The handsome band score of 7 and higher in both the tasks of IELTS writing is possible through the cut edge IELTS writing tips.
IELTS has always been a practical examination where rote learning and cramming will not help you at all. I t is, therefore, significant to follow the right techniques. I have planned out some tactics which you can consider steps to be followed or in a better way writing tips
You must have been aware that IELTS writing has two tasks. Task 1 is about illustrating different charts, diagrams, or processes. Whereas, task 2 is basically an argumentative essay in which you have to give arguments in support as well as against the given topic.
I have kept writing task 2 in mind while writing about these tips as writing task 2 is more important than task 1 in getting the final band score. However, they can be applied to both the tasks.
You can easily get the band score you wanted if you work on these tips. You just have to work honestly on them these tips and advice.
So here we go.
Tip 1 – Aim for higher band score
We have discussed this in some previous articles that the very first step to get the required band score is to keep the target in mind. You have to decide what band score you want to achieve.
In addition, if the student has not got much knowledge of English and if he takes a higher goal then he would end up with a low band score and probably lose confidence. So it is always advisable to know the level and take the goal accordingly.
Tip 2 – Read extensively
In almost all my posts, I have emphasized this one parameter on which you should work. Perhaps, you don’t like me when I tell you to read books, in almost all articles of mine. That’s why I am not going to tell you anything in this section because so many articles have already been written on it by me.
Tip 3 – Do plenty of writing
We have got a simple calculation over here. Suppose you have two months’ time for preparation. And you write one essay a day. You will be able to write 60 essays in that period. If you write two per day. You can write 120 essays. So the calculation goes on.
The more you write, the more you make mistakes, the more you learn from your mistake, the better your chance of improvement. Take the target of writing at least an essay a day and don’t expect to become a master in writing essays from the very first attempt. It will take some time for improvement.
Tip 4: Never copy ready-made sample answers
Previously, it was a practice of so many faculties, classes, and online resources to give ready-made writing essays to students for cramming. Plenty of them are still focusing on it even today. Though, these ready-made essays are excellent for learning the basics and getting ideas. It is really very dangerous to copy them directly.
I would like to draw your attention that Ielts is stringent as far as the originality of writing is concerned. The examiner will immediately cut out your band if he thinks you have written down the copycat answers.
So, it is in your benefit to write the answer from your own thoughts. However, it does not mean that you cannot read other essays. You can. Just don’t copy them directly. just use ideas.
Tip 5: Always follow the structure in both writing tasks.
When writing an IELTS essay it is vitally important that you understand the format. It is possible that you use fancy vocabulary together with correct grammar to impress the examiner but do not give any concern to format. In this case, you will not be able to fetch the higher band score
There are certain criteria of IELTS writing essays which have been set by two exam bodies, British Council and IDP. The examiner would look for these parameters when he is peering through your essay. He would search for these aspects which should be included in essays. If he doesn’t find them, there may be a low band score. So always keep in mind to write an essay with proper format.
Tip 6: Write more words than required.
You should always write down an essay of 270 words. It’s true that we can write down the essay of 250 words only. But sometimes the candidates copy the words from the question. In that case, the examiner would deduct the words which have been used from the question. Thus it is always advisable to write down more words than required so your word count would not reduce below 250 even if examiner cut down your words
Don’t worry about writing an essay of more than 250 words. There is no negative marking for witting more than the required words. But don’t write too many words which cause you more time.
Tip 7: Presentation should be impressive
It does not matter in IELTS writing whether your handwriting is beautiful. They are mainly concerned with your grammar, vocabulary, and other parameters. However, this parameter is important from the view of psychology. If your handwriting is good enough for the examiner to read. He does not have to make too much effort to understand it.
Students are having the habit or you can say the bad habit to write and rub the sentences frequently. This may leave some ugly spots on the paper. apart from that, some students do not write equal or nearly equal words in every line. for instance, they write 4 words in the first line and 7 in second and again 4 in the third line. This will give a weird look to your presentation.
As I have told you that this will not cost you with the band score. But you will lose a chance to impress the examiner which is quite important. So make sure your essay remains neat and clean.
Tip 8: Make good use of time allocated
Sometimes the candidates are in too haste to finish the tasks that they finish both the tasks before time. It is not a good practice. If you are able to write the task in less than an hour it’s really good. But, IELTS has allotted one hour for writing which means it has to be used wisely.
I can bet on this. When you finish your task, reread your essay or graph. You would be surprised to know how many mistakes you have been able to correct which you did not recognize the first time.
