IELTS General Writing: How to improve your scores?
Like Academic writing General writing also has two tasks. In general IELTS task 2 is same as in academic i.e. essay but task 1 is different as it is a letter. The letter can be for formal or informal situation and you need to write a letter accordingly in at least 150 words. The candidate is allowed 20 minutes to complete the task. In letter writing you have to identify whether it is formal or informal as only the situation is given in it. For identifying you have to read the instructions carefully and appropriate vocabulary, structure, sentence formation, salutation and complementary close etc. accordingly. Here are some of the frequently asked Situations (content)
1. Giving complaints (mostly formal)
2. Sending invitations (mostly informal)
3. Making arrangements (formal/informal)
4. Expressing apology (formal/informal)
5. Registrations/applications (mostly formal)
6. Making request
Sample Instruction (formal letter) You are interested in applying for hall of residence at an abroad university. Write a letter to get information about it.
– Show your interest in a particular side of hall
– Mention about your food requirements
– Explain why you want to live there
Address: Not to be mentioned (As per the instructions you should not mention the address)
Suggested salutations Dear Sir/Madam, (If we don t know the name of the person we are addressing) Dear Mr. John/Dear Ms. Jessica, (If the name is known).
Body of the letter: It should consist of paragraphs as suggested below.
1st Paragraph: Opening lines 2nd Paragraph: Your interest in a particular side of hall. Food requirements 3rd Paragraph: Explain why you want to live there?. Last Paragraph: Conclusion followed by request for providing room and food of your choice. Opening Statements: You can start the main body of the letter with any one of the following statements
– With reference to the subject cited above, I would like to introduce myself as an applicant for claiming a room
– I am writing this letter with regards to reside in the hall of residence
– This is in response to the notification about the ……..
Closing line: Looking forward to positive reply Complimentary close: Yours faithfully, /faithfully yours.
Task 2-Writing Assignment: A topic is given and the candidate has to write an essay in 250 words. Time allowed is 40 minutes. Most often asked essay types include the following.
– A description of an opinion
– An argument
– A Social Problem
The essay should be logical and well organized in 4/5 paragraphs. Each paragraph must include an idea/point. 1st Paragraph: Introduction that may includes definition, history, scope, etc. 2nd and 3rd Paragraphs: Statements to support your opinions accompanied with relevant examples of situations, anecdotes, statistics, etc. 4th and 5th Paragraphs: Include limitations with suggested solution followed by conclusions and recommendations Major parameters for getting higher score:
– Relevant Ideas and matter according to the topic. Convey thoughts in a clear way.
– Error free impressive sentences.
– Vocabulary should be appropriate and above average.
– Linguistic Phrases and Idiomatic Expressions would attract higher score.
– Avoiding redundancy of words/phrases and or ideas.
– Overall the essay should comply with the following 3 Cs:
· Impressive Commencement
· Interesting Continuation
· Inquisitive Conclusion
For achieving a good band score you should prepare for the exam in a proper way and use some tips for it
Read lots of newspapers, magazines, journals etc. as this stuff will give you a great vocabulary as well as new ideas which can make your writing impressive.
Take proper training from an expert. Make sure your mentor should be good enough to advise and rectify you when and where needed.
Take a mock test before going for the real exam.
