When approaching IELTS Writing Task 2, task response is the most important criteria. This article will examine the importance of answering the question, explain what examiners are looking for, and provide valuable tips and strategies to improve your IELTS writing task 2 skills.
Breaking Down Task Response Criteria
Understanding what examiners are looking for is the first step to writing a high-scoring answer. The key aspects they consider in task response are...
Addressing the prompt:
Basically, this means - Did you answer the question? It sounds like common sense but you'd be surprised how often students don't actually answer all parts of the question.
For example, the instructions say, "Discuss both views and give your own opinion" and the student discusses both views but doesn't include their own opinion. This would mean...
Band 5 - The main parts of the prompt are incompletely addressed.
When you answer all three parts of this task would get a minimum of...
Band 6 - The main parts of the prompt are addressed.
Correct format:
This refers to the essential parts of the essay. Specifically, your answer must include an introduction, main body paragraphs and a conclusion. It also means that you should not format your essay with bullet points or sub headings. Answers that don't have the three main parts and/or have incorrect formatting would mean...
Band 5 & 4 - The format may be inappropriate (in places)
While essays that include all parts would get a minimum of......
Band 6 - An appropriate format is used
Clear and consistent position (opinion):
For the task types that require you to give your opinion (position) you must state clearly what your opinion is and stick with it throughout your answer. Your opinion is best started in the thesis statement of the essay and developed in your body paragraphs.
If your opinion isn't clearly stated, this would mean...
Band 4 - A position is discernable, but the reader has to read carefully to find it.
If your opinion is clearly stated but not consistent in your body paragraphs this would mean...
Band 5 - The writer expresses an opinion but the development is not always clear.
For example, when you 100% agree with the prompt but your body paragraphs include ideas why you both agree AND disagree.
When your position is clearly stated and consistently developed in your body paragraphs and conclusion, this would mean a minimum of...
Band 7 - A clear and developed position is presented.
Developed and relevant main ideas:
The instructions in the prompt are there to help you... "Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience"
Listing ideas in your body paragraphs isn’t sufficient. Your main ideas must include supporting details and, put simply, these are examples of your and/or others' experiences and background knowledge of the topic. If your answer doesn't include these, it would mean...
Band 5 - Some main ideas are put forward, but they are limited and are not
sufficiently developed.
When your main ideas are fully supported this would mean a minimum of...
Band 7 - Main ideas are extended and supported.
Relevant ideas mean staying on topic. Your main ideas should only be about the statement in the prompt. When your answer goes off topic, it becomes irrelevant and would mean...
Band 5 - Some main ideas are put forward but... there may be irrelevant details.
When your ideas are relevant (on topic), this would mean a minimum of...
Band 6 - Main ideas are relevant...
Strategies to Enhance Task Response Skills
Here are several practical strategies for you to improve their task response score in Writing Task 2:
Understand the Question:
Before you start writing anything it is vital that you fully understand exactly what the task requires. Candidates who fail to understand the question usually discuss the topic generally rather than answering the task. Follow the instructions carefully. For sample answers and strategies for each task type, follow the link.
https://www.total-ielts.com/ielts-writing-task-2-sample-answers
Plan Your Essay:
Planning your task 2 answer is essential for success. Planning your answer will…
Manage the time effectively.
Organize your ideas.
Keep you on topic.
Enable you to address all parts of the task
For more strategies on planning task 2, follow the link.
Include Specific Examples and knowledge: Examples and knowledge in your body paragraphs strengthen your arguments. Use specific scenarios, statistics, or personal experiences that relate to your points. The more concrete your examples, the more persuasive your writing becomes.
Stay on topic: Keep your answer relevant. After you have analyzed the topic and instructions (task type), only include ideas on the topic.
Include a conclusion:
A clear conclusion is as important as all the other elements of your answer. Examiners like to see a concise conclusion where you restate (paraphrase) your position and main ideas from the body paragraphs. Don't include any new information or ideas.
Get Constructive Feedback:
Sharing your drafts with teachers or fellow students is always a good strategy. They can help you identify areas for improvement in task response.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the importance of task response criteria for IELTS Writing Task 2 is crucial for achieving a high score.
Make sure you answer every part of the question in the right format. Your IELTS Task 2 essay should have the key parts: an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
State a clear position and stay on topic using examples and knowledge in your body paragraphs.
Summarize these ideas and position in a short conclusion and always plan your essay.
By practicing, getting helpful feedback, and having a clear plan, you can really boost your task response skills. Use these tips to get ready, and you'll see your writing confidence soar as you tackle your IELTS exam!
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