​​ A lack of ideas leads to repitition Common problem: Peo | Cambridge IELTS practice |Official™

​​ A lack of ideas leads to repitition

Common problem: People often tell me they don’t know what to write about in writing task 2 and they find it hard to get ideas.

When candidates don’t know what to write about, the result is often at least one paragraph where the same idea is repeated over and over. This type of writing will keep you stuck at band 6 or 6.5.

Here is an example from an essay I was sent recently. I have corrected the language errors so that you can focus only on the ideas.

Picture below:

The paragraph begins well but the main idea is not developed. Instead, the same idea is repeated and even presented as though it is an ‘example’. This shows why using a fixed template to create a paragraph is not enough. It also provides a good example of  band 6 task response: ”…the conclusions may become …repetitive.”

SOLUTION: Develop good thinking strategies for the test

If you need to score band 7 or above, in the test, you must

form an opinion about the issue raised in the question

explain your opinion to the examiner and

produce a balanced argument showing that your opinion is justified and well thought-out

Here are some ideas to help you develop these skills:

think about the issue from your own perspective – how does it affect your life now or in the future?

if it does not affect you personally, does it affect a friend or someone in your family? Does it affect your town or businesses nearby?

how do you feel about this?


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