Tips for Scoring a High Band in the IELTS Writing Task 2
1. Understand the Scoring System
To get good score first thing to know is the scoring system. This will help you in designing and to make proper structure of your essay. There are following parameters on which the score is calculated:
a. Task Achievement (25%)
You score 25% marks if your word count requirement i.e. 250 words is fulfilled and you present the accurate information about the given topic.
b. Coherence and Cohesion (25%)
Another 25% is for Coherence and Cohesion means the way you organize paragraphs and connect them with each other
c. Lexical Resource (25%)
This includes the evaluation of vocabulary used by you, mistakes done while using words and appropriateness of the language used.
d. Grammar Range and Accuracy
Your sentence formation, accuracy and knowledge of tenses will be judged in this parameter.
2. Time Management
Time management is very important in this task as it is double in length than Task 1 so it is suggested to devote 40 minutes on Task 2. Here are some tips to split your 40 minutes to get fruitful results.
a. Reading
First thing you should do is read the given statement carefully in 2 minutes. In this period you should understand the demand of question. Look is it agree, disagree or discuss both views or problem solution.
b. Planning
After reading and understanding the question now it’s time to plan your answer. Dedicate 5 minutes to plan in this time make a map in your mind or on the paper of your main ideas, supporting points and examples. Beside you should also make an overview how to connect paragraph with each other. This will help you to write in a flow and you will not get confused with the ideas.
c. Writing and Revising
In the next 25 minutes you should write the whole essay with the help of map you drawn on the paper. At the end you will have 8 minutes in your hand utilize them for proof reading. Read paragraphs and correct spelling or grammatical mistake if you find any.
3. Understanding the IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Topic
There are 5 categories from which you can expect a question.
– Opinion based- agree or disagree
– Advantages and disadvantages
– Discussion of both point of view argument
– Two-part questions
– A solution to a view argument or problem
Knowing the kind of question helps you make a sound strategy before answering.
A General Pattern to Follow
There is a general pattern to follow in the IELTS Task 2 which is as follows:
– Introduction
– The main idea with examples
– Summary of your main idea
– Conclusion
4. Structuring the Paragraphs
Many aspirants get confused about the size of the paragraph. An ideal paragraph consists of 4 sentences with 20-22 words in each sentence. The essay should not be more than 300 words as the examiner doesn’t have time to read more than this.
Bonus Tip:
Always write your main idea first than explain it with a supporting point and also add a relevant example in it. This method can make your task more effective.
