IELTS Academic Writing Task 2
Contrasting language
As mentioned, we can use linking language to link contrasting/opposite ideas within a sentence (coordinating and subordinating conjunctions) and between sentences (transition words/phrases). Let’s divide them into separate groups as seen in the tables below (click them for a larger version).
Coordinating/subordinating conjunctions
*Subordinating conjunctions can be placed at the beginning and in the middle of a sentence (like shown above).
*Commas are not usually used before subordinate clauses, but it is a special case when contrasting.
Transitions words/phrases
*Take note of the full stop at the end of the first sentence and the comma after the linking language.
*However and nevertheless are used to introduce something surprising compared to what you have just said.
*On the other hand is used to compare two different ideas or opinions.
By/In comparison are used to show how people or things are different. The comparison we make must be relative to both people or things. For example:
Correct: China is a large country. By/in comparison, Laos is small. (Here we are comparing the size, which is relative to both clauses).
Incorrect: China is a large country. By/in comparison, the people there work long hours. (This is incorrect. Size and working hours is not relative to both clauses).
Complete the sentence activities below by clicking on the link.
Now, let’s move on to cause and effect language in the next lesson.
Task 2 writing – made easy
Our task 2 course is designed in the most simplistic way to give you the knowledge, language, tips and techniques that you need to reach your band score target.
The course consists of 7 specially crafted units that cover everything you need to know about the different types of essays and the language required for task 2 writing.
Each of these units are designed in an easy to learn way. We show you examples of essay questions. Then, we show you a simple step-by-step procedure of how to identify the question type, structure your essay, manage your time and self-check to get a higher score using band 9 model essays. After this, you will complete some language units to improve your band score.
The course demonstrates our ielts4me easy 5-step process with in-unit learning activities and end of unit tests so you can learn quickly and check your progress as you go.
At the end of the course, you will attempt to write a full essay under timed conditions to apply everything taught on the course.
There are just under 200 individual learning activities to complete in the course.
Course Features
- Lectures 34
- Quizzes 12
- Duration 25 hours
- Skill level Band 4.5 and above
- Language English
- Students 146
- Assessments Yes
-
Unit 1: Task 2 Introduction
This first unit provides an overview of task 2 writing. Find out about what you need to do, and how to do it well.
-
Unit 2: 5-Step Process and Question Types
Study the 4 different types of essay questions and learn how to go about writing your essay from beginning to end using the ielts4me 5-step process.
-
Unit 3: Full 5-Step Process Examples (with models)
Study fully worked band score 9 model essays for every type of task 2 question. Each case study shows the ietls4me 5-step process with detailed step by step examples, so you can learn how to manage your time and how to write an excellent essay.
-
Unit 4: Overall Essay Cohesion
Learn how to make your essay cohesive so that it’s easy to understand and has a natural flow like a high level native writer.
-
Unit 5: Time Yourself! - Steps 1, 2 and 3 (analysing the question, brainstorming and paragraph planning)
You’ve already studied the first 4 units. Now test the analyzing and planning skills you have learnt by completing the quiz activities.
-
Unit 6: Essay Language and Grammar Tips
Get high scoring language and grammar tips to improve your writing. Then put it into practice by completing the many quizzes and essay based learning exercises.
-
Unit 7: Academic Style
Learn how to improve your score even more, by writing in a higher level academic style.
-
Practice Test and Course Summary Handout
Download our course summary handouts and try a practice question under timed conditions, then compare it to our model.
