Success Blueprint for IELTS Writing: Happy IELTSing

By Owen Caldric

Success Blueprint for IELTS Writing is a comprehensive guide designed to help IELTS candidates achieve a high score in the Writing test. Written by a former IELTS examiner with seven years of experience, this book reveals the key strategies that make a real difference in writing performance.

Many test-takers struggle to reach Band 7 or higher—not because of a lack of ability, but due to ineffective approaches to writing. This book bridges that gap by focusing on how to present ideas clearly and coherently, rather than just what to write. Through expert insights, practical frameworks, and high-scoring essay structures, learners will develop the skills to enhance coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and task achievement—all essential criteria in the IELTS marking system.

Whether preparing independently or in a classroom setting, Success Blueprint for IELTS Writing provides a structured, step-by-step approach to help you write effectively and achieve your target score.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Owen Caldric
• Release date: Jun 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9798230516170

Book preview

Table of Contents

Success Blueprint for IELTS Writing (Happy IELTSing)

Writing Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 2

Opinion Essay

Both Sides and Opinion Essay

Two-Question Essay

Improving Your Score

Enhancing Grammar Skills

Vocabulary for Common Topics

Happy IELTSing!

Success Blueprint for

IELTS Writing

Introduction

During my seven years as an IELTS examiner, I have evaluated thousands of candidates in the IELTS Writing test, particularly Task 2 essays. Many test-takers consistently scored around Band 5 or 6—sufficient for some but inadequate for those aiming for academic programs or professional opportunities that require Band 7 or higher. This growing demand for top scores inspired me to write this book.

Despite months of preparation, many candidates struggle to achieve their target writing score. Some even underperform compared to their true ability. Several factors contribute to this, and in this book, we will explore these challenges in depth. One of the key reasons for lower scores is the lack of structured guidance that focuses specifically on IELTS Writing Task 2.

As an IELTS examiner, I have gained valuable insights into the subtle differences that separate high-scoring essays from mediocre ones. This book is built on that expertise. While there are many IELTS Writing resources available, Success Blueprint for IELTS Writing takes a different approach—it not only explains what to write but also how to structure, develop, and refine your arguments to maximize your score.

The strategies and techniques in this book are based on the writing habits of successful candidates. Whether you are preparing for the IELTS test independently or in a classroom setting, this book provides a clear and practical roadmap to achieving a higher score in IELTS Writing Task 2.

