ESSAY IELTS

In the previous articles we were talking about IELTS Reading, IELTS Listening and IELTS Speaking as parts of IELTS test. Today we will tell you how to write an essay IELTS, the 2^nd part for General and Academic modules of popular IELTS test.

Candidates are assessed on their performance on Essay according to the four equal criteria of the IELTS Writing Test Band Descriptors: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

Task Response implies your ability to present and justify your opinion using 250-280 words. The main task of the IELTS candidate is to define the type of composition. There are some hints given in the task. Let`s have a look at the tasks.

1. Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

The underlined phrase suggests that you are supposed to write so-called Opinion Essay where you present your point of view in the introduction and prove it in the main part. You can check out the example of the above-stated essay here:

2. Even though Globalization affects the world’s economics in a very positive way, its negative sides should not be forgotten. Discuss.

If the topic is considered from opposing points of view, it`s a For-and- Against Essay. Here you need to analyse 2 points of view and give a balanced consideration of the topic in a closing paragraph. For more detail on this, read here:

3. We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. They are used in business, hospitals, crime detection and even to fly planes. What things will they be used for in the future? Is this dependence on computers a good thing or should we be more suspicious of their benefits?

It`s a Solution- to- the Problem/Discussion essay if there is no opposition or the requirement of opinion. You need to describe the situation here. Besides, you are asked to summarize the ideas in a clothing paragraph in response to the stated problem.

In other words, you should state your opinion in the conclusion part of the essays 2and 3 (For-and- Against Essay and Solution- to-the Problem/Discussion essay). But in Opinion Essay (1) the point of view has to be expressed in the introduction part.

Coherence and Cohesion basically mean the ability to express the point of view in a proper way. Coherence is the organization of information and ideas in the text in a logical way, going from the general idea (topic sentence) to the specific one ( support). Cohesion is the usage of link words. Let`s make an example from the essay 3: Most of the daily tasks an individual experiences are time and effort consuming (topic sentence).

All the rest support an idea in the following examples:

These two (link words) fundamental qualities could be tremendously saved by the use of computers. The average period required to prepare a decent meal for a middle-class family is around an hour and a half when using traditional methods. This time (link words) could be literally reduced to half if computerized devices are used instead. Moreover (link word), a busy businessman is enabled to easily close a profitable deal with just a touch on this highly programmed laptop while enjoying his family vacation and not having to exert an extra effort of traveling long distances in order to sign a deal.

Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy are aimed at grading your ability to use less common lexical items and the correct usage of words and grammar of English. The 6-6.5 candidate (average IELTS band score) is supposed to use the intermediate level vocabulary and grammar to write an essay. If you are really into getting a higher band score you have to use better writing skills using more complex words and structures. But it`s important to remember that the complexity of words and grammatical structures doesn`t have to have a bad influence on the comprehension of the text itself. Otherwise you can fail in such criteria like Task Response and Coherence/Cohesion.

Helpful online materials for IELTS Essay preparation:

1) website-online book with essay samples provided, written with a high band (8 and higher).

2) special words and phrases which will help you to structure your IELTS Essay.

3) filler words you have to avoid in your IELTS Essay.

4) Linguistic Prejudice (the reference to the specific sex or orientation and so on) that have to be avoided in IELTS Essay.

We cannot say that to write an essay is one of the easiest things to do but at the same time it doesn`t appear as an overwhelming task. The most important part here is to know all criteria and have as much practice as possible.

If you are in need of professional help, our qualified teachers will familiarise you with the way of writing of any IELTS Essay and help with the whole IELTS preparation in general.

Book a trial lesson or start your preparation with defining your level of English.