IELTS Advice: model essays

Model essays can be extremely useful because they show you what you are aiming for, and they contain good vocabulary and correct grammar. However, the model essays in some IELTS books seem to confuse students because they are written in too many different ways (so the 'method' isn't clear).

Although there is no 'right way' to write an essay, I think that you should find one way and stick with it. If you read a model essay that is written in a different way, don't worry! Use the essay for ideas and vocabulary, but don't change your method. Maybe you could even rewrite the model essay using your method.

Comments

[IOS]

Let me confirm sir about model eassy which one is that.I mean i don't know about model eassy where we get them

[Sandi]

@ IOS

Simon provides model answers to the questions discussed here. Examples:

http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2017/11/ielts-writing-task-2-recycling-essay.html#comments

http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2018/05/ielts-writing-task-2-dress-code-essay.html#comments

http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2018/05/ielts-writing-task-1-hospital-attendances-answer.html#comments

There are also model answers from British Council here:

https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/2018-01/Writing_practice_test_1_IELTS_Academic_Model_Answers.pdf

In the back of the following series of IELTS practice tests there are often model answers written by examiners, as well as examples of student writing with examiners' marking:

https://www.bookdepository.com/Cambridge-IELTS-12-Academic-Students-Book-with-Answers-with-Audio/9781316637869?utm_source=IELTS%20microsite&utm_medium=website&utm_content=&utm_campaign=IELTS%20microsite

These are 'official' examples so one can trust the examples and bands given.

[Sandi]

Understanding how IELTS essays are marked and what the examiners are looking for is one of the keys to success. Books in the series "Cambridge IELTS 12 Academic Student's Book" (see above) contain examples of marking by examiners. One way to use them is to have a friend cover up the examiners' grading (eg Band 7) and then work out what the Banding is yourself, by referring to the essay itself and the examiner comments.

[IOS]

Thanq sandi to give me your precious time

[hakan]

Hi Simon

What kind of essay technique do you recommend to us ?

[Khasan]

Model essays are good only for analysing, collecting topic vocabulary and good ideas. The structure can be different as every learner organises.

[Brigeet]

Thank you Simon

[Harry]

Hi Simon

Thanks for wonderful lessons.
I just want to inquire about development of ideas in the essay. In probem solution essay, is it okay to write 2 or 3 problems in 1 paragraph using 1 or 2 sentences for explaining each probem? I was told that it is important to develop your ideas, explaining them in detail, and writing 1 sentence for a single problem will be like listing the problems which would result in lower band score. I have seen that in your essays, u sometimes write single sentence for explaining one probem.
Please advice.

[Wanda]

Harry

Task Response Band 8 states:

a) sufficiently addresses all parts of the task

b) presents a well-developed response to the question with relevant, extended and supported ideas

There is an example of a one-idea paragraph here:

http://ielts-simon.com/files/one-idea-paragraph.pdf

http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2016/09/ielts-advice-about-task-response.html

"if you write an essay with vocabulary like Simon's with no spelling errors, you will receive a 9, and if you can write [250+] words of natural English with no grammar errors you will receive a 9 for grammar. Also, you will receive a 9 for CC because the linking is perfect. The only score that is 'subjective' is the TR score. "

http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2017/08/ielts-writing-task-2-permissive-parenting-answer.html

Comments by sjm here:
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2018/01/ielts-writing-task-2-instead-of-firstly-secondly-finally.html

To me, in Task 2, one needs to fully explain why you think the way you do; and avoid repetition, 'wandering', or making random, disconnected statements. There must be a clear logical progression to your argument throughout.