Northedge, A 1997, , Open University, Milton Keynes, UK.
Schlegel, N 1995, , 3rd edn, Beri Publishing, Melbourne.
TAFE WA Central 2008, , TAFE WA, Perth.
University of New South Wales 2014, , viewed 3 April 2018, <https://student.unsw.edu.au/glossary-task-words>
Understanding the Question
Assignment questions can be broken down into parts so that you can better understand what you are being asked to do. It is important to identify key words in the question.
What are Key Words?
Key words are the words in an assignment question that tell you how to answer a question. Key words usually fall into three categories—task words, content words and limiting words.
Content Words
Limiting Words
Task words tell you what to do in order to answer the question. Task words are usually verbs such as compare, discuss, and evaluate. Being able to identify and interpret a task word is important because it will determine the approach you will adopt in your assignment.
Content words tell you what the topic areas are, and help you focus your research on the correct areas. B eing able to identify and interpret a content word is important because it will determine the topic of your research.
For example, the following assignment question requires you to:
Define health determinants, and identify and discuss four key health determinants for Indigenous Austalian children in the Northern Territory.
Here, the assignment question is asking you to focus your research on the topic area of health determinants.
Limiting Words confine the topic area by placing limits or subject-qualifiers. Limiting words help you identify the scope of the topic area you should focus on. A topic could be limited by era, location, sub-topic, or theory. Being able to identify and interpret a limiting word is important because it can help you narrow down your research and help you identify relevant and irrelevant information for your assignment.
Here, the assignment question is asking y ou to limit or confine your research to a number of issues: four key health determinants; Indigenous Australian children (the group); and the Northern Territory (the location).
Common Task Words
Account for
Give reasons for something
Focus on the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of a topic. Do not simply describe or summarise.
Find similarities and differences.
Similar to compare, but differences should be emphasised
Assess the merit of something. Consider both good points and bad points and give the results of your analysis.
Give precise meanings with key details.
Recall specific details about size, cost, texture, appearance etc.
Present a point of view after considering both sides of an issue or question.
Consider both strengths and weaknesses and make a judgement.
Relate how something happens in the order in which it occurs, or, clarify reasons, causes and effects.
Express in your own words.
Write your answer as an itemised series which may be in point form.
Provide main points and leave out minor details.
Tell the story in a clear sequence, or, show how things are connected/similar to each other.
Examine a subject critically, analysing and commenting on the main points.
Present the main points in a brief, clear sequence.
Give the main points or facts in condensed form.
To What Extent
Consider both sides, make a judgment and defend it. Similar to Evaluate or Discuss.
Vocabulary for the introduction part:.
|
|
|
|
The/ the given / the supplied / the presented / the shown / the provided | diagram / table / figure / illustration / graph / chart / flow chart / picture/ presentation/ pie chart / bar graph/ column graph / line graph / table data/ data / information / pictorial/ process diagram/ map/ pie chart and table/ bar graph and pie chart ... | shows / represents / depicts / enumerates / illustrates / presents/ gives / provides / delineates/ outlines/ describes / delineates/ expresses/ denotes/ compares/ shows contrast / indicates / figures / gives data on / gives information on/ presents information about/ shows data about/ demonstrates/ sketch out/ summarises... | the comparison of…
|
Vocabulary for the general trend part:, 1. in general... 2. in common... 3. generally speaking... 4. overall... 5. it is obvious... 6. as it is observed... 7. as a general trend... 8. as can be seen... 9. as an overall trend/ as overall trend... 10. as it is presented... 11. it can be clearly seen that... 12. at the first glance... 13. it is clear, 14. at the onset... 15. it is clear that... 16. a glance at the graph(s) reveals that..., the structure of the ielts academic writing task 1 (report writing):, introduction:, reporting details:, conclusion:.
1. as it is presented in the diagram(s)/ graph(s)/ pie chart(s)/ table... 2. as (it is) shown in the illustration... 3. as can be seen in the... 4. as the diagrams suggest... 5. according to the... 6. categorically speaking... 7. getting back to the details... 8. now, turning to the details... 9. the table data clearly shows that... 10. the diagram reveals that... 11. the data suggest that... 12. the graph gives the figure... 13. it is interesting to note that... 14. it is apparently seen that... 15. it is conspicuous that... 16. it is explicitly observed that... 17. it is obvious... 18. it is clear from the data... 19. it is worth noticing that... 20. it is crystal clear/ lucid that... 21. it can be clearly observed that... 22. it could be plainly viewed that... 23. it could be noticed that... 24. we can see that..., vocabulary to show the changes:.
