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I. Writing Task 2 Template - Advantages vs Disadvantages Essay Type
The first Writing Task 2 template that Mytour wants to introduce to you is the structure for answering IELTS Speaking Task 2 questions in the Advantages vs Disadvantages format.
1. Introduction
- General statement about the topic
- Thesis statement
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- While there are a few benefits of something, the drawbacks are greater/ more significant.
- Although there are some downsides to something, they are outweighed by the benefits.
- While something (topic) is advantageous in some aspects/ ways, the drawbacks are more significant.
Structure Note: Typically, the introduction comprises the above two sentences. However, for an enhanced IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay, candidates should aim for a three-sentence introduction.
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- General background statement (broader/ more general idea) (e.g if the essay question is about air pollution, then this sentence would be about pollution in general)
- Paraphrase the given topic
- Answer the question
Language Note: Each IELTS Examiner has their own preferences regarding language usage. Mr. Paul Varah (IELTS Elite) dislikes students using terms like 'nowadays' or 'in modern society/world'. Hence, students are advised to utilize phrases such as 'in today's world,' 'in contemporary society/world,' 'currently,' or 'presently,' and 'in recent years/decades,' which are acceptable alternatives.
2. Body
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3. Conclusion
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- Template: Although something is beneficial in a few aspects such as A, I firmly believe that the shortcomings/ drawbacks, including B, are more significant - A and B are the key ideas of the body and are often noun phrases.
- Note: A good conclusion should include a second sentence. This sentence should be a recommendation/ suggestion or prediction. If candidates do not write a second sentence in the conclusion paragraph, they will lose marks in terms of CC and TR also.
- Structure: It is recommended/ suggested/ predicted that S+V.
II. Writing Task 2 Template - Causes – Problems/Solutions Essay Type
1. Introduction
- General statement (Write a sentence about the background of the topic)
- Thesis statement
Causes and Solutions
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Problems and Solutions
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2. Body
Issues - Resolutions
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Root Causes - Resolutions
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Root Causes:
Adjectives (Causes) real, root, true, underlying, the root cause of the problem, deeper, biggest, chief, clear, fundamental, important, leading, main, major, number-one, primary, prime, principal, significant, common, likely, possible, probable | Verbs (Causes) determine, discover, find, identify, pinpoint, reveal examine, investigate, study
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Factors:
Adjectives (Reasons) cogent, good, sound, strong, compelling, convincing, plausible, big, chief, key, main, major, primary, principal | Verbs (Reasons) cite, give (somebody/something), outline, provide, set out, state
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3. Ending
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- Causes - Solutions: In conclusion, (the problem) can be ascribed/ attributed to a few factors, including A. To address/ tackle this problem, there are some effective measures such as B.
- Problems - Solutions: In conclusion, (the topic) has exerted a number of adverse impacts on society including A. Strong measures, such as B, must be adopted to handle/ control/ ameliorate/ address this situation.
III. Template Writing Task 2 - Style of Writing Discussing Both Perspectives and Providing Your Opinion
1. Introduction
General statement:
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- People have different views about...
- Opinions differ as to why...
Thesis statement (mentioning both perspectives and expressing personal opinion): While there are compelling arguments supporting..., in my view...
2. Body
| Body 1: Discuss the first view |
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| Body 2: Discuss the second view (make it clear that you agree with this view) |
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3. Conclusion (Summarizing both perspectives and personal opinion)
Template: Although some argue that S+V, I firmly contend that S+V. It is advised that/ recommended that/ forecasted that S+V.
IV. Template Writing Task 2 - Style of Writing Opinion Essay
The final Writing Task 2 template that Mytour would like to introduce to you is the template for the Opinion Essay type of essay. There are 2 ways to approach this type of essay, namely:
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- Strong opinion
- Balanced Opinion
1. Firm Opinion with 2 supporting points
1.1. Introduction
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- General statement (Paraphrase the question topic)
- Thesis statement: I strongly/ firmly/ completely agree with this opinion/ policy/ action/ solution (because hint 1 and hint 2)
1.2. Note
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- Adding hints in the thesis statement is not required, but students aiming for a high band score in Writing should do so. This will help increase score in Coherence and Cohesion (as long as students fully extend and develop ideas in the body paragraphs and summarize main ideas in the Conclusion) and Grammatical Range and Accuracy (writing complex sentences, having a variety of them is the basic requirement of GRA 7.0).
- A three-sentence introduction paragraph would be also highly recommended for a better band score in Writing.
1.3. Body
Template 1
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1.4. Conclusion
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- Restate your opinion: I strongly agree/ disagree with this opinion -> I firmly believe/ strongly argue that.
- Summarise the key points: Because hint 1 and hint 2 -> Because of -> Since/ As
- Note: If students restate their opinion and summarise key points in the same sentence, they should add another sentence stating their recommendation/ suggestion/ prediction. Writing a one-sentence conclusion, students would be punished.
2. Almost Balanced Viewpoint, with a Slight Preference Towards One Side
2.1. Introduction
General Statement
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- Paraphrase the question topic
- Write a general sentence of your own words about the topic
Thesis Statement: Presenting two opposing ideas, with the weaker opinion stated first, followed by the stronger one.
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- While I agree that S1+V1 in a few aspects, I would argue that S2+V2.
- While I accept that S1+V1, I would contend that S2+V2.
2.2. Body
Template 1:
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2.3. Conclusion
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- Paraphrase the thesis statement
- Summarize the key ideas
| Template | In conclusion/ To conclude, although I agree / accept that S1 + V1 because of a few reasons such as A, I am strongly convinced that S2+V2 since/ because + clause. |
| Note | A good conclusion should include a second sentence. This sentence should be a recommendation/ suggestion or prediction. If candidates do not write a second sentence in the conclusion paragraph, they will lose marks in terms of CC and TR also. |
| Structure | It is recommended/ suggested/ predicted that S+V |
Above is the complete Writing Task 2 template for all essay types. Mytour wishes you effective self-study for the exam and success in achieving a high Writing band score!
