Someone asked me a useful question: Is there any specific study order that you recommend? So here's what I think:
1. Essay structure and paragraphs
The first thing to do is find an essay structure that works for you. You probably know that I prefer to write 4 paragraphs, and maybe you've seen how I write 2-sentence introductions, 5-sentence main paragraphs and 1-sentence conclusions. Try this: take some essays that you have already written, and rewrite them so that they all have the same number of paragraphs and sentences.
2. Question types
You need to see examples of the four question types, and make sure you know how to answer each type using your preferred essay structure.
3. Planning, and isolated paragraph practice
Take several different questions, and practise planning ideas. Then spend some time focusing only on introductions e.g. write an introduction for five different questions. Then do the same with conclusions. Then try writing different types of main paragraph e.g. an 'advantages' paragraph, an 'opinion' paragraph, a 'problem' paragraph etc.
4. Topic ideas
When you are confident that you know how to write an essay, it's time to start working through as many common IELTS writing topics as possible. Even if you don't write a full essay for each topic, you should at least plan some ideas and opinions.
5. Mistakes, corrections and improvements
Try to find someone who can check your writing, highlight and explain your mistakes, and show you how to improve your essays.
It's awesome advices!!!
Posted by: Matthew | August 12, 2015 at 13:05
This is the kind of advice that I was looking for for about a year, and is a brilliant one for rookies.
Posted by: Aria | August 12, 2015 at 13:42
Hello sir,
I m indian can u tell me how always think in English instead of hindi or another language. .
Posted by: Surjeet Kumar | August 12, 2015 at 14:00
MR SIMON HOW R YOU
I HOPE IF YOU COULD RECOMMEND SOMEONE TO ME FOR CORRECTION OF MY ASSAY THAT YOU TRUST
Posted by: AHMED | August 12, 2015 at 14:14
idp and british council arrange ielts exam on same question?or different qustion.
Posted by: Dr.Sarwar | August 12, 2015 at 15:40
Kurdit?
Posted by: H. | August 12, 2015 at 16:24
Thnks simon sir!!
For this essential advise.
I will try to implement these suggestions in my essay.
Posted by: azadvir singh | August 12, 2015 at 18:43
Some pieces of advice not advices
Posted by: Mahmoud | August 12, 2015 at 21:49
thank you for the useful advice (actually I'd rather consider it rules to follow in my study:)
Posted by: Ashley | August 13, 2015 at 01:57
Speaking part 2 :describe a change of local
I'm going to say the building in the local district, which is the Opera Theater would be constructive, and the other is rebuilding the local library. those old one both were destroyed by the disasters typhoon and frequent earthquake. as the result of its inter-constructive and outer - wall collapse. Considering those facts that is why leading the local council has been dealing this case with an emergency because of the two buildings would be dangerous cause the harm of the surrounding area.
on the other hand, maintained the development of local. the government seriously set the big plan as the international racing chart, involved the huge budget on the proposed to build. besides, the local company working with the famous Japanese architect on a collective level.
The opera house is famous of its curved wall, it is recorded by the discover channel as its reporting a very highest task, it is tackling any problems, it is overcome it.
And ,the submarine library also well-know its shape look like a submarine, win its reputation of the south district. people come to see this monster
As a citizen, I would like to see those two buildings would be a landmarks in the local, moreover, as pretty of picturesque it would become a hot destination as well as attracting visitor come from different areas, as a result it is obvious to foresee the economic growth of local.
The other benefits for local area there are in terms of more space for study , doing an activity as spare time. such as performer playing, the biking, and the dancing
Posted by: good | August 13, 2015 at 06:02
Thanks a lot ,
i believe that the more practice , the less mistakes.
Posted by: good | August 13, 2015 at 06:20
I'm glad you liked the advice!
Posted by: Simon | August 13, 2015 at 14:46
Hi Simon,
I took the July 25th exam and here is the writing task 2 question.
some people spend more and more time travelling between work, home and school. what are the reasons for this? What are the solutions to tackle the problem?
I got 7 in writing thanks for this site very helpful..
Posted by: Joshua Diu | August 13, 2015 at 21:35
Hi simon!
I just want to ask you if the examiner for speaking the same examiner to mark the writing papers?
Posted by: tm | August 14, 2015 at 11:20
tm,
No, it should be a different examiner for each.
Posted by: Simon | August 14, 2015 at 11:41
Hello Simon,
I have 2 queries regarding Academic Task-2 writing:
1) If I write 50 to 60 words for both introduction and conclusion, will it create any problem to reduce my band score?
2)Can I write balanced opinion for Opinion and
Discussion + opinion question types?
Posted by: Atia | August 14, 2015 at 19:11
Thanks a lot simon! I just took the exam last August 13 and here is the topic:
International tourism sometimes make people prejudiced instead of broad-minded. What are the reasons why tourists fail to get the benefit of tourism? What can be done to increase their understanding of the other country?
Posted by: tm | August 16, 2015 at 14:22
Hi Simon,
I took your online course and aware of 4types of questions, but I find a typical question confusing.
"Do you think the advantages of economic development outweigh the disadvantages?"
Is this a Opinion or Discussion question? In this type of question, do I need to address both advantages and disadvantages and to compare them? If I think there is no disadvantages for Economic Growth at all, what do you suggest to build 2 main paragraphs, please?
Nash
Posted by: Nash Su | August 18, 2015 at 14:52
Dear Simon,
I have a doubt.like in task 2 essay writing,answering a discussion question-" 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 the views and give your opinion"
in ANS: in introduction can we write "in my opinion,though it is not fully justified,..."
could you please clear my doubt.
Thank you
Posted by: Sindhuja | August 18, 2015 at 17:48
Dear Simon
another doubt is, in opinion ques."to what extent do you agree or disagree" type,
shall we start the essay as " it is true,that..."
please clear this doubt also
Thank you
Posted by: Sindhuja | August 18, 2015 at 17:52
Hi Simon,
Your essay writing tips are definitely handy for English test taker like me.
Thank you for being a generous teacher.
Posted by: Kit | October 07, 2015 at 03:12
Dear Simon,
Thanks for sharing your useful ideas.
I have questions.
you said that "Then try writing different types of main paragraph e.g. an 'advantages' paragraph, an 'opinion' paragraph, a 'problem' paragraph etc.""
Is that means it is better to write several type of paragraphs for one subject?
For example, if I write about "money topic", write advantage, opinion, problem about money topic. Is it true?
Unfortunately, I cannot understand exactly how to practice.
Thanks in advance
Posted by: tad | October 27, 2015 at 13:37
Hi tad,
Yes, you could try writing different types of paragraph for the same subject. Or you could take different subjects and write a different paragraph for each one. You'll find that some subjects are more suitable for discussion, others for problem/solution, others for giving an opinion.
The key is to practise writing the various types of paragraph as much as possible.
Posted by: Simon | October 28, 2015 at 12:18
Dear Simon
Thanks for your advice kindly.
I hope I'll tell you my best score as soon as possible.
Posted by: tad | October 30, 2015 at 11:05