IELTS WRITING TASK 1: HOW TO ORGANISE YOUR

ANSWER
This is a quick guide on how to organise an IELTS Writing Task 1 answer into
paragraphs. This applies only to the Academic module in which Task 1 involves
describing a diagram or set of data. Note that the organisation of the answer may
change depending on the question type.

First paragraph: Introduction

Key technique: Be direct.
When writing an introduction to Task 1, get straight to the point as you only have 20
minutes to write your answer. One or two sentences are often sufficient. Two things you
should try to include in the introduction are:
Paraphrase of the question: What does the diagram show? (Dont describe
the results yet!)
General description: Are the differences great or small, many or few? Is there
one very obvious trend or feature that stands out?
Hint: Many people make the mistake of continuing with all the details. Stop here and
begin your first body paragraph.

Body paragraphs
Key technique: Divide the body into two or three paragraphs.
Use a logical way to divide the body of your report into two or three paragraphs. Are
there two or more sets of data? Great, then write a paragraph about each one. Is there
only one set of data? Count the variables and divide them into two or three groups. You
can divide by natural similarity (e.g. some academic subjects are sciences; others are
arts.) Or you can divide by similarity of results (e.g. some exam scores went up; others
went down.) Or you can divide a process, a time period or age range into two or three
stages (e.g. the 20th Century can be divided into the early, mid, and late 20th Century.)
Now that you have a paragraphing system, make sure each paragraph is organised as
follows:
Link to the previous paragraph: By contrast, turning to, finally, etc.
Topic sentence: Describe the main point, change or comparison in general
terms without giving specific information.
Supporting sentence(s): Quote a figure or other evidence that supports the
claim made in the topic sentence.
Hint: If you find yourself writing more than two consecutive supporting sentences,
include a general sentence (e.g. There were also significant differences in) to guide
the reader, or consider starting a new paragraph.

Final paragraph: Conclusion

Key technique: Add overall coherence.
Due to lack of time, many people will omit the conclusion from Task 1. However, there
are several reasons you should write a conclusion. One is that writing a summarising
sentence takes very little time and may push you past the 150-word limit. Another is
that a good summary can add coherence to your answer, which could rescue your score

if you have drifted a lot. Finally, since the purpose of Task 1 is usually to compare, the
conclusion allows you to make direct comparisons of the different sets of data, which is
especially important if you have described them in separate body paragraphs. Here are
some things that can go in the conclusion to Task 1:
Concluding signal: In conclusion, in summary, overall, etc.
Summary: Paraphrase the overall trend or the two or three main points made in
the body. Never include statistics or other evidence in the conclusion.
Direct comparison: If there are several sets of data, here is your chance to
make a connection between them. Dont go into too much detail.
Prediction: If the data includes a timeframe, you could make a prediction about
what is likely to happen next.
Concluding comment: If you really need some extra words, you could add a
comment on the data. Is it surprisingly, alarming, expected? Comments such as
these are not required by the question but are better than incurring a penalty
for not meeting the word requirement.
Hint: You dont need to include all of the above in your conclusion. Two sentences are
generally enough.

IELTS Writing Task 1: Useful Language

Some IELTS test-takers memorise a stock of useful phrases for both writing tasks. This
is not cheating learning expressions by heart and reproducing them in an appropriate
context is one of the most fundamental ways to improve in a second language. The key
is to stick to learning effective signposting phrases; that is, expressions whose only
function is to link ideas and which can therefore be used when writing about any topic.
See the list below for suggestions for IELTS Writing Task 1. For each function, the
language is graded for level, from regular use (Bands 5-6) to higher-level use (Bands 79).

Introducing the topic

The graph shows / The table

reveals
The
chart
displays
/ The
diagram illustrates
Some
interesting
facts
concerning are revealed in the
diagram.
Several key trends are revealed
by the graph showing

Introducing lesser trends

Exceptions to the main trend

Introducing the first set of data

Beginning with the

To begin with the
Let me begin by describing the

Introducing the second set of data

Meanwhile, the shows that

As for the , it shows that
Turning to the , it can be seen
that

However, this was not always the

case.
However, it should be pointed out
that
There
was
one
noticeable
exception, however.

Comparing and contrasting

Another trend that can be

observed is that
It is also worth pointing out that
Also worth noting is that

Similarly, / By contrast,
A similar trend can be observed
in
The results for , however, reveal
a markedly different trend.

