Writing is one of the most challenging tasks in language tests, and Task 2 of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is no exception. Having worked with both young and adult learners, I have developed three steps to helping anyone improve their band score in IELTS Writing Task 2:

Fast and furious 

Unlike other exams that test endurance through long essays, IELTS writing is all about speed and accuracy. The instructions are clear on this: You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words. That’s a tight time limit, so always practise with a timer. Always. It helps both time and stress management.

Short and sweet

To beat the clock, it is essential to quickly come up with ideas that meet the requirements of the task. Don’t waste time looking for out-of-this-world arguments or completely unique points. Whenever you are tempted to go fancy, remember: This is not a PhD thesis. Read the task carefully and keep your content to the point.

Plug and play

Write efficiently by sticking to the tried-and-tested paragraph structure, TEEL — Topic sentence – Evidence – Explain – Link. Further organize your ideas with signpost words such as ‘also’, ‘for example’ or ‘therefore’. Master these so you can kick off your writing swiftly, leaving no room for guesswork or hesitation.

Switch to the fast-and-furious gear, make sure your essay is short and sweet by adopting a plug-and-play approach, and you’ll ace your IELTS Writing!