|
|
|
| rise / increase / go up / uplift / rocket(ed) / climb / upsurge / soar/ shot up/ improve/ jump/ leap/ move upward/ skyrocket/ soar/ surge. | a rise / an increase / an upward trend / a growth / a leap / a jump / an improvement/ a climb. |
| fall / decrease / decline / plummet / plunge / drop / reduce / collapse / deterioriate/ dip / dive / go down / take a nosedive / slum / slide / go into free-fall. | a fall / a decrease / a reduction / a downward trends /a downward tendency / a decline/ a drop / a slide / a collapse / a downfall. |
| unchanged / level out / remain constant / remain steady / plateau / remain the same / remain stable / remain static | a steadiness/ a plateau / a stability/ a static |
|
| an upward trend / an upward tendency / a ceiling trend |
|
| a downward trend / a downward tendency / a descending trend |
| level(ed) off / remain(ed) constant / remain(ed) unchanged / remain(ed) stable / prevail(ed) consistency / plateaued / reach(ed) a plateau / stay(ed) uniform /immutable / level(ed) out/ stabilise/ remain(ed) the same. | No change, a flat, a plateau. |
|
|
|
| dramatically / rapidly / sharply / quickly / hurriedly / speedily / swiftly / significantly/ considerably / substantioally / noticably. | dramatic / rapid / sharp / quick / hurried / speedy / swift / significant / considerable / substantial / noticable. |
| moderately / gradually / progressively / sequentially. | moderate / gradual / progressive / sequential. |
| steadily/ ceaselessly. | steady/ ceaseless. |
| slightly / slowly / mildly / tediously. | slight / slow / mild / tedious. |
|
|
|
| wave / fluctuate / oscillate / vacillate / palpitate | waves / fluctuations / oscillations / vacillations / palpitations |
Dates, months & years related vocabulary and grammar: , percentage, portion and numbers:, words/ phrases of approximation - vocabulary:, what criteria would a band 9 graph response satisfy.
IELTS Advantage
IELTS Preparation Courses
When helping students prepare for the IELTS test, one of the biggest fears is how to do well in IELTS Writing Task 2.
IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second part of the writing test, where you are presented with a point of view, argument or problem and asked to write an essay in response. Your essay should be in a formal style, at least 250 words in length and you should aim to complete it in under 40 minutes.
In this video, I’ll outline exactly what you must do to create an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay that could score a Band 7, 8 or 9.
It doesn’t matter if you’re new to IELTS or if you’ve failed the exam before – I’ve broken everything down into a simple 3-step process that anyone can use to improve their scores! Watch the video above to find out what they are.
1. Understand the question.
You must understand the question before you attempt to answer it. This way, you’ll know exactly what the examiner is looking for. One of the biggest mistakes students make is not answering the question fully, which stops them from getting a score higher than a Band 5.
To analyse the question , you must first identify the question type, then identify the keywords in the question and finally identify the instructions words. This will help you understand exactly what the examiner wants you to do with the question.
2. Plan your answer.
The students who get the highest marks in Writing Task 2 always plan their answers for up to 10 minutes. Planning helps you organise your ideas and structure your essay before you write it, saving you time and helping you produce a clear and coherent essay.
3. Write an introduction.
The introduction should answer the question directly. This tells the examiner that you know what you are doing straight away and helps you write your main body paragraphs.
4. Write the main body paragraphs.
This is where you give the examiner more detail . You do this by stating your main points and supporting these with explanations and relevant examples.
5. Write a conclusion.
In your conclusion , you should provide a summary of what you already said in the rest of your essay.
Many people know they need to improve their writing skills but don’t know how to do it. Here are 4 ways you can boost your score in Writing Task 2:
1. Understand the exam.
You must first understand what IELTS Writing Task 2 is, what you are expected to do and how to give the examiners what they want. This is the first stage and one that is often overlooked.
There are many online resources, often with conflicting and poor-quality information, so finding a reliable source of information is key.
2. Identify your weak areas.
If your car breaks down, you would try and identify which part caused the problem. If you get sick, your doctor will run tests to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.
IELTS Writing Task 2 is the same. We must first identify WHY you are not getting the score you need before we can help you improve.
However, be very careful! You wouldn’t ask the average man on the street for medical advice, so make sure you find someone who knows what they are doing and has the expertise to help you with this.
3. Fix the problems.
Now that we know what the problems are, we must fix them.
If your grammar needs work, fix those issues. If your vocabulary is lacking, work on fixing this issue.
Just as a good doctor can help you fix a medical problem, a good IELTS teacher can help you fix your specific issues.
4. Practice and get feedback.
Practice alone will not help you. It is an essential part of your preparation, but you must also get feedback on your work if you are really going to improve.
You wouldn’t try to teach yourself how to drive without an instructor, would you?
Find someone who will give you accurate and helpful feedback on your work. Otherwise, you will not be able to move to the last stage.
Now that you have understood what you need to do, identified the exact areas you need to work on, improved those areas, and received feedback on your work, you are now ready to get the IELTS Writing Task 2 score you deserve.
I want to warn you about structures because they are not a magic wand that will help you automatically get a higher score. They WILL help you, but please realise that they are just a small part of your overall score.
These structures provide a sentence-by-sentence template for all the main Task 2 question types, making your job much easier on exam day.
