IELTS Writing Tasks: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction: Paraphrase the essay question and state your opinion or main idea clearly. Ensure it sets the tone for the essay and aligns with the task requirements.
Body Paragraph 1: Present your first key argument or main idea supported by examples, explanations, and real-world applications to strengthen your point.
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss a contrasting argument, second main idea, or additional support with logical reasoning and illustrative examples.
Conclusion: Summarize the key arguments, restate your opinion concisely, and end with a compelling final statement or recommendation.

Opinion Essays: Focus on stating and supporting your viewpoint while addressing opposing views. Use persuasive language to justify your stance.
Discussion Essays: Present both sides of the argument equally, evaluate them critically, and provide your perspective with evidence.
Problem-Solution Essays: Describe the problem, suggest solutions, and discuss their effectiveness. Highlight feasibility and potential outcomes.
Advantages-Disadvantages Essays: Analyze the pros and cons before drawing a balanced conclusion, addressing both perspectives fairly.

While the typical essay has four paragraphs, complex topics may require five or more. Tailor the structure to effectively cover all aspects of the question.
Each paragraph should focus on one idea and typically include 2-3 supporting sentences. Maintain coherence and logical progression.

Plan Your Essay: Spend a few minutes outlining your main ideas and examples before writing. This ensures a well-structured essay and saves time during writing.
Maintain Paragraph Unity: Ensure each paragraph focuses on a single idea for clarity. Avoid mixing arguments that may confuse the reader.
Use Linking Words: Employ phrases like "however," "for example," "in contrast," "moreover," and "as a result" for smooth transitions and a professional tone.
Manage Your Time: Allocate approximately 40 minutes to Task 2, aiming for 250-300 words. Reserve time for proofreading and corrections.

Task	Details
Task 1	Summarize information from a diagram, graph, or table in about 150 words. Complete within 20 minutes. Evaluate and organize ideas cohesively, using comparative language.
Task 2	Write an essay on a given topic in about 250 words. Complete within 40 minutes. Develop and support arguments effectively with a clear structure.

Write Freely: Jot down all ideas related to the topic, regardless of their quality. Filter and organize them later.
Consider Diversity: Explore different perspectives, including societal, cultural, environmental, and economic viewpoints.
Personal Experiences: Use examples from your own life or knowledge to add depth and authenticity. Avoid overgeneralizations.

Select the Strongest Ideas: Focus on arguments with ample supporting evidence and relevance to the task.
Organize Ideas Logically: Arrange points in a sequence that flows smoothly from one to the next, ensuring a coherent narrative.
Prioritize Clarity: Avoid overly complex language or ideas that may confuse the reader. Simplicity often leads to better comprehension.

Introduction: Briefly paraphrase the topic, state your opinion, and outline your key points to set a clear direction for the essay.
Body Paragraphs: Expand on each point using clear examples, logical explanations, and relevant evidence. Avoid repetition.
Conclusion: Summarize your arguments and restate your main idea or opinion. Provide a closing thought or recommendation.

Dedicate specific time blocks to brainstorming, writing, and reviewing. This ensures balanced focus on all aspects of the task.
Spend no more than two minutes per idea during brainstorming to ensure all points are covered adequately.
Prioritize key sections like the introduction and conclusion, as they set the tone and leave a lasting impression.

Proofread: Leave at least three minutes to check for spelling, grammar, and flow. Identify and correct any inconsistencies.
Reorganize if Needed: Ensure paragraphs are in the best possible order for coherence and impact.
Meet Word Requirements: Avoid penalties by writing the required minimum but avoid unnecessary repetition or filler content.

Don’t Panic: Focus on the brainstorming process to overcome initial blankness. Take a deep breath and approach the task systematically.
Manage "Clock Fever": Prioritize ideas and write efficiently under time pressure. Use bullet points during brainstorming for clarity.

Sample Essays: Analyze high-scoring sample essays to understand effective argumentation and language use.
IELTS Writing Books: Refer to reputed guides like "IELTS Writing for Band 8" for structured practice and insights.
Online Tools: Use platforms like Grammarly and Hemingway to refine your grammar and readability.

Topic: "Do the benefits of free trade outweigh the drawbacks?"
- Economic Growth: Free trade fosters growth in multiple sectors like technology, education, and healthcare.
- Environmental Concerns: Trade expansion can lead to resource depletion and pollution.
- Job Market Impacts: Industries in developed countries may face job losses due to outsourcing.
- Proposed Solutions: Implement sustainable trade policies and invest in renewable energy.

Class with Mason: School of Literary Studies