IELTS WRITING TASK 2 TIPS
Introduction paragraph
• A background sentence giving some background information on the essay topic.(general
statement)
• A more detailed sentence linking the background sentence to the thesis.
• A thesis that presents your point of view on your given topic.
• An outline sentence declaring the 2 points you are going to use to support your thesis.
Supporting paragraph 1(1st body)
• A topic sentence illustrating the first point you will be presenting to support your thesis (this point
taken from your outline sentence).
• A sentence showing a real-life example of this topic in action.
• A discussion sentence that shows how your example links or proves your topic sentence.
• A conclusion sentence that links this entire paragraph back to your thesis.
Supporting paragraph 2(2nd body)
• A topic sentence illustrating the second point you will be presenting to support your thesis (this
point taken from your outline sentence).
• A sentence showing a real-life example of this topic in action.
• A discussion sentence that shows how your example links or proves your topic sentence.
• A conclusion sentence that links this entire paragraph back to your thesis.
Conclusion paragraph
• A summary sentence that briefly states the 2 points you discussed in your supporting paragraphs.
• A restatement of your thesis using different words.
• A prediction or recommendation based on the topic you have been given.
Transitions: Transitional words and phrases are what give your essays coherence. we need them to join
sentences and thoughts together.
AGREEMENT: also, in addition, further, furthermore, moreover, additionally, to add to that, next, in
accordance with, accordingly, in agreement, finally, for instance, for example, in exemplification,
exemplifying that, in fact, factually speaking, in terms of, and so forth, looking at the nexus between, in
coordination with, along those lines, collectively speaking, generally speaking, indeed, undoubtedly,
obviously, to be sure.
CONTRAST: however, contrastingly, in contrast, on the contrary, on the other hand, from a different
angle, nonetheless, nevertheless, but, yet, a catch to this is, sadly enough, as a hindrance, looking at the
holdups, oddly enough, instead, in direct opposition, still, and rather.
1
IELTS WRITING TASK 2 TIPS
RESULT: as a result, as a consequence, consequently, thus, therefore, hence, thereby, resulting in,
ultimately, in the end, finally, in the overall analysis, in hindsight, in retrospect, retrospectively,
vicariously, the long term effect, as a short term result, significantly, as a major effect, effectively,
heretofore, hereafter, thereafter, in short, generally, over all, concluding.
Formal Informal Formal Informal
Inform me Let me know Cancel Drop
Contact Get in touch Obtain Get
Apologize Say sorry Postpone Delay
Request Ask for Compensate Make up
Establish Set up Discover Find out
Handle Deal with Investigate Check up on
Tolerate Put up Increase Go up
Children Kids Many / Much A lot of / Heaps of
Type 1 - Agree/disagree
Introduction:
(Essay topic)…is a significant issue/on going issue/growing problem/a challenging dilemma in the
modern world/in the globalized world/nowadays/currently/these days.
Tackling/addressing/solving this issue is challenging especially with the pressure of modern life/ the speed
of social change.
However, in my opinion, ………………….. for several reasons I mention below.
1st body:
Predominantly/obviously/to commence with, ……(the main argument why you say so). Example.
Supporting sentences.
2nd body:
Connective + topic sentence(another reason) + example + supporting sentences
Conclusion:
To sum up/to conclude, ….. (summary - just restate your opinion using different words)
Type 2- Discussion
Introduction:
People generally have mixed views regarding the given topic.
Some believe(are of the opinion) that……; while others suggest that…./are convinced that….
This essay will, however, discuss/explore/examine both points of view and then offer/present a personal
view/viewpoint/perspective/on this dilemma/issue/situation.
2
IELTS WRITING TASK 2 TIPS
1st body:
On the one hand,….(discuss one of the arguments)
2nd body:
On the other hand,…. (discuss another argument)
Conclusion:
To sum up, I think,………(opinion)
Type 3 - Advantages and Disadvantages
Introduction:
(Essay topic)…is a significant/major/on going issue/growing problem/issue/a challenging dilemma in the
modern world/in the globalised world/nowadays/currently/these days.
There are numerous/a range of/various/plethora of/a myriad of….pros and cons/benefits and
pitfalls/positive and negative aspects…with regard to/in terms of/with respect to/regarding…(essay topic-
present in a different way)
1st body:
To commence with,…. (advantages)
2nd body:
However,….(disadvantages)
Conclusion:
Summary (sometimes the final sentence can be used to make a final comment or to offer an interesting
thought or prediction.)
Type4 –Causes and Effects/solutions
Introduction:
(Essay topic)…is a significant/major/on going issue/growing problem/issue/a challenging dilemma in the
modern world/in the globalised world/nowadays/currently/these days.
This essay will explain/outline/offer/identify/nominate/highlight some key reason why (essay topic) is
…..and will suggest/will propose a range of measures/steps that can be taken to improve the
situation/some options/possibilities for improving/changing the situation.
1st body:
Causes
2nd body:
Effects/solutions
Conclusion:
Summary (sometimes the final sentence can be used to make a final comment or to offer an interesting
thought or prediction.)
3
IELTS WRITING TASK 2 TIPS
Type 5 – Two questions
Introduction:
(Essay topic)…is a significant/major/on going issue/growing problem/issue/a challenging dilemma in the
modern world/in the globalised world/nowadays/currently/these days.
This essay will explain/outline/offer/identify/nominate/highlight (the first area to discuss) …..and (the
second area)
1st body:
To commence with,…. (response to the first question)
2nd body:
However,…. (response to the second question)
Conclusion:
Summary (sometimes the final sentence can be used to make a final comment or to offer an interesting
thought or prediction.)
