IELTS writing task 2 - To Do Checklist

Here in this article, we will get to know about IELTS Writing Task 2. 

In the previous article, we got to know about Writing Task 2. So if you haven’t read my previous blog then first go through IELTS Writing Task 2. This will make you understand this blog better.

But before starting let’s have a quick review about Writing Task 2.

IELTS Writing task 2 is the second task of the writing test. In this task, you will be presented with some point of view, an argument, or with any type of problem, justifying an opinion, discussing the topic, summarizing details, identifying possible solutions, and supporting what you write with reasons. The format of writing the essay should be formal and it should at least have a word count of 250 words in length and you have to cover your task in 40 minutes. This part has more weight in scoring than in task 1. The IELTS writing task 2 is based on using the right technique.

Now let’s move further with the topic and see a short checklist to prepare for IELTS Exam Writing Task 2. 

1: Approach
The steps you need to follow during the different stages of the task.

2: Before you write
 What are the major steps to take care of before you start writing? How to analyze your question before starting to write.

3: As you write
 While you write your essay, how to brainstorm your ideas, which words to highlight and what language you should use. 

4: When you have finished
When you finish your writing then what are the things you need to check and have a good revision in a short span of time.

Approach

IELTS recommend you not to spend more than 40 minutes on writing task 2. 
But the time is in your hand and you can manage it on your own. Task 2 is longer than task 1 and has more weightage in marks as compared to task 1.

IELTS writing task 2 is worth 66% of your total writing marks so try more to focus on your management skills. 

In this task, you are required to write at least 250 words and there is no word count limit but as per my suggestion, you must write between 260-280 words to fully optimize your writing skills. 

Before you Write

Before you start writing focus on the task carefully and then decide how many parts it has and what your position is in the given question. In this way, it will be easy for you to understand what the examiner exactly wants. Try to analyze your question carefully and you will understand what the question wants from you. 

Make a quick plan of your writing ideas either mentally or on a paper. 

Then try to identify the keywords on the question and instructed words. 

If you miss addressing all the parts of the question relevantly it could cause danger to your scores. And don’t misinterpret the question.

As you Write   

As soon as you start writing try to introduce your answers in your own words and make your opinions clear. Try to present your ideas clearly and then support your ideas with explanations and examples. Your introduction should be as clear to tell the examiner about what the rest of the essay is all about an answer to the question directly.
Through this way, it will help you write your main body paragraphs and this will let the examiner know that you are doing straight away. The examiner will not count the copied words as part of your total word count. If you are clear in your words, your ideas are well supported and flow of idea follow a logical structure then you will have a good chance of getting more marks.

While writing the conclusion be consistent because the examiner expects a logical conclusion from you.

Task 2 Essay Writing Format

Introduction
 Background statement
 Paraphrasing the question
Thesis statement (in my opinion….)

Body Paragraph 1
Start with the 1st topic sentence/the main point.
Explain the main point
Give an example
Give Closing Statement 

Body Paragraph 2
Start with the 2nd topic sentence/the main point.
Explain the main point 
Give an example
 Closing statement.

Conclusion
To conclude or to sum up. (paraphrase the essay)
In my opinion/ As the essay discussed. (if your opinion is asked)

How you Write

While writing your essay always keep in mind using your own words wherever possible and try to show a proper range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Try dividing your answers into paragraphs and following a logical structure. Using a perfect range of vocabulary and grammatical structure will boost your score. 

Always focus on improving your writing skills and try to support your paragraphs using certain examples. Using specific examples illustrate your main point you want to highlight and always focus on answering the question, not the topic.

Spend some time reading the questions carefully and think about exactly what the question is asking you to write. 

When you Write

After finish writing, try to count your words and make sure that you have written enough. By doing this it will allow you to check your grammatical errors, either if you had made any punctuational errors or any spelling mistakes. If you think you need to add any important keyword you can easily do that and can gather new ideas. 

Writing the short answers will let you lower your scores but keep in mind there are no extra marks for long answers. Mistakes in spelling, grammar, and punctuations can lower your score too. 

So try to be a smart worker and score decent marks in IELTS. 

Always remember there is nothing tough that you can’t tackle. 
Happy Learning.