No matter how good your English is, you must still learn IELTS writing skills before taking the Writing Task 2 test. These helpful guides will take you through each of these skills step-by-step:
Making a good plan actually saves you time when you write your essay. This guide will show you how to plan and write a clear essay every time.
This guide provides 5 different methods to help you quickly think of relevant ideas that are directly linked to the question.
Complex sentences help you boost your score for grammar. They are actually very simple to write and are not complex at all.
Paraphrasing is one of the essential IELTS skills for all parts of the IELTS test. You should paraphrase the question in the very first sentence of your essay to help boost your vocabulary score in Writing Task 2.
Supporting paragraphs are the main body paragraphs and are the meat in the sandwich. This is where you provide the detail the examiner is looking for in the form of explanations and examples.
A thesis statement tells the examiner your opinion. Many IELTS Writing Task 2 questions specifically ask for your opinion, and if you don’t write it clearly, you have not answered the question properly. This article shows you how, where and when to give your opinion.
Around 250 words? Exactly 250 words or over 250 words? How many words over? How do I know how many words I have? Will I lose marks if I write too many words? This article answers all those questions.
A critical part of answering any question. This article shows you how to break down any Task 2 question and identify the keywords, micro-keywords and instruction words to help you answer the question effectively.
The introduction is the first thing the examiner reads; therefore, we must give them a good first impression. I share a very specific sentence-by-sentence structure in this article to help you write introductions quickly and effectively.
Do you know how Task 2 is marked? What is the difference between a Band 5 and a Band 8 answer? This article breaks down the marking criteria and explains it in simple language so you can give the IELTS examiners exactly what they want.
A good conclusion should be a summary of your main points. The conclusion is the last thing the examiner reads, and if you can write a good one, you will leave them with a very good impression.
Each of your supporting paragraphs should have a specific example that supports and illustrates your main point. This is an essential skill to learn if you want to get one of the higher band scores.
Cohesive devices (sometimes called linking words) are one of the most misunderstood and misused elements of writing. Therefore, you must learn how to use them and when to use them.
While synonyms are very important, they can also really reduce your mark if used incorrectly.
This article will show you how to make your writing as clear and as easy to read as possible. It will also advise you on whether to use a pen or pencil.
Read this blog now to access our 61-page Task 2 strategy.
I have compiled these tips after years of teaching IELTS, and all of them have been approved by IELTS examiners.
This is a video lesson that shows you in practical terms how to improve your coherence and cohesion score.
Knowing the common topics can help you prepare for the test more efficiently. Here are the 10 most common topics over the last few years. Studying hard is great, but don’t forget to study smart.
The article below will show you the top 10 most common IELTS topics.
Here are some lessons that I have used when teaching students about IELTS Writing Task 2. I have changed them so that you can easily learn from home. They are very long but contain all the necessary information combined with the skills above.
In this lesson, we look at how to tackle an ‘agree or disagree’ question. Many people worry about whether to take one side of the other or discuss both sides. Additionally, people also worry about how to deal with ‘To what extent’ question types. We allay all of these fears in this lesson.
‘Discuss both views’ questions often confuse people because you are asked to do many things in one essay. As such, it is very important to remember that the question asks you to discuss BOTH views AND give YOUR opinion.
These questions are much easier than you think. You probably discuss problems and solutions in your day-to-day life all the time. Keep it simple.
There are a couple of different types of advantages and disadvantages questions. This lesson will show you how to answer them.
Writing is a skill, and just like any other skill, it is important to practice to improve.
This is my most comprehensive free lesson on IELTS Writing Task 2. We show you how we took one VIP student from Band 6.5 to an amazing 8.
You must have some good examples to compare your writing and see if you are on the right track. Click the link below for lots of sample answers and over 100 questions.
Task 2 Sample Answers
Grammar is one of the four things you will be marked on in the Writing Task 2 test. Finding out what your common grammar mistakes are and then fixing them is a very powerful way to boost your score in this area. Here are some common grammar mistakes I have found after making hundreds of tests.
For most IELTS students, the problem is not grammar in general. In fact, it is usually just 1-2 problem areas. Therefore, when you fix these main weaknesses, you’ll be able to improve your grammar and your writing score dramatically.
Hint- They aren’t as big of a deal as you think.
See the interactive tool below for the answers to the most commonly asked questions we receive about IELTS Writing Task 2:
How can i improve my writing.
You will find all the resources you need on our Writing Task 2 page. Click the link below:
Writing Task 2
We also have two Task 2 courses for those that need to improve their Task 2 skills and strategy. They are both based online and completely free of charge. Learn more about them below:
Task 2 5 Day Challenge
Task 2 Essay Builder
If you need serious help or personalised feedback, you should check out our VIP Course. There is a waiting list, but you can add your name here:
The answer to this question is different for every individual IELTS student, as it depends on a number of factors, including your work ethic, English skills and exam strategy. You'll find a guide to answering this question in this article
If you need serious help with improving your IELTS scores, you should check out our online writing course. There is a waiting list, but you can add your name by clicking the link below:
Please click the link below and it will give you all the information you need about our writing correction service:
Writing Correction Service
Yes, you will find them at the link below:
Probably not.
