Students' questions

1. Is it ok to use the words "I", "my" and "we" in writing task 2?

Yes, it's perfectly ok to use those words. You might be told to avoid them in university assignments, but the advice for IELTS is different. If the question asks for your opinion, you will probably need to write "I agree", "I believe" or "in my opinion".

2. Can we invent facts or figures in writing task 2?

I don't recommend inventing statistics or news stories. I always think that doing this makes writing seem 'false'. Just explain your own ideas and opinions, and give reasons and examples.

3. Can we use "you" to talk about people in general?

In the speaking test, it's fine to say something like "when you go on holiday, you have the chance to relax". But in a written essay, I would prefer to change this e.g. "when people go on holiday...".

4. Is it ok to use "firstly" and "secondly" without a "finally" idea?

Yes, that's fine.

5. Will I lose marks if I don't give both views in writing task 2?

It depends on the question. If the question asks you to discuss both views, you must do this. However, if the question asks whether you agree or disagree, you definitely don't need to mention both sides of the argument.

Comments

[See]

Fantastic advices , especially the fifth one.
But unfortunately I got my result yesterday and it was again just writing 6.5 .
I don't know what the hell is going on . Anyway I will not give up.
Thanks simon . We will win .

[Nee]

Fantastic advices , especially the fifth one.
But unfortunately I got my result yesterday and it was again just writing 6.5 .
I don't know what the hill is going on . Anyway I will not give up.
Thanks simon . We will win .

[Jass]

Thanks a lot simon sir..great advices

[Ahmed]

Will I get a lower score if I write more than 300 words in task 2 ?

[TUCHIBA]

Is it fine to use the finally without maintain firstly and secondly ?

[Cagri]

Hi Simon,
I have a question about two-part and problem-solution essays. For discussion and opinion essays, I don't refrain from expressing my own opinion (or in others words the usage of 'I') in my essays. But would it be appropriate to express my own views with 'I' for two-part and problem solution questions? (such as I would argue that...)

[Rohit]

Hi Simon,

Please share some points following essay question.

Today more and more old cities are being rebuilt and redesigned in order to be modernized. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend? Give your opinion and relevant examples.

[Sunho]

Thanks for the great lesson.