Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 8 Score : Tips to Improve

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 minutes as well. 

Phew! Wasn’t that a little complex to understand? Let us simplify it for you here! The takeaway is that you need to improve your vocabulary for IELTS writing task 2 to achieve a band 8 score. 

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 for presenting 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! 

Types of Questions in IELTS Writing Task 2

You can expect the following kinds of questions in this task: 

• Discussing both sides of any argument. 
• Giving a reason for a problem and why it exists. 
• Discussing advantages and disadvantages of something or the pros and cons. 
• Opinion on any issue. 

Examples of Questions for IELTS Writing Task 2

Here are some question samples that you can note. 

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.  

How to Tackle Complex Questions 

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. 

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IELTS Writing Task 2- Structuring Your Essay 

Plan the essay that you are writing in Task 2. Here are the components that you need to keep in mind. 

Introduction

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! 

1. In my opinion 
2. I disagree
3. I agree
4. Based on my understanding of the situation
5. I believe that 
6. I feel that 
7. I think that 
8. I understand that 
9. Based on my perspective
10.  My standpoint is that 
11.  I strongly believe 
12.  I strongly disagree
13.  It seems that 
14.  It appears that 
15.  It may appear that 
16.  It may seem that 

There are many other ways to start your essay on a compelling note. These are only a few illustrative examples. 

Body of the Essay (Argument)

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. 

1. Firstly (Secondly, Thirdly, etc.)
2. Let me begin by stating 
3. To start/begin with 
4. It is commonly perceived/believed
5. My first argument is that 
6. In the first place
7. I would like to begin 

Second Paragraph of the Body 

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. 

1. Secondly, Thirdly, etc. 
2. My second argument is that 
3. In contrast to 
4. On the contrary
5. However
6. Yet
7. Consequently
8. Subsequently 
9. Driving the point home 
10.  On the flip side
11.  Conversely 
12.  Moreover
13.  In continuation 
14.  In tandem with 
15.  In addition to 
16.  On the other hand
17.  Likewise
18.  Apart from 

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Conclusion 

This paragraph will summarize your viewpoint and end crisply in a manner that impresses the examiner. Here are some words that you can use: 

1. I wish to conclude by stating
2. I want to conclude by saying
3. I conclude by saying that 
4. In conclusion
5. To sign off
6. Signing off 
7. Summarizing
8. To summarize
9. I want to close this argument 
10.  I would like to close this argument
11.  Finally
12.  Eventually
13.  Overall
14.  It may seem 
15.  I conclude 
16.  Summing up 
17.  To sum up 

Becoming a Vocabulary Champion- Here’s How! 

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. 

• Read your question carefully. Do not make the common mistake of assuming the instructions. There may be twists in the tale so check and double-check! 
• Keep an academic perspective at the forefront while making your argument. Avoid excessively opinionated or passionate phrases as I hate, I cannot stand it, and so on. It will only give an amateurish touch to the proceedings. 
• Do not write in one mega-sized paragraph! Always divide every section into multiple paragraphs. Have a clear essay structure in mind while writing. 
• Avoid repeating your argument again and again. Try and come up with a new angle to the story or an example instead. 
• Take a few minutes to plan your essay before you begin writing. It will certainly help you finish faster and with zero stoppages or hesitation along the way! 
• Finish your essay with a proper conclusion. Even when time is running out, write at least two to three concluding sentences. 
• Do not use any slang or language that is very complicated. Do not leave sentences hanging in mid-air. Try and squeeze out some time for a quick read before you submit. 

Core Takeaways

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. 

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