Adding figures
Introducing the first major trend

First of all, it is clear that

Most noticeably of all, it can be
seen that
The first result worth pointing out
is that

The figures were X and Y

respectively.
, at X. / , with Y. (Usage note:
use at when you mean the
figure was'; use with when you
mean something had)
, at/with X and Y respectively.

Concluding and summarising

To sum up, / In summary, / In

short,

Overall, / On the whole,

The main thing that can
observed here is that

be

IELTS Writing Task 1 Process Diagram

Question
The diagram shows how electricity is generated by a hydroelectric dam.
Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer explaining how the process
works.

Model Answer
The diagram illustrates the basic principles of hydroelectric power. The process requires
the construction of a large dam connected to a powerhouse. The dam creates a large
reservoir and the powerhouse is where the electricity is generated.
First of all, water trapped in the reservoir behind the dam is forced through an intake. It
then flows into a narrow chamber called a penstock, where the resulting high pressure
turns a turbine. The turbine is connected to a generator in the powerhouse above, and
this is where the movement of the turbine is converted into electricity. The resulting
electricity leaves the powerhouse via cables that carry it over long distances to where it
can be used.
It is interesting to note that a hydroelectric dam creates no harmful byproducts and
relies entirely on natural forces to produce electricity. After the turbine stage, water

flows out through a second channel and into a river. The process is renewable, thanks
to the water cycle in nature.
(163 words, IELTS 8.0)

Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS Band 8 score?

Task achievement: The introduction paraphrases the question and describes the
constituent parts of the process. The body describes each stage of the process in
sequence.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer has an introduction, body and
conclusion. Sequencing expressions such as first of all, then and after are used
appropriately. The articles a and the are used effectively to introduce and refer back to
different elements of the process.
Lexical resource: The labels in the diagram are well integrated into the model answer
and appropriate verbs such as converted,flows and leaves are used throughout. Lesscommon words such as byproducts and renewable are introduced by the writer.
Spelling is always accurate.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The writer uses the present simple tense and has
good control of subject-verb agreement and active/passive forms. A good balance of
simple and complex sentences is used throughout.

IELTS Writing Task 1: Line Graph

Question
The diagram shows the consumption of renewable energy in the USA from
1949-2008.
Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer identifying the main trends
and making comparisons where relevant.

Model Answer
The line graph shows growth in the consumption of renewable energy during the period
1949-2008 in the USA. The results are also broken down by source.
The first thing to note is that renewable energy use more than doubled over the period,
with particularly strong growth in biofuels. This sector did not exist in 1980 but
experienced a steep rise during the 2000s to over one quadrillion Btu per year. This
made biofuels a serious challenger to both wood and hydroelectric power, which both
saw only limited growth overall. The former grew steadily between 1975 and 1985, but
then slipped back to around its original level of 1.8 quadrillion Btu. The latter began the
period at the same level as wood but experienced more substantial growth. However, it
also fell back to around 2 quadrillion Btu, with a particularly sharp drop in the late
1990s.

Finally, wind power emerged late in the period but showed a gradual rise to around 0.5
quadrillion Btu, suggesting that it, along with biofuels, will replace wood and
hydroelectricity as the main sources of renewable every in the future.
(184 words, IELTS 8.0)

Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS Band 8 score?

Task achievement: The model answer describes the overall trend first, followed by an
analysis of the different energy sources. Numerical evidence is used sparingly to
illustrate the trends. The main trends are used as the basis of a prediction in the final
sentence.
Coherence and cohesion: Trends are explained in general terms first, followed by
supporting figures. Some energy sources are grouped together for ease of
understanding. It and this are used throughout as cohesive devices, and the writer
uses the former and the latter to refer back to information in a previous sentence.
Lexical resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary to describe change,
including adjectives and adverbs such as limited, substantial and particularly sharp,
and verbs such as doubled, slipped and emerged.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer is free from grammatical
errors. Sentence forms are complex and include relative clauses and linking words such
as with. The candidate makes use of past, present and future tenses. Punctuation is
also used carefully and accurately throughout.

IELTS Writing Task 1: Bar Chart

Question
The bar chart shows the relative electricity consumption and cost per year of
various household devices.
Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer explaining the data and
making comparisons where relevant.

