Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 8 Score : Tips to Improve
Updated on 19 January, 2023
Mrinal Mandal
Study Abroad Expert
Study Abroad Expert
The IELTS General or Academic Writing Task 2 requires you to write an essay of 250 words (minimum) on a topic, where you present your arguments in the format outlined in the instructions. The task should take you approximately 40.
Phew! Wasn’t that a little complex to understand? Let us simplify it for you! To improve your vocabulary for IELTS writing task 2 to achieve a band 8 score; you need to follow some basic steps covered in the articles below.
Expect abstract topics with no right or wrong answers. Everything is subjective. Also, note that Task 2 has more weightage than Task 1 in the IELTS Writing test. Therefore, it is worth spending some time and energy improving your vocabulary to present your arguments concisely and in a compelling manner. We give you some of the top tips for acing the task and achieving the band 8 score!
You can expect the following kinds of questions in this task:
Here are some question samples that you can take note of.
Question 1-
With the internet taking over every sphere of our lives, from shopping to communication, the risks of fraud and data theft are also increasing exponentially. How far do you agree?
Question 2-
Many slum-dwellers often return to their original locations after getting allotted government housing units while putting the latter on rent. What are the causes of this according to you? What are the solutions that you will suggest in this regard?
Question 3-
Many people think that the personal grooming of children is the responsibility of teachers, while some feel that it is the responsibility of parents. Discuss both sides of this argument and give your own opinion.
The topics may often seem a little complex, and you may feel anxious about completing them within 40 minutes. Yet, working on your vocabulary and structure will help you quickly grasp the concept and start.
Recommended Reads:
Plan the essay that you are writing in Task 2. Here are the components that you need to keep in mind.
This paragraph will talk about the content of your essay, informing the examiner about the core aspect that you will discuss. A good introduction helps in clearly outlining your views at the outset. Here are some words or phrases that will help you start in style!
There are many other ways to start your essay on a compelling note. These are only a few illustrative examples.
It is the main section, and it should be subdivided into two to three paragraphs. The body should talk about your view, justifying it with arguments and examples and the final explanation. Here are some more phrases that will help you state your case in this section.
The second paragraph should support the earlier argument or present a different side to the issue. It all depends on your question. Here are some phrases and words that you can use.
Important Resources to Read:
This paragraph will summarize your viewpoint and end crisply in a manner that impresses the examiner. Here are some words that you can use:
Mastering your vocabulary for IELTS writing task 2 band 8 score is not rocket science! While the above words and phrases will get you started, here are some more tips that you can use.
The bottom line is that vocabulary and language skills make the difference between average essays and great pieces of writing. Practising new words, reading English books and magazines, and taking practice essay tests are the best ways to accomplish this in the preparatory phase.
Also Reads:
Get to know about the latest updates on the IELTS Exam, Eligibility, Preparation Tips, Test procedure, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Registration Process, Important Exam Dates, and much more!! This guide is a one-stop solution for every IELTS Aspirant who aims to crack the exam with an impressive band score.
It is not easy to get 8 band scores in IELTS writing test 2. You should practice as much as you can in writing your sample essays before the actual test. You should always practice writing answers which are completely relevant to the question that has been given. Answer all the components of the question and read carefully to identify these components. You should logically arrange your essay. Make sure that you use proper linking phrases and there is a logical flow of content from one paragraph to another. Organize the essay into neat paragraphs to state your points. Check spelling and grammar carefully, avoid errors and make use of good vocabulary to demonstrate your command over the English language.
It is essential to enhance your vocabulary for the IELTS Writing Task 2. You should take simple steps like finding words that you were not aware of earlier and practicing them thoroughly. Use your own flash cards for remembering words and watch English television shows, news shows, podcasts and videos to pick up new words and phrases. Keep reading newspapers on a regular basis and browse through dictionaries for picking up new words as well.
Yes, vocabulary is a crucial aspect while you are giving your IELTS examination. It matters mainly in the Writing and Reading modules. In the latter, there are three passages with a total of 40 questions. The language that is there in the passages is only understandable if you have a good vocabulary. Vocabulary will determine up to 25-30% of your overall score in IELTS and is also vital in the Listening section when you answer the questions. What you write in your essay is also indicative of your command over the language.
There are many strong words that you can use as part of your vocabulary. These include words like dubious, serendipity, toothsome, bibliophile, susurration and onomatopoeia among others. You can also use other words that will find in the dictionary. The trick is to keep browsing for new words that you do not know, in the dictionary and other sources. Keep writing these down with their short meanings for them to be absorbed into your memory.
For Writing Task 2, in order to get an 8-band score, vocabulary does matter a lot. However, the number of words that you should learn is something that is really hard to predict. You have to keep increasing your knowledge of newer words and phrases while appearing for the examination. In fact, if you are preparing for the IELTS examination, you should aim for around 6-7,000 families of words as per several studies and research reports. This will enable better familiarity with a native English environment as per these researchers. The key is to get started as early as you can.
CHAT WITH US