Owen Caldric

Interactive exercises from this book are available on the website: IELTSing.com

––––––––

Writing Task 1 8

IELTS Writing Task 2 9

Assessment Criteria for Writing Tasks 9

Coherence and Cohesion 10

Grammatical Range and Accuracy 10

Lexical Resource 10

Task Achievement 10

Comparison of Three Essay Types 10

Structuring the Three Types of Essays 12

1. Introduction 12

2. Body Paragraphs 12

3. Conclusion 13

Opinion Essay 13

Common Question Formats 13

Task Breakdown 14

1. Topic Analysis 14

2. Understanding the Question 14

Planning Your Essay 15

1. Identify and Paraphrase Key Vocabulary 15

2. Determine the Type of Response Needed 15

3. Brainstorming Key Points 16

4. Choose Your Position 16

5. Determine the Essay Structure 16

Steps in Writing Your Essay 17

1. Paraphrase the Question 17

2. Stating Your Position 18

Body Paragraphs 18

1. Writing Topic Sentences 19

2. Writing Supporting Sentences 19

Ways to Develop a Key Point 19

Conclusion 20

1. Indicate That You Are Concluding 20

2. Restate Your Position 21

3. Summarize the Main Points 21

4. Provide a Final Opinion or Recommendation 21

Model Answers 22

Model Essay Version 1: Somewhat Agree 22

Model Essay Version 2: Totally Agree 24

Model Essay Version 3: Outweigh 25

More Sample Questions for Opinion Essays 26

Common Mistakes in Opinion Essays 26

1. Unclear Opinion 26

2. Choosing the Wrong Side to Argue 27

3. Contradicting Your Opinion 27

4. Errors When Making Concessions 28

QR Code for Exercises: Enhance Your Writing with AI Assistance 29

Both Sides and Opinion Essay 31

Typical Question Phrases 31

Task Breakdown 31

1. Identifying the Topic 31

2. Understanding the Two Perspectives 31

Understanding the Question and Planning Your Essay 32

Common Mistakes to Avoid 32

Planning Your Essay 32

1: Identify and Paraphrase Key Vocabulary 32

2. Decide What Kind of Response Is Needed 33

3. Brainstorm Key Points 33

4. Decide on the Structure of the Essay 34

Steps in Writing Your Essay 34

Introduction 34

Body Paragraphs 35

Writing the Conclusion 39

Conclusion 39

Template for a Both Sides and Opinion Essay 41

Model Essay 2 ( Based on the Template) 42

More Sample Questions for Both Sides and Opinion Essays 43

Situation 1: Discuss the Advantages and Disadvantages of One Thing 43

Situation 2: Discuss the Advantages of Two Different Things 43

Common Mistakes in Both Sides and Opinion Essays 44

QR Code for Exercises: Enhance Your Writing with AI Assistance 46

Two-Question Essay 47

Common Question Phrases for Two-Question Essays 47

Sample Task 47

Task Analysis 47

Planning the Essay 48

1. Identify Key Vocabulary and Paraphrase 48

2. Determine the Required Response 48

3. Brainstorm Key Points 48

4. Essay Structure 48

Steps in Writing Your Essay 49

Introduction 49

Body 50

Conclusion 54

Model Essay One 54

General Template for a Two-Question Essay 55

Introduction 55

Body Paragraph 1 (Answer to Question One) 56

Body Paragraph 2 (Answer to Question Two) 56

Conclusion 56

Template for a Problem and Solution Essay 57

Introduction 57

Body Paragraph 1: Problems 57

Body Paragraph 2: Solutions 57

Conclusion 58

Model Essay Two 58

Introduction 58

Body Paragraph 1 – Problems 58

Body Paragraph 2 – Solutions 59

Conclusion 59

More Sample Questions 59

Common Mistakes in Two-Question Essays 61

1. Not Responding Fully to Both Questions 61

2. Not Introducing BOTH Questions in the Introduction 61

Example of a Poor Introduction (Incorrect Approach) 62

Example of a Strong Introduction (Correct Approach) 62

QR Code for Exercises: Enhance Your Writing with AI Assistance 63

Improving Your Score 64

Common Mistakes in Task Response 64

1. Read the Task Carefully 64

2. Take Time to Plan (At Least 5 Minutes) 65

3. Develop Strong Main Ideas 65

4. Extend and Support Your Ideas 66

5. Use an Appropriate Structure 67

6. Poor Time Management 67

7. Not Responding to All Parts of the Topic 68

Common Errors with Cohesion and Coherence and How to Fix Them 74

1. Avoid Overused Sequencing Words 75

2. Remove Unnecessary Sentence Elements 76

3. Correct Usage of Conjunctions 76

4. Not Using an Appropriate Structure for the Question Type 77

5. Avoiding Irrelevant Sentences 78

Common Vocabulary Errors and How to Fix Them 81

1. Avoid Noun Trains (Too Many Nouns Together) 81

2. Avoid Memorized Phrases That Sound Unnatural 81

3. Avoid Colloquial Expressions & Clichés in Writing 82

4. Avoid Errors with Word Choices 83

5. Avoid Unnecessarily Complicated Sentences 84

6. Avoid Repeating Words Excessively 85

7. Rephrase the Task to Show a Range of Vocabulary 86

8. Use Advanced Vocabulary Where Possible 87

9. Avoid Overusing Certain Words & Use a Variety of Synonyms 89

Common Grammar Errors and How to Fix Them 90

1. Errors with S Endings in Nouns and Verbs 90

2. Errors with Word Endings and Word Forms 90

3. Errors with Articles (a, an, the) 91

4. Avoid Writing Short Simple Sentences 92

5. Avoid Using He or She – Use Plural Instead 92

QR Code for Exercises: Enhance Your Writing with AI Assistance 93

Enhancing Grammar Skills 95

Conditional Sentences 95

Relative Clauses 96

Minimizing Grammar Errors 97

Understanding Articles (A, An, The) 98

Indefinite Articles: A / An 98

Definite Article: The 98

Quick Guide to Article Usage 98

Understanding Prepositions 100

Prepositions of Time: At, In, On 100

Prepositions of Place: At, In, On 100

Useful Linking Words and Phrases 101

QR Code for Exercises: Enhance Your Writing with AI Assistance 105

Vocabulary for Common Topics 107

Technology 107

Environment 111

Education 115

Environment 119

Health 122

Society & Culture 126

Government & Policy-Related 130

Work & Employment 134

Crime & Justice 138

Media & Advertising 142

Tourism 146

Family & Relationships 150

Globalization 154

Ethics 159

Arts 163

Transportation 167

Economy 171

Personal Development 176

Aging Population 180

QR Code for Exercises: Enhance Your Writing with AI Assistance 185

​Writing Task 1

This book focuses solely on mastering IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, providing you with the techniques and strategies needed to achieve a high score. However, if you're preparing for Writing Task 1, whether for the General Training (letter writing) or Academic (graphs and charts) version of the exam, additional resources are available online. Scan the QR code below to access a comprehensive online book, an interactive tutorial, and AI-powered exercises designed to enhance your skills and provide real-time feedback.

​IELTS Writing Task 2

Writing Task 2 evaluates your ability to compose a structured, academic-style essay. Your response should be written in full sentences and organized into paragraphs. You must produce at least 250 words, and the task should be completed in approximately 40 minutes, keeping in mind that both Writing Task 1 and Task 2 must be finished within a one-hour timeframe.

Example Prompt

WRITING TASK 2

Time Allocation:

Allocate around 40 minutes for this task.

Topic:

Discuss the following statement:

Some argue that the rapid pace and pressures of contemporary life are negatively impacting family relationships.

Task:

Do you agree or disagree? Present your viewpoint, supporting it with logical reasoning and relevant examples based on your knowledge or personal experiences.

Word Count:

Write at least 250 words.

Key Considerations

Certain elements of the task remain consistent. For example, you are always expected to spend about 40 minutes on this section and produce a minimum of 250 words. Additionally, incorporating real-world examples to support your arguments is encouraged but not mandatory. Your score will not be penalized for omitting examples; they simply serve as one way to reinforce your main points.

The only aspect that varies in each task is the central topic and the specific question being asked. The topic outlines the subject matter of your essay, while the question directs your focus on what needs to be addressed within your response.

---

​Assessment Criteria for Writing Tasks

Your essay is evaluated based on four key areas, each contributing to your final score. Below are the grading criteria and the specific expectations for each:

​Coherence and Cohesion

This category examines how effectively your essay is structured and how well