Model Answer
The bar chart compares the energy consumption and expense of operating 16 different
items of household equipment. Overall, we can see significant differences in both cost
and consumption.
To begin with, there are some common household items which consume relatively little
energy. These include an electric blanket (approx. $10 or 100kwh/year), a microwave
oven (approx. $15 or 150kwh/year) and a television (approx. $17 or 170kwh/year).
By contrast, devices that might be classified as luxury items such as a pool pump or
spa are comparatively expensive and energy-intensive, at nearly $125 or 1500kwh/year
and around $190 or 2225kwh/year respectively.
It is interesting to note that even among household items normally considered alike,
such as a microwave and refrigerator, there are enormous discrepancies in cost and

energy use. The former uses only around $15 or 150kwh/year, while the latter
consumes at least six times that amount at $90 or 1150kwh/year.
In conclusion, it appears that there is no clear pattern in the relative energy
consumption of domestic equipment, although households had better be aware of the
high running costs of luxury items such as a pool pump and spa.
(187 words, IELTS 8.5)

Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS Band 8 score?

Task achievement: The model answer presents an overall description first, followed
by key supporting details that illustrate the main trend.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer is divided into clear paragraphs and
each paragraph contains one main idea. There are cohesive links between paragraphs.
A variety of reference links are used throughout, including the former, the latter,
andrespectively.
Lexical resource: The language in the question is effectively paraphrased. Synonyms
are introduced for key concepts such aselectricity consumption > energy use and cost
> expense. Some less-common words such as discrepancies and energy-intensiveare
used.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer is free from grammatical
errors. Sentences tend to consist of multiple clauses. Paragraphs contain a variety of
sentence structures.

IELTS Writing Task 1: Comparison Diagram

Question
The diagram shows the skeletal systems of two ancestors of modern human
beings.
Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer describing the diagram and
making comparisons where relevant.

Model Answer
Variations in the skeletal systems of two early types of human are illustrated in this
diagram. Overall, we can see that australopithecus afarensis had a heavier body and
much longer arms, while homo erectus was slimmer and had more developed joints.
To begin with the upper half of the body, australopithecus afarensis had a much
broader chest and waist than homo erectus, giving it a rounder appearance. The former

had much longer arms and larger hands, which would have been useful for climbing
trees.
As for the lower half of the body, we can see that homo erectus had proportionately
longer legs and larger hip, knee and ankle joints. The feet of homo erectus were also
smaller and more arched, with shorter toes. These differences meant that homo erectus
was better suited to long-distance running.
In conclusion, we can see significant changes in the development of early humans from
the diagram. Homo erectus is more similar to contemporary human beings with its long
legs and arched feet. The physical differences are clearly related to differences in the
lifestyles of tree climbers and endurance runners.
(183 words, IELTS 8.0)

Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS Band 8 score?

Task achievement: The model answer selects only the most important information
from the diagram and uses this to make several direct comparisons. The physical
differences are clearly connected to the description of each creaturess lifestyle,
providing a very rounded answer. The length is sufficient.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer is divided into clear paragraphs with a
logical separation between the body paragraphs. There is a general overview in
paragraph 1 and a summary in paragraph 4. A reference link, the former, is used to
avoid over-repetition of the names of the creatures.
Lexical resource: The model answer adds more vocabulary not in the diagram such
as lifestyle, proportionately, suited,appearance and contemporary. There are also
attempts to paraphrase such as wide > broad and endurance > long-distance.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer uses comparative structures
accurately. The temptation to list all the features in repetitive structures is avoided. A
variety
of
grammatical
devices
are
used
to
extend
sentences,
including with, whichand -ing clauses.

IELTS Writing Task 1: Cycle Diagram

Question
The diagram below illustrates the carbon cycle in nature.
Write a 150-word description of this diagram for a university lecturer.

The National Center for Atmospheric Research

Model Answer

The diagram shows how carbon moves through various stages to form a complete
cycle. This report will give a brief description of the main stages in this cycle.
First, we can see that energy from the sun is transformed into organic carbon through a
process in plants known as photosynthesis. This organic carbon is then transferred
underground when plants, and the animals that feed on them, die and decay. Some of
this carbon is trapped underground in the form of fossils and fossil fuels.
Carbon is also released back into the atmosphere, however, through various means.
One is when animals and plants respire, and another is when humans burn fossil fuels
in cars and factories. All this carbon enters the atmosphere as CO2. It is then
reabsorbed by plants, and the cycle begins again.
Overall, we can see that carbon moves in a natural cycle, although human factors may
now be affecting the balance.
(154 words, IELTS 8.0)

Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS Band 8 score?

