IELTS Writing Task 2: four 'rules' for introductions

Here are four 'rules' to follow when writing an introduction for a task 2 essay:

1. Write two sentences: introduce the topic, then give a general answer.
2. In those two sentences you should briefly mention everything that the question mentions.
3. Demonstrate that you can paraphrase the ideas in the question.
4. Don't save any surprises for the conclusion; give your opinion in the introduction if the question asks for it.

PS. Today is the final day for joining my new writing course. I'll remove the sign-up link at 10pm (UK time).

Comments

[Ruby]

Cam 11 test 1 Writing task 2 (general)
There is no denying the fact that majority of recruiters enquire about personal data to employees who seeks jobs. Hence, some individuals consider this to be informative or for others it is waste of time however I agree that asking about personal information is not beneficial.
Please sir check my introduction

[lara]

Ruby

https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=no+denying+the+fact+that%2Cno+denying+that%2C+There+is+no+denying+that&year_start=1800&year_end=2000&corpus=15&smoothing=3&share=&direct_url=t1%3B%2Cno%20denying%20the%20fact%20that%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2Cno%20denying%20that%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2CThere%20is%20no%20denying%20that%3B%2Cc0

https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=that+majority+of%2C+that+the+majority+of&year_start=1960&year_end=2008&corpus=15&smoothing=3&share=&direct_url=t1%3B%2Cthat%20majority%20of%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2Cthat%20the%20majority%20of%3B%2Cc0

https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=enquire+about+personal+data%2Crequest+personal+data%2C*_VERB+personal+data&case_insensitive=on&year_start=1960&year_end=2008&corpus=15&smoothing=3&share=&direct_url=t2%3B%2C%2A_VERB%20personal%20data%3B%2Cc0%3B%2Cs0%3B%3Bprocessing_VERB%20personal%20data%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bprotect_VERB%20personal%20data%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bcontaining_VERB%20personal%20data%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bprocess_VERB%20personal%20data%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bcollect_VERB%20personal%20data%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Binclude_VERB%20personal%20data%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Buse_VERB%20personal%20data%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bcollecting_VERB%20personal%20data%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bcontain_VERB%20personal%20data%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bprovide_VERB%20personal%20data%3B%2Cc0

https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=collect+personal+data+*%2Cdata+from+candidates%2Cdata+from+job-seekers%2Cdata+from+prospective+employees%2Cdata+from+applicants&year_start=1960&year_end=2008&corpus=15&smoothing=3&share=&direct_url=t2%3B%2Ccollect%20personal%20data%20%2A%3B%2Cc0%3B%2Cs0%3B%3Bcollect%20personal%20data%20from%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bcollect%20personal%20data%20on%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bcollect%20personal%20data%20and%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bcollect%20personal%20data%20about%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2Cdata%20from%20candidates%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2Cdata%20from%20applicants%3B%2Cc0

"...it is waste of time however I agree that ..": run-on sentences

[Raju]

I have received my 2nd IELTS result today. My writing band is 5.5. I don't think that my writing was that bad. I took the first one in August last year. Can anyone explain what the below instruction represents?? I have really worked on writing but why this happened??

Test takers at this band are typically able to partly answer the question. There may be too much detail and no overview, or no data. Test takers can give their own point of view and some main ideas, although these may not lead to any conclusions. They can partly organise their writing, and can use some joining words, although these are wrongly used or over-used in places.

The writing might repeat itself and the Task 2 might lack paragraphs. They have just enough vocabulary to answer the question, although spelling mistakes cause some difficulty for the reader. They are able to use some basic sentences correctly, and try some complex sentences, which often contain mistakes. Punctuation is sometimes faulty and the mistakes in grammar cause some difficulty for the reader.

[Raju]

NB: The above writing pieces were taken from the British Council IELTS official site where band scores were described in detail.

[lolita]

Raju

I have received my 2nd second IELTS result today. [Present Perfect is not used with a specific time marker. It may be used with an unfinished period of time such as with the preposition "since".]

My writing band is 5.5. I don't [now or "didn't" meaning before I took the exam? ] think that my writing was that bad. I took the first one in August last year. Can anyone explain what the below instruction explanation below represents?? I have really worked on writing but why has this happened?? OR why did this happen?

The above writing pieces [explanations were ..OR the above guidance and advice was taken] were taken from the British Council IELTS official site where band scores were [and presumably still ARE, so use present simple unless you wish to imply that they are no longer available] described in detail.

The most likely principal cause for getting Band 5.5 is too many grammar and vocabulary mistakes, which then muddies the meaning and thus also affects the score for Task Response.

Free feedback on your writing is sometimes obtainable through:
https://www.englishforums.com/English/EssayReportCompositionWriting/Forum9.htm

[lolita]

Raju

1) "Have you taken your medicine today?"
2) "Have you seen John this morning?" (It is before noon. In the afternoon, we would say Did you see ..)
3) "I have received two parcels today."

