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The IELTS Teacher

"Hi Matt,

This course is simply amazing. This was my second time taking the test and I got a 7.5 in Writing with an overall band score of 8.5. Last time I got a 5.5 in writing with an overall band score of 7.5. I improved by 2 band scores due to this course. Thank you so much for your help.

Sincerely,

Serena"

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An expertly designed IELTS course with over 6,000 5-star ratings. 

"After scoring band 6 in writing for 4 times in a row, I finally took this course and ended up 7.5." - Mohit Kare

Incredible testimonials, with students going from Band 6.0 to Band 7.0/7.5 in a few weeks.

Read more

"Hi Matt,

This course is simply amazing. This was my second time taking the test and I got a 7.5 in Writing with an overall band score of 8.5. Last time I got a 5.5 in writing with an overall band score of 7.5. I improved by 2 band scores due to this course. Thank you so much for your help.

Sincerely,

Serena"

-

An expertly designed IELTS course with over 6,000 5-star ratings. 

"After scoring band 6 in writing for 4 times in a row, I finally took this course and ended up 7.5." - Mohit Kare

Incredible testimonials, with students going from Band 6.0 to Band 7.0/7.5 in a few weeks.

"This IELTS course is the best I have ever come across. It's straight to the point and the analysis is second to none." - Ugenbi Vincent

A teacher with thousands of hours of 1-to-1 IELTS tuition and an excellent reputation.

"The best course ever. I jumped from 6.0 to 7.5 in writing in only one month with this course." - Jaime Dantas

Nothing to lose with Udemy's simple 30-day money-back guarantee.

Join over 50,000 students from 150+ different countries.

All lectures are fully downloadable for access anywhere, any time.

35 lectures - prepare for the IELTS writing exam within 7 hours. Applies to both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training modules.  

Receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the whole course.

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Should I take this course?

Have you taken the IELTS Writing exam in the past and not received the Band 7 or above you needed?

Are you taking the IELTS Writing exam for the first time and want to have the best essay writing IELTS preparation available?

Do you want to be taught by an instructor who teaches IELTS Writing every day, and has already helped thousands of students to improve their English and realise their IELTS goals, from Band 6 to Band 8 and beyond?

If you answered 'yes' to any of the questions above, then this course is for you.

Do not waste time and money on exam after exam after exam. Take this course to improve your English, learn the tips, tools and techniques to get the band score you need, and achieve IELTS Writing success now.

Please note that this course is not appropriate for students studying for IELTS Speaking, IELTS Reading, IELTS Listening or for students of the TOEFL exam.

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How will this course help me?

This course will teach you how to write what the IELTS examiners want to read in IELTS Writing Task 2. It is aimed at students who are trying to achieve Band 7, but will also be extremely valuable for any students aiming for Band 6 or Band 8. Even Band 9 students will learn something new here. It is applicable to both the IELTS Academic and IELTS GT modules.

You might think that the IELTS examiners only care about a wide range of vocabulary, correct spelling and accurate grammar. This is wrong. These are all important, but there is so much more you can do to boost your score.

Mastering IELTS Writing: Task 2 tells you exactly what you need to know to succeed in this English language exam. This is the IELTS Band 7+ complete prep course for IELTS Writing Task 2.

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During this course, you will:

  • understand how the IELTS exam, and the writing test in particular, is structured and how it should be approached

  • learn how to write an answer to any Writing Task 2 question after learning how to recognise different question types

  • learn how to manage your time wisely, how to plan your essay effectively, and how to structure your writing appropriately

  • learn how to create 'flow' in your essays so that you can begin to write like a native

  • find out how to increase your range of vocabulary quickly and effectively

  • study the steps you need to take in order to achieve grammatical range and accuracy

  • learn many of the 'secrets of success' that will help you to get the best score possible

  • learn an effective 3-step formula for writing introductions and conclusions, so more time can be spent on the body of the essay

  • begin to feel confident, assured and increasingly prepared for the writing test in your next IELTS exam

What do you use to teach your course?There are three key ingredients in the Mastering IELTS Writing: Task 2 course:

  1. Lessons. The lessons in this course work. I know this because of the high scores of my past students. The lessons are clear, direct, and focused entirely on improving the quality of your writing skills. We will waste no time.

  2. Materials. The materials I have included in this course are the materials which have helped my past students to score band 7 and above in the IELTS exam. These high-quality materials include helpful, clear descriptions of IELTS techniques, model answers to IELTS writing questions, and common mistakes to avoid. Everything you see in this course is a collection of all the techniques I have learnt over the years with my many IELTS students. 

  3. Teacher. My name is Matt, and I run a website called The IELTS Teacher. I am a British native with a Bachelor's Degree in English, and have been helping students to learn English since 2008. In 2013, I launched The IELTS Teacher. I created this website because I wanted to help students to pass their IELTS exams with lessons via Skype and screen-sharing, as well as Writing Corrections. I have already taught thousands of 1-to-1 IELTS lessons, and helped hundreds of students towards their target scores. 

So what are you waiting for? Enrol on the course today and let's get you started on the road to IELTS success.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Approach any topic or question type in ielts writing task 2
  • Get clear and supportive answers to all of your questions by using the q&a tool
  • Manage ielts task 2 time constraints calmly and effectively
  • Write high-quality introductions and conclusions quickly and efficiently
  • Build a high-scoring body paragraph with well-developed ideas and arguments
  • Write in a coherent and cohesive way, and link ideas with a sense of clear, logical progression
  • Use a vast array of new vocabulary - both common and academic - to boost your lexical resource
  • Use grammatical constructions which will improve your score in grammatical range and accuracy
  • Apply my 'secrets of success', which have helped many students jump from band 6 to band 7.5
  • Think like an ielts examiner, and apply this thinking in the writing test
  • Feel confident and self-assured heading into your ielts exam, and when writing essays in the future for work or university
  • Show more
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Syllabus

General Overview

Need a PDF/eBook for this course? Just go to the final lecture and check out the resources section! 

An introduction to the IELTS exam. You can SKIP THIS LECTURE if you have taken IELTS before and/or are comfortable that you know the structure of the exam. 

Read more

A quick look at Writing Task 2 in IELTS, and some examples of the types of questions you may be asked. Again, you can SKIP THIS LECTURE if you have taken IELTS before and/or are comfortable that you know the structure of the exam. 

How do the IELTS examiners mark your Task 2 essay? Find out what you need to do to achieve a Band 7+ score.

In this lecture you will learn the four different types of questions you can receive in IELTS Writing Task 2. You will also learn how to structure your essay for each one.

Watch this lecture to see how a perfect answer looks, and get links to the lectures in the course that teach the specific skills seen in the essay.

A 3-step process for quickly and efficiently planning your essay.

How to manage your time and deal with the minimum word count when writing your essay. Also features some advice on dealing with time-limit-related anxiety.

Some common misconceptions about IELTS Writing Task 2 which may damage your score...

This short quiz will help you to review what you have learnt in this section. 

Learn how to write essay introductions both quickly and proficiently with a simple formula.

Learn how to write well-developed and highly detailed body paragraphs, which run with a clear, fluent, and logical progression.

Learn how to write conclusion with speed and precision, and avoid the panic of rushing through the end of the essay.

Discover the skills and techniques you need to create a fluent, cohesive and coherent essay. (The decision to place this lecture at the end of this section was taken post-production, so apologies for referring to it as 'moving to a new section of the course').

Learn how to think of ideas for any topic so you're never stuck for arguments again! 

Learn how to support and develop ideas sufficiently using three simple questions.

Learn how to state and develop your opinion, even if your opinion is not one which fully agrees or disagrees with a viewpoint.

Learn the language that will stop you from making this key common mistake in IELTS Writing.

Learn the importance of writing words and expressions related to your topic, and how you can improve this vital skill.

Discover how to improve your ability with collocations, one of the most crucial components of natural-sounding English.

Learn what word formation really means and discover how you can use it to boost your score in the exam.

Struggling to avoid repetition? Synonyms are great, but they are NOT the only way to paraphrase! Learn four other techniques you can use to paraphrase quickly and effectively.

There are three very common errors made in simple sentences among even the most advanced English users. Learn what they are here.

Here we'll take a look at how to improve our ability to use complex sentences to communicate ideas in sophisticated way.

Learn how to use commas, apostrophes and capital letters appropriately and accurately, and avoid the most common punctuation mistakes made by other candidates.

Learn how to use conditional sentences (zero, first, second and third) to improve your range of grammar and develop your arguments effectively. (This should be titled 'Lecture 25', not '28'!)

Discover how to accurately use relative clauses to extend your range of grammar and add more information about your ideas.

This is one of the most important skills to master in order to get your required score: checking your work! Learn the best way to approach this step in this lecture.

Watch how all of the above skills are used to write a perfect IELTS Writing Task 2 answer. Part 1.

Watch how all of the above skills are used to write a perfect IELTS Writing Task 2 answer. Part 2.

A few tips, techniques, secrets and strategies that can help you on exam day.

Learn the best way to approach your self-study so as to feel totally prepared for the IELTS exam.

This lecture will provide you with resources for taking your IELTS learning further.

Thank you so much for taking this course, and well done on having completed it! I wish you the best of luck in your IELTS exam. Please let us know how you get on! 

To learn how to attend our monthly IELTS writing classes, check out the final bonus lecture!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores question types in IELTS Writing Task 2, providing a strong foundation for the exam
Taught by Matt, a British native with a Bachelor's Degree in English and extensive IELTS teaching experience
Offers a comprehensive approach to IELTS Writing Task 2 for both Academic and General Training modules
Provides clear and supportive answers to questions through the Q&A tool
Offers a 3-step formula for introductions and conclusions, streamlining the writing process
Explores techniques for building a high-scoring body paragraph with well-developed ideas and arguments

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Reviews summary

Mastering ielts writing task 2 strategies

According to students, this course provides highly effective strategies and templates specifically for IELTS Writing Task 2. Learners frequently report significant improvements in their scores, often reaching Band 7 or higher, attributing this success to the course's clear structure, practical tips, and the instructor's expert guidance. Key takeaways include learning how to structure essays efficiently, generate ideas, and understand examiner expectations. While overwhelmingly positive, a few suggest the course is best suited for those already at an intermediate level or needing specific Task 2 help, as it doesn't cover other IELTS sections.
May require foundational English skills.
"This course is aimed at students who are trying to achieve Band 7..."
"Students should probably have a decent grasp of English basics before taking this."
"Might be overwhelming if your general English foundation is weak."
"It's excellent for refining skills to get a high score, not for learning basic grammar."
Specifically targets writing task 2.
"Note that this course only covers Writing Task 2, not other sections."
"It's great for specific Task 2 help, but you'll need other resources for reading, listening, and speaking."
"The focus is laser-sharp on one task, which is effective if that's all you need."
"This course is not appropriate for students studying for IELTS Speaking, IELTS Reading, IELTS Listening..."
Instructor is knowledgeable and helpful.
"Matt is an excellent teacher, clear, concise, and knows exactly what IELTS examiners look for."
"The instructor's passion and expertise shine through the lectures."
"His explanations are easy to understand, making complex points simple."
"Matt provides valuable insights from his extensive experience."
"A highly experienced teacher who genuinely wants you to succeed."
Useful advice directly applicable to the test.
"The tips and tricks shared by the instructor were gold for the exam day."
"Learning how to think like an examiner was a game-changer."
"The lessons on paraphrasing and vocabulary were very beneficial."
"Found the time management advice particularly useful under exam pressure."
"Practical techniques that directly address the marking criteria."
Provides practical frameworks for essays.
"The essay structure provided is incredibly helpful and easy to follow."
"Learned a clear and efficient way to plan and write Task 2 essays."
"The templates for introductions and conclusions save so much time and are effective."
"I appreciated the step-by-step approach to building body paragraphs."
"The course gives you a solid framework to approach any essay question."
Many students report higher band scores.
"I improved my writing score from 6.0 to 7.5 after taking this course."
"Got my desired band score of 7 in writing after trying multiple times before this course."
"This course helped me jump from a band 6 to a 7.5 in writing. Highly recommended!"
"Finally achieved the Band 7 I needed, thanks to the techniques taught here."
"My score went up by a full band in writing. It's truly effective."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: IELTS Band 7+ Preparation with these activities:
Review Grammar and Vocabulary Concepts
Strengthen your grammar and vocabulary foundation by reviewing key concepts and practicing their application in writing essays.
Browse courses on Grammar Review
Show steps
  • Refer back to your English grammar notes or online resources.
  • Practice using correct grammar structures and vocabulary in sentences.
  • Focus on common grammar mistakes and vocabulary gaps identified in your previous IELTS attempts or practice essays.
Explore IELTS Exam Tips and Strategies
Get a head start by exploring tutorials that provide valuable tips and strategies for success in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Show steps
  • Locate online resources or YouTube videos that offer expert guidance on IELTS Writing Task 2.
  • Take notes on essential tips and strategies, such as understanding the task requirements, managing time effectively, and using appropriate language.
Read 'The Ultimate Guide to IELTS Writing' by Lin Lougheed
Gain in-depth knowledge and strategies for IELTS Writing Task 2 by reading this comprehensive reference book.
Show steps
  • Read through the book's chapters on Task 2 structure, essay types, and assessment criteria.
  • Refer to specific examples and model essays provided in the book.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Watch IELTS Essay Analysis Videos
Gain insights into the structure, language, and techniques used in high-scoring IELTS essays by watching expert analyses.
Browse courses on Exam Preparation
Show steps
  • Search for YouTube videos or online tutorials that analyze IELTS Writing Task 2 essays.
  • Pay attention to the examiner's comments and feedback.
  • Identify common strengths and weaknesses in the essays discussed.
Practice Task 2 Questions Regularly
Consistently practice writing Task 2 essays to improve your writing skills, familiarize yourself with different question types, and enhance your confidence.
Browse courses on IELTS Writing Task 2
Show steps
  • Choose a variety of Task 2 questions from practice materials or online resources.
  • Set a timer for 40 minutes and write an essay response for each question.
  • Analyze your responses, identifying areas for improvement and referring to the course materials for guidance.
Join a Study Group or Online Forum
Connect with other IELTS learners to share insights, provide feedback on essays, and engage in discussions that broaden your perspectives.
Browse courses on Peer Support
Show steps
  • Join an online IELTS study group or forum.
  • Participate actively in discussions, ask questions, and offer your own insights.
  • Exchange essays with peers for constructive feedback and support.
Write a Mock IELTS Essay
Simulate the real IELTS Writing Task 2 experience by writing a complete essay under timed conditions.
Browse courses on IELTS Writing Task 2
Show steps
  • Choose a Task 2 question and set a timer for 40 minutes.
  • Plan and outline your essay, ensuring a clear structure and logical flow of ideas.
  • Write your essay in full, paying attention to grammar, vocabulary, and organization.

Career center

Learners who complete Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: IELTS Band 7+ Preparation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer is responsible for creating written content that explains technical topics in a clear and concise way. This course could lead to success in this career by helping a Technical Writer develop strong writing skills, a deep understanding of grammar and syntax, and an ability to communicate complex technical information in a clear and concise way. The course could also help a Technical Writer to learn how to use different writing tools and techniques to create effective technical documentation.
Academic Writer
An Academic Writer is responsible for writing academic papers, articles, and books. This course could lead to success in this career by helping an Academic Writer develop strong writing skills, a deep understanding of research methods, and an ability to write clear and concise academic prose. The course could also help an Academic Writer learn how to use different writing tools and techniques to create effective academic writing.
Content Writer
A Content Writer is responsible for creating written content for a variety of purposes, such as websites, blogs, social media, and marketing materials. This course could lead to success in this career by helping a Content Writer to develop strong writing skills, a deep understanding of grammar and syntax, and a knack for storytelling. The course could also help a Content Writer to learn how to conduct research and how to write in a variety of styles and tones.
Speechwriter
A Speechwriter is responsible for writing speeches for public figures, such as politicians, business leaders, and celebrities. This course could lead to success in this career by helping a Speechwriter develop strong writing skills, a deