Random IELTS tips

Some tips I've just picked up if you're interested :

Writing task 2:

• 250 words
• 40 minutes
• Formal writing style

General steps:

• Read the question 2 times and identify key terms.
• Identify the topic - The general area that the question is about.
• Identify the focus - The specific areas that you will write about.
• Brainstorm - think up ideas
• Plan outline/structure
• Write!

General essay structure:

Introduction

• General statement about the topic - factual, not opinion based
• General statement on focus - factual, paraphrasing the question
• Thesis statement - your opinion

e.g.

GST - Throughout the past 100 years science and technology have helped solve many of our biggest problems.

GSF - However, these problems have only been solved when there is both demand and appropriate resources provided to scientists

TS - Our current environmental problems can undoubtedly be lessened if governments, businesses, and international institutions are persuaded to allocate substantial resources and investment into researches.

Just an example of an introduction, a standard intro should probably be around 50 words IMO.

Note: personal pronouns should not be used. (e.g. I think, etc...)

Bodies 1, 2, and maybe 3

• Talks about topic itself
• Varies depending on type of question (below)

Conclusion

• Restate solutions.
• Possible if - then statement.

e.g. The best solution would certainly be government intervention in (something). This is because (bla bla bla...). If they can do (something), then (something) would be solved.

Possible structures of different essay types:

Argument led

• Discuss pros and cons
• No personal pronouns
• Intro: 
• GST - Fact
• GSF - It has pros and cons!
• Thesis statement can be
• indirect statement: e.g "the adv outweigh the disadv"
• no indirect statement, keep it for the conclusion
• Body 1
• 2 or more advantages
• reasons, explanations, examples
• Body 2
• 2 or more disadvantages 
• reasons, explanations, examples

Switch these two depending on which one outweighs the other. The more powerful argument should go second. 

• Conclusion
• Say which side is stronger

Problem - solution

• Problem => cause => effect => solution
• Issues => reason => result => resolution
• No personal pronouns

Structure 1:

One major problem

• Intro
• Normal intro
• TS - mention some solutions
• Body 1
• Causes
• Body 2
• Effects
• Body 3
• Solutions
• reasons, explanations, examples
• Conclusion
• Restate solutions
• If - then statement.

Structure 2:

Two or more problems

• Intro
• Normal intro
• TS - mention some solutions
• Body 1
• Cause 1 => Effect 1 => Solution 1
• Body 2
• Cause 2 => Effect 2 => Solution 2
• Body 3
• Optional
• Conclusion
• Restate solutions
• If - then statement.

Thesis led 

• Opinion
• e.g.
• What do you think?
• Your views?
• To what extent?
• Do you agree/disagree?
• You can use personal pronouns

Structure 1

Strong opinion

• Intro
• GST - Fact
• GSF - The statement to agree or disagree to
• TS - say what you think
• Body 1
• One or two ideas about your view
• reasons, explanations, examples
• Body 2
• Same
• Conclusion
• Restate your view
• Link this to TS

Structure 2

Not strong opinion - TS will be a concession (i believe in this although it does have a few flaws etcc..

• Intro
• TS - concession evaluating both sides.
• Body 1
• One or more points from the side you believe in the most
• Body 2
• Challenge your belief with a weaker point
• e.g (However, on the other hand, one setback can be that...)
• Then add a point from the side you believe in that is stronger
• e.g (Nevertheless, i still agree with this because...)
• Or disprove it.
• Conclusion
• Concession
• "Overall, In general, in the final analysis... etc.)

Just the style I was taught.

If you are confused or need more details, ask in the comment section below.

If you disagree with the style, post me suggestions.

Cheers.