Task achievement: The model answer selects and describes most components of the
diagram except for waste products and ocean uptake. There is an overall description of
the cycle followed by a clearly sequenced and divided description of the stages. The
summary identifies something noteworthy about the diagram. The length is sufficient.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer is divided into clear paragraphs with a
logical
separation
between
the
body
paragraphs
and
connective
markers first, then, however, and overall. There is a general overview in paragraph 1
and a summary in paragraph 4. Referencing techniques such as ellipsis (one is) are
used to avoid over-repetition of key words.
Lexical resource: The writer makes good use of the language in the diagram and is
also able to change forms in the case ofrespiration > respire. The writer also introduces
a
range
of
verbs
for
describing
a
process
or
cycle
such
as transform, transferand release.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer demonstrates accurate usage
of a wide range of forms including countable/uncountable nouns, active/passive
structures, and transitive/intransitive verbs.

IELTS Writing Task 1: Describing a Process

Question
The illustration below shows the process of tying a bow tie.
Write a report explaining to a university lecturer how to tie his bow tie.
Write at least 150 words.

Model Answer
The diagram illustrates how to knot a bow tie in eight stages.
To begin with, the tie should be placed around the neck, with one end slightly longer
than the other. Then place the longer end over the other and pass it upwards and
behind the point where the two ends cross.
Next, take the other end of the tie and bend it twice to form an S shape. Bring the
longer end down and in front, so that it holds the S curve in place. Now comes the
trickiest part of the process. Take the long end of the tie and form a similar S shape

before passing it through the narrow gap behind the other end. This creates a knot and
the bow should now be held securely in place.
Finally, adjust both sides of the bow to make it symmetrical and prepare to be the envy
of your friends.
(152 words, IELTS 9.0)

Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS Band 9 score?

Task achievement: The model answer fully satisfies all requirements of the task by
describing each stage in the process.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer uses a range of sequencing expressions
to describe the order in which the actions should be carried out. The answer is divided
into several paragraphs for ease of understanding, with the inclusion of a general
sentence Now comes the trickiest part of the process to aid coherence.
Lexical resource: A range of appropriate vocabulary is introduced, including action
verbs such as knot, bend, pass and adjust.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The correct forms imperatives, modals are
used to give instructions. Sentence patterns vary and are always grammatically
accurate.

Informal & Formal Vocabulary for IELTS

The informal words below are best avoided in Academic IELTS. The neutral words are
fine for the Speaking module, but you really should learn the formal equivalents if you
want to score highly in the Academic Writing module.

Informal (Avoid)
Stuff
Folks
Kids (younger)
Kids (older)
Guy
Old people
Cops
Crooks
OK, Alright
Great, Awesome
Rubbish, Useless

Neutral (Spoken)
Things
Family
Babies, Children
Teenagers
Man
Elderly people
Boss, Manager
Police
Criminals
Fine
Good
Bad, Poor

Nasty, Cheeky (person)

Stupid, Crazy, Dumb (idea)
Stupid, Crazy, Dumb
(person)
Sick of, Fed up with
-

Nice, Polite
Kind, Friendly
Rude, Impolite
Happy (person)
Happy (situation)
Sad (person)
Sad (situation)
Tired of
Poor (country)

Poor (person)
Rich (country)
Rich (person)

Formal (Written)
Items, Possessions
Relatives
Infants, Offspring
Adolescents, Youths
Male
Senior citizens, Retirees
Supervisor, Superior
Law enforcement
Offenders, Lawbreakers
Acceptable, Satisfactory
Preferable, Desirable
Unsatisfactory,
Unacceptable
Considerate, Agreeable
Sociable, Neighbourly
Abusive, Disagreeable
Misguided, Questionable
Misguided, Mistaken
Satisfied, Delighted
Satisfying, Delightful
Regretful, Distressed
Regrettable, Distressing
Dissatisfied with
Developing, Povertystricken
In poverty, Underprivileged
Wealthy, Developed
Wealthy, Privileged

Contractions such as dont are fine in IELTS Speaking but it is better to use do not in the
Academic Writing module. Casual forms such as gonna and dunno should only ever be
used in the Speaking test and NEVER in Writing.

