IELTS or International English Language Testing System is an examination of the international standard for testing proficiency in the English language. This test holds immense value for nonnative English language speakers who want to pursue higher academic degrees or any other non-academic training or permanent residency in native English speaking countries.

IELTS writing test

IELTS is divided into 4 parts where listening, reading, writing and speaking abilities are assessed. The writing part takes up for 60 minutes of the test and is regarded as a crucial hold for getting a high score in IELTS. The writing paper has two parts both of which are compulsory.

The first part is task 1, where you have to write at least 150 words within 20 minutes, while the second part is task2 where you have to write 250 words in 40 minutes. And this writing section is where the biggest difference in markings actually occurs.

So if you are an IELTS aspirant then here are few IELTS essay writing tips for you to achieve a good band score.
IELTS essay writing tips and tricks. It isn’t easy to frame a paragraph just at the time of need. And mere self-study preparing oneself for the essay topics isn’t easy. Here are a couple of tips that you should follow before appearing for the IELTS writing test.

Tips For IELTS Essay Writing:-

1. Before writing an essay, start by knowing its basic structure. You can get sample essays from books or even from online essay writing tutorials.
2. Finish the tasks. No matter how much less time you get just finish both the tasks. In case you fail to complete both the IELTS writing tasks you will be penalized.
3. They say practice makes one perfect. While you are practicing try to finish both the tasks within one hour.
4. Last but not least- just relax before you take your IELTS test. The test is designed to judge your language skills to the greatest extent. Whether it’s in the writings section or when you are facing the IELTS examiner for the interview; nervousness and stress can hamper your creativity, lack of depth in language can land you with lower band scores.
5. Revise and refine your answers after you finish.
6. Make sure to avoid any typographical errors, any spelling mistakes or mistakes of similar
   kinds.
7. Make an adequate number of paragraphs. Explain each idea paragraph-wise.
8. Do not copy words from the question, paraphrase them by using synonyms.
9. Do not memorize model answers while preparing. Just understand the format.

Essay writing tips for IELTS academic task 2

The academic module of IELTS is for the ones who want to enroll in various academic institutions. In case you are an applicant for IELTS academic module, your task 1 will be to describe a graph, table, chart or diagram in your own words. In task 2 you will be asked to write an essay based on a problem depending on your values, judgment, and point of view.

Here are a couple of special tips for task 2:

• Keep in mind the topic. Task 2 will require your judgment, knowledge, as well as will test your English writing skills.
• Identify the given IELTS essay question correctly. Sometimes a big confusion arises while deciphering the exact point of the topic. So while preparing, give stress on how to understand the given topic properly.
• There are many ways of writing especially when it comes to a language like English where creativity can reach its zenith. However, it is advisable that when you are writing task 2 essay, just stick to the basic frameworks and don’t be experimental or creative.
• While writing the essay there are many ways you can reach, introduce and explore the body paragraph of your topic. However, the best possible way is you introduce the paragraph is by putting the topic sentence at the beginning. Then put a couple of supportive sentences, and then elaborate with the next ones where you can put evidence, statistics, data or any personally relevant experiences.
• Do not forget to end your essay with an appropriate conclusion.
• Be coherent. Mostly the IELTS topics you will get in a task2 academic module will be based on some current situations, case studies, etc that are designed to test your skills and judgment. Being coherent and consistent in your writings is utmost necessary.
• Write logically, be consistent to the side you are taking, and better to avoid writing anything biased on one side. The best way of achieving coherence is by the use of transition words.
• IELTS question types are generally designed to test your English language skills. Thus for securing a good band score, you will need to increase the range of your vocabulary. Proper word placements, a formal yet easy going tone, relevant information, and correct sentence structure are few of the things the test will thoroughly examine.

The best way to increase your vocabulary is by reading and consulting a thesaurus. In this regard, also note that you should avoid all forms of informal or generalized writing structures. An IELTS essay should be professional and formal in tone. Thus avoid all kinds of informal lingos, free salutations, informal word formations, abbreviation, the first and second person pronoun and also possessives like I, you, my and me, except in your concluding sentences.

IELTS essay tips and tricks for general training:

The general training module of IELTS is for the ones who want to opt for non-academic training or work experiences. In case you are opting for the general training, you will be asked to write a letter based on an everyday situation. In task 2 you will be asked to write an essay based on different general topics of interests. Even for a general training module, the importance of task 2 is more than 1.

Here are some IELTS General Essay Writing Tips:

1. What many people do wrong is waste an ample lot of time in task 1. Don’t do that.
2. In general training, the instructions will be provided and make sure that you follow exactly what they have mentioned.
3. In GT you will be given letter topic and bullet points to describe the body of the letter. Make sure that you always adhere to the bullet points for getting a high band score.
4. First of all, you need to understand whether the letter is a formal, semi-formal or a casual/ informal one. The tone should match the requirements of the situation.
5. Ensure that you have written the minimum number of words required for the task. You can write more if you maintain the coherence and cohesion and are able to finish the task within the time limit.

In conclusion

Whether you opt for IELTS academic module or for the general training module- both of them require practice, enhancing vocabulary, skills, and judgemental skills. So relax before the examination, practice from both online and offline means, keep track of current global relevant events and read a lot to provide meaningful data, evidence whenever and wherever needed. It is advisable to take professional help from a certified IELTS trainer who can review your work and give constructive feedback.