TIPS for English (6): Essay (a)

V) Writing part (2): The Essay

 

For the IELTS exams, you should write an essay of at least 250 words (you lose marks if you write fewer!)

Although the words must be at least 250, this does not mean that the maximum number of words should be exceedingly high, e.g., 500. So, I recommend a maximum of 300 words.

Practically, this may be: 1 paragraph as the introduction, 2 – 3 (I recommend 3) paragraphs as the Main Body, and 1 paragraph as the Conclusion
 
The maximum time for writing the essay is 40 minutes
 
Usually, you will be asked to include your view and examples from your personal experience, so do not forget to do so!
 
I advise you to write the 1^st part of the writing, the graph, max in 20 minutes so as not to lose time from the 2^nd part (the essay), which counts more, about 66 percent!
 
I recommend first writing the essay and next the graph. However, if you do this, you must be careful to write each one on the right answer sheet (there are separate for each part).
 
Also, do not forget to leave a space (a line) after each paragraph.
 
Some have the habit of indenting each paragraph; however, I think it is unnecessary. If you want to indent a paragraph on your computer, you may check the article http://www.macmousecalls.com/files/0a663668fd38d1a17adf2eea038a6dda-65.html
 
The site of the British Council is http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/
 
The Road to IELTS with preparing tests is on http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare/road-to-ielts
 
The examples from the British Council for Writing are on https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-practice-tests/writing/academic/task-2
 
 
Essay – how to avoid pitfalls
 
Avoid repeating words/phrases
 
Do not write too much! You should write 260 – 300 words in less than 20 min, as the maximum time of 40 min should include 5 min for checking the text again for typos, mistakes, and grammar flaws.
 
The model is: 

introduction (1 paragraph rephrasing the rubric (= a set of instructions, especially on an exam paper, usually printed in a different style or color (^^))

main body (2 – 4 paragraphs)

conclusion (1 paragraph) 
 
Use examples! But for examples, do not write ‘e.g.,’ but ‘For example’ or ‘For instance.’ Avoid abbreviations. Also, do not write ‘till’ but ‘until.’ Instead of ‘can’t,’ you should write ‘cannot.’
 
The main body should include the main and supporting ideas, examples, and details.
 
The conclusion should include a summary of the pain points and the writer’s views. It should include things already expressed before but must NOT include new views about the topic.
 
Do NOT write abbreviations (e.g., You should write ‘cannot’ instead of ‘can’t’), phrases in brackets (…..), and phrases between hyphens -….-  
 
 

Main TIPS for the essay
 
 
Read the topic and the instructions carefully. Then read it again and again! Be careful of the instructions! Ensure you understand the meaning and what the essay instructions ask e.g. When the instructions ask you to express your opinion and use examples from your experience, do not forget to do this! 
 
Be sure you understand which kind of essay you are asked to write (the three kinds are analyzed below).
 
Usually, the hints/ keywords are in the instructions, e.g., you may see the keywords ‘write your opinion’ (opinion essay) or ‘make suggestions’ for this issue (The Problems & Solutions essay). An example is when the instructions say, ‘To what extent do you agree or disagree (with the previous notion/ statement)?’ Apparently, it is asked to write an opinion text! Many students lose essay marks by not understanding what the instructions ask! 
 
Be aware of the time (max 40 min). Check the time continuously!
 
I suggest you organize your time in your draft (mentioned below) and plan the time frame of the essay parts
 
Be careful: You can use spare space in the instructions booklet to write notes and make your draft. They will not correct it. But do not write the draft on the exam paper! Write it only in the booklet. 
 
The following scenario is just an example; you can plan your timetable if you find it better, but always keep 5 minutes at the end to check the essay for mistakes!
 
My suggested plan is: reading the title and understanding the meaning (2 min), writing the DRAFT (5 min), the introduction (5 min), the main body (18 min), the conclusion (5 min), and reading again the essay for ERRORS (including spelling, grammar, and typos (5 min).
 
Reading again the essay for typos and mistakes is the most important TIP! You should keep 5 min at the end for doing this!

Writing the graph for more than 20 min means that you lose time from writing the essay, but this is self–destructive as the essay counts more, about 66%, of the total grade of the writing module!
 
