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Task 2 
IELTS
 Writing 
Academic/General Training Module
by Adam Smith
First Published in 2015 
IELTS
JOURNAL
Target 
Band 
7
+
IELTS 
JOURNAL 

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 IELTS
 JOURNAL 
 
2 
Contents 
About 
the 
Writing 
Test 
4
 
Points to Apply in Task 2, Essay Writing 
 
 
4
 
A 
few 
key 
things 
to 
remember 
5
 
A 
Point 
To 
Ponder 
5
 
The Structure of an essay 
 
 
 
 
5
 
Suggested 
timing 
for 
Task 
2 
6
 
Paragraphing 
Styles
7
 
Different Kinds of Task 2 Essays & Question Types 
8
 
When to give your opinion 
 
 
 
 
9
 
Brainstorming Ideas before Starting to Write 
 
9
 
Looking at the topic from different points of views 
12
 
‘To what extent…’ Topics 
 
 
 
 
13
 
‘Discuss both views ...’ Topics
 
 
 
18
 
‘Advantages & Disadvantages’ Topics
 
 
20
 
‘Cause/Effect & Solutions’ Topics 
 
 
 
22
 
‘Multiple/Two-part Questions’ Topics 
 
 
24
 
Writing 
an 
introduction 
26
 
Using ‘I’ in writing task 2 introductions 
 
 
27
 
Strong view vs. Balanced view
 
 
 
29
 
Organizing 
body 
paragraphs 
32
 
From 
ideas 
to 
paragraphs
33
 
Using transition words (Linking Paragraphs) 
 
37
 

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 IELTS
 JOURNAL 
 
3 
Defining ‘Coherence and Cohesion’
 
 
40
 
Better Linking 
 
 
 
 
 
 
41
 
Using firstly, secondly and finally to link ideas 
 
42
 
Writing 
a 
conclusion 
44
 
The step-by-step guide to essay writing 
 
 
50
 
Correcting 
yourself
54
 
Ways 
to 
prepare 
54
 
How to write faster 
 
 
 
 
 
55
 
Band 
7+ 
vocabulary
56
 
Following 
a 
good 
study 
order 
57
 
Good Sample Answers Worth Reading 
 
 
58
 
 Keep 
in 
touch! 
130
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Use this book together with the 
instagram
 page 
@ieltsjournal
 
The 
instagram
page contains lessons that show how to use the ideas 
from this book. You can keep in touch with the author there and ask 
your questions.
 

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 IELTS
 JOURNAL 
 
4 
Academic and General Training Writing 
About the Writing Test 
The IELTS Academic/General Training Writing Test takes 60 minutes. You have 
to complete two writing tasks. In writing task 2 you must either argue, that is, 
you must present an opinion and give reasons to support your opinions or 
express the causes or consequences of a situation. Sometimes you should 
either predict what might happen in the future or give solutions to a problem. 
In task 2 you must organize your writing in a good standard manner and you 
must use appropriate language and ideas. 
Task 2 
You have about 40 minutes 
You must write an essay of at least 250 words 
You are writing for an educated non-specialist audience and not a 
university lecturer. Therefore, your language does not need to be that 
formal. 
You are, in most cases, expected to give your opinion. You may also have 
to include your life experience and some relevant examples. 
Points to Apply in Task 2, Essay Writing 
The topics of the questions will be of general interest, and no specialist 
knowledge is required. For example, topics can include travel, 
accommodation, current affairs, shops and services, health and welfare, 
health and safety, recreation, social and physical environment. 
You must write in complete sentences. Notes are not acceptable. 
Do not copy whole sentences or long phrases from the question. The 
examiner will recognize them, and they will not count towards the 
minimum number of words you must write. 
You may write on the question sheet if, for example, you want to 
underline key words or to write notes. The examiner who marks your 
writing will not see the question sheet. 
 
 

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 IELTS
 JOURNAL 
 
5 
A few key things to remember: 
Read the questions and the instructions carefully, no matter how many 
times you have seen them 
Analyze the topic and the task 
Brainstorm ideas to be used in your writing 
Decide what you think about the topic and take sides if you are asked to 
Fit your ideas into an essay plan divided into paragraphs 
Always have a plan before you start writing 
Begin writing your essay now 
A Point To Ponder 
You don’t have to be a writer to write a good essay. This task may look even 
harder than letters or graphs, but it is only a first impression. Just follow the 
rules, keep the right structure, use some smart and topic specific words and 
practice a little. This way you can easily reach a level, where no matter what 
topic they give you, after 40 minutes you turn a beautiful 2 pages long essay 
and walk out of the room with a huge smile on your face!