IELTS Essay

[TOC]

Types of essay
1. Opinion essay
2. Discussion essay
3. Problems and solutions essay
4. Advantages & disadvantages essay
5. Two question essay

Identifying essay
• What is your opinion ? Do you agree or disagree ? => Opinion essay
• Discuss both sides of an argument and give your own opinion. => Dis-
cussion essay
• What are the negative impacts / what are the causes of this, and how can
this problem be solved / minimized ? => Problem essay
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of….? => Advantages &
disadvantages essay
• …. Do you think …? What makes …. ? => Two question essay

Structures comparison

Solutions to a
For and against Opinion problem
Introduction - Rephrase topic - - Rephrase topic - - State the
(2 or 3 Give outline Give your problem - Give
sentences) opinion outline
Body (2 to - Arguments for - - Arguments to - Give the
3 Arguments against - support your different solutions
paragraphs) Give reasons / opinion - Start a and their results
examples to new paragraph for
illustrate each point each point - Give
reasons/examples
to illustrate each
point
Conclusion - Summarize main - Summarize main - Summarize
(2 points - State points - Restate main points -
sentences) your opinion your opinion State your
opinion

1
Old way
Introduction
• Opinion, Discussion
– Paraphrase the question - Give your opinion - Describe two support-
ing reasons
• Problems and solutions
– Paraphrase the question - Describe 1 key problem/cause and related
solution
• Advantages & Disadvantages
– Paraphrase the question - Describe the point(s) of view stated in the
statement
• Two questions
– Paraphrase the question - Describe your answer to both questions

Conclusion
• Opinion, Discussion, Problem
– Summarize the key points - State your opinion
• Advantages & Disadvantages
– Summarize the key points - State your opinion (if required)
• Two questions
– Summarize both questions and answers

Vocabulary
Statement
Sum up the main idea in your paragraph.
• In my opinion…
• Arguably…
• Similarly…
• Firstly Secondly
• Both…
• In contrast…

Illustration
Provide evidence for the point you are making.
• For example…
• An example of this is…
• This is shown…
• This can be seen…
• This is demonstrated when…
• We know this because
• The evidence for this is…

2
Explanation
Why is the quotation significant?
• This shows
• This suggests…
• This implies.
• This is effective because…
• The writer has chosen this technique because
• This would make the reader feel…
• This has been used because…

Common mistakes
• Using inappropriate memorized language, phrases and clichés.
• Using surveys and research to support opinion.
– => Make sure you present a clear position supported by examples
from your own life experience. For example: Country, Family, Job,
Student experience