The best TIP for the essay is writing a Draft! After reading the instructions and you are sure of what the essay is asking of, and before you start writing, you should make a plan, a draft. You may use a booklet's blank page and write brief notes (using mainly short phrases and keywords) organizing how you plan to write the parts of your essay (introduction, main body, and conclusion), of what you will add (e.g., advantages and disadvantages, or opinion, or reasons), differentiating the main ideas from the supporting ideas and organizing your paragraphs.  In your draft, you will include all the relevant ideas that come up in your mind (brainstorming ideas). Do not forget to support your ideas with evidence. Be careful not to forget to point out the right order of including your views, arguments, and conclusion.
 
It is particularly important the draft be very brief, mainly using keywords and key phrases that you will use, as well as examples.
 
If you are not sure of the spelling of a word, then use an alternative. Mistakes here will count! Beware of striking mistakes that may ruin the good impression of your essay, e.g., Someone may write ‘this costed $10’. It is a serious mistake to write it in an essay, as this verb is irregular (cost – cost – cost) and will give a bad impression of not knowing even the basics!  
 
Avoid repeating words, phrases, and views (apart from the conclusion, where you briefly summarize the topic)
 
Be clear about which ideas are main and which are supporting. You need to distinguish them to avoid confusion, e.g. When your topic is about unhealthy diet and junk food, you may start as:
 
‘One of the main factors contributing to heart disease is an unhealthy diet (main idea). Nowadays, our diet relies on processed food that contains preservatives and additives (supporting idea)’ (My comment: in this example, you can notice that we don’t stereotypically start with the word ‘Nowadays’). 
 
Be clear in your argument.

Do NOT use abbreviations e.g., do not write e.g., (write ‘for instance,' instead), can’t (use ‘cannot’), etc.
Do not use ‘till’ in formal English, but use ‘until’; e.g., ...until 2004, when production dropped.
 
 
Main Structure of an Essay
 
(regardless of its category that it is analyzed below):
 
Introduction (always 1 paragraph)
 
The main part/ body (2 – 4 paragraphs with relevant facts/ opinions/ ideas & reasoning)
 
Conclusion (always 1 paragraph)
 
 
My recommendation: you should omit a second ‘introduction or overall paragraph’ in the Main Body, as you begin the essay with the Introduction (one paragraph), and you continue immediately with the Main Body without an introduction paragraph. If you write it, you will waste time repeating the Introduction!
 
 
The most important TIPS for writing the essay
 
 
Before you start writing:
 
Read the rubric (= a set of instructions, especially on an exam paper, usually printed in a different style or color (^^)) carefully and summarize the key points and overall trends and stages in your mind. Decide how many parts the task has and what your opinion is.

Make a plan on the booklet's blank paper of how you will organize your answers and decide on your main and supporting ideas (my comment: write a draft of the structure of your answer on a rough paper – the key points). Clear main ideas will be sought by the examiner. You will lose marks if you do not mention all the parts of the question relevantly. You will also lose marks if the main idea is not clear!
 
As you write the essay:
 
 
Introduce the information of the rubric (= a set of instructions, especially on an exam paper, usually printed in a different style or color (^^)) in 1 or 2 sentences in your own words. Do not write the same words with the rubric because these words will not be counted by the examiner! You need to paraphrase (using different words) the rubric. 
 
So, do not repeat the task using the same words. You can state your opinion as well. 

Summarize the key points and use the information to depict them. You will lose marks if you do not refer to key points or if you fail to show them
 
Present your main ideas clearly. You need to use examples to support them. You will gain marks if your ideas are clear and you support them adequately.
 
Use your own words, content, and grammar. You will gain marks from a comprehensive vocabulary and grammar. (My comment: you will also lose marks if you ‘copy-paste’ pre-prepared phrases that are striking and don’t fit with your style in the essay showing that you have taken them from somewhere else). Copied material will not be counted as part of the total word count!
 
