Many students studying for the IELTS exam are put off writing essays because they’re not sure where to start. Daunting as it may seem, It is important to understand the correct formatting and structure for an essay. Writing an essay isn’t easy, especially when you haven’t had much experience with this type of writing in the past but the ‘IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 and 2’ Online Course at Paratus Education will equip you with all the tools you need to tackle this part of the IELTS Exam!
INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
The truth is, this is relatively simple! The introduction should always follow the funneling method of starting broad and narrowing it down.
Broad Statement
Start with a broad statement such as “throughout the world today, x has been a common facet of society…” This will begin your essay.
Narrow down to an ‘idea’
Once you start broad, narrow it down to an idea. This will define the context that you are referencing. It will also let the reader know that you are focusing on an ‘idea’ rather than broadly skipping around. An ‘idea’ is optimal for this section.
Statement
This is very tricky for many IELTS students, but statements are relatively easy when broken down into types.
For argumentative statements, these forms are brilliant to use and include examples to break down the logical thinking:-
……While X is true, Y is more true.
“California, specifically, was a pioneer in developing a sophisticated judicial process for determining guilt and then punishment for potential death row inmates. However, there is still substantial debate surrounding the legitimacy and overall fairness of the process of sentencing convicted criminals to death in California.”
…….Because of A, B and C, Z happened.
“Implementing strategies that utilize organizational justice, workforce unity and employee development were all highly influential ways to motivate workers in diverse settings.”
There you go! The above statements follow a real formation structure in terms of their layout. Therefore, they plan out the structure of the rest of the essay.
BODY PARAGRAPHS
Body paragraphs are also pretty standard in terms of their overall structure. The whole point of most body paragraphs is to introduce evidence that supports your statement.
Topic Sentence
This is a mini-essay that tells the reader what the body paragraph is about.
Background Information
This is either relevant information, introducing a source or merely explaining to the reader what the context of the evidence is.
Introduce 2-3 Facts or Quotes
Use 2-3 citations and use the evidence of the sources that you have compiled. Make sure to introduce them in your writing and do not simply “drop” the quotes as if they are standing alone.
Explain the Quotes
This is a part of the body paragraph that many students miss. Since your evidence does not speak for itself, explain what it means in your own words. Reiterate the main point and summarize it if need be.
Relate to the Essay
This is the most important part of the body paragraph. Make sure to take your evidence and points and relate them back to the essay. That is, explain why this evidence that you argued for in your mini-essay is relevant and adds value to your argument (main claim).
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, (no pun intended!) you want to recap your argument and be relatively sufficient in touching on only the main points.
Voila! You are now on your way to completing your essay. This formula for writing is proven to work and follows a format that is easy for examiners to read.
Take a look below at one of our Video Lessons inside the ‘IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 and 2’ Online Course at Paratus Education which depicts the fundamentals mentioned above!
by Lucas Covington, IELTS Teacher, UK
Purchase the full 200 hour IELTS Academic Course Package ( Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing ) here with Paratus Education.
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