IELTS Writing Task 2 The second task is more demanding. You are expected to write on a given topic through organizing your answer clearly and giving examples to support your points. You will have to write at least 250 words. As Task 2 is longer than Task 1, you are advised to spend approximately 40 minutes on this task. HOW DO YOU DIVIDE THE TIME? ANSWER AFTER SLIDE 12

Sample Question 1 Write about the following topic: School children are becoming far too dependent on computers. This is having an alarming effect on reading and writing skills. Teachers need to avoid using computers in the classroom at all costs and go back to teaching basic study skills. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Sample Question 2 Write about the following topic: The increase in mobile phone use in recent years has transformed the way we live, communicate and do business. Mobile phones can also be the cause of social or medical problems. What forms do these problems take? Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of mobile phones? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Sample Question 3 Write about the following topic: Counties such as China, India and Japan have unsustainable population growths. In fact many experts are of the opinion that the population ‘explosion’ which is now a very worrying concern, is the most serious threat to life on this planet. Give some suggestions to address this problem.

Sample Question 4 Write about the following topic: Illiteracy has traditionally been viewed as largely a third world problem. However it is becoming apparent that in countries such as the USA and Australia, illiteracy is on the increase. Discuss possible causes for this and its effect on society.

Sample Question 5 Write about the following topic: Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Sample Question 6 Write about the following topic: If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what would you change? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Sample Question 7 Write about the following topic: It has been said, “Not every thing that is learned is contained in books.” Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Sample Questions For more sample questions (with answers – may not be the best go to: http://www.ielts-exam.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=7&id=15&Itemid=28

Types of essays Agree/ disagree Compare & contrast Advantages/ disadvantages Cause & effect Opinion Suggestions If-essays * Go to notes on page 17 of the module.

Task 2 In task 2 candidates are presented with a point of view, argument or problem. They are assessed on their ability to present a solution to the problem, present and justify an opinion, compare and contrast evidence and opinions, evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or arguments. Candidates are also judged on their ability to write in an appropriate style.

How to begin? Read the question carefully. Underline keywords. Understand keywords. Understand what you need to do (type of essay you need to write). Brainstorm/ Draft. Write ALL IN 40 minutes – ENOUGH time?

Let’s TRY one Do steps 1 – 4: Write about the following topic: School children are becoming far too dependent on computers. This is having an alarming effect on reading and writing skills. Teachers need to avoid using computers in the classroom at all costs and go back to teaching basic study skills. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Identifying keywords Keywords: Meaning of keywords: Brainstorming questions

Brainstorm/ draft How many points do you need? Position: ____________ Point 1: _______________________________ Support/ Example: _______________________ Point 2: _______________________________ Conclusion: _______________________________ * number of points depends on the time you have. 2-3 well-developed points are sufficient.

Marking scheme What will be assessed in your essay: Task response Coherence and cohesion Lexical resources Grammar range and accuracy * Go over the marking scheme in the hand-out provided

Language use (refers to) Coherence and cohesion : organizing & linking your ideas - sentence connectors (logical, sequence) Lexical resources : produce a range of sentence patterns, range of vocabulary & structures Grammar range and accuracy : verb tenses & verb agreements, tense range, sentence structure and word order, spelling & punctuation

References Cambridge (2002). IELTS with answers edition 3. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press Conway, D. & Shireffs, B.(2003). On Course for IELTS. Students’ Book. Melbourne: Oxford University Press Jakeman, V. & McDowell, C.(2001). IELTS Practice Tests Plus. Edinburgh: Pearson Education Limited