How to Write an IELTS Essay?
In order to be fully prepared for the challenge that is an IELTS exam, examinees are expected to be extremely well acquainted with all the different parts of the test.
One of them – and for many the most troublesome one – is the IELTS Writing Part 2, also known as the IELTS essay.
In many ways, the IELTS essay is a rather ordinary piece of writing. It should be at least 250 words long and should provide an answer to a topic or question supplied by the exam itself.
Yet, there are certain formal, structural, and linguistic rules that all examinees are expected to know before facing this writing challenge.
Panic not, we’re here to help guide you through both the structural and language-related tips that will make your IELTS essay score that Band 8 – at least!
Write an IELTS Essay: The Structure
It is of paramount importance to establish the essential IELTS essay structuring rules, which need to be respected for every essay, regardless of the topic subtype.
A good thing here is that these rules are universal when it comes to writing essays, and include:
The IELTS Essay Introduction
In the first part of your IELTS essay – the introduction – you are expected to vaguely introduce the topic which you are about to discuss.
Since the topic will already be provided, you need to paraphrase the words or sentences from the assignment, and slightly expand upon them.
If the assignment asks for your opinion regarding the matter, you can briefly state it here before delving further into the topic.
The IELTS Essay Body
The following and largest section of your essay will urge you to go into detail about the topic. This is the part that varies the most, depending on the particular question given by the exam.
Usually, the main body consists of around two paragraphs in which you give at least two arguments and back these with evidence or examples.
The IELTS Essay Conclusion
The final section of your essay serves to summarize your previous points, round them up, and conclude the essay in a satisfying manner.
Recognizing the Essay Format – Structural Modulations
Things can get tricky when it comes to actually recognizing the kind of answer you are expected to give.
Even though there are exceptions, we can very broadly categorize the IELTS essay topics in the following manner:
- Stating pros and cons
- Agreeing or disagreeing with a statement
- Providing a solution for a given problem
- Elaborating upon your opinion regarding a certain topic
- A combination of two or more of these topic formats
Each of these essay types requires a similar, yet markedly different structure from the others.
For instance, if you need to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of something, you’ll need to dedicate one paragraph to the pros, the other to the cons, and depending on the question, a third one in which you’ll state your own stance on the issue.
If you’re expected to provide a solution or an opinion about a certain matter, you will be expected to come up with at least two arguments or ideas, and subsequently back them with examples.
You need to be as clear as possible, and delineate arguments from one another.
Most importantly, always scan the instructions concerning the assignment. Focus on every word here. So long as you follow what’s asked of you you’ll answer the questions correctly.
Language, Length, Flow
Following a given structure is only a part of what makes an IELTS essay band 8-worthy.
You need to pay attention to several other elements as well, such as:
- Your language: try to use as many uncommon or descriptive words. Of course, only use them if they’re relevant. Show the examiners that you know the language inside-out and that you have mastered using it completely.
- The length: the essay is expected to be at least 250 words long. Anything below this length will automatically lose value points. The recommended length is somewhere up to 280 words.
- The flow: finally, try to use as many linking words and be careful that the structure of your text flows smoothly between paragraphs.
Final Words on IELTS Essays
That pretty much covers all the basics that you need to master in order to be able to produce well-sustained, quality IELTS essays.
Of course, you’ll need a lot of practice, so try looking for exercise topics online and – keep writing. It’s recommended to opt for online essay help, so as to get professional guidance and learn what a good essay should look like in practice.
