10 points to remember in IELTS Writing Task 2

Here are the 10 points that you must include in your writing task 2 essay to make sure that you meet all the requirements. Even missing out on one of the important IELTS writing band descriptors can cost you a loss of score.  

1. Must include a paraphrase of the IELTS Writing Task 2 question in the introductory paragraph: 

The introductory paragraph must include a paraphrase of the question statement and an answer to the instruction. 

Here’s an example with the question to make it clear for you to understand: The highlighted sentence below is the way one should write a response to the instruction in the following IELTS writing task 2 question. 

Question: Some people say that it is possible to tell about people’s culture and character from their choice of clothes. Do you agree or disagree? Write at least 250 words. 

Partial Answer: That the dress of a person speaks about him is widely opined. It not only shows the upbringing and the values of the wearer but also exhibits his cultural background as well as his personality traits. Although this notion is upheld by many, I am of the opinion that attire cannot completely define the culture and traits of a person.

2. Topic sentence for each body paragraph – should support your thesis

A paragraph is about one idea and the topic sentence introduces the idea. The topic sentence of each body paragraph is the statement to support the thesis given in the introductory paragraph.

3. Concluding sentence for each body paragraph – should conclude the idea mentioned in the paragraph

A good IELTS body paragraph has a topic sentence and a concluding sentence. The concluding sentence sums up the point conveyed through the topic sentence.

4. Supporting statements or examples – should substantiate the topic sentence in each paragraph

Real-life examples help in developing the paragraph by supporting the topic sentence.

5. Concluding paragraph – should restate the thesis

No new points should be incorporated in the concluding paragraph. Instead, it should paraphrase the thesis given in the introductory paragraph.

Example for the above points 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5: The highlighted sentence in the introductory paragraph is the thesis. The first sentence of each body paragraph supports it and the last sentence of each body paragraph concludes the idea of the paragraph. The last paragraph – the concluding paragraph restates the thesis.  

Here’s an example with a question for you to understand better:

Question: The internet allows us to stay connected with each other no matter where we are. On the other hand, it also isolates us and encourages people not to socialize.  

To what extent do you agree or disagree with these statements? 

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience. 

Write at least 250 words. 

Answer: Empowered by the internet, we can connect with anyone across the world via social media despite unaccessible geographical barriers. The distances are now covered within seconds in the virtual world. Conversely, this advancement has drawn us away from the people in our immediate surroundings, creating rifts between people living in close vicinity. Building connections across the world has been possible only because of the internet; however, creating distances between people is its stark reality and I completely concur with both claims. 

On the one hand, the internet has brought people closer to one another and to their loved ones than ever before. Scientific discoveries and advanced medical technologies in one part of the world are impacting the lives of many in another part only because there is communication and exchange of information worldwide. Moreover, the integration of people has taken them away to different parts of the globe; however, social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp keep them connected. For instance, multinational companies run smoothly only because of the constant exchange of information globally. Virtual connections are distancing people from others because there is not much face-to-face interaction. 

These days people are lost in their own worlds and they hardly have time to celebrate various occasions together. For example, on festivals and birthdays, the exchange of greetings happens only on social media. Such aloofness, which is the result of internet addiction, is killing close interactions not only with the people residing in the same society but also with family members living together. 

In conclusion, it can be undeniably said that the internet is inspiring us to develop our relations in a simulated world instead of the real world in which we live as all the time is spent connecting with the world that we see through the window provided by it.

6. Use at least one complex sentence in each paragraph

All IELTS essays should have at least one complex sentence in each paragraph. A sentence that has a noun/adjective/ adverb clause is called a complex sentence. 

Here’s an example of the Adjective Clause: 

Such aloofness, which is the result of internet addiction, is killing close interactions not only with the people residing in the same society but also with family members living together. 

Here’s an example of the Adverb Clause: 

Virtual connections are distancing people from others because there is not much face-to-face interaction. 

Here’s an example of the Noun Clause:      

That the dress of a person speaks about him is widely opined.

7. Include compound sentences in your IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay 

Example of Compound sentence: These days people are lost in their own worlds and they hardly have time to celebrate various occasions together. 

8. Use of linkers & transition words: 

Different points and paragraphs should be connected to show the transit from one point to another. Therefore, linkers and transition words such as moreover, firstly, and secondly help in connecting different points and the communication of ideas has more clarity.

9. Use of gerunds at the beginning of sentences

This is another way of showing a range of grammar in your IELTS Writing Task 2. The gerund is the verb..ing – past participle form of a verb used as a noun. 

Example: 

Building connections across the world has been possible only because of the internet; however, creating distances between people is its stark reality and I completely concur with both claims.

10. Punctuation 

The following punctuation marks should be used correctly.

1. Full stop [.] Avoid run-on sentences by putting a full stop at the end of one sentence, instead of a comma, and before starting a new one.
2. Comma [,] Use a comma to separate different elements and to separate additional information that is not crucial. Also, if a dependent clause comes first, it should be followed by a comma.
3. Semicolon [;] Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses without a conjunction.
4. Colon [:] If a clause explains the preceding clause, separate the two by using a colon sign.

Make sure that you use all the given tips while attempting your IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay. If you are looking for an online IELTS course that can help you score a good band, then visit our website www.yunolearning.com and check out all our courses for IELTS preparation. You can also drop a query at [email protected].