Advanced IELTS Writing

Vocabulary

grammar

Here are some advanced techniques, vocabulary, and tips for IELTS Writing Task 2, plus some bonus advice for maximizing your score:

Understand the Question Fully: Before writing, break down the question and ensure you answer all parts, including understanding whether the essay is asking you to agree/disagree, discuss both sides, or solve a problem.
Clear Structure: Organize your essay into clear paragraphs:
- Introduction: Paraphrase the question and present your thesis (your main opinion).
- Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should introduce a new idea that supports your argument. Start with a topic sentence, then provide supporting examples or evidence.
- Conclusion: Summarize your points and restate your opinion (in a slightly different way from the introduction).
Linking Words: Use cohesive devices like “therefore,” “however,” “on the other hand,” “in addition,” and “for instance” to link your ideas and create smooth transitions.
Complex Sentences: Mix simple and complex sentences to show off your grammatical range. Use relative clauses (“The man who called yesterday…”) and conditional sentences (“If we invest more in education, it would improve…”).

Synonyms and Paraphrasing: Use a variety of vocabulary to avoid repetition. Instead of saying “important,” use synonyms like “crucial,” “vital,” “significant,” or “imperative.”
Collocations: Be sure to use natural word combinations (e.g., “make a decision” instead of “do a decision”).
Academic Tone: Use formal academic vocabulary, avoiding slang or overly casual phrases. Examples include:
- “In light of” (instead of “because of”)
- “A growing concern” (instead of “a big worry”)
- “Noteworthy” (instead of “important”)
Topic-Specific Vocabulary: For particular essay topics, make sure to include relevant advanced vocabulary. For instance:
- Health: “chronic diseases,” “preventative measures,” “healthcare systems”
- Environment: “sustainable development,” “carbon footprint,” “biodiversity conservation”
- Technology: “automation,” “cutting-edge innovations,” “digital divide”

Passive Voice: Use passive constructions to shift focus from the subject. Example: “The problem was addressed…” instead of “People addressed the problem…”
Modal Verbs: To show possibility or suggestion, use modals like “could,” “might,” “should,” “would.” For example: “This issue could be alleviated by…” or “Governments should implement stricter regulations…”
Cleft Sentences: Use cleft sentences to add emphasis. For example: “What I find troubling is the fact that…” or “It is education that plays a critical role in solving this problem.”
Conditional Sentences: Use conditionals to discuss hypothetical situations. Example: “If the government took more action, the situation would improve significantly.”

Over-Simplifying: Avoid overly simple sentences or basic vocabulary that doesn’t demonstrate a high level of proficiency.
Repetition: Don’t repeat the same words or ideas too much. Use synonyms and vary your sentence structures.
Over-using Complex Sentences: Don’t force complex sentences; they should add value and clarity, not make your essay hard to understand.

Word Count: Write at least 250 words, but don’t go over 300. Focus on quality over quantity.
Time Management: Spend about 40 minutes on Task 2. Plan for 5 minutes, write for 30 minutes, and leave 5 minutes for reviewing your work.
Practice with Timed Essays: Simulate real exam conditions to practice writing within the time limit. Try different essay types to ensure you’re prepared for any task.