IELTS Writing Guide to Improve Your Band Score
Feeling confused with all the writing advice available online?
Perhaps, even tried to follow some. But still, feeling perplexed?
We have prepared some tips to help you with IELTS Writing style and improve your IELTS Writing band score. Well, your writing style will not improve overnight, but these tips will certainly help you make a difference.
Both Academic and General IELTS Writing exam is divided into 2 parts — task 1 and task 2. The IELTS Writing task 2 is similar for both General and Academic. In this task, you are expected to write an essay in at least 250 words. But writing task 1 of the Academic test is report writing, and task 1 of the General test is letter writing, and you are expected to write at least 150 words.
Tips for IELTS Writing task 1 — General
- Use standard sentence structure
Follow standard sentence structure. Don’t over complicate the sentence by using unnecessary vocabulary and grammatical structures. It will help you save time and convey your ideas with ease.
2. Focus on vocabulary and spellings
Learn vocabulary. Do not just memorise it, but learn different ways to use the words in different contexts. Moreover, pay attention to your spellings while writing the answer. Less spelling errors will help you boost your test scores.
3. Address all the bullet points
Ensure you address all the bullet points given in the questions, and it will help you focus and develop detailed answers. While writing the letter, explain the purpose of writing it, describe the issues, and provide solutions.
4. Use the standard structure.
In order to logically convey your ideas, format your answer in a logical structure and summarise the key points effectively. Follow the standard structure while writing the answer.
- Salutation
- Opening Paragraph
- Body Paragraph 1
- Body Paragraph 2
- Closing Salutation
5. Use Correct tone
There are three types of letters asked in IELTS General Writing task 1. Those are formal, informal and semi-formal. Hence, each type of letter has its tone. For example, formal and semi-formal letters follow a formal tone and informal letters follow a casual tone.
Tips for IELTS Writing task 1 — Academic
- Paraphrase the Question
You can begin your report by paraphrasing the question. Use synonyms like show — demonstrates, illustrates etc., to form complex sentences structures. It will help you save time and give a logical start.
2. Write a clear Overview.
Generally summarise all the information given in the diagram. Include all the necessary details, and it can be an overall overview of the diagram. For example, what the diagram is trying to convey. It can also include minor details. For example, what one segment of the diagram is trying to convey.
3. Analyse the information, do not describe it.
Analyse the information given in the diagram, and do not just give your opinion about it. For example, if something happened. Do not just mention it happened. Rather explain why it happened, what all factors contributed to it.
4. Use enough linking words.
Practise and learn different types of linking words. It will help you avoid any repetitions. Moreover, it will also enhance your ability to score high on the test.
5. Focus on grammar and vocabulary
Learn and use unfamiliar vocabulary in your answer. Do not just memorise it, but learn different ways to use the words in different contexts. Moreover, pay attention to your spellings while writing the answer. Less spelling errors will help you boost your test scores.
Tips for IELTS Writing task 2 — Academic & General
- Understand the task
Before you begin writing, read the question carefully and understand what is being asked to write. Identify if it’s a descriptive essay, opinion, discussion, or agree/disagree essay. Once you identify the essay type, make bullet points in your mind. It will help you cover all the necessary details you want to include in the answer.
2. Paraphrase the introduction
Begin your essay with an introductory statement. Take the introduction from the question and paraphrase it. Focus on the main idea of the essay and gradually introduce your thesis statement.
3. Make your opinion clear throughout
Explain your ideas and views in detail, and frame your answer around the main topic. Include statements to support your views. It will help you make and present a clear opinion or argument throughout the essay.
4. Conclude your essay
Do not forget to conclude your essay, else it will look abrupt and incomplete. Also, don’t include or introduce any new information or arguments in the conclusion. It will leave the impression that you cannot logically develop and finish an argument or opinion.
5. Use a wide range of grammar and vocabulary.
Learn and use unfamiliar vocabulary in your answer. Do not just memorise it, but learn different ways to use the words in different contexts. Moreover, pay attention to your spellings while writing the answer. Less spelling errors will help you boost your test scores.