Read my recent article about IELTS vocabulary here:
5 Things You Need to Know about IELTS Vocabulary
No, you should not write idioms for Task 2.
You should avoid using personal pronouns, but it is fine to use them when giving your personal opinion.
Yes, it is very difficult to get a good score in Task 2 if you haven't finished your essay with a conclusion. You will find an in-depth lesson on conclusions here:
How to Write an Effective Task 2 Conclusion
Most IELTS task 2 essays follow the same basic four paragraph structure:
However, you can find more comprehensive help with structuring your Task 2 essays here:
5 Day Challenge
I would highly recommend planning your essay. A good plan acts like a map that guides you through the essay, ensuring that you give the examiner exactly what they need to award you the score you need. You can find help with planning your essays here: How to Plan an IELTS Essay
You must write at least 250 words in Writing Task 2.
I would suggest that you aim to write around 270-280 words in total. Aiming for 20-30 words more than the required amount makes you more likely to reach the word limit without setting an unrealistic goal.
Yes, if you don't write the required number of words, you will lose marks in 'Task Achievement' for not answering the question fully. Read more here .
No, should not use contractions when you are writing an academic essay.
14 min read
Updated On Aug 21, 2024
Share on Whatsapp
Share on Email
Share on Linkedin
This article lists recent IELTS Writing topics for Academic and General Training exams, covering Task 1 visual data and essays on themes like health, education, environment, and more. It also offers sample questions to aid in effective exam preparation.
Ielts writing topics for academic writing task 1, ielts writing topics for general writing task 1, common ielts writing topics for writing task 2.
Limited-Time Offer : Access a FREE 10-Day IELTS Study Plan!
IELTS Writing topics are one of the most essential study resources for IELTS exam preparation. There are two reasons for this: firstly, topics are often repeated in the IELTS exam and secondly, practising these IELTS Writing questions will help test-takers familiarise themselves with the format and requirements of the exam.
While the first task for the IELTS Writing exam has different versions of IELTS Academic and IELTS General , the second task is essay-writing for both. Even with differences in format or difficulty levels, both these tasks revolve around common IELTS writing topics like health, environment, education, travel, family and children, etc.
In this blog, we have compiled a list of the most popular and recent IELTS Writing topics based on the different tasks in this section and recurrent themes. Also, get hold of the IELTS writing questions and answers PDF that will help you practice at your own pace.
In the IELTS Writing Task 1 of the Academic exam, candidates have to summarize important visual information presented in graphs, charts, tables, maps, or diagrams in at least 150 words within 20 minutes.
Below are some IELTS Writing Task 1 topics with answers for each type of graphs and diagrams in IELTS Academic.
Check out the list of IELTS Writing Task 1 - Line graph with IELTS writing questions and answers. Make sure to use appropriate IELTS Writing Task 1 Line Graph Vocabulary to write effective answers.
Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics with answers on the IELTS bar chart .
Explore the list of IELTS writing topics related to pie charts and solve them with the help of pie chart vocabulary for IELTS preparation.
Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics with answers on the IELTS table chart .
Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics 2024 with answers on the IELTS Map Diagram .
Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics with answers on the IELTS Process diagram .
The following is a list of IELTS Writing topics 2024 with answers on IELTS mixed or combination diagrams, practising which will aid in mastering these visual presentations for a top IELTS band score .
Practice IELTS Writing topics with expert guidance!
Book a free trial & talk to our Experts !
In the IELTS General Writing Task 1 , test-takers are required to write a letter in response to a given situation. The letters are of three types depending on the context, namely formal, semi-formal and informal.
Below are some common IELTS Letter Writing topics that cover all the 3 ielts writing questions types of letters.
Have a look at the list of IELTS General Writing Task 1 Sample Formal Letters that will help IELTS candidates prepare for the IELTS Writing questions for the actual exam.
The following is a list of IELTS General Writing Task 1 Sample Semi-Formal Letters with answers.
Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics with answers on the IELTS General Writing Task 1 Informal Letters that will help you to learn how to write an IELTS informal letter and brush up your writing skills.
Looking for some genuine study material for IELTS writing? Wait is over!
Check out the offers !
IELTS Writing Task 2 is similar for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training with minor differences in the difficulty level. Therefore, let us have a look at the compilation of IELTS writing topics with answers for different IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays based on the common common IELTS Writing topics 2024.
Work-related topics often cover issues such as work-life balance, the gig economy, and the impact of automation on employment. Also, business topics may include discussions on corporate responsibility, entrepreneurship, and the impact of globalization on local businesses.
Education topics often focus on the role of technology in education, the importance of higher education, and the debate over traditional vs. modern teaching methods.
Environmental issues are increasingly prominent in IELTS Writing, with topics covering pollution, climate change, and the conservation of natural resources.
IELTS Writing questions related to family and children often explore the changing dynamics of family life, parenting styles, and the impact of technology on children.
