IELTS Writing Tips: 7 Things not to do in Task 2 (Essay)
In IELTS writing task 2 essay is the most important part as the major part of the score depends upon this task. To score good in this part it is necessary to make a strategy and should not commit silly mistakes.
Here are 10 things you should avoid when writing IELTS essay –
1. Do not use Idioms in writing essays.
Idioms are used in writing as well as in speaking and can help to increase the scores, but you should know the exact meaning of the idiom you are using. If you place the wrong idiom, you may lose the band score in IELTS writing.
Normally idiom are used by native speakers in writing and speaking because they know the actual use of that idiom, so if you are sure and confident about the meaning and uses of that idiom, you can use it in IELTS essay writing.
2. Avoid Excess words.
In writing tasks, it is must to follow the guideline of word limits. In task 1, it is instructed to write 150 words, and if you write less than this limit then you will lose marks. It is the same if you write more – It’s okay if you write upto 170 words, but if you exceeded than this limit definitely you will lose band score.
In task 2, it is mandatory to write 250 words, and if you write less than this you will lose marks. Same if you are writing 270 words it is okay, but writing 300 or more, you may lose band score.
3. Avoid abbreviate (Avoid contractions)
Using abbreviations in writing task 1 and task 2 is harmful; you may lose band score in IELTS writing. Moreover, the abbreviations are not counted in words for more information on word counting criteria click here.
Isn’t = Is not
Don’t = Do not
Couldn’t = could not
Aren’t = Are not
Can’t = Cannot
Haven’t = Have not
Hasn’t = Has not
4. Don’t write irrelevant ideas.
In IELTS Writing task 2 many students get short of matter and they try to trick the examiner by writing irrelevant ideas in order to fulfill the word limit requirement. But keep in mind that you should never do this because writing unrelated ideas is not a good idea; you will lose band score for this in the IELTS writing task.
5. Do not use the 2nd person in a paragraph.
Many aspirants want to know how to do IELTS writing? The main thing in writing an essay is don’t use the 2nd person it the content. Some students have a habit of using “you” in essay. Here “you” is referring to your examiner. So using “you”, sounds like you are “teaching, telling” the examiner. So, students should use “we” or “they” it is best to use structures with fake subjects such as “it is clearly that / it goes without saying that / without a doubt …”.
6. Use linked words.
Before starting IELTS writing essay, take some time to think (mind mapping) about the points that you will write, divide it into 3 clear ideas and use one of the following phrases to link: it will help to score high in IELTS writing.
Firstly ……… .. Secondly ………. Lastly
Generally …… .. Furthermore …… .. Finally
To be sure …… .. Additionally ……… lastly
To begin with ……… .In addition ………… Last but not least.
In the first place ……… .. Also ……… .. Lastly
Basically ………… .. similar ………… .. As well
In the first place ………. just in the same way ……… Finally
7. Use ACTIVE VOICE instead of PASSIVE VOICE.
In IELTS Writing task 2 general and academic, don’t use too many passive voices. Use one or two passive voice if needed in writing essays. As using too many passive voices may become the reason for losing the IELTS score in IELTS writing?
Click here for getting some ideas of IELTS writing task 2 topics with answers.
With Best Wishes
Thank You!