These all refer to situations where the event happens regularly. Only then can we add "today".

[Raju]

Thanks @Lolita

What does it mean to this " Task 2 might lack Paragraphs" ?. I have written four paragraphs in total.

[lolita]

Raju:

Band 5 = "may not write in paragraphs, or paragraphing may be inadequate".

Band 6 = "uses paragraphing, but not always logically".

Band 7 = "presents a clear central topic within each paragraph".

Make sure to leave an entire blank line between paragraphs so it is absolutely clear to the examiner where the paragraphs begin and end.

[Raju]

Six months ago I've got overall 6, 6.5/6.5/5.5/6.

Now I've got also the same score 6.5/6/5.5/6.5.

I worked hard for last 6 months with authentic focus on each and every module. However, I practised and followed every single post which was provided by Simon on this blog. I'm still thinking about why that happened.

[Raju]

Six months ago I've got overall 6, 6.5/6.5/5.5/6
I've got also the same score in my second attempt /6/5.5/6.5.

I worked hard for last 6 months with authentic focus on each and every module. I practised and followed every single post which was provided by Simon on this blog. I'm still thinking about why that happened.

[Kata]

Raju

You are not alone. The most frequent (academic) result for Hindi speakers is Band 6. By comparison, for Chinese speakers it is 5.5, but for German speakers it is Band 7.5. IELTS is easier for those whose first language is similar to English, and where the education system focuses on English from a young age.

Also, on average, the Band score for writing is around half a band below the reading score. This means that you are more likely to achieve Band 7 overall if your score on Reading practice tests is Band 7.5 (ie over thirty answers correct).

Incidentally results of Band 7 or over seem to be more common among candidates who are working (in a profession). Maybe because they are using English all day long.

The best way for you to succeed, is to take every opportunity to read, listen, and speak English (at least three hours per day). Try to find a native English speaker to talk to. Have your writing checked properly, maybe on : https://www.englishforums.com/English/EssayReportCompositionWriting/Forum9.htm

Learn English, not IELTS. Do not waste your money on retaking the test until your reading and listening practice scores have moved up significantly. Keep smiling. It is a long and winding road....

[Raju]

Thanks, Kata and Lolita. I'm from Bangladesh.

I took my mock tests from a reputable IELTS institution named Speaker's Council. Although my performance basically in Writing, Speaking and Reading was much poor than listening. They outlined some major mistakes regarding writing and speaking and I followe and tried to recover my flaws. Gradually I improved my performance. After one month, my writing score was varied from 6 to 6.5. Also, Speaking and Reading skills have increased significantly. Before exam my average band scire was 6.5 to 7. For the last 2 months my writing was not below 6 and speaking was 7 . Reading fluctuated a lot. Even a teacher from BC( they hired, Speaker's Council ) gave me 7 in writing, he was very young teacher. Everyone considered I could make at least 7 oveall. But what happened I don't know.

[Raju]

I have continued my mock more than 5 months and completed more than 30 mocks. In the same time, I have practiced on Simon Ielts. I did some writings, all reading,listening and speaking very carefully. I was also time conscious. I admitted that I worked on real IELTS for last 5 months. I spoke a lot with friends. But unportunately I am disappointed. Now I'm thinking what shoul I do.

[Oleg]

Raju

1) "I took my mock tests from a reputable IELTS institution named Speaker's Council. Although my performance basically in Writing, Speaking and Reading was much poor than listening." The way "although" is used here is incorrect. If you cannot use "although" properly, your speaking and writing are not 'advanced'. This is a simple rule of thumb. It would be very natural to include an adverbial clause of concession somewhere in your essay argument.

2) "Reading was much poor than listening." What is wrong here? This suggests that you do not know how to make comparisons properly.

3) What is the natural preposition that follows 'mistake'? https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=mistakes+*%2C+mistakes+regarding&year_start=1800&year_end=2000&corpus=15&smoothing=3&share=&direct_url=t2%3B%2Cmistakes%20%2A%3B%2Cc0%3B%2Cs0%3B%3Bmistakes%20in%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bmistakes%20of%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bmistakes%20and%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bmistakes%20are%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bmistakes%20which%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bmistakes%20the%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bmistakes%20that%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bmistakes%20made%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bmistakes%20were%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bmistakes%20as%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2Cmistakes%20regarding%3B%2Cc0

4) "I followe": (a) this spelling is about four hundred years old, not modern. (b) What in fact were you following? A bus?

