Do's and Don'ts in IELTS Writing Task 2

The IELTS exam follows certain tips and tricks to ensure an easy-going experience. These tips and tricks are to help the candidates understand the exam better and to use it to make their answers appropriate and to the point. IELTS is divided into two categories namely: academic and general training. There is always debate and confusion on what to mention and omit when it comes to the dos and don’ts in IELTS writing task 2. Academic tests are for students who seek to pursue higher education in English-speaking countries whereas General Training tests are for the ones who want to settle abroad, stay on a working visa, or even a spousal entry.

It is well known that IELTS is divided into Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. All the tests for academic and general training take place at the same time out of which reading, and writing differ for both the tests.

The writing task is of 1-hour duration. 

The writing task under IELTS general training has two sections: 

Task 1: Letter writing  

• Word limit: 150 words
• Suggested time allotment: 20 minutes
• Type of letter writing: formal, informal, complaining about a local issue, descriptive, etc.

Task 2: Essay writing

• Word Limit: 250 words
• Suggested time allotment: 40 minutes
• Type of essay: debatable, descriptive, or opinionated.

Essays in IELTS general training consist of open-ended, descriptive, problem solving, comparative, cause and solutions, advantages and disadvantages, based essays. These essays more or less share the same gist of influencing aside but what you should remember is to state your side or your agreement or disagreement with the given topic in the first line or paragraph of your essay. 

This article illustrates the do's and don'ts in IELTS writing task 2 to understand what the points are to add and what are irrelevant ones to eliminate:

Dos

• Always use a pencil. You can use a pen, but it would make your paper untidy if you had to strike it off.
• Perform some brainstorming before you start your essay. Without this, you might have to strike off or erase your points continuously and that would be time-consuming.
• Keep a check on the grammar and sentence formation.
• Remember to have paragraph breaks in between.
• Make sure one sentence should not have more than 15 to 20 words.
• Use a strong and professional vocabulary.
• Always try to finish 3 to 4 minutes early so that you have time to re-check and revise your essay.
• Practice speed writing and be as creative as possible.
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• Before the test day, read magazines and journals that display good usage of English to get inspiration for the test.
• You can use examples and anecdotes wherever possible but try to keep it short.
• Practice writing relevant answers and avoid beating around the bush.
• If time persists, indulge in some brain mapping so that you do not have to face a “lack-of-content” moment. This brain mapping can be carried out on the question paper where there is a blank space at the back meant for rough works. This will help you identify all the points and avoid missing any.
• Make the essay impactful even with limited words. Write as if the examiner finds it interesting with every line.
• Attempt this before going for the letter as you might take a lot of time in the letter, sparing no time for the essay.
• Practice speed writing. Try to write at least 50 words in 2 minutes. This will not only help you for this test but many more future exams.
• Remain alert and active.

Don’ts

• Do not use unparliamentary language.
• Do not write for both the arguments i.e. do not give neutral views- this would hinder the examiner from analyzing your level of understanding. This will also make you lose points.
• Avoid taking extra sheets- although there would not be any problem but is advisable to not take extra sheets as you might exceed the word limit and IELTS is more or less precise about the word limit.
• Do not get swayed by your feelings and exceed the word limit without a pause. Under this, also avoid taking a lot of time on point or aspect of the topic as there may be other points which you have planned to write.
• Do not misuse punctuation marks as placing them in the places can give the sentence and your essay and whole different meaning. This way the examiner cannot understand what you initially or originally wanted to convey.
• Do not write unnecessary or unidentified abbreviations, mostly internet-based in your essay. This creates a wrong impression and depicts your casual behavior towards the test.
• Do not get distracted while writing as you might lose track of what you were writing and also this will consume your time.
• When in a debatable essay, do not become violent or rude in your approach. Try to maintain professionalism and courtesy in your language.
• Avoid being redundant as this might cause the examiner to lose interest in your paper.
• Avoid controversial topics especially those that are polarised and you do not have enough knowledge about it.

Writing task part 2 is not tough to crack, the only thing that is required is timing, the flow of ideas, and a fast hand. While opting for the IELTS preparation online, make sure to check your writing speed. At first, your handwriting might not be legible, but slowly you will get accustomed to this habit. Speed writing with a pencil is suggested here as that is what you will be using for your test and even the test invigilators suggest that you use a pencil instead of a pen but do not change mid-test. Online or offline preparation makes no difference as the instructor will always ask you to check the basics of your writing skills.

Visit: IELTS Listening tips