IELTS Writing Mastery: 5 Expert Tips from Oxdub Instructors

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a crucial step for many international students and professionals. While the Speaking and Listening sections test your fluency, the Writing section often proves to be the most challenging.

Our expert faculty at Oxdub International School—who specialise in Academic English and IELTS Preparation—have compiled their top five actionable strategies to help you conquer Task 1 and Task 2 and achieve your target band score.

1. Structure is Your Score Sheet (Task 2)

In IELTS Writing Task 2 (the essay), structure is everything. Examiners are looking for a clear, logical progression of ideas.

• Paragraph 1: Introduction: Rephrase the prompt and clearly state your position (your thesis statement). Do not introduce new ideas here.

• Paragraph 2: Main Body 1: Focus on your first main point. Start with a clear topic sentence, follow with an explanation, and end with a concrete, relevant example.

• Paragraph 3: Main Body 2: Focus on your second main point (often a counter-argument or another supporting factor). Use transition phrases (e.g., Furthermore, On the other hand) to ensure coherence.

• Paragraph 4: Conclusion: Summarise your main arguments and re-state your thesis using different wording. Avoid introducing any new information.

Tip from Oxdub: Practice linking your sentences using cohesive devices (e.g., However, Consequently, Moreover) to boost your score for Cohesion and Coherence.

2. Paraphrase Like a Pro (Task 1 & 2)

A common mistake is copying the exact words from the prompt. This demonstrates poor vocabulary range. To show the examiner your lexical resource, you must paraphrase immediately:

• Change Synonyms: Replace key nouns and verbs in the prompt with appropriate alternatives (e.g., increase becomes rise or surge).

• Change Grammar: Convert sentences from active to passive voice, or change word forms (e.g., The graph shows becomes A graphical representation illustrates).

3. Analyze the Data, Don't Just List It (Task 1)

In Task 1 (describing a chart, graph, or process), your goal is to summarize the main trends, not list every number.

• Identify the Overview: The most important part is the second paragraph, the Overview. This should state the main trends and the most striking features without using any specific data figures.

• Select Key Features: In the body paragraphs, only select the highest, the lowest, and the most significant turning points. Use comparative language (e.g., The figure for X was substantially higher than Y).

4. Vary Your Sentence Structure

To score well in Grammatical Range and Accuracy, you need a mixture of simple, compound, and complex sentences.

• Use Complex Structures: Practice using conditional sentences (If X happens, Y will occur) and relative clauses (The trend, which peaked in 2020, indicates...).

• Check for Errors: Always save 5 minutes at the end to check for the most common errors: subject-verb agreement, articles (a/an/the), and prepositions.

5. Time Management is Non-Negotiable

You have 60 minutes for both tasks. Many students fail because they spend too long on Task 2 (the essay) and don't finish Task 1.

• Allocate Time Strictly: Task 1: 20 minutes. Task 2: 40 minutes. Since Task 2 counts for twice the marks, dedicating double the time is essential.

• Word Count Check: Aim for at least 150 words in Task 1 and at least 250 words in Task 2. Never go under.

Ready to achieve your target IELTS score? Oxdub International School offers intensive, ACELS-accredited IELTS preparation courses. Our curriculum is built around these exact strategies, giving you the tools to succeed.