IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 By Simon Corcoran

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UIELTS Academic Writing Task 2U

In the second part of the IELTS Academic Writing Test, you have to write 250 words. You should spend 40 minutes on this task. Writing Task 2 is worth more than Task 1, so you need to do it well.

For IELTS Writing Task 2, you have to write an essay discussing a topic. You will be given an opinion/ argument, different points of view or a problem to discuss.

Most students prepare phrases for introducing and linking ideas. However, not many students prepare good ideas and opinions for IELTS topics.

We'll work on these areas:

• How to structure a good Task 2 essay. • Preparation of ideas, opinions and good vocabulary for each IELTS topic. • How to build and link sentences to create coherent paragraphs. • Common mistakes in grammar and word usage.

Some hard work on these areas can make a big difference to your writing score

UIELTS Writing Task 2: topic vocabulary + linkingU

Today my students wrote a 'band 7' paragraph about the benefits of zoos. It was easy: they took my 'band 7' vocabulary ideas from Uthis lesson (click here)U and wrote their own sentences with good linking.

Here's the simple structure that my students used:

1. Simple topic sentence. 2. "The main benefit is that..." 3. "Another advantage of zoos is that..." 4. "From a personal point of view,..."

Finally, we wrote a good paragraph together:

Zoos have several benefits. The main benefit is that zoos play an important role in wildlife conservation. They help to protect endangered species, such as pandas or rhinos, and allow scientists to study animal behaviour. Another advantage of zoos is that they employ large numbers of people, therefore providing job opportunities and income for the local area. Also, the money that zoos make can be used for conservation projects. From a personal point of view, zoos are interesting, educational and fun. They are entertaining for families, and teach children to appreciate wildlife and nature.

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UIELTS Writing Task 2: health topic (obesity)U

Childhood obesity is becoming a serious problem in many countries. Explain the main causes and effects of this problem, and suggest some possible solutions.

Here are some vocabulary ideas for this topic. (My students: this is your homework!)

UIELTS Writing Task 2: higher educationU

My students have been working on last Saturday's exam question:

Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to a successful career, while others believe that it is better to get a job straight after school. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

We did some brainstorming and some internet research to get ideas, then we planned the essay. We did the introduction, first sentence of each paragraph and conclusion together. Here is the simple structure that my students are using to write the essay:

Introduction When they finish school, teenagers face the dilemma of whether to get a job or

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continue their education. While there are some benefits to getting a job straight after school, I would argue that it is better to go to college or university.

Paragraph 1: benefits of getting a job The option to start work straight after school is attractive for several reasons. (IDEAS: start earning money, become independent, gain experience, learn skills, get promotions, settle down earlier, afford a house, have a family)

Paragraph 2: benefits of higher education (my opinion) On the other hand, I believe that it is more beneficial for students to continue their studies. (IDEAS: some jobs require academic qualifications, better job opportunities, higher salaries, the job market is very competitive, gain knowledge, become a useful member of society)

Conclusion For the reasons mentioned above, it seems to me that students are more likely to be successful in their lives if they continue their studies beyond school level.

UIELTS Writing Task 2: sample essay (higher education)U

Last week I gave you a simple structure and some ideas for the …