Transcript IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2
 The second task is more demanding.
 You are expected to write on a given topic through organizing
your answer clearly and giving examples to support your
points.
 You will have to write at least 250 words.
 As Task 2 is longer than Task 1, you are advised to spend
approximately 40 minutes on this task.
 HOW DO YOU DIVIDE THE TIME? ANSWER AFTER SLIDE
12
Sample Question 1
 Write about the following topic:
 School children are becoming far too dependent on
computers. This is having an alarming effect on reading
and writing skills. Teachers need to avoid using
computers in the classroom at all costs and go back to
teaching basic study skills.
Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer
and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Sample Question 2
 Write about the following topic:
 The increase in mobile phone use in recent years has
transformed the way we live, communicate and do
business. Mobile phones can also be the cause of social
or medical problems. What forms do these problems
take?
Do you think the advantages outweigh the
disadvantages of mobile phones?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant
examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Sample Question 3
 Write about the following topic:
 Counties such as China, India and Japan have
unsustainable population growths. In fact many
experts are of the opinion that the population
‘explosion’ which is now a very worrying concern, is
the most serious threat to life on this planet.
Give some suggestions to address this problem.
Sample Question 4
 Write about the following topic:
Illiteracy has traditionally been viewed as largely a
third world problem.
However it is becoming apparent that in countries
such as the USA and Australia, illiteracy is on the
increase.
Discuss possible causes for this and its effect on
society.
Sample Question 5
 Write about the following topic:
Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal
more money than people in other important professions.
Some people think this is fully justified while others
think it is unfair.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant
examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Sample Question 6
 Write about the following topic:
If you could change one important thing about your
hometown, what would you change?
Use reasons and specific examples to support your
answer. Give reasons for your answer and include
any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Sample Question 7
 Write about the following topic:
It has been said, “Not every thing that is learned is
contained in books.”
Compare and contrast knowledge gained from
experience with knowledge gained from books. In
your opinion, which source is more important? Why?
Give reasons for your answer and include any
relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Sample Questions
 For more sample questions (with answers – may not
be the best go to:
http://www.ieltsexam.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=cat
egory&sectionid=7&id=15&Itemid=28
Types of essays
 Agree/ disagree
 Compare & contrast
 Advantages/ disadvantages
 Cause & effect
 Opinion
 Suggestions
 If-essays
* Go to notes on page 17 of the module.
Task 2
 In task 2 candidates are presented with a point of
view, argument or problem. They are assessed on
their ability to present a solution to the problem,
present and justify an opinion, compare and contrast
evidence and opinions, evaluate and challenge ideas,
evidence or arguments.
 Candidates are also judged on their ability to write in
an appropriate style.
How to begin?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Read the question carefully.
Underline keywords.
Understand keywords.
Understand what you need to do (type of essay you
need to write).
Brainstorm/ Draft.
Write
ALL IN 40 minutes – ENOUGH time?
Let’s TRY one
Do steps 1 – 4:
Write about the following topic:
School children are becoming far too dependent on
computers. This is having an alarming effect on reading and
writing skills. Teachers need to avoid using computers in the
classroom at all costs and go back to teaching basic study
skills.
Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and
include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Identifying keywords
 Keywords:
 Meaning of keywords:
 Brainstorming questions
Brainstorm/ draft
How many points do you need?
Position: ____________
Point 1: _______________________________
Support/ Example: _______________________
Point 2: _______________________________
Support/ Example: _______________________
Conclusion: _______________________________
* number of points depends on the time you have. 2-3 well-developed points
are sufficient.
Marking scheme
What will be assessed in your essay:
 Task response
 Coherence and cohesion
 Lexical resources
 Grammar range and accuracy
* Go over the marking scheme in the hand-out
provided
Language use (refers to)
 Coherence and cohesion : organizing & linking your
ideas - sentence connectors (logical, sequence)
 Lexical resources : produce a range of sentence
patterns, range of vocabulary & structures
 Grammar range and accuracy : verb tenses & verb
agreements, tense range, sentence structure and
word order, spelling & punctuation
References
 Cambridge (2002). IELTS with answers edition 3.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
 Conway, D. & Shireffs, B.(2003). On Course for
IELTS. Students’ Book. Melbourne: Oxford
University Press
 Jakeman, V. & McDowell, C.(2001). IELTS Practice
Tests Plus. Edinburgh: Pearson Education Limited