Divide your answer into paragraphs

Use linking words and phrases. You will gain marks if your answer is well-organized in paragraphs and contains linking words and phrases

If a task has 2 questions or parts, it is best to aim for 50-50 if the 2 views are equally strong. Sometimes a different ratio is acceptable when there are more arguments on one side of the task than the other. Your own opinion will add to whichever view you support. That means that you may write more on that part. You may agree with the 1^st or 2^nd view or with both views.

Do not use abbreviations (e.g., write ‘cannot’ instead of ‘can’t’)

Use formal language (e.g., write ‘until’ instead of ‘till’) and avoid colloquial expressions, informal language, or a conversational style
 
Finally, write a conclusion and re-state your opinion. The examiner will expect a logical conclusion and a consistent view.  You need to include an overview of the information as a conclusion. You will lose marks if you do not do so.
 
When you complete your essay
 
You need to count the words to ensure they are above the required (more than 250 words for the IELTS test). Shorter than the required answers will lose marks. However, longer answers will NOT gain extra marks

Check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation for mistakes. Any mistake will reduce your mark!

Ensure your answer sheet is correct, i.e., the one that writes ‘writing part 2’ (essay)! Answering on a different sheet (the writing part 1, (graph)) will be a disaster! Be careful not to make any mistakes with your personal and the other data you must fill in. If you are having doubts about what you must complete, you may ask the instructor!

At the end, try to check all your answers, especially the spelling and grammar (My comment: so, when you estimate the time, you should keep 5 minutes for the corrections– this is crucial!)



The 3 Kinds of an Essay:
 
For and Against text
 
Opinion text
 
Problems & Solutions text

 

For and Against text

 
(pros & cons/ the positive & negative side/ advantages & disadvantages)

Structure:
 
Introduction
Pros (the positive side/ advantages)
Cons (the negative side/ disadvantages – drawbacks)
Your opinion
Conclusion
 
Note:
 
You should write at least 250 words (you lose marks if you write fewer!)
 
Although the words must be at least 250, this does not mean that the maximum number of words should be exceedingly high e.g., 500. I recommend a maximum of 300 words.
 
Practically this may be: 1 paragraph as the introduction, 2 – 3 (I recommend 3) paragraphs as the Main Body, and 1 paragraph as the Conclusion
 
The maximum time for writing the essay is 40 minutes
Usually, you will be asked to include your view and examples from your personal experience, so do not forget to do so!
 

Structure - analytically
 
Introduction (always 1 paragraph)
 
You rephrase (using different words) the rubric (= a set of instructions, especially on an exam paper, usually printed in a different style or color (^^)) presenting both sides of the problem.
 
You may use the word ‘controversial’/ ‘controversy’ (controversy is pronounced ˈkɒn.trə.vɜː.si or kənˈtrɒv.ə.si) and say, for instance, 'The question of whether or not should … is a controversial one.'

or 

''There is a big controversy surrounding/over the...''
 

Pros (the positive side/ advantages)
 
You can write them in order, using the words: First (or ‘first and foremost’; or ‘first of all’; or ‘primarily’), ‘secondly,’ ‘thirdly’… and ‘Lastly’ (or ‘finally’).
 

Cons (the downside/ negative side; disadvantages – drawbacks)
 
You may start by contrasting, using the word ‘However,’ or ‘On the other hand,’ etc.
 
You can also write them in order, using the words: First, ‘secondly,’ ‘thirdly,’… and ‘Lastly.’ 
 

You then state your opinion (1 paragraph)
 
You refer to your opinion about the topic. You may take one side or both sides and explain your views. 

You may start with the phrase ‘Speaking personally,,…’ or My opinion is (that),’ or 'In my opinion,' or 'To my mind,' or 'From my perspective,' etc.
 

Conclusion (always 1 paragraph)
 
Summarize – repeat what you already have mentioned above (briefly!)
 
Do not forget to summarize the pros and cons, but do NOT write new views on the topic!
 
Alternative way: you may write a conclusion in 1 paragraph, including the related above separate 2 paragraphs (opinion and conclusion):
 
You state your opinion
You present both sides of the topic
You write the conclusion, including your personal view.
You may write, e.g., ‘In conclusion, I believe that...’
 
I recommend AVOIDING the 'alternative way' mentioned above, as you may expand on your words and lose time.

