IELTS Writing Syllabus

What is a standard four-paragraph structure for a Task 2 essay?

Introduction (paraphrase + thesis), Body Paragraph 1, Body Paragraph 2, and Conclusion (restate position and summarize main points).

What two elements should an effective Task 2 introduction contain?

A paraphrase of the essay topic (background) and a clear thesis statement stating your position or outlining what the essay will cover.

What is the recommended internal structure of a Task 2 body paragraph?

A topic sentence (main idea), an explanation of that idea, a supporting example, and a link back to the question or thesis.

For a 'discuss both views and give your opinion' essay, how should you structure the body?

One body paragraph for each view; make your own opinion clear in the introduction, throughout, and in the conclusion (often aligning with one view).

What should a Task 2 conclusion do, and what must it avoid?

It should restate your position and summarize the main points; it must avoid introducing any new ideas or examples.

Why is planning before writing recommended, and how long should it take?

Planning organizes ideas, ensures all parts are addressed, and improves coherence; spend about 5 minutes planning Task 2 (and 2-3 minutes on Task 1).

Name three brainstorming/planning techniques for generating essay ideas.

Mind mapping, listing ideas for and against, and the 'PEEL' method (Point, Explain, Example, Link) for structuring each paragraph.

What is the difference between 'coherence' and 'cohesion'?

Coherence is the logical flow and organization of ideas so the reader can follow them; cohesion is the grammatical/lexical linking of sentences and paragraphs using connectors, referencing, and substitution.

What are cohesive devices? Give three categories.

Words/phrases that link ideas: linking words/conjunctions (however, therefore), reference words (this, it, they), and substitution/ellipsis. Also repetition and synonyms.

Give two cohesive devices for addition, two for contrast, and two for cause/result.

Addition: moreover, furthermore. Contrast: however, on the other hand. Cause/result: therefore, as a result / consequently.

What is the main purpose of paragraphing for Coherence and Cohesion?

Each paragraph should contain one central topic/idea, making the essay's logic clear; poor or missing paragraphing lowers the Coherence and Cohesion score.

What is 'referencing' as a cohesive device? Give an example.

Using pronouns and determiners to refer back to earlier nouns to avoid repetition, e.g., 'The government raised taxes. This policy was unpopular.'

Why can overusing linking words hurt your Coherence and Cohesion band?

Mechanical or excessive use of connectors ('Firstly, Secondly, Moreover, In conclusion') looks unnatural; band 7+ requires cohesion that does not draw attention to itself.

What does 'Grammatical Range and Accuracy' assess?

Your ability to use a variety of sentence structures (simple, compound, complex) correctly, with control of tense, agreement, articles, and punctuation.

To reach band 7 in Grammatical Range, what proportion of sentences should be error-free?

The majority of sentences should be error-free, and you should use a variety of complex structures with only occasional errors.

What is a complex sentence, and why does using them raise your grammar band?

A sentence with an independent clause plus at least one dependent (subordinate) clause; using them correctly demonstrates grammatical range beyond simple sentences.

Name three common grammar errors that lower IELTS Writing scores.

Subject-verb agreement errors, incorrect or missing articles (a/an/the), and wrong verb tense or verb form.

What is the difference between a compound and a complex sentence?

A compound sentence joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (and, but, so); a complex sentence joins an independent clause with a dependent clause (because, although, which).

What does 'Lexical Resource' assess in IELTS Writing?

The range, accuracy, and appropriacy of vocabulary, including collocation, word choice, spelling, and word formation.

Why is paraphrasing an important vocabulary skill, and where is it used?

It shows lexical range by restating ideas in different words; it is essential in the introduction of both tasks and helps avoid copying the question, which is not counted toward the word total.

What is a collocation? Give one example relevant to essays.

A natural pairing of words that commonly occur together, e.g., 'make a decision', 'heavy traffic', or 'raise awareness'. Using correct collocations improves Lexical Resource.

Why should you avoid memorized 'high-level' phrases that don't fit the context?

Inappropriate or forced vocabulary is penalized; band 7+ requires 'less common' words used accurately and naturally, not just impressive-sounding phrases.

Describe a good approach to a Task 1 practice question showing a line graph comparing two categories over years.

Paraphrase the question, write an overview of the overall trends and any category that dominates, then compare specific data points and turning points in two body paragraphs using past tense and comparison language.

For a Task 1 question comparing data in a single year (e.g., a pie chart or bar chart with no time axis), what language dominates?

Comparison and proportion language (the largest/smallest, more than, twice as many as, the majority, a minority, whereas) rather than trend/change verbs.

How would you handle a Task 1 with two different charts (e.g., a table and a pie chart)?

Give an overview covering the key features of both, then dedicate one body paragraph to each chart, and where possible link related information between them.

Analyze this Task 2 prompt approach: 'Some people think children should start school at a very early age; others disagree.' What essay type and structure?

A discussion (discuss both views) essay: introduction with thesis, one body paragraph for the early-start view, one for the opposing view, and a conclusion stating your own opinion.

For a Problem/Solution Task 2 essay on traffic congestion, what should the two body paragraphs typically contain?

One paragraph identifying the main problem(s)/cause(s) and one proposing realistic solution(s), each supported with explanation and an example.

How can you develop an idea in a Task 2 body paragraph so it is not underdeveloped?

State the point, explain why it is true or how it works (cause-effect reasoning), and give a specific example or hypothetical scenario to support it.

What is the value of feedback and revision in improving IELTS Writing?

Reviewing marked work against the band descriptors identifies recurring errors and weaknesses, letting you target specific criteria (e.g., articles, cohesion) for focused improvement.

In the final minutes of the test, what should you check when revising your writing?

Word count is met, all parts of the task are answered, and you correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, tense, and article errors; ensure paragraphs are clearly separated.

What is a practical self-editing checklist for reducing errors before submitting?

Check: task fully answered and word count met; clear overview/thesis; each paragraph one idea; varied sentence structures; subject-verb agreement, tenses, and articles correct; spelling and punctuation accurate.