writing test, and boost your band score, you need to use reading as a source for focused writing activities. Read on for an example of how you can do this.
IELTS Writing: the problems with too many words
For some candidates, it’s very tempting to write as much as they can in the one hour given in the Writing section — they want to really showcase their range of vocabulary and their ability to write long sentences. But do long essays really get you a better band score?
IELTS Writing: The most difficult paper?
It’s difficult to go seriously wrong with the Reading and Listening tests in IELTS. Even if you have trouble understanding the text or the audio, the question paper gives you a pretty clear idea of what you need to write. And if you’re not sure, you can always guess. With the Speaking test, you’ll answer a series of questions, so even if you make a mistake with one of them, you’ll get another chance with the next question. Writing Task 2 is different — If you fail to understand the question, and go off on the wrong track, you could score no marks at all. And that could mean missing the band score you need.
Let’s start by looking at a sample Writing Task 2 question.
IELTS Writing: The easiest way to fail
The easiest way to fail to get the band score you need is to go into the test without fully understanding what is required of you.