Food and entertainment related IELTS writing topics often discuss issues related to diet, the global food industry, and cultural food practices.
Health-related topics are a staple in the IELTS Writing section, focusing on public health issues, diet, and the impact of modern lifestyles on health.
Topics related to language and literature often explore the importance of preserving cultural heritage, language learning, and the impact of globalization on languages.
Societal issues such as violence, social inequality, and media influence are common in IELTS Writing topics.
Sports topics in IELTS Writing often cover the role of sports in education, the impact of professional sports on society, and issues related to sportsmanship.
Technology is a rapidly evolving field, and its impact on society, work, and communication is a common topic in IELTS Writing. Media-related topics also come under this section and often focus on the influence of mass media, the ethics of journalism, and the role of the internet in modern communication.
Tourism and travel topics may include discussions on the impact of tourism on local cultures, the environment, and the global economy.
Download the IELTS writing topics PDF that contain all the IELTS writing topics with answers to fasttrack your IELTS preparation!
Being familiar with these IELTS Writing topics and practicing your writing skills within these themes can help you prepare more effectively for the IELTS Writing test. Moreover, understanding the issues and arguments related to each topic will enable you to write well-rounded essays that meet the IELTS criteria. So, if you need further guidance through a free demo session or sign up for free IELTS webinars .
What are the main topics in IELTS Writing?
What is the topic of IELTS general writing?
Does IELTS writing topics repeat?
Start Preparing for IELTS: Get Your 10-Day Study Plan Today!
Kasturika Samanta
Recent articles.
Nehasri Ravishenbagam
Whitney Houston
Raajdeep Saha
1:1 Live Training with Band 9 Teachers
4.9 ( 3452 Reviews )
Gurgaon city scape, gurgaon bptp.
Great going .
Get a free session from trainer
Have you taken test before?
Please select any option
Email test -->
Please enter Email ID
Mobile Band 9 trainer -->
Please enter phone number
Application
Please select any one
Already Registered?
Select a date
Please select a date
Select a time (IST Time Zone)
Please select a time
Mark Your Calendar: Free Session with Expert on
Which exam are you preparing?
IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024
The linking words list below is essential for IELTS writing task 2 for high score. The examiner needs to see a range of linking words in your essay to award you a high score for the criterion of Coherence and Cohesion which is 25% of your marks. You will be checked on your range, accuracy and your flexibility of linking words in IELTS writing task 2. These connecting words are suitable for all types of essay writing as well as GT IELTS writing task 2
These words are often used to either put your paragraphs in order or used inside the paragraph to highlight and organise your supporting points. However, using “Firstly” and “Secondly” to start each body paragraph is considered “mechanical” which means it is like a machine and this isn’t good for people aiming for band 7 and above. So, being flexible using a combination of linking words is better.
You will need to support your main points in your IELTS essay. These linkers inform the reader that extra information is about to be presented.
It is often useful to give examples to support your ideas in IELTS writing task 2. Make sure you use this range of linking words to do so.
To learn how to put examples in sentences for essay writing, please follow this link: How to Add Examples to Essays .
These linking devices can be used for solution essays or any essay when you need to explain the consequences of something.
It is important to be clear about what you mean in your essay. These linking words help you stress particular points.
You often need to give opposite ideas, particularly for discussion essays so the linking words below will help you show the reader when you want to introduce an opposite point. Also you might want to give exceptions to a rule for a concession.
These connecting words will help you explain reasons and causes for something which is very common in IELTS writing task 2, especially for cause / solution essays.
Don’t make a mistake with the way you express your opinion. Watch this video for useful tips on giving your opinion and how to avoid mistakes: IELTS ESSAY: WHEN & HOW to give your opinion
Which is the best? In a nutshell, To sum up, To conclude, In conclusion, Rounding off,
Improve your use of linking words by fill in the gaps below with linking words from the above list.
Click below to reveal the answers:
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU:
FREE SUBSCRIBE Subscribe to get new lessons & tips by email. Email Address Subscribe
Dear Liz I see lots of model essays have linking words at the start of paragraphs. Is that important? Do I need to use a linking word in most sentences? Is the word HOWEVER a higher band score than BUT? Thanks
These are all good questions. Linking words are part of the marking criterion of Coherence & Cohesion, which counts for 25% of your marks. Linking words should be used flexibly if you are aiming for a score over band 6. If you use linking words at the start of all or almost all sentences, this is called “mechanical” use of linking words and that means you are using linking words like a machine (stamping them in the same place each time). When you use linking words that way, it is a feature of band 6. For band 7 and above, you must be more flexible. Not all sentences will need a linking word and not all linking words need to be the first word of a sentence. For body paragraphs, a discussion essay might have two body paragraphs which both start with a linking word, for example “On the one hand …..On the other hand”. This is fine. For for an Opinion Essay, the way you start each body paragraph will depend on the main points and you should aim for flexibility.
One linking word does not have a higher score than the other. Your aim is to use a range. For example, don’t repeat the word “although”, you can use despite or in spite of . When you proof read your essay, look out for repeated linking words and change them before your time is up.