So, it is always advisable to use every second which has been allotted for writing.
Tip 9: Plan your answer properly
Random writing may be the choice of so many students. However, writing which follows the proper pattern and process is always better. There is a proper process that has to be followed if the goal is higher. Though this process is not compulsory, it is vital for getting higher bands.
Tip 10. Grammar should be error-free
Just like the speaking test grammar accuracy is also the first parameter for which examiner is looking for. Many students even some faculties take grammar for granted. But this is serious when the examiner will see your essay. Normally, we don’t like it when we hear about grammar. Yet we have to learn to apply it in a proper manner. Grammar is an essential part of communication either in writing or in speaking.
If you are well versed in grammar and make no mistakes in spelling you can easily get 6 band score provided you have written more than 250 words with the proper format of IELTS essay.
Tip 11: Learn to write Complex sentences
IELTS writing is a formal piece of writing which requires you to write down difficult and complex construction of the English language. If you want to get a good band score you must learn to write complex sentences.
Now, what does it mean by complex sentences?
You may have read or heard plenty of technical explanation about writing complex sentences but it may not have done anything except raising your confusion. Here, I am not going to confuse you with plenty of technical phrases. We would see a simple understanding of making complex sentences.
In the simplest sense, Complex sentences mean that your sentence should not finish in one line. You should link the sentences with each other, either by conjunctions or by subordinate clauses. A full stop should not come too early.
This is how we define the complex sentences.
For example,
‘Sachin Tendulkar is a great player’.
This is a simple sentence. We would make it more interesting and complex by adding information.
“Sachin Tendulkar, who is also considered to be the god in Indian cricket, is a wonderful player in all the formats of cricket.”
Simple sentence. = “Education is important for everyone.”
Complex sentence = “The significance of education is unfathomable as it molds the present and secures the future of the student.”
Tip 12: Advanced vocabulary fetches higher band score
plenty of articles have been uploaded on this website for building an advanced vocabulary.
Click here for vocabulary core list .
Click here for IELTS vocabulary builder
Tip 13: Linking words and conjunctions
Click here for all the information on linking words and conjunctions
Tip 14: Use passive voice
The passive construction is one of the major parameters to get a higher band score. I have not uploaded anything for the grammar section. However, plenty of informative articles on grammar are in the queue. You can learn from other sources in the meantime.
Up to here, we discussed the parameters which are enormously (greatly) important to be remembered. These parameters should be taken into consideration and implemented. Now going further, we will go and look into something which you should not do.
We have already discussed and you know that IELTS writing task 2 is a formal piece of writing. Formal word, here, is very important to us. There are certain norms that have to be taken into consideration when you write something formal. So before you attempt the IELTS writing task 2 here is something which should not be applied.
What you should not do.
Tip 15: Never use short forms.
We are in habit of using short words due to the exposure to social media. But that is strictly prohibited in IELTS writing. Never use short forms such as, I’m, we’ll, it’s or I’ve. Or some technical short forms like i.e.(that is)
Tip 16: Never use colloquial language.
We understand the meaning ‘formal’ and colloquial language is informal which is used when we are with friends and relatives. When writing the IELTS essay it is of no use.
Tip 17: Do not use simple vocabulary.
Simple vocabulary or sentences will not fetch you higher band score. If you are aiming for a higher band score you have to learn and use higher and advanced vocabulary.
Tip 18: Never use simple linking words.
Just like the simple vocabulary, simple linking words such as ‘but’ ‘and’,’ so’ are of no use in fetching higher a band score. Thus, use higher linking words and conjunctions in your essays.
Tip 19: Do not use personal examples.
In writing essays, sometimes you have to give examples in support of your arguments. However, these examples do not mean that you give personal examples.
For example, you feel that people are cheated by restaurants owner at tourist places. Then use a general example,
Like, “many tourists, when, visit certain places and are frequently cheated by restaurant owners.”
Do not use “once I had gone to visit a hill station and restaurant owner had cheated me.
Tip 20: Do not give your opinion too strongly.
In IELTS writing you are told to give your opinion. Your opinion is very important. But you should not give the opinion too strongly.
Do not write: ‘I strongly believe that’, ‘I personally feel that.’
Instead Write: ‘As far as I am concerned.’ ‘In my opinion.’ ‘According to me, ‘If you ask me.’
So here we end 20 vital tips on getting a higher band score. Try to apply these tips in your writing.
Best of luck