IELTS WRITING TASK 2: HOW TO ORGANISE YOUR

ANSWER
Use the following guide to plan, organise and paragraph an essay in IELTS Writing Task
2. This applies to both General Training and Academic IELTS Writing modules, but there
are different ways of organising an answer depending on the question type.

First paragraph: Introduction

Key technique: Dont begin with your thesis statement.
Never begin an essay with I believe, I agree, or In my opinion. These indicate your
thesis statement and should go at the END of your introduction, after you have
introduced the topic and problem to be discussed. As a rule, start generally and take
several sentences to build to your main idea. Note that the style of thesis statement
will vary depending on the question type. Study the question carefully first to
determine if you should give your opinion in the introduction or in the conclusion.

Introductory sentence: What topic is to be discussed? Recently, there have

been

Narrow the focus: What issue concerning the topic is to be resolved? However,
some people argue that

Thesis statement (opinion essay): What is your opinion on this issue? This
essay will argue that

Thesis statement (argument essay): What will happen in this essay? This
essay will look at both sides of the argument before stating my own opinion.

Thesis statement (problem/solution essay): What are you going to write

about? The main problems are X and Y and I will propose solutions to both in this
essay.
Hint: You can choose either to write in the first person (I believe...) or third person (This
essay will). The third person sounds more objective and academic.
Hint: Dont include your main reasons or arguments in the introduction, these should
go in each of the body paragraphs.

Body paragraphs
Key technique: Make a paragraph plan
In Task 2, you will need to write between two and four body paragraphs. Each
paragraph should express one main idea in relation to the thesis statement (see above)
and how you order these paragraphs is also important for the overall coherence of the
essay.
In an opinion essay, if you express a strong opinion (I firmly believe), then all body
paragraphs should support it. However, if your opinion is weak (I agree to some
extent), consider writing one paragraph against followed by two paragraphs in favour
(see hint below).
In an argument essay, it is best to give equal space to both sides of the argument,
which means writing either two or four body paragraphs. If you write three body
paragraphs, i.e. there is clearly a bias towards one side of the argument, make sure
your final opinion is in favour of that side!
In a problem/solution essay, make sure you give equal treatment to all parts of the
question. Two problems and two solutions are enough. It is best not to write about

problems you cant offer solutions to. There are many ways to organise such an essay.
You can write about a problem and its solution in one paragraph or you can deal with all
the problems first and the solutions later.
Once you have decided on a paragraph plan, make sure each paragraph is organised as
follows:

Link to the previous paragraph: First, Furthermore, On the other hand, etc.

Topic sentence: Describe the main idea of the paragraph in general terms.

Supporting sentences: Use examples or further explanation to support the

claim made in the topic sentence.

Qualifying sentence: Sometimes it is clear that an idea isnt perfect or there

may be exceptions. You can point this out as long as you dont destroy your main
idea completely.

Summarising sentence: If you have included a qualifying sentence, or if you

have written several supporting sentences, consider returning to your main point
by paraphrasing your topic sentence at the end.
Hint: If one of your body paragraphs goes against your main idea, put this paragraph
first so that the remaining body paragraphs flow logically to your conclusion. The same
is true in an argument essay. Discuss the side you dont agree with first, so that the
opinion expressed in your conclusion follows naturally from what has come before.

Final paragraph: Conclusion

Key technique: Give your reader something to consider.
One habit of IELTS test-takers is to end with a simple summary of their opinion and
main ideas. This is absolutely fine and can add essential extra coherence, but try also
adding some kind of concluding comment. This will leave the examiner with a powerful
final impression of your essay when he or she comes to score it. A full conclusion
should contain:

Concluding signal: In conclusion, In summary, Overall, etc.

(Re)state opinion: In an opinion essay, you can simply paraphrase your

original thesis statement. In an argument essay, this is where you state your
opinion, often using a phrase such as Having considered both sides of the
argument, I believe

Summary: Paraphrase the main idea of each body paragraph in very brief
terms. Never include examples or explanations. These go in the body of the
essay.

Concluding comment: Give the reader something to think about. Highlight the
importance of the issue you have just discussed. Ask the reader to consider the
future consequences if the issue is not resolved. Recommend a course of action
that the reader or society should follow.
Hint: Dont include anything in the introduction that is completely new or requires
detailed explanation. This is also true for the concluding comment. Keep it obvious.
Dont write an idea that you then need to explain.