What about “besides” at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, but in some countries, such as Vietnam, this linking word is very much overused. But it is possible to use it.
Good to know that, thank you!
Maam, can you suggest me some sentence structures for writing both tasks?
See my Grammar E-book for writing task 2 in my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ . For writing task 1, see my model answers and lessons which you can use to analyse sentence structures yourself.
Hi Liz thanks mam for your extraordinary IELTS free writing task 2. It is very helpful for me. Thank you very much mam and take my love
You’re welcome 🙂
Hi liz, Could you please provide the marking scheme writing and reading module of IELTS or in other words I am asking for the factors on which student’s band score is decided.
You can find those linked in the main sections for Writing Task 1, Writing Task 2 and Reading, which are all linked by the RED Menu Bar at the top of the website. Marking for reading is based on correct or incorrect answers, but for the writing and speaking test, it’s based on marking criteria. You can also find a link by clicking on the TEST INFO option on the RED Menu Bar which shows band score information.
I just saw on the IDP IELTS website it says, “Don’t overuse basic linking words like firstly (instead, try using ‘The first reason for/ The primary reason for this”). Is that really better? Can I continue using ‘firstly’ like you do?
Sincerely, Draven
It is fine to use it. But don’t then use Secondly, Thirdly. When you write like a machine, you get a lower score in Coherence and Cohesion, which counts for 25% of your marks. You could try: Firstly / Another point to consider The first point to consider is / A further consideration it You shouldn’t just learn one option. The linking words you use will depend on the points you want to present. You must learn how to use them flexibily.
liz thank you lot for making all videos. take care of you
Hello Liz, Thank you for this very educative blog. when giving examples in task 2 writing for the academic test, are correct statistics important or can one just use made-up stats?
Your are marked on ideas, supporting ideas, developing ideas, but not numbers. The examiner is not going to check statistical data in task 2. The examiner is marked Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Vocabulary and Grammar. This means writing numbers does even help your score that much. Which is better: 1) 75% of people in urban areas feel public transport could be improved. 2) The majority of people living in urban areas feel the public transport could be improved. The second option boosts your vocab score. It is a simple essay based on relevance, not stats and research.
Hi Ms. Liz. Thank you for your lessons 🙂
Thank you very much for your lessons..you deserve to ” The most effective IELTS teacher award ” Thanks once again
It is a misfortune that IELTS mandates the use of linking words for high scores. Especially at the beginning of sentences, linking words quickly tire the reader being pushed around.
If linking words tire the reader, they are not being used properly. You are being tested on using them flexibly in a way that supports the reader.
mam I would like to share a small problem which I facing almost last 10 days in IELTS classes. I’m not good in writing even I don’t know what to write or what to add .and what to think . could you tell me how can I improve .I will looking for your generous response
You can find model essays and tips on the main writing task 2 page of this website for free: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ . But for some people, they need more training. My advanced lessons take you step by step through each paragraph and explain the content of each type of essay. You can find these lessons in my online store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ . You can also find an Ideas for Essay Topics E-book, which contains ideas and vocabulary for topics. You memorise the ideas and adapt them to your essay topic. There’s also a Grammar E-book with many examples of sentence structures to help you. Hopefully all these will help you be clearer about how to tackle an IELTS essay and what to write.
Hi Liz, Can you allocate me some of the pre-ready templates which can be used as a topic statement in starting of the paragraph.
I do not provide them because they are the worst thing to do for your IELTS essay. IELTS does not accept memorised language and the higher band scores are all about flexibility, not templates. Writing task 1 is more formulaic than task 2 because task 1 is a report and most reports are pretty standard. But writing task 2 is all about creating unique sentences connected directly to the topic. This website is about learning and preparing for IELTS the right way.
very clear explanation Liz, Thanks !
Could i use the word “To recapitulate” in position of “To Conclude”? However l really impressed a lot to see your tremendous efforts for students. THANK YOU SOO MUCH MAM. may God bless you. Love from india 🇮🇳
Yes, you can use it but it won’t increase your score.
Teacher Liz, this is just a general question. Will points be deducted if literary words/phrases are used in IELTS Writing (or Speaking). Is literary factor considered informal? Thank you very much! Looking forward to hearing from your
I’m not exactly sure what you mean as you’ve provided no examples. However, to help understand: The writing test is formal. So, this means all informal language will cause you to lose marks. The only exception is the informal letter in GT writing task 1. The speaking test is informal and you can use all types of language and be as casual as you want in chatting to the examiner. But language should be used naturally, not poetically or in an overemphasized manner. You should talk as though you were talking to a friend.
I love you mam your are such a great teacher i appreciate your work 👍
Hey liz, I wanted to ask that for conclusion using “all in all” and “to wrap it up” are correct to use or not ?
They are informal and Writing Task 2 is formal.
Hi, Liz! You said in one of your videos that “to sum up” is rather informal for IELTS writing task 2. Why is it in the concluding linkers list then? Can I use it or not?
