IELTS Writing Task 2 DO DON’T  analyse the topic  respond to all parts of the prompt fully  spend the first five minutes planning your essay  in the introduction: paraphrase the task and state the aim of your essay in a thesis statement  divide your essay into paragraphs (min. four: introduction, two main body paragraphs, conclusion)  start each paragraph with a topic sentence  provide a reason and an example for each of your arguments  summarise the points made in the essay in the conclusion  provide some food for thought (e.g. recommendations, suggestions, wider implications) in the conclusion  use impersonal language (e.g. we must - it is essential we)  if appropriate, state your opinion in formal style (e.g. It is my firm belief that)  use formal vocabulary (e.g. keep - maintain; make sure - ensure) TIP: words that sound or look more French, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese will usually be more formal  use passive voice to sound more formal and objective (e.g. The film will be shown...)  avoid repetition by using synonyms (e.g. important = vital = essential = crucial)  use formal linking words (e.g. despite, nevertheless, furthermore)  use complex sentences  proofread your work to avoid simple mistakes  make sure you’ve written at least 250 words  DON’T use contractions (e.g. I don’t)  avoid being personal (e.g. I, me, my)  DON’T use emotive language (e.g. disgusting, fabulous)  DON’T use only personal examples  DON’T use colloquial expressions (e.g. I had great time)  avoid simple vocabulary (e.g. say, think, bad) and basic linking words (e.g. and, but, also)  DON’T repeat the same vocabulary throughout your essay  DON’T write simple sentences (e.g. Everyone thinks it’s true. I disagree.)  DON’T use overgeneralisations (e.g. everyone, always, never, all)  DON’T copy the task in your introduction  DON’T forget to answer ALL parts of the task  DON’T write less than 250 words  DON’T forget to summarise and conclude your essay in the last paragraph  DON’T use examples or arguments unrelated to the topic compiled by Marek Kiczkowiak