IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS is an internationally accepted English proficiency test that helps people assess whether their proficiency is enough for international standards. This test is taken by most of the students in order to achieve their ambition of pursuing their higher studies abroad.

IELTS academic writing is made up of two tasks. They are: IELTS Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2. We have covered the details of the IELTS Writing Task 1 in our previous blog. Please refer to the details for the same. IELTS Writing Task 2 consists of a detailed essay on a particular topic. Topics in the test can range from environment, culture, day-to-day affairs, and technology. 

Did You Know 💡: Taking an IELTS test helps you to gain admission to the most reputed universities in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom.

This test has been a trusted source for determining the proficiency of students and professionals for the past thirty years. Governments, employers, and educational institutions depend on this test to check the proficiency level of students. Jointly owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge University, This exam really tests the ultimate grammatical, listening, writing, speaking, and reading skills in students.

What is IELTS Writing Task 2?

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is the faster test experience you can have. IELTS Writing Task 2 consists of writing a detailed essay on a particular topic. This writing needs to express your point of view, argument, or solution to the stated problem. The essay should be written in such a manner that you might agree or disagree on a point of view, discuss the pros and cons of a particular topic, and explain the intricacies of a particular problem and the possible solution that comes along with it.

Format and Structure of IELTS Writing Task 2

As said earlier, IELTS Writing Task 2 is one of the most popular standardised English proficiency systems that tests one with English language skills. It is always the best idea to get adapted to the IELTS Writing Task 2 Format before you appear for the actual examination.

IELTS Writing Task 2 is basically an essay writing task and the candidate is asked to write an essay of not more than 250 words. This essay writing task needs to be completed within a span of 40 minutes. The applicant's capability of writing a response in relation to the content, ideas, and accuracy in terms of grammar and vocabulary is also tested. People who are taking the test provide opinions, and reasons behind arguments, and write grammatically correct sentences.

The assessment of IELTS Writing Task 2 carries a better weightage than Task 1. The answer scripts are valued by trained and experienced IELTS examiners. These examiners hold relevant teaching qualifications and are recruited as trained examiners in test centres that conduct the exams.

What is IELTS Academic Writing Task 2

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 is primarily focused on students who want to pursue higher studies in a foreign country. There are a lot of highly professionally inclined courses that will help young students with career aspirations.

What is IELTS General Writing Task 2

 IELTS General Writing Task 2 is primarily focused on people who want to build their careers while staying abroad. This is mainly for people who want to take up a job in a foreign land and settle down there.

Difference Between IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 and General Writing Task 2

The IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 and General Writing Task 2 may be similar but there are some differences in them. They are:

Need: In the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 the need is to judge your ability to analyse a particular topic. It can present a clear viewpoint and support it with relevant examples. In General Writing Task 2, you need to respond to a specific situation and support your ideas or personal experiences.

Topics: The topics that are given in the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 are educational or academic discipline in nature. However the topics in the General Training Writing Task 2 cover topics that deal with social issues, everyday life situations, or personal experiences.

Task Response: In Academic Writing Task 2, you need to prove your ability to present well-structured content for a given topic. In the General Training Writing Task 2, you should give a clear and relevant response to a particular topic.

But it is always a great idea to familiarise yourself with the requirements of each task and practice well in the IELTS writing tasks.

Tips for Achieving a High Score in IELTS Writing Task 2

There are various tips and tricks available for outstanding students to achieve a high score in IELTS writing task 2. Some of the tips to achieve a high score in IELTS writing task 2 are:

Word Count: Stick to the word count limit of 250 words. Not reaching the stipulated word limit or writing above the said word limit both need to be avoided.

Time Duration: The said test must be completed within the time duration of 40 minutes. It is a good practice to go through your written content before submitting the same. It will help you to avoid simple mistakes.

Introduction and Conclusion: As an applicant, you should be able to write a proper introduction and conclusion for your essay. The introduction should explain the subject matter crisply and the conclusion should have an interesting closing line on the topic.

Vocabulary Strength: Your essay should depict your strong points in English vocabulary. You should also be in a position to understand complex words and sentences in the questions. Keeping your vocabulary strong is always a good idea.

Adhering to the Structure of Essay: Adhering to a proper structure with a proper introduction, supporting paragraphs, and conclusion will help you to garner better scores.

Arranging Points with Connectors: Properly arranging the parts of the questions and answering them properly will help you reach a band score of 8 or higher. In case there is one part in the question, connect all the parts together with proper connectors.

How to Prepare for IELTS Writing Task 2?

The following are some of the points that need to be kept in mind while you prepare for the IELTS writing task 2. They are:

• It is never too early to start preparing for IELTS Writing Task 2. A rigorous and systematic preparation is required to pass the test with high scores.
• Start preparing for the test well before six months of the stipulated date. A lot of online materials are available to support your preparations.
• Practice mock tests on a regular basis for both tasks. Using a timer aim at completing the tasks within a span of one hour.
• Practising mock tests also helps you to answer questions on various difficulty levels. You will also have a very good understanding of the general test pattern.
• Good knowledge of grammar and vocabulary adds to your writing skills. A structured display of your content will help you to convey your ideas in a logical manner.

A creative flow in your writing will happen over a substantial amount of time spent on reading good books. Writing in precise and simple English will help you clear the IELTS Writing Task 2 easily.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Writing Task 2

Students becoming nervous writing IELTS is quite normal. Mistakes are bound to happen due to nervousness. IELTS Writing Task 2 mistakes can be avoided by keeping these points in mind. They are:

• The IELTS Writing Task 2 requires students to write an essay of 250 words. Not adhering to the word count is one of the main mistakes that students tend to make.

• If exceeding the word count is one of the mistakes not reaching the word count is another mistake that students are prone to make.

• You might be a wordsmith with an impeccable vocabulary. But the essay writing should not be filled with forced vocabulary.

• Make sure to answer all parts of the questions. Most IELTS questions come with two different scenarios of the same situation.

• Writing on the topic and not answering the question is one of the most common mistakes students make.

• You should focus on explaining and supporting your ideas in your essay.

Having a dream to study in a foreign university alone may not only help you to make a mark for yourself but also provide a firm foundation for a flourishing career. But studying abroad also comes with the challenges of proving your proficiency in the foreign language. Undergoing the IELTS Writing Task 2 is one of the steps to prove your proficiency level in the English language. We have given all the details regarding writing the IELTS Writing Task 2, please get in touch with our AECC counsellors in case you want some clarification on the same.

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