How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
16
Type 2
–
One-sided Argument
Children are spending more time at their computers today than playing with their
friends.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
You could use the
argument structure - type 2.
A – Agree
B – Disagree
C – Neutral
* REMEMBER
Your
scope tells your reader the main points you will make. Your
thesis statement
tells the reader your opinion.
INTRODUCTION
Ø
Opening – general
statement introducing
the topic.
Ø
Background
information.
Ø
* Scope and thesis
statement of
agreement.
BODY PARAGRAPH 1
(Reason 1 &
justification)
Ø
Topic sentence/main
point
Ø
Supporting sentence 1
Ø
Supporting sentence 2
Ø
Supporting sentence 3
BODY PARAGRAPH 2
(Reason 2 &
justification)
Ø
Topic sentence/main
point
Ø
Supporting sentence 1
Ø
Supporting sentence 2
Ø
Supporting sentence 3
CONCLUSION
Ø
Restatement of your
opinion.
Ø
Summary of your main
points.
INTRODUCTION
Ø
Opening – general
statement introducing
the topic.
Ø
Background
information.
Ø
* Scope and thesis
statement of
disagreement.
BODY PARAGRAPH 1
(Reason 1 &
justification)
Ø
Topic sentence/main
point
Ø
Supporting sentence 1
Ø
Supporting sentence 2
Ø
Supporting sentence 3
BODY PARAGRAPH 2
(Reason 2 &
justification)
Ø
Topic sentence/main
point
Ø
Supporting sentence 1
Ø
Supporting sentence 2
Ø
Supporting sentence 3
CONCLUSION
Ø
Restatement of your
opinion.
Ø
Summary of your main
points.
INTRODUCTION
Ø
Opening – general
statement introducing
the topic.
Ø
Background
information.
Ø
* Scope and thesis
statement of
neutrality.
BODY PARAGRAPH 1
(Reason for agreement
& justification)
Ø
Topic sentence/main
point
Ø
Supporting sentence 1
Ø
Supporting sentence 2
Ø
Supporting sentence 3
BODY PARAGRAPH 2
(Reason for
disagreement &
justification)
Ø
Topic sentence/main
point
Ø
Supporting sentence 1
Ø
Supporting sentence 2
Ø
Supporting sentence 3
CONCLUSION
Ø
Restatement of your
opinion.
Ø
Summary of your main
points.
How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
17
·
Remember to link ideas within/between sentences and paragraphs.
· You will receive a higher mark if your
use a range of structures and
vocabulary.
·
Don’t copy from the question as this will not be assessed. Use
your own words.
·
Don’t take more than 40 minutes over this task.
· Leave at least 5 minutes to
check through what you have
written.
· You will
lose marks if your essay is
less than the
required number
of
words.
How to prepare for Task 2
· Look at as many
sample questions as you can.
Practise
underlining the
key points and brainstorming the topics, making
plans for each one. Gradually reduce the time you allow yourself to do
this, so you can do it in under 5 minutes.
See all the practice books
and web sites for sample questions. Lots of them have sample answers
as well.
· Look at the
language used:
v
for making paragraphs and sentences cohesive (linking your ideas
within and between sentences and paragraphs).
For example,
logical links that show addition (as well as, in addition) or contrast
(whereas, on the other hand). See Focus on IELTS, p.21-22, Helpful
Hints for IELTS, p.54
v
for expressing views.
For example, ‘I believe that …’ ‘I would argue
that …’ . See Insight into IELTS, p.88.
v
for making contrasts and concessions.
For example, ‘ Despite the
fact that …’. See Insight into IELTS, p.88 & Focus on IELTS, p.100
v
for refuting an argument.
For example, ‘There is little evidence to
support the …’ See Insight into IELTS, p.89
v
for giving opposing arguments.
See Helpful Hints for IELTS, p.71.
v
for providing support to your main points.
For example, ‘In my
experience …’ or ‘A good example of this is …’. See Insight into
IELTS, p.92
v
in conclusions
. For example, ‘In conclusion ..’ or ‘’On balance…’.
See Focus on IELTS, p.120, Helpful Hints, p.71.