IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a widely recognized English language proficiency.
IELTS measures student’s language proficiency of students who want to migrate or relocate to an English-speaking country to study, work, or for PR purposes.
Residents from non-native English-speaking nations must take English proficiency tests like IELTS to migrate to an English-speaking country.
IELTS measures student’s language proficiency through four different modules;
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
Students must get a good band score in each module, which requires different preparation tips and strategies.
In this blog, I will provide the best IELTS writing preparation tips to get a high band score in IELTS writing. You must understand the IELTS writing format to understand the tips for IELTS writing.
So let’s get started!
IELTS Writing Section Format
The IELTS writing section measures students’ ability to write error-free and well-structured English.
There are two questions in IELTS writing, IELTS writing task 1 and task 2. When you are looking for IELTS writing preparation tips, then you must be aware that the IELTS exam is of two types;
- IELTS Academic
- IELTS General Training
The writing test task 2 is the same for both IELTS tests, but the IELTS writing task 1 is different.
Question types in IELTS writing test;
| IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic) | IELTS Writing Task 1 (General Training) | IELTS Writing Task 2 (Academics & General Training) |
| Bar Chart Table-Chart Multiple Graphs Map Pie Chart Process Diagram Line Graph | Formal letter Informal letter Semi-formal letter | Agree or disagree Opinion Advantages and disadvantages Direct essay Cause/solution essay Positive/negative essay Discussion essay |
The total duration of the IELTS writing section is 60 minutes, and students must spend more time on the IELTS writing task 2.
Students must write at least 150 words by seeing an infographic (in IELTS academics) and write a letter (in IELTS GT).
The IELTS writing task 2 is the same for both exams, and students must write at least 250 words in this task in response to a given prompt.
After learning about the IELTS writing format, let’s shift to the main focus of our blog, “IELTS writing preparation tips.”
The tips below will help you improve your IELTS writing and get your desired band score.
IELTS Writing Preparation Tips
Preparing for the IELTS writing task can be hard if you don’t follow proper tips and strategies. This is also one of the hardest modules in the IELTS exam, so students should prepare for this module in a serious way.
So let’s have a look at the tips for IELTS writing!
- Time management
- Improving coherence and cohesion
- Improve grammar and vocabulary
- Use phrases and transition words
- Practicing keeping an eye on the time
- Read sample answers for ideas
Time Management
Time management is one of the most important IELTS writing preparation tips that will be useful in IELTS writing and other modules.
The best way to manage your time properly in IELTS writing is to set a time limit for both tasks.
For example, task 2 is lengthier and more difficult than task 1, so spend more time on task 2. You can give 15 to 20 minutes to Task 1 and 35 to 40 minutes to Task 2. Always try to finish your writing in 55 minutes and save 5 minutes to proofread your work.
Improving Coherence And Cohesion
Coherence and Cohesion are two of the most important things every writing must have. Coherence refers to the logical flow and organization of ideas in your writing.
It ensures that your essay is understandable and that all the arguments and important points are placed properly.
Cohesion is necessary to make a connection between two sentences. Making connections between the sentences is essential to make writing more readable and interesting.
To improve coherence and cohesion, students can use transition verbs, pronouns or referencing: pronouns, linking verbs, and maintain a consistent verb tense.
Improve Grammar And Vocabulary
This is also one of the important IELTS writing preparation tips. If you aim to get a good score in IELTS writing, then grammatical accuracy and vocabulary play an essential role.
To convey your idea more accurately, it is important to use grammar accurately in your writing. Also, using a range of vocabulary improves your quality of writing, which is essential to get a 6+ band score in IELTS writing.
You can review all the basic grammar rules important in writing, like tenses, to improve your grammar. You should also practice different sentence structures because variety is essential for a high band score in IELTS writing.
To improve your vocabulary knowledge, read newspapers and magazines and write down all the unfamiliar words you find. Practice those words by trying to make sentences using those words.
Use Phrases And Transition Words
Transition verbs are crucial in showing the relationship between your ideas or sentences. Transition verbs create coherence and give clarity to your writing.
| Purpose | Transition verbs |
| Adding Information | additionally, furthermore, moreover, in addition, also, besides, similarly, likewise, equally important. |
| Contrasting Ideas | however, nevertheless, on the other hand, in contrast, conversely, whereas, while, but, yet, although, even though. |
| Giving Examples | for example, for instance, such as, namely, in particular, to illustrate, to demonstrate. |
| Sequencing and Ordering | first, second, third, next, then, finally, subsequently, afterward, meanwhile, simultaneously. |
| Showing Cause and Effect | as a result, consequently, therefore, thus, hence, because, due to, since, so, for this reason |
Practicing Keeping An Eye On The Time
While practicing for the IELTS writing, you must practice by keeping an eye on the time. Don’t give yourself more than 55 minutes to complete the IELTS writing tasks.
It will give you a real-time exam experience, and you will feel less stressed on the exam day.
Read Sample Answers For Ideas
Another one of the most useful IELTS writing preparation tips is reading the sample answers. This tip can be very helpful for those students who face difficulties in generating ideas in IELTS writing.
Students can download our IELTS writing pdf to get a sample answer for the latest IELTS writing questions.
Books To Prepare for IELTS Writing
After learning the best IELTS writing preparation tips, here are the 7 best books for IELTS writing.
- “IELTS Advantage: Writing Skills” by Richard Brown, Lewis Richards, and Patricia Aspinall
- “Target Band 7: IELTS Academic Module – How to Maximize Your Score” by Simone Braverman
- “Writing for IELTS” by Sam McCarter
- “Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS Advanced Band 6.5+” by Pauline Cullen
- “IELTS Writing Task 1 + 2: The Ultimate Guide with Practice to Get a Target Band Score of 8.0+ in 10 Minutes a Day” by Rachel Mitchell
- “Check Your English Vocabulary for IELTS: Essential Words and Phrases to Help You Maximize Your IELTS Score” by Rawdon Wyatt
- “IELTS Writing Task 2 – Academic and General: The Complete Guide with Model Answers” by Matt McGinniss
Conclusion
A strategic and comprehensive approach is important for students to score a high band score in IELTS writing.
So in this blog, I have given the best IELTS writing preparation tips that will help you improve your score.
By following the given tips, students can easily reach the 7 band score in IELTS writing in 30 to 40 days of the time period.
If you need any guidance on IELTS writing preparation, contact our experts or use the books at the end of the blog.
Keep visiting CourseMentor™ for more interesting and informative content like this.
FAQs
Can I prepare for IELTS writing in 2 days?
It is very hard or quite impossible to prepare for the IELTS writing test in just 2 days, as IELTS writing demands a strategic and comprehensive approach to get a good band score in IELTS writing.
Is it hard to get 8 in IELTS writing?
Yes, getting an 8-band score in IELTS writing is quite difficult for everyone. But by continuing practice and following some specific tips mentioned in this blog, students can achieve an 8 band score.