 

Opinion Text

 
(My comment: I love the ‘opinion texts,' but you should not expect them to be unbiased!)
 

Structure:
 
Introduction
Main reasons
Conclusion
 
Note:
 
You should write at least 250 words (you lose marks if you write fewer!)
 
Although the words must be at least 250, this does not mean that the maximum number of words should be exceedingly high, e.g., 500. I recommend a maximum of 300 words.
 
Practically this may be: 1 paragraph as the introduction, 2 – 3 (I recommend 3) paragraphs as the Main Body, and 1 paragraph as the Conclusion
 
The maximum time for writing the essay is 40 minutes
 
Usually, you will be asked to include your view and examples from your personal experience, so do not forget to do so!

 
Structure – analytically
 
Introduction (always 1 paragraph)
 
As always, you rephrase (using different words) the rubric (= a set of instructions, especially on an exam paper, usually printed in a different style or color (^^))
 
You can say in advance your reasons e.g., ‘I believe there are … (e.g., four) main reasons for...’
 
You may use the word ‘controversial’/ ‘controversy.' controversy’ (controversy is pronounced ˈkɒn.trə.vɜː.si or kənˈtrɒv.ə.si) You may write, for instance, ‘The question of whether or not we should … is a controversial one.’
 or 

''There is a big controversy surrounding/over the...''

Main reasons
 
You should include examples
 
You can write your reasons in order using the words: ‘First (or ‘first and foremost’; or ‘first of all’; or ‘primarily’), ‘secondly,’ ‘thirdly’… and ‘Lastly’ (or ‘finally’).
 
The order may be in separate paragraphs.
 
Conclusion (always 1 paragraph)
 
You summarize and state your opinion (point of view), e.g., You may write ‘Therefore/ For these reasons, I believe that…’
 
Note: in the opinion text, you do NOT need to take absolutely one side, but you may stay in the middle between the 2 ideas. In that case, you describe both sides and then state your opinion on the topic

Do NOT write new views about the topic in the conclusion!

Problems & Solutions Text

 

Structure:
 
Introduction
Explanation of the problem
Solutions to the problem
Conclusion
 
Note:
 
You should write at least 250 words (you lose marks if you write fewer!)
 
Although the words must be at least 250, this does not mean that the maximum number of words should be exceedingly high, e.g., 500. I recommend a maximum of 300 words.
 
Practically this may be: 1 paragraph as the introduction, 2 – 3 (I recommend 3) paragraphs as the Main Body, and 1 paragraph as the Conclusion
 
The maximum time for writing the essay is 40 minutes
 
Usually, you will be asked to include your view and examples from your personal experience, so do not forget to do so!

 
Structure – analytically
 
Introduction (always 1 paragraph)
 
You accept a priori (= beforehand) that there is a problem to solve, regardless of your views! Accepting the problems means that you need to find solutions for them. Thus, in your introduction, you refer to the problem by rephrasing the rubric (= a set of instructions, especially on an exam paper, usually printed in a different style or color (^^))
 
Explanation of the problem (usually 1 paragraph)
 
You explain what the problem exactly is.
 
You can write e.g., ''One of the main factors that contribute (pronounced kənˈtrɪb.juːt or ˈkɒn.trɪ.bjuːt) to… is... Another contributing factor is…. So, the question remains, what if everything can be done to resolve this issue.''
 
Solutions to the problem (usually 1 paragraph)
 
You suggest solutions to the problem. You should cover all the reasons/ contributing factors.
 
Conclusion (always 1 paragraph)
 
You summarize.

Do NOT write new views about the topic in the conclusion !

 

Reference
 
1) Jakeman V., McDowell C., New Insights into IELTS, Workbook with Answers, Cambridge English, Cambridge University Press, 1^st published 2008, reprinted 2016
2)  Jakeman V., McDowell C., New Insights into IELTS, Student’s Book with Answers, Cambridge English, Cambridge University Press, 3^rd edition, 2008, 17^th printing, 2015
3)  Jakeman V., McDowell C., New Insights into IELTS, Student’s Book with Answers, Cambridge English, Cambridge University Press, 2016.