There are several reasons why candidates may struggle to score a 7 in writing, especially in the essay section of the IELTS exam:
Poor time management: Candidates often struggle to complete the essay within the allotted time of 40 minutes, leading to incomplete or rushed responses.
Lack of coherence and cohesion: Writing an essay that is well-organized and follows a clear structure can be challenging for some candidates, making it difficult for them to convey their ideas effectively.
Inadequate grammar and vocabulary: Grammar and vocabulary play a critical role in determining the overall score in writing. Candidates who lack proficiency in these areas may struggle to score higher marks.
Not understanding the question: Many candidates do not read the question carefully or misunderstand it, leading to irrelevant or off-topic responses.
To help candidates achieve a 7 or 7+ in essay writing, here is a one-month plan called the Excellence Plan:
Week 1: Assessment and Goal SettingTake a mock IELTS writing test to assess the current level of proficiency in writing.
Identify areas of weakness and set a target score for improvement.
Familiarize yourself with the IELTS writing rubric to understand the criteria for scoring.
Week 2: Grammar and Vocabulary ImprovementStudy and practice using advanced grammar structures such as conditional sentences, relative clauses, and passive voice.
Expand your vocabulary by learning new words and phrases and practicing their usage in writing.
Week 3: Essay Structure and OrganizationLearn the components of a well-structured essay, including the introduction, body, and conclusion.
Practice writing essays using different types of essay prompts, such as argumentative, discursive, and opinion essays.
Focus on coherence and cohesion in writing by using transition words and phrases to connect ideas.
Week 4: Practice and FeedbackPractice writing essays regularly, aiming to complete them within the given time limit.
Seek feedback from a teacher or tutor on your writing, focusing on areas of improvement.
Review and analyze your writing to identify recurring errors and areas that need further improvement.
By following this one-month plan, candidates can improve their writing skills and increase their chances of achieving a 7 or 7+ in essay writing in the IELTS exam.
The Excellence Lecture: Achieving a 7 + band in IELTS Writing:
Introduction: Welcome and introduce the topic of achieving a 7+ in IELTS writing.
The importance of a high score in writing for academic and professional purposes!
Part 1: Understanding the IELTS Writing TestOverview of the IELTS writing test format and criteria for scoring.
Explanation of the different types of essay prompts, including argumentative, discursive, and opinion essays.
Discussion of the common mistakes and challenges faced by candidates in the essay section of the exam.
Part 2: Assessing Your Writing SkillsImportance of taking a mock IELTS writing test to assess current proficiency.
Explanation of the IELTS writing rubric and how it is used to score essays.
Identification of areas of weakness and setting a target score for improvement.
Part 3: Improving Grammar and VocabularyDiscussion of advanced grammar structures and their usage in writing.
Techniques for expanding vocabulary and practicing usage in writing.
Common grammar and vocabulary mistakes to avoid in IELTS writing.
Part 4: Essay Structure and OrganizationExplanation of the components of a well-structured essay, including the introduction, body, and conclusion.
Techniques for organizing ideas and maintaining coherence and cohesion in writing.
Practice writing essays using different types of essay prompts.
Part 5: Practice and FeedbackImportance of regular writing practice and setting realistic goals.
Techniques for time management and completing essays within the given time limit.
Seeking feedback from a teacher or tutor and analyzing mistakes for improvement.
Conclusion: Recap of the key points discussed in the lecture.
Encouragement to practice and continue working towards achieving a 7 in IELTS writing.
Final tips and advice for success in the IELTS writing test.
Task 2 requires candidates to write an essay in response to a prompt. There are several types of essay prompts that candidates may encounter in the IELTS exam. Here are new essay topics and outlines based on real IELTS essay prompts:
Discuss both views and give your opinion:
Prompt: Some people believe that advertising encourages us to buy things we don’t need, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Introduction: Briefly explain the two opposing views on advertising and its impact on our purchasing habits.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the advantages of advertising and how it can help businesses reach their target audience.
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the disadvantages of advertising and how it can manipulate people's purchasing decisions.
Body Paragraph 3: Give your opinion and justify it with examples and evidence.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points and restate your opinion.
Introduction: Briefly explain the two opposing views on advertising and its impact on our purchasing habits.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the advantages of advertising and how it can help businesses reach their target audience.
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the disadvantages of advertising and how it can manipulate people's purchasing decisions.