It is an option but some examiners think it is too informal. There are no rules in IELTS which have word lists that lower your score. It is examiner interpretation. I do not teach this linking word for a conclusion, but other teachers do. This is why it is in the list. My recommendations are recommendations, not rules.
Hi Liz, all your videos are very helpful to have a quick look on the respective modules. Thank you so much for sharing them.
You’re welcome.
Thanks for response
Hello Liz 👋, is it true that reading books or newspapers will improve our writing skills. If yes, what books or newspapers can you suggest to read.
They will certainly help you develop your writing, but they won’t help you develop your writing for IELTS.
I wonder if I am allowed to use specialized words in writing task 2 (as long as they are related to the task rubrics and the usage and the collocation is contextually appropriate). For instance, if the topic of the essay is “imprisonment”, am I allowed to use words like “criminals set free might resort to recidivism”? what happens if the examiner doesn’t know that term? I already know that IELTS guidelines demand that the underlying assumption in the writing exam be the candidate is writing for an academic “non-specialist” reader. Is this fact in contradiction with using technical terms?
With regards, Reza
It is not a case of being allowed or not allowed. It is about how you use language. If you are pushing high level words into your essay for effect, the language in the essay will become unnatural and will be marked down. So, never aim to impress. However, your example is completely fine. The word “recidivism” is an appropriate word to use for that sentence. Certainly not many candidates will know this word, but it is 100% accurate and appropriate. So, my advice is to use language naturally with the right intent and appropriacy based on your level of English. The examiner will not be specialised in law or other fields – bear that in mind. Your aim here is to hit band score 8 or 9, not to showcase specialised vocabulary. This is a basic English language test, not a test of legal language for example. Pay attention to the context of the essay – it isn’t an essay for a university degree in law. You don’t need to use specialised language to achieve your aim in IELTS. I would not recommend using such specialised language that a layperson would not understand. That isn’t an IELTS rule, it is just logical – use such language as is appropriate for the audience and the context.
Many thanks for the exhaustive response. You’re simply the best in the field, bar none!
I wonder if it is appropriate to use some linking words like ‘Moreover, Furthermore, Further’ to start a new paragraph? or they should be used to link ideas in between the sentence?
Thank you, Micaela
There are no rules about this. Linking is about being logical. I personally use these linking words for within the paragraph to add more information. When starting a new body paragraph I tend to use something more flexible, such as “Another point to consider is ..” – basically indicating the start of a brand new point rather than additional information to an existing point.
Can we use listing linkers (firstly, secondly etc) for inside the paragraphs? Or is it better to use linkers for organising paragraphs?
I believe we should use the additonal information linkers to support our main idea or present extended ideas.
Any thoughts?
Best using them within paragraphs. To each paragraph, try: Firstly, Another point, Finally. But to be honest, you can’t learn formulas like this for task 2. It all depends what your ideas are as to what linking words to use. You need to learn flexibility if you want a high score. Yes, you should use a good range of linking words in your essay.
Hlo madam , tomorrow will be my ILETS exam
Hi Liz, Do we need to use comm a after these linking word . If yes then in what circumstances. For instance if we use these linking words at the start of sentence what will the case. Also what will be case if we use these linking words in middle of sentence ?
This is an aspect of grammar that you need to study in depth. In a few weeks, I’ll be releasing a Grammar E-book. It will explain all of that and much much more.
Can I use ‘For one’ instead of ‘Firstly’? Can I continue using ‘Secondly’ and ‘Finally’ with ‘For one’ or it’s not correct usage?
“For one”, is informal and not suitable for IELTS essays. Be flexible with your use of linking devices but stick with formal ones.
Notify me of follow-up comments by email.
Notify me of new posts by email.
Ideas in ielts essays & in ielts speaking, test yourself with linking words, ielts speaking part 2 cue card topics – 2024, new reading exercise for you (july 2024), ielts gt writing task 1 letter: using the prompts for a high score.
Copyright © Elizabeth Ferguson, 2014 – 2024
All rights reserved.
Return to top of page
Copyright © 2024 · Prose on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in
IMAGES
COMMENTS
Here is a list of such words and others that you are most likely to come across frequently in your course. Table of task words. Words. What they (might) mean... Account for. Explain, clarify, give reasons for. (Quite different from "Give an account of which is more like 'describe in detail'). Analyse.
Common task words. Your assignment question may be a 'what', 'how' or 'why' question. But it may not have a question word at all. You may also find that your assignment uses more than one task word. Here is a handy guide to common task words used in university assignments, and what they are asking you to do.
Essays: Task Words. Task words are the words or phrases used in a brief that tell you what to do. Common examples in UK higher education are "discuss", "evaluate", "compare and contrast" and "critically analyse". They are used in the marking criteria, as they are at the heart of how well you have answered the question.
Task words. Directive or task words; Task Words; Task works for science based essays; Further reading and references; A-Z of Other Guides This link opens in a new window; ... Tip: If an assignment is asking a direct question, make sure your essay answers it. Address it directly in the introduction, make sure each paragraph contributes something ...