IELTS WRITING TASK 2: OPINION ESSAY

Question
Space exploration is much too expensive and the money should be spent on
more important things.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Model Answer
There is an argument that exploring space is a waste of money and that there are more
urgent needs to be addressed on earth, such as reducing poverty and preventing
environmental destruction. However, I completely disagree with this opinion for two
reasons.
First of all, many of the technologies we take for granted today were originated thanks
to space research. Take satellite technology, for example, which we depend on for
broadcasting and weather forecasting. Without satellites, we would not be able to
follow global events as they happen, nor give populations any warning of approaching
storms. Space research has also led to the development of new lightweight materials
that offer us heat protection and enable food preservation. Therefore, the challenge of
sending human beings into space has often driven the development of new
technologies that benefit our everyday lives.
Second, we cannot foresee the distant future, so we ought to develop the capability to
escape from the earth. Gradually, we are learning how humans can survive for long
periods in space and even travel to other planets in the future. If space exploration is
halted, this valuable knowledge will never be acquired. It is true that environmental
destruction is also a serious issue, but it is also true that we remain dependent on our
environment if we never accept the challenge of exploring other worlds.
In conclusion, while we undoubtedly face serious problems on our own planet, it is
imperative that we continue to explore space. This will promote further technological
advances as well as provide a possible means of escape should earth become
uninhabitable in future. Ideally, all nations should cooperate in the advancement of
space research.
(278 words, IELTS 8.5)

Why does this Task 2 answer get an IELTS Band 8 score?

Task response: The introduction effectively paraphrases the question and presents a
clear opinion. The writers opinion is supported in the body of the essay. Concrete
examples are given. The conclusion restates the writers opinion and ends with a
recommendation.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer is divided into clear paragraphs and
each body paragraph contains one main idea. There are cohesive links between all
paragraphs and between most sentences.
Lexical resource: The key concept of space exploration is paraphrased several times.
There
are
many
words
characteristic
of
academic
writing
such
as originated, imperative, and foresee. Vocabulary is used with a strong awareness of
collocation: take for granted, develop the capability, accept the challenge.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer is free from grammatical
errors. A good balance of simple and complex sentences is used to develop an

argument. Verb tenses vary, and other grammatical devices such as conditionals and
modals are used with high accuracy.

IELTS WRITING TASK 2: ARGUMENT ESSAY

Question
It is sometimes argued that too many students go to university, while others
claim that a university education should be a universal right.
Discuss both sides of the argument and give your own opinion.

Model Answer
In some advanced countries, it is not unusual for more than 50% of young adults to
attend college or university. Critics, however, claim that many university courses are
worthless and young people would be better off gaining skills in the workplace. In this
essay, I will examine both sides of this argument and try to reach a conclusion.
There are several reasons why university has become a popular choice for young
people. First, growing prosperity in many parts of the world has increased the number
of families with money to invest in their childrens future. At the same time, falling
birthrates mean that one- or two-child families have become common, increasing the
level of investment in each child. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that young people
are willing to let their families support them until the age of 21 or 22. Furthermore,
millions of new jobs have been created in knowledge industries, and these jobs are
typically open only to university graduates.
However, it often appears that graduates end up in occupations unrelated to their
university studies. It is not uncommon for an English literature major to end up working
in sales, or an engineering graduate to retrain as a teacher, for example. Some critics
have suggested that young people are just delaying their entry into the workplace,
rather than developing professional skills. A more serious problem is that the high cost
of a university education will mean that many families are reluctant to have more than
one child, exacerbating the falling birthrates in certain countries.
In conclusion, while it can be argued that too much emphasis is placed on a university
education, my own opinion is that the university years are a crucial time for personal
development. If people enter the workplace aged 18, their future options may be
severely restricted. Attending university allows them time to learn more about
themselves and make a more appropriate choice of career.
(320 words. IELTS 9.0)

Why does this Task 2 answer get an IELTS Band 9 score?

Task response: The model answer fully answers the question by stating several
arguments both for and against the expansion of higher education. The candidates
position is clearly expressed in the conclusion. The style is appropriate to academic
writing and the answer is at least 250 words in length.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer has an introduction and conclusion.
Each body paragraph deals with a different side of the argument and begins with a
clear topic sentence. Arguments are developed with logical connectives such
astherefore and furthermore.
Lexical resource: There is a good range of vocabulary suited to an argument essay,
including reporting verbs like claim andsuggest, and hedging verbs like can and appear.
There is native-like collocation throughout, including growing prosperity, enter the
workplace and severely restricted.

Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer uses a wide range of
grammatical devices appropriate to academic writing. These include conditionals (If),
participle clauses (, increasing the), concessive clauses (while it can) and passive
constructions (it can be argued that). There are no grammatical errors.

IELTS WRITING TASK 2: PROBLEM/SOLUTION ESSAY

Question
The internet has transformed the way information is shared and consumed,
but it has also created problems that did not exist before.
What are the most serious problems associated with the internet and what
solutions can you suggest?

Model Answer
There is no doubt that the internet has revolutionised communication and informationsharing in the same way that the telegraph and the television did before it. However,
societies have had to cope with unanticipated new problems, including crimes which
traditional laws are powerless to prevent. This essay will address some of the illegal
acts enabled by the internet and propose solutions.
To begin with, the global scale of the internet means that national laws are no longer
adequate to control what happens online. Take restrictions on legal reporting, for
example. In some countries, the media is prohibited from revealing details of a
defendants past in case this prejudices a fair trial. However, such restrictions are no
longer enforceable now that information may be freely published in other countries and
accessed by all. The only solution here, it seems, is to adopt global standards. Since the
internet traverses national borders, the flow of information can only be controlled if all
nations agree on what can and cannot be shared.
Another problem concerns anonymity, as internet users can easily conceal their identity
and even impersonate others. Many crimes such as identity theft and child abuse result
from the ease with which criminals can operate anonymously online. Some have
proposed a system of online identification, similar to a passport, which would allow all
internet users to be verified and traced. I believe this idea should be explored further,
though there are clearly concerns about the security of those who use the internet to
protest against oppressive regimes.
In conclusion, the only long-term solution to the problem of internet crime is greater
international cooperation. Since the problem is global is scale, the solution must also be
global. A new agency of the United Nations should be created to tackle the problems
described here.
(298 words, IELTS 8.5)

Why does this Task 2 answer get an IELTS Band 8 score?

Task response: The model answer fully answers the question by stating two distinct
problems caused by the internet together with relevant solutions to each problem. The
serious nature of each problem is illustrated with examples. The style is appropriate to
academic writing and the answer is at least 250 words in length.
Coherence and cohesion: The introduction contains a clear thesis statement. Each
body paragraph deals with a different problem and its solution. Examples are signalled
with logical connectives like for example and such as. The conclusion contains a clear
recommendation which follows from the body.
Lexical resource: There are many instances of higher-level vocabulary such as
prohibited, verified and oppressive. Examples of good collocation include prejudices a

fair trial and tackle the problems. There are no spelling errors and correct word forms
are used throughout.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The candidate uses a wide range of conjunctions
to link ideas into more complex sentences. Where necessary, the candidate uses a
shorter sentence to emphasise a point more strongly. Verb tenses, including modals,
are always accurate. Punctuation is handled skillfully throughout.

IELTS WRITING TASK 2: USEFUL LANGUAGE

Memorising set phrases for use in the IELTS test is a highly effective way of achieving a
higher score. Try learning the following signposting language which will make you
sound more confident and sophisticated when writing an opinion or argument essay in
Task 2. As with our Task 1 useful language yesterday, for each function the language is
graded approximately for level, from regular use (Bands 5-6) to higher-level use (Bands
7-9).
Introducing the topic

Some people argue that

Have you ever considered ?

The question raises the issue of

Stating
an
opinion
(thesis
statement)

I believe that

It is my belief that

This essay will argue that

Indicating the scope of the essay

In this essay, I will state

This essay will examine

will be covered in this essay.

Giving reasons

One reason for this is that

This can be explained by

This can be attributed to the fact

that
Giving further reasons

Not only that, but

A further reason is

It should also be stated that

Citing general opinions

It has been claimed that

It is widely believed that

There is a widespread belief

that
Refuting opinions

I would dispute this, however.

However, this is not necessarily

the case.

There are some faults with this

reasoning, however.
Hedging strategies

It could be argued that

One explanation might be that

This suggests that

Strengthening an argument

There can be no doubt that

Therefore, we can say beyond

any doubt that

These are just some of the

reasons why
Concluding and summarising

To sum up, / In summary, / In

short,

Overall, / On the whole,

To return to my original idea,