IELTS Preparation
WRITING 2
Let’s Write More!
A Guide to IELTS Writing (2)
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Let’s learn more about the IELTS Writing Test Task 2. Work in pairs.
Read this information and do the task that follows.
You have completed task 1, which took 20 minutes. Let’s move on to task 2.
Task 2 is 2/3 of the total marks, so spend 40 minutes on it. Task 2 can include presenting an
argument, giving opinions, solving problems and stating advantages and disadvantages. You
will analyse, explore, and perhaps challenge the statement.
When writing task 2, ......
 introduce the topic in your own words.
 support your view using your knowledge and personal experience.
 state your own ideas; support and justify your view.
 show that you can summarise and evaluate your argument logically.
If you have a clear opinion on the subject or if the question asks, Do you agree?, then you will
present your argument.
 State your opinion clearly in the introduction.
 Write the same viewpoint in your conclusion.
When answering any Writing Task 2,
 introduce the topic in an effective manner to attract the reader’s interest.
 conclude by stating your point clearly, logically and effectively.
You must remember:
 write in paragraphs (approximately four) using clear, logical, connected sentences.
You will write at least 250 words. If you write less, you will lose marks.
Choose the best answers.
1. Task 2 should take ….. to complete.
a. 20 minutes
b. 40 minutes
c. 1 hour
2. You can use your ….. to support your view.
a. knowledge
b. introduction
c. question
3. It is important to introduce the topic using ….. .
a. a logical conclusion
b. your own words
c. the same words as the question
4. Your ….. should be interesting to attract the reader’s attention.
a. opinion
b. conclusion
c. introduction
5. Your essay should ideally contain ….. paragraphs.
a. six
b. four
c. two
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IELTS Preparation
WRITING 2
Introduction
Read the exam question in the box and the three introductions.
The problems caused by work-related stress (such as a fall in production) have become a
major problem for both employers and workers.
What do you think are the main causes of work-related stress and how can they be avoided?
A. Everybody agrees that the problems caused by work-related stress (such as a fall in
production) have become a major problem for both employers and workers. Stress has many
causes and it is my view that the main causes are difficult work and not enough time. In
this essay, I will explain my views.
B. Work related stress has become a major cause for concern for both managers and employees
having a negative effect on the health of workers. Consequently, productivity in the
workplace suffers. I believe that the issues of unrealistic expectations and lack of time must
be addressed to solve this stress problem.
C. Time lost at work through stress and ill-health is a considerable problem for both managers
and employees. It can cause employees to miss work for long periods due to ill health and, of
course, this can cause problems for the company. Obviously, this will cause economic
problems as many businesses will close and this in turn will affect foreign exchange.
Complete the sentences by matching the two parts. Draw lines.
1. Introduction A
2. Introduction B
3. Introduction C
goes off topic.
has a clear opinion, but uses the same words as
the question.
has a clear opinion and uses different words
and phrases from the question.
Work with a partner. Carry out these tasks.
1. You will lose marks if you use too many words copied from the question.
Underline the part of the introduction that copies the words.
2. Underline the parts of introductions A and B that give opinion.
3. Underline the part of introduction C that if off topic.
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IELTS Preparation
WRITING 2
Write your own introduction to the exam question below.
Schools do not teach the skills that students require to be successful in a career. Therefore, only
subjects applicable to the workplace should be taught at school.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
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Presenting and justifying your point
Each point you make must be clearly justified with supporting material.
You can use the following:
a. Statistics (figures and data)
b. Personal knowledge or experience
c. A reason (an explanation), cause and effect
Look at the supporting material (1 - 3) below and match them to the correct
technique for justifying your opinion (a - c) above.
1. Work-related stress is a serious problem, as it makes performance worse and
therefore costs employers more.
2. Research carried out by the government discovered that a 80% of workers in the
UK experience work-related stress at a level that affects their health.
3. Stress can have extreme psychological effects. For example, a colleague of mine
said that he had suffered a nervous breakdown after his workload had been
increased to such an extent that it had become unmanageable.
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Look at the statement below. Show why this statement is correct. Use a reason
statistics and personal knowledge or opinion.
Traffic in Qatar is a major problem.
1. Reason …………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………
2. Statistics …………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………
3. personal knowledge or experience …………………………………………………………..…………….…
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IELTS Preparation
WRITING 2
Presenting the other side
It is useful to include a section of your essay that presents the other side of the argument.
However you can also show why you disagree.
Look at the language in the box. We use these to present the other side of the
argument and to disagree.
1. Some people may argue that winter is the best time of the year. However, it is clear that
holidays in the summer are much more popular.
2. It could be argued that winter is the best time of the year. However, it is clear that
holidays in the summer are much more popular.
3. It is difficult to accept this point of view as/because/since holidays in the summer are
much more popular.
4. Although some people argue that winter is the best time of the year, we should consider
holidays in the summer are much more popular.
5. Despite claims that winter is the best time of the year, facts show that holidays in the
summer are much more popular.
6. Though it is true that …, we should bear in mind (that) … .
Work with a partner and write sentences about these subjects.
Give your opinion and the other side of the argument.
Use the language from the box above.
Example:
Using the internet every day.
Some people may argue that using the internet every day is very educational.
However, it can waste a lot of time and damage your health.
1. Smoking ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…
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2. Mobiles when driving ………………………………………………………………………………………………
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3. Holidays ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
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4. Following fashion ……………………………………………………………………………………………………
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5. Exercising ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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IELTS Preparation
WRITING 2
Writing the conclusion
Do not add new information to your conclusion. Summarise and/or paraphrase the main
points, including your point of view.
Re-read introduction B on page 2.
Now read the conclusion below and answer the questions.
1. To conclude, the problem of work related stress has negative consequences for both the health of
workers and for productivity. Therefore, Ii is extremely important that the issues of unrealistic
expectations and time pressures are addressed.
2. To sum up, work-related stress has become a major cause for concern for both managers and
employees, as it affects productivity. Therefore, managers need to reduce work levels. Training
can be provided to improve workers’ skills. Doctors can also be available in to workplace to offer help
and advice.
Which conclusion rephrases the introduction B and summarises the main points?
Which conclusion contains new information and does not paraphrase introduction B?
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Now read the introduction you wrote on page 3 and write a conclusion.
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