
IELTS is known worldwide as the ultimate English test that people who speak English as their second language take to prove their proficiency in the language when applying for study. Many people who want to improve their essay writing skills for IELTS turn to an essay service for professional custom writing help. For those who prefer to not use a paper writing service, this article will look at the 10 ways you can improve your essay writing skills for an upcoming IELTS test.
Educate yourself on the type of IELTS exam you will be sitting for
College or university students will either sit for a general IELTS exam or an academic IELTS, and it is important you find out which one you are sitting for because they are different from each other. The General IELTS exam is for people who need to prove they are good at the English language for work purposes or lower-level education study. The academic IELTS exam on the other hand is for people who need to prove their proficiency for higher education study. What sets them both apart is the language and topics a student is expected to use.
Make every word count
When you take an IELTS exam, you will notice that it is split into 2 tasks. There is a 20-minute task to kick things off, which requires you to write 150 words. The second task is a 40-minute one and requires you to write 250 words. There are websites out there that can train you on how to manage time and meet word counts. Use them as you prepare for your IELTS exam to get a good grade.
Learn the correct format
When you go off-topic in an IELTS exam, you can get penalized by the people marking your paper. Avoid using bullet points in your work, and make sure that everything you write is in your own words. Don't copy from anyone because this is classed as plagiarism and should be avoided at all costs.
Read and understand the questions carefully
This is a very obvious point, but it is surprising how many students fail to keep this in mind due to nerves and pressure. Many students either fail or get marked deducted during their IELTS exams for not following instructions.
This is because they didn’t read and understand the questions carefully. Take your time, don’t panic, read through the whole exam, and deal with the easy questions first and leave the hard ones for last. This will make you feel less stressed and enable you to get enough questions done rather than spending too much time on one question.
Learn to focus on the exam theme
Many students make the mistake of going too much into detail when they sit for their IELTS. What the examiner wants from you here is to only highlight information that matters, only important information should make it on your paper. Don't add filler content just to meet the word count, this is a very bad idea. Answer the questions the right way and you will not lose marks.
Since this is an English test, you do your chances of passing no harm by practicing because they say “practice makes perfect”. You can practice online with tutors, online writing services, or with other students. You can also go on YouTube and you will find so many English lessons for free that will give you a few tips in preparation for your IELTS exam.
Read the question again and again if you have to
If you are confused or struggling to answer a question, go through it multiple times if you have to. By reading it over and over again, solutions to it will start following in your end and you will respond accordingly. Always remember to stay on topic and not go off it otherwise you will be penalized.
Look at previous IELTS exams
If you don't know what to expect when it comes to an IELTS exam, you can get yourself clued up by looking at past papers. You can find IELTS exam papers of years gone by online or by speaking to various professional writing services. They will have a few sample papers on their website which you can look at to give you a rough idea of what to expect and how to answer questions. If English is your second language, this tip is very handy and should be used together with the other tips above.
Let your personality shine on the paper
As stated earlier, plagiarism is a very serious offense and can get you disqualified if the people marking your paper see that you copied someone else's work, including academic writing services. The key is to be original and let your personality show. Use your own words, develop your ideas and you will have no problem creating a good impression on the reader.
Make your answers appealing
This is a very important tip because no one, including paper writing services, wants to read full content. You need to make your answers clear and well organized too to demonstrate that even though English is not your first language, you have put the effort in over the years to improve it. Your efforts will be rewarded as long as you cleverly articulate yourself, follow instructions and answer the questions. You should pass your IELTS with flying colors as long as you give the examining body something good to read.
Final thoughts
If you want to improve your essay writing skills for your IELTS, you will not go wrong by following all of the methods and IELTS writing tips highlighted above in this article. Doing well on your IELTS example opens up the door to many possibilities like studying abroad or a chance to work for some of the most successful English-speaking businesses in the world. No matter your level of English, novice, intermediate, or expert, following any of those tips religiously will put you in a great position to pass this test with flying colors.