approaching the IELTS essay
The IELTS exam will provide you with a question and ask you to write a 250-word essay in response to it. Writing a longer essay is fine.
Your answer will be evaluated across 4 categories, each accounting for 25% of your total score: task, coherence, vocabulary, and grammar.
Task. The fullness or depth of the answer. Is the question fully explored with lots of well developed ideas and multiple examples?
Coherence. How logically your ideas, sentences, and paragraphs flow together. Does the introduction allow the reader to predict how the essay will unfold? Are the connector words and phrases accurately used? Does the conclusion mimic the introduction? Are there parallel structures used throughout?
Vocabulary. The variety and precision of your word choices. Are your word choices specific, appropriate, and wide-ranging?
Grammar. The accuracy and range of the grammatical structures used, in addition to the accuracy of the mechanics, punctuation, and spelling. Are your structures repetitive or do you exhibit more flexibility? Are the sentences constructed in different ways? Are the grammatical structures simultaneously well controlled and complex? Is the writing free of minor spelling errors and typos?
In terms of structure, strive to produce:
4 - 5 paragraphs. 5 is definitely preferable.
An introductory paragraph that clearly indicates your thesis without using phrases like: this essay will discuss / in this essay, I will discuss / this essay will discuss why…
2 - 3 body paragraphs that each contain one main idea with supporting details.
A conclusion that clearly reiterates the thesis found in the introductory paragraph.
Connector words or phrases that indicate similarity, contrast, or consequence.
In terms of word choice, strive to use vocabulary that is:
precise and descriptive. Pair adjectives with nouns and adverbs with verbs in order to create richer descriptions. Replace commonly used verbs like make / get / do / have with more precise action verbs.
known to you. IELTS does not reward vocabulary-related “risk taking”, so if you are uncertain about the meaning of a particular word, do not include it.
In terms of timing, you will be given an hour to complete 2 writing tasks. The essay should take you approximately 40 minutes. The following is a suggested breakdown of your time:
5 minutes - brainstorm and plan
6 minutes - write the introduction
6 minutes - write body paragraph 1
6 minutes - write body paragraph 2
6 minutes - write body paragraph 3
6 minutes - write the conclusion
5 minutes - review and edit grammar, spelling, and word choice
Many candidates feel that they must read the essay topic and begin to write immediately. However, taking the time to plan before you begin writing will save time later. Planning will help you avoid repetition and produce a more balanced essay. You will also be less prone to changing your thesis halfway through the essay or producing tangential responses. Resist the urge to begin writing immediately, and take a more strategic approach. Give yourself time to think, so you can execute the writing task calmly and with full confidence that you can manage the time.