5) "and tried to recover my flaws." Incoherent. https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=recover+my+flaws%2Clearn+from+my+mistakes%2Ccorrect+my+mistakes%2C+my+flaws%2C+*_ADJ+flaws&year_start=1800&year_end=2000&corpus=15&smoothing=3&share=&direct_url=t1%3B%2Clearn%20from%20my%20mistakes%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2Ccorrect%20my%20mistakes%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2Cmy%20flaws%3B%2Cc0%3B.t2%3B%2C%2A_ADJ%20flaws%3B%2Cc0%3B%2Cs0%3B%3Bserious_ADJ%20flaws%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bmany_ADJ%20flaws%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bother_ADJ%20flaws%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bsuch_ADJ%20flaws%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Btechnical_ADJ%20flaws%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bfatal_ADJ%20flaws%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bmajor_ADJ%20flaws%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bminor_ADJ%20flaws%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bcertain_ADJ%20flaws%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bobvious_ADJ%20flaws%3B%2Cc0

http://ozdic.com/collocation-dictionary/flaw

6) "my writing score was varied from 6 to 6.5." Wrong voice.

7) "scire" ??

8) -> a teacher from BC ( hired by the Speaker's Council )

9) " Even a teacher from BC( they hired, Speaker's Council ) gave me 7 in writing, he was very young teacher"; comma-splice.

10) "oveall" ??

11) Why did you start a new sentence with "But"?

12) "I have continued my mock more than 5 months": missing preposition? It does sound as if you have taken one mock exam that somehow has gone on for five whole months without a break.

13) "30" -> thirty. Generally, write one-word numbers out in full.

14) "In the same time": preposition error.

15) "writings": wrong meaning. https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=some+writings%2C+*+writings&year_start=1800&year_end=2000&corpus=15&smoothing=3&share=&direct_url=t1%3B%2Csome%20writings%3B%2Cc0%3B.t2%3B%2C%2A%20writings%3B%2Cc0%3B%2Cs0%3B%3Bthe%20writings%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bhis%20writings%3B%2Cc0%3B%3B%27s%20writings%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Btheir%20writings%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Band%20writings%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bsacred%20writings%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bother%20writings%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bwhose%20writings%3B%2Cc0%3B%3Bthese%20writings%3B%2Cc0%3B%3BThe%20writings%3B%2Cc0

16) "reading,listening": spacing error.

17) " I did some writings, all reading,listening and speaking very carefully." Not a natural sentence; possibly a comma splice, or the list is inconsistent, or the use of "all" is wrong.

18) There are spelling errors in the last few sentences.

Why do you keep practicing IELTS instead of learning and enjoying English? When did you last read a novel in English?

[Raju]

I know there are so many mistakes in my above post. Believe me, I was writing it when I was on my trip to one of the most beautiful places in my city. I usually very careful about my writing when I want to write something belongs academic purpose or ielts. I will post one of my good essays in the comment box later. It is true that I have never read any English novel,however, I generally read a lot of news and articles on my laptop or on my smartphone every day which I mean I've good reading habit. I am definitely very conscious when I read something is really interesting.

[Oleg]

Raju

"I usually very careful "
"something belongs academic purpose or ielts"
"novel,however"
"which I mean I've good reading habit"
"when I read something is really interesting."

As Mr Sjm wrote recently, it pays to keep a checklist of your mistakes.

It would be a good idea to post one of your "good essays" here. It is impossible to give you good advice if we are unaware of your true level.

Namaste

[Raju]

Thanks, @Kata and @Oleg

I am trying to focus on my true level of English and I will put my absolute attempts to learn and enjoy it.

@Kata, you suggested me to spend minimum 3 hours a day for reading, listening and speaking. So what should I do for writing?

[Kata]

@Raju

"you suggested me to spend": the grammar here is wrong.

For writing I would suggest you practise by summarizing something you have read (a newspaper article, for example) in less than a hundred words, and submit it to https://www.englishforums.com/English/EssayReportCompositionWriting/Forum9.htm for correction. This will force you to read carefully and help you to acquire the relevant vocabulary.

Cheers

[Raju]

One last query, do you think that reading novels or literature is more helpful compared to reading news, articles on smartphone/laptop on a daily basis. I have developed a good reading habit and I prefer electronic tools to paper based ones. Every day I read a lot on different interests.

Do you think I must need to read novels or something similar in addition to reading news or contemporary issues?

NB: I do not read novels because I have so many choices on Internet such as business, sports, arts, environment, and so on. Nowadays, I do not take note when I read something.

@Kata and @Lolita

[Kata]

Raju

https://librivox.org/search?primary_key=1&search_category=language&search_page=1&search_form=get_results

http://www.openculture.com/freeaudiobooks

Whatever keeps you interested.

Sometimes novels are good because they contain dialog.

[Raju]

Thanks a lot, @Kata

[Akter]

To @kata,

what is my responsibility just after my writing get checked on EssayForum?. should I write it again in correct sentences?