Body Paragraph 3: Give your opinion and justify it with examples and evidence.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points and restate your opinion.
Agree or Disagree Essay:
Prompt: Some people believe that public transportation should be free. To what extent/how far do you agree or disagree with the topic? ...
Introduction: State the prompt and provide a thesis statement.
Body Paragraph 1: Give argument(s) for making public transportation free.
Body Paragraph 2: Give argument(s) against making public transportation free.
Body Paragraph 3: Give your opinion and justify it.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points and restate your opinion.
Introduction: State the prompt and provide a thesis statement.
Body Paragraph 1: Give argument(s) for making public transportation free.
Body Paragraph 2: Give argument(s) against making public transportation free.
Body Paragraph 3: Give your opinion and justify it.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points and restate your opinion.
Problem/Solution Essay:
Prompt: In many countries, plastic waste is becoming a serious environmental problem. What are some solutions to this problem?
Introduction: State the problem and provide a thesis statement.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the causes of plastic waste and its impact on the environment.
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss potential solutions, such as reducing plastic consumption and implementing recycling programs.
Body Paragraph 3: Discuss another potential solution, such as using biodegradable materials.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points and emphasize the importance of taking action to address this environmental problem.
Introduction: State the problem and provide a thesis statement.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the causes of plastic waste and its impact on the environment.
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss potential solutions, such as reducing plastic consumption and implementing recycling programs.
Body Paragraph 3: Discuss another potential solution, such as using biodegradable materials.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points and emphasize the importance of taking action to address this environmental problem.
Advantage/Disadvantage Essay:
Prompt: Many people are addicted to social media. What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media addiction?
Introduction: State the prompt and provide a thesis statement.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the advantages of social media addiction, such as staying connected with friends and family.
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the disadvantages of social media addiction, such as decreased productivity and negative impact on mental health.
Body Paragraph 3: Give your opinion and justify it.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points and restate your opinion.
Introduction: State the prompt and provide a thesis statement.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the advantages of social media addiction, such as staying connected with friends and family.
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the disadvantages of social media addiction, such as decreased productivity and negative impact on mental health.
Body Paragraph 3: Give your opinion and justify it.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points and restate your opinion.
Double question(Two Questions/partss):
Fossil fuels are essential for producing electricity, powering industry and fueling transportation. However, one day we will reach a point when all the world’s fossil fuels have been depleted.
How can we conserve these resources?
What are some alternatives to fossil fuels?
Fossil Fuels:
Introduction: Provide background information on fossil fuels and their importance in our daily lives. State the prompt and provide a thesis statement.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the importance of conserving fossil fuels, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving resources for future generations.
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss some alternatives to fossil fuels, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
Body Paragraph 3: Discuss the challenges of transitioning to alternative energy sources, such as the cost and technological barriers.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points and offer suggestions for how individuals and governments can work towards conserving fossil fuels and transitioning to alternative energy sources.
Some parents buy their children whatever they ask for, and allow their children to do whatever they want.
Is this a good way to raise children?
What consequences could this style of parenting have for children as they get older?
Parenting Styles:Introduction: Provide an overview of parenting styles and their impact on children's development. State the prompt and provide a thesis statement.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the advantages of buying children whatever they ask for and allowing them to do whatever they want, such as fostering independence and confidence.
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the disadvantages of this style of parenting, such as creating entitled and spoiled children.
Body Paragraph 3: Discuss the consequences of this parenting style on children as they get older, such as difficulties with social relationships and work ethic.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points and provide recommendations for effective parenting styles that balance children's needs and wants with appropriate boundaries.
The arts, including art, music and theatre are considered to be important in society.
Do you think the arts still have a place amongst our modern lifestyles?
Should the arts be included in the school curriculum?
Fossil fuels are essential for producing electricity, powering industry and fueling transportation. However, one day we will reach a point when all the world’s fossil fuels have been depleted.
How can we conserve these resources?
What are some alternatives to fossil fuels?
Fossil Fuels:
Introduction: Provide background information on fossil fuels and their importance in our daily lives. State the prompt and provide a thesis statement.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the importance of conserving fossil fuels, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving resources for future generations.
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss some alternatives to fossil fuels, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
Body Paragraph 3: Discuss the challenges of transitioning to alternative energy sources, such as the cost and technological barriers.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points and offer suggestions for how individuals and governments can work towards conserving fossil fuels and transitioning to alternative energy sources.
Some parents buy their children whatever they ask for, and allow their children to do whatever they want.
Is this a good way to raise children?
What consequences could this style of parenting have for children as they get older?
Parenting Styles:Introduction: Provide an overview of parenting styles and their impact on children's development. State the prompt and provide a thesis statement.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the advantages of buying children whatever they ask for and allowing them to do whatever they want, such as fostering independence and confidence.
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the disadvantages of this style of parenting, such as creating entitled and spoiled children.
Body Paragraph 3: Discuss the consequences of this parenting style on children as they get older, such as difficulties with social relationships and work ethic.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points and provide recommendations for effective parenting styles that balance children's needs and wants with appropriate boundaries.
The arts, including art, music and theatre are considered to be important in society.
Do you think the arts still have a place amongst our modern lifestyles?
Should the arts be included in the school curriculum?
Importance of Arts:Introduction: Provide background information on the importance of arts in society. State the prompt and provide a thesis statement.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the role of arts in our modern lifestyles, such as providing entertainment and expressing creativity.
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the benefits of including arts in the school curriculum, such as developing critical thinking skills and fostering a love of learning.
Body Paragraph 3: Discuss the challenges of including arts in the school curriculum, such as funding and prioritizing academic subjects over the arts.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points and provide suggestions for how to promote the importance of arts in society and education.
Here are some tips for maximizing scores in the IELTS essay:
Task Response (TR):
Read the prompt carefully and ensure that your essay fully addresses all parts of the prompt.
Use specific examples and evidence to support your arguments.
Avoid going off-topic or discussing irrelevant information.
Example: If the prompt asks you to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of technology in education, make sure to provide both advantages and disadvantages rather than only discussing one aspect.
Use specific examples and evidence to support your arguments.
Avoid going off-topic or discussing irrelevant information.
Example: If the prompt asks you to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of technology in education, make sure to provide both advantages and disadvantages rather than only discussing one aspect.
Lexical Resource (LR):Use a range of vocabulary and avoid repeating the same words or phrases.
Use complex sentence structures and varied grammatical forms.
Use academic and formal language rather than informal language.
Example: Instead of using common words like "good" or "bad", use more descriptive words like "beneficial" or "detrimental". Also, vary your sentence structure by using conjunctions and dependent clauses.
Use complex sentence structures and varied grammatical forms.
Use academic and formal language rather than informal language.
Example: Instead of using common words like "good" or "bad", use more descriptive words like "beneficial" or "detrimental". Also, vary your sentence structure by using conjunctions and dependent clauses.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA):Pay attention to verb tenses and subject-verb agreement.
Use correct punctuation and capitalization.
Avoid making spelling and grammatical errors.
Example: Instead of writing "I thinked that...", use the correct verb tense and write "I thought that...".
Use correct punctuation and capitalization.
Avoid making spelling and grammatical errors.
Example: Instead of writing "I thinked that...", use the correct verb tense and write "I thought that...".
Coherence and Cohesion (CC):Use transition words and phrases to link ideas together.
Use paragraph breaks to organize your ideas and create a clear structure.
Avoid repetition and ensure that each sentence adds new information to your essay.
Example: Use transition words like "however" or "on the other hand" to link contrasting ideas together. Also, use paragraph breaks to separate different ideas and make your essay easier to read.
Use paragraph breaks to organize your ideas and create a clear structure.
Avoid repetition and ensure that each sentence adds new information to your essay.
Example: Use transition words like "however" or "on the other hand" to link contrasting ideas together. Also, use paragraph breaks to separate different ideas and make your essay easier to read.
Underlength, Off-Topic, Memorized, and Illegible:Ensure that your essay meets the minimum word count and provides a complete response to the prompt.
Stay on-topic and avoid discussing irrelevant information.
Use your own ideas and avoid memorized responses.
Write legibly and avoid making your essay difficult to read.
Example: If you have trouble writing enough content, try brainstorming ideas before you start writing to ensure that you have enough to say. Also, stay focused on the prompt and avoid discussing unrelated information. Finally, make sure your handwriting is legible and your essay is easy to read.
Stay on-topic and avoid discussing irrelevant information.
Use your own ideas and avoid memorized responses.
Write legibly and avoid making your essay difficult to read.
Example: If you have trouble writing enough content, try brainstorming ideas before you start writing to ensure that you have enough to say. Also, stay focused on the prompt and avoid discussing unrelated information. Finally, make sure your handwriting is legible and your essay is easy to read.
Ten common errors that students make in IELTS essays:
Article misuse:
Using "the" incorrectly or not using it when necessary.
Subject-verb agreement: Failing to ensure that the subject and verb agree in number.
Countable and uncountable nouns: Treating uncountable nouns as countable or vice versa.
Using commas incorrectly: Overusing or underusing commas or using them in the wrong places.
Using contractions: Using informal contractions like "can't" or "doesn't" instead of their formal counterparts.
Preposition errors: Using the wrong preposition or omitting it altogether.
Apostrophe errors: Misusing apostrophes for plurals or failing to use them when indicating possession.
Number errors: Writing numbers incorrectly or using them instead of words when appropriate.
Using articles incorrectly: Failing to use "a" or "an" when necessary or using them incorrectly.
Sentence structure errors: Creating sentences that are too long, too short, or grammatically incorrect.
Article misuse:
Incorrect: I love listening to music on iPod.
Correct: I love listening to music on the iPod.
Subject-verb agreement:
Incorrect: The group of students is divided on their opinion.
Correct: The group of students is divided on its opinion.
Countable and uncountable nouns:
Incorrect: I would like to have two coffees, please.
Correct: I would like to have two cups of coffee, please.
Using commas incorrectly:
Incorrect: The big, red, juicy, apple was delicious.
Correct: The big, red, juicy apple was delicious.
Using contractions:
Incorrect: It doesn't matter if you're ready or not.
Correct: It does not matter if you are ready or not.
Preposition errors:
Incorrect: She is very good in playing the guitar.
Correct: She is very good at playing the guitar.
Apostrophe errors:
Incorrect: The students' grades were all good.
Correct: The students' grades were all good.
Number errors:
Incorrect: There are 2 hundred people in the room.
Correct: There are 200 people in the room.
Using articles incorrectly:
Incorrect: He is engineer.
Correct: He is an engineer.
Sentence structure errors:
Incorrect: While I was walking in the park, the birds chirping and the sun shining.
Correct: While I was walking in the park, the birds were chirping and the sun was shining.
Excellence tips: Final tips and advice for success in the IELTS Essay writing test, which we can call Excellence tips:
Understand the question: Make sure you read and understand the essay prompt before you start writing. Pay attention to keywords and phrases to guide your writing.
Plan your essay: Take a few minutes to plan your essay before you start writing. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure your essay is coherent.
Use formal language: The IELTS Essay is an academic test, so it's important to use formal language and avoid contractions or slang.
Use topic sentences: Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly states the main idea of the paragraph. This will help the reader understand the overall structure of your essay.
Provide examples: Use specific examples to support your arguments and illustrate your points. This will help make your essay more convincing and engaging.
Check your grammar and spelling: Make sure you proofread your essay for grammar and spelling errors. Simple mistakes can negatively impact your score.
Stay on topic: Make sure you answer the essay question directly and don't go off on tangents. This will show that you can stay focused and organized in your writing.
Use a range of vocabulary: Try to use a variety of vocabulary to show off your language skills. Don't be afraid to use advanced words or idiomatic expressions if you are confident in their use.
Time management: Remember that you only have 40 minutes to write your essay, so manage your time wisely. Allocate enough time to plan, write, and proofread your essay.
Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice writing essays, the better you will become. Take advantage of online resources, sample essay prompts, and practice tests to hone your skills.
Note the following steps:
Writing the steps down:
It is a good way to help you remember them. You can generate a list or a mental map of the various methods and ideas I discussed in my blog. By doing so, you can more readily remember the processes because you have a visual depiction of them.
Practice the steps:
Regular practice is another approach to help you recall the steps. To use the tactics and strategies in actual settings, you can use practice resources like sample exams or exercises. By doing this, you will become more accustomed to the processes, which will improve your memory of them.
Teach someone else:
A good method to reinforce your own knowledge is to pass it on to someone else. You analyze the material in your own mind as you describe the procedures to someone else, which aids in helping you remember them.
Use mnemonic devices:
Mnemonic devices are strategies that make it easier to retain information. For instance, to remember the steps in the right order, you may make an acronym or phrase using the initial letter of each step.
Remember that constant practice, commitment, and effort are required to obtain a 7-band score on the IELTS. You can get the score you want by continuing to practice and apply these strategies.
Good luck!