Your assessments use 'task words' that explain what you need to do in your work. Task words are the words or phrases in a brief that tell you what to do. Common examples of task words are 'discuss', 'evaluate', 'compare and contrast', and 'critically analyse'. These words are used in assessment marking criteria and will showcase how well you've ...
ACADEMIC WRITINGTask words tell you how to st. ucture an essay. Respond directly to the task word to complete the set tas. satisfactorily. Also ensure you read the task description and marking criteria closely to ensure you have responded directly to the task as given. y your lecturer.Level Words: This illustrates the degree of response dif.
Essay topics contain key words that explain what information is required and how it is to be presented. Using the essay question below indentify task content & limiting words. Regardless of your topic or discipline, if you can identify these words in your essay topic, you can begin to consider what you will need to do to answer the question.
set out the meaning (of a term, word); describe (sometimes explain) discuss . see account for; also to weigh up and compare several views on an issue, develop a thesis, attitude or viewpoint . enumerate . specify and list main features . evaluate . consider various arguments to reach a judgment on significance or value . explain
Task words are words that describe what kind(s) of "tasks" your essay should accomplish. There is an extensive list on the next page that explains what each word is asking for. Key words are those which explain the content to focus on in your assignment. These words will often be the keywords you use when researching your material.
Task Words Meaning Analyse Examine in very close detail; identify main points and show why they are important Assess Weigh up all views on the essay topic (not just yours) and make an informed judgement about its value, strengths, or weaknesses Clarify Describe aspects of an issue or topic, making the
They tell you what to do. Other types of words in a task description are content words (which give information about the topic or subject of the essay) and limiting words (which give information about the scope of the essay). In a task description there may be more than one task verb. In fact, some of the task verbs are normally secondary, or ...
Investigate or examine by argument. Examine key points and possible interpretations, sift and debate, giving reasons for and against. Draw a conclusion. Evaluate. Make a detailed assessment of the problem, including both advantages and limitations. Evaluation involves making a judgement about how effective, useful, or successful something is.
Recognizing action words or verbs used in your assignment prompts will help you broaden your vocabulary, identify specific directives, and organize your ideas accordingly, which will help you write more confidently. Here are some common action words: Analyze. Break down the topic into its parts and explain how the parts relate to each other and ...
Directive Verbs (task words) Directive verbs are those that give instructions about what you are required to do in the essay. Below is a list of the more common directive verbs used in essay briefs. Analyse Break something down to identify the main ideas and component parts then show how they are related and why they are important. Interpret
4. That is to say. Usage: "That is" and "that is to say" can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: "Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.". 5. To that end. Usage: Use "to that end" or "to this end" in a similar way to "in order to" or "so".
Key words are the words in an assignment question that tell you the approaches to take when you answer. Make sure you understand the meaning of key words in an essay question, especially t ask words. As Task words are verbs that direct you and tell you how to go about answering a question, understanding the meaning helps you know exactly what ...
Essays are common assessment tasks in some university faculties. They have been defined as 'a short piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one done by students as part of the work for a course' (Cambridge Dictionary, n.d.). This definition may seem vague, so this page will help you to meet your lecturers' expectations by:
Give the issue some thought and provide an opinion. Common instruction words. Analyse. Break down the issue into parts, discuss them and show how they interrelate. Assess. Consider the value or importance of the issue, paying attention to positive, negative and disputable aspects. Argue. Make a case based on appropriate evidence for and against ...
Assignment questions can be broken down into parts so that you can better understand what you are being asked to do. It is important to identify key words in the question. What are Key Words? Key words are the words in an assignment question that tell you how to answer a question. Key words usually fall into three categories—task words ...
G ASSIGNMENT TASK WORDS. SKILLS FOR LEARNING. O ASSIGNMENT TASK WORDSThe first stage in producing a good assignment is to have a clear understanding of. he assignment question. This tip sheet is intended to be a quick guide to the most common assignment ta. ks you are asked to do. Please make sure you also read carefully your assignment ...
This vocabulary section aims to help you learn all the vocabularies, phrases and words you need to know and use in your Academic writing task 1 to achieve a higher band score. The examiner will use four criteria to score your response: task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, & grammatical range and accuracy.
IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second part of the writing test, where you are presented with a point of view, argument or problem and asked to write an essay in response. Your essay should be in a formal style, at least 250 words in length and you should aim to complete it in under 40 minutes. IELTS Writing Task 2: Everything You Need to Know
Common IELTS Writing Topics for Writing Task 2. IELTS Writing Task 2 is similar for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training with minor differences in the difficulty level. Therefore, let us have a look at the compilation of IELTS writing topics with answers for different IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays based on the common common IELTS Writing topics 2024.
The linking words list below is essential for IELTS writing task 2 for high score. The examiner needs to see a range of linking words in your essay to award you a high score for the criterion of Coherence and Cohesion which is 25% of your marks. You will be checked on your range, accuracy and your flexibility of linking words in IELTS writing ...