IELTS WRITING TASK 2 - BASICS

Why do we paraphrase?

• to show off your vocabulary

• to show the examiner you understand the question

• to show off your grammar

• all of the above

What should your thesis statement do?

• introduce the topic

• answer the essay question

What defines a good topic sentence?

• it introduces a new topic

• identifies the main idea of the paragraph and the main point the writer wants to make about that subject

Should you always clearly state your opinion using signposting?

• Yes, always

• No, never

• Only if the essay question asks for your opinion

• Only if the essay question doesn't ask for your opinion

How should your body paragraphs be structured?

• first point, example, topic sentence, summary

• topic sentence, followed by two or three supporting statements (eg. examples/reasons/consequences)

How many sentences should there be in your conclusion?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Must your conclusion agree with your introduction?

• yes

• no

• it doesn't really matter

Should you introduce any new points in your conclusion?

• Definitely not, you should summarise the points covered and rephrase your thesis statement

• Yes, absolutely

• No, you should repeat exactly what you have already said using exactly the same words

How many words should you write?

• a minimum of 350

• at least 180 words

• as much as you like

• a minimum of 250

How long do you get to complete Task 2 in IELTS?

• 30 minutes

• 40 minutes

• 45 minutes

• 50 minutes