Sunday, 14 June 2015

089 IELTS WRITING TASK 2 Extremely Useful Sentences.

Extremely Useful Sentences

Writing IELTS essays of is a challenge to many, especially because of the word limit.  But there are some simple techniques you can easily adopt to improve your essay writing skills.

 

Listed below are 7 simple sentence constructions or enrichment tips you can effectively use to ensure a longer yet grammatically error-free essay.

 

 

1.) “This essay will analyse this issue using the examples from…”  “to demonstrate points and support arguments.”

You will need to supply the examples in accordance with your particular topic.  For instance:

“This essay will analyse this issue using the examples from wartime countries and conflict zones to demonstrate points ….”

and

“This essay will analyse this issue using the examples from Canada, Australia and Rwanda to demonstrate points…”

2.) In injecting an opposing thought, instead of using only “However,” you can use “However, it should not be forgotten (that)…” and add the opposing point.

 

3.) Cite examples from researches or studies made, using the phrase,

“For example, a recent study by _________ showed…”

For instance:

“For example, a recent study by the IMF (or U.K. government) showed…”

then supply the details of the findings.

 

4.) Cite another example of a research you are referencing, using another phrase:

“Take for instance a recent study by the _____ that clearly showed…”

For instance:

“Take for instance a recent study by the U.N. (or Canadian government) that clearly showed…”

 

5.) Instead of saying “There is proof that…” you can say, instead:

“There is ample evidence to suggest that…”

For instance:

“There is ample evidence to suggest that scientists will promptly discover…”

and

“There is ample evidence to suggest that local governments will be implementing …”

 

6.) Give your findings a supportive introduction using the phrase:

“Numerous studies have consistently found that …”

then provide your conclusion, for instance:

Numerous studies have consistently found that children from economically advanced countries…”

and

“Numerous studies have consistently found that students who learn 3 languages have a reduced chance of contracting Alzheimer’s.”

 

7.) Instead of generalising, enumerate or cite samples.  For instance:

Replace “Recent electronic gadgets have…” with “Electronic gadgets such as the smartphone, the laptop, and the 3D printer have drastically increased worker productivity.”

Replace “Serious diseases are a recurring matter…” with “Serious diseases such as Malaria, Ebola and Dengue Fever bring about a considerable amount of expenses.”

 

These may be little additions of 3-9 words per phrase but many little phrases go a long way toward a 250 word goal.

 

Now you need to take notes and exercise using the phrases in your own sentences for better retention. Note that these phrases need not necessarily be copied.  Merely copying can cause you trouble.  It can be detected so you must make sure that the way you use the phrases fits your essay perfectly to maintain coherence in thought and correct grammatical structures.

 

You must take note of other grammar rules also including subject-verb agreement and correct use of antecedents and others.  Additionally, as an added advanced tip, the examples you will provide should follow a parallel structure (This is discussed in another video).

 

 

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to send me an email at struggling@ieltspodcast.com.

 

As I’ve always said, “The important thing is to take action, do something every day, and little by little, you will get there.”
 

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Monday, 1 June 2015

088 IELTS Writing General Task 1: Letter writing Samples

Letter Writing Samples

IELTS Letter Writing Samples

 

In this quick tutorial video, we’re going to look at some of the tips regarding General IELTS Academic Task 1.

 

We’re going to talk about at some phrases and look at the structure of your writing. We will also go through some IELTS Writing Task 1 samples. There’s a link for the samples at the end!

 

  1. The easiest part is the structure.

 

You’re lucky if you’re doing IELTS Task 1 General because (personally) this is the easiest part of the writing exam – so much easier than the Academic Task! Why? Basically, you’ve got the structure already laid out for you.


Let’s say for example, we’re writing a Letter of Complaint to a company, you just have 3 points to write about:

 

  • What happened.
  • What upset you.
  • What you expect to be done.

 

Now write your essay using this structure. Really simple. Just go write 3 or 4 sentences about the first bullet point, do the same for the 2nd and the 3rd. Piece of cake.

 

  1. It has a unique language.

 

Using a unique set of phrases and sentences are expected – and you’re going to get points by using these expressions. Plus, if you learn the expressions correctly, you don’t have to worry about the grammar when you use it. It’s just like a case of copy-pasting and adapting them so, it’s really simple.

Now, go grab a pen and write them down! This will help you memorize them and learn them a little bit better. After that, you’ve got your list and you can already start using them in the letters that you’re writing.

 

Formal Letters

 

Instructions: Write a letter to Mr. Jones, the managing director of X-company.

Your Answer should include the name:

Dear Mr. Jones, I am writing…

If you don’t have the name, don’t invent! Just say:

Dear Sir/Madam

 

  1. We should use a very clear opening sentence which explains directly what you want to communicate. We can start with something like:

 

  • I’m writing with regards to a recent product I bought.
  • I’m writing on behalf of my employee.
  • I’m writing to…

 

Then, place what’s necessary. If you’re asking for help, you could just say:

 

  • “Could you please…”
  • or, “I would like it if you could…”

 

The important thing here is to use the modal verbs. Take a look at some of the other expressions we can use:

 

■ If you’re asking for information:

 

“I’m writing to inquire about…”

 

■ If you’re apologizing:

 

“I am sorry that…”

 

■ if you’re writing on behalf of the company::

 

“We deeply regret your experience…”

 

■ If you’re writing or responding to a job advertisement:

 

“I’m writing in relation to a job advertised on Johnson&Johnson website, 23rd of May.”

 

These are just some set phrases that you must use. You’ll pick up points not only for using the appropriate language but it’s also grammatically perfect!

 

■ If you’re writing a complaint letter, lots of complaint::

 

“I am not happy about…”

 

or (more formal), “I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…”

 

Then, you can go from there. Easy, right?!

 

  1. Now, to close the letter – still in the same language:

 

“If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.”

 

or, “I am looking forward to your reply.”

 

or, “I’m looking forward to your comments on the matter.”

 

 

So, just a recap: make a list of all these phrases, write them all down and memorize them. Start using them and you’ll see that General Writing Task 1 General is not really difficult!

 

 

DOs and DON’Ts

 

  1. In a formal essay or letter, use “will” instead of “going to.”

 

This is important because “going to” is used more in your spoken English whereas “will” is more formal and is mostly used in business.

 

  1. DO NOT use contractions.

Isn’t, ain’t, won’t couldn’t – these are more for your spoken English as well. So, once you’re done, read through your essay and just make sure that you did not use a contraction.

 

  1. Use modal verbs if you’re asking for help, information or for advice

They sound more polite. You don’t say “I want information regarding product x,y,z.” A big NO. Instead, write down “I would like some information regarding product x,y,z.”

 

  1. If you are writing an informal essay or letter, make sure you use familiar words.

So, if you get a task asking you to “Write a letter to your friend asking for information about a course or program being offered at a local university.” This is where you can use lots of familiar words, lots of contractions and use different tenses – including “going to” for example.

 

So you can just say:

 

Hey, Maria! How’s things at your end? Hope all’s good.”

 

I’m planning to come up to Avedine next year and I was wondering if you’ve got any information about the university course xxx?”

 

Basically, you can just write it as though you’re having a conversation with the person in front of you. So, don’t worry about the contractions! Now, when you’re closing the letter we can use:

 

Keep in touch! All the best, Ben

 

And you can even put the P.S.

 

P.S. Say “Hi!” to Barry for me.”

 

Just show the examiner that you know how to write an informal letter and you are comfortable using the native English expressions.

 

Now, if you want the samples, you can sign up to ieltspodcast.com and you’ll find a PDF with lots of letter writing samples and lists of useful phrases.

 

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