IELTS writing course – lesson #1

Academic and General Training Writing Task 2: For and Against

In some IELTS Writing tasks you need to give arguments for and against the topic. If you do not do this
you may only be answering half the question and you will lose marks.
Test tip: You must keep the main topic in
mind while you are writing and refer back to it all
the time. You will lose marks if you do not
address the issue raised in the question.
Re-Writing or summarising the question
1 Read the task 2 question below and summarise in your own words what it is that you must agree or
disagree with.
Some governments try to control the way a national language is used. For example, they may restrict the introduction of
foreign words, or the use of dialects, or they may demand that a certain language be used in schools.What are the
benefits and disadvantages of these policies? Do you think they can ever be effective?
2 Write your summary in the middle of a clean page and put a circle round it. ‘Brainstorm’ some ideas on
how to respond to this question.
Making notes agreeing and disagreeing with the question
3 Organise your thoughts about the ideas in the task by writing them in your own words, and thinking of
points for and against the argument.
Example:

FOR
Culture is maintained through AGAINST
language so it’s worth keeping Language is a living thing you
it pure. can’t stop it changing.
One country needs one Restrictions on a national People have the the right to use
language. language are justified their own language.
Think of two more points to add to the notes. one for and one against the main topic in the circle.
Organising you answer
4 Now you need to make a plan for your answer. Here is an example.
Introduction
Expand the summary to re-phrase the question in your own words OR start
with a clear statement of your own about the policy.Useful expressions:
The question of whether or not …
I feel that language is …

Paragraph 1
Expand the first point on the ‘For’ side about the link between language and
culture. Balance it with a counter argument on the ‘Against’ side.Useful
expressions:
Some people think …
It can be argued that …
However, …

Paragraph 2
Express an opinion on having a national language. Give your own view. Make it
clear to the reader where you stand or express an understanding of both points of
 view.Useful expressions:
While …, there may be an argument in favour of …

Paragraph 3
Include another point of your own based on your idea above.Useful expressions:
I tend to think that …
Generally speaking, …

Conclusion
End with a clear statement on how you feel about the issue OR summarise the two
main sides of the argument.Useful expressions:
To sum up …
Ultimately, it is important to consider …
Write a complete answer
5 Write a complete answer to this question, following the steps above.
Test tip: ‘To what extend do you agree’ is
another way of saying ‘Do you agree … if so,
how much?’ It invites you to agree and disagree.

IELTS writing course – lesson #2

General Training Writing Task 1: Introduction and Tone

In General Training Writing Task 1 you will have to write a letter in response to a given task.
The way you begin the first paragraph and the style you use will depend on:

 The overall purpose of the letter

 The tone of the message you want to get across
 Your relationship to the person receiving the letter.

Test tip: Always bear in mind the reason you are

writing your letter and who will read it. You
will lose marks if you use the wrong tone.
1 Look at these opening sentences. Can you tell whether the writer knows the person receiving the
letter? What is the purpose of these letters?
Know the Purpose of the
reader? letter

Thanks so much for your letter and the To express

lovely photos of the wedding, which are thanks to a
a absolutely marvelous. yes friend
I am a first-year student in the Faculty of
Science.I am writing to ask permission to
b transfer from Biochemistry to Biology …
I’m writing to thank you for your hospitality
c on Saturday. It was very kind of you to give
 us dinner even though we arrived
unexpectedly.
I am a resident at Flat 4, 43 Westbridge
Road, Newport. I would like to report that a
green Toyota van has been abandoned
d outside our block of flats…
Following our telephone conversation, this is
to confirm that, unfortunately, I will be
e unable to attend the meeting on 3rd March.
On 15th March, I purchased a new car
through your Perth showroom. Since then I
have experienced a series of difficulties
f which I wish to outline …

2 Which salutations and endings would you use with paragraphs a-f in exercise 1?
Salutation usage sign off with
Use only when you are writing a formal or
Dear Sir, official letter and you do not know the person Yours
Dear Sirs, you are writing to, or their name. faithfully,
Dear Mr Joe, Use the title with the family name when you are
Dear Ms writing a formal letter to someone you know or
Park, whose name you have been given. Use this
Dear Dr salutation for people you don’t know very well Kind regards,
Yong, or where you need to show respect. Your Sincerely,
Use given names only with people you know
quite well. In business this is sometimes
acceptable, but if in doubt, use the family name. Kind regards,
Dear Rose, Always use given names when writing an Best wishes,
Dear Yoko, informal letter to a friend or relative. Lots of love,
Opening and closing letters
3 Match the opening sentences a-e with the closing sentences i-v below.
Underline the key words that helped you to do this.

Opening sentences
a) It was lovely to hear from you after all these years.
b) I was really sorry to hear about Aunt Mary’s accident.
c) I am a student at your college and I am writing to ask a favour.
d) Thank you for your letter regarding the position of office assistant.
e) This is just to thank you for your marvellous hospitality last week.

Closing sentences
i) Give my regards to your mother and best wishes for her speedy recovery.
ii) I hope you are able to help me and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
iii) I hope one day to be able to return the warm welcome.
iv) We look forward to seeing you at the interview.
v) Please stay in touch.

REASON FOR WRITING1

Giving advice
2 Apologising 7 Introducing yourself
3 Explaining 8 Thanking
4 Requesting 9 Suggesting
5 Persuading 10 Expressing a feeling
6 Compaining 11 Inviting

IELTS writing course – lesson #3

General Training Writing Task 1

In General Training Writing Task 1 you will have to write a letter of 150 words. You must cover all three
of the bullet points in your letter and begin and end your letter appropriately. You also need to write in
paragraphs and use the right tone.

Step 1
Read the task opposite and decide what type of letter is required, e.g. formal or informal. And what the
purpose of the letter is. Underline the key words that help you decide.

You have recently heard that a friend of yours has had some problems as a result
of some unusual weather. Write a letter to your friend.
In your letter
• Express concern (i.e. say you are sorry to hear what has happened)
• Tell them about a similar experience that you once had
• Give some advice or offer help.

Step 2
Brainstorm some ideas about unusual weather and the damage it can cause. Complete the table to help
you and note any other useful vocabulary.

types of weather useful words possible damage

storm/ gale roof blown of house
wet flood
fires
dry drought
cold ice/ snow
Step 3
Complete the following notes with some ideas and words that you could use in your letter. You have to
write at least 150 words so you need to use your imagination.

• Shocked to hear about the ……… and damage to …… –very ……

• Understand the feeling of ………Our house once ……Insurance covered cost of
………now fully repaired.
• Think positively: Opportunity to ……Happy to help ……
• Closing ideas …..

Test Tips:
Note how the three bullet points help you organize your letter into
clear paragraphs.
Step 4
Take 15 minutes.
Expand the notes into a complete letter. Remember you are writing to a friend, so the letter can be quite
informal and friendly in style. You could use the expressions in the boxes.

Useful expressions of concern

I was very sorry to hear about …
I’m sorry to learn about …..
I was shocked by the news that ….
I was concerned/upset to hear that …..
NB Do not say ‘What a pity!’ when the situation is really serious.

Step 5
Read your letter carefully to check the grammar, spelling and organization.

Useful expressions for offering help

Let me Know if I can …
Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need ….
I hope things work out all right.

Summary
Remember to follow these steps when you do Writing Task 1.

• Brainstorm ideas for what to say.

• Note useful vocabulary.
• Make notes for each paragraph.
• Expand your notes into a letter.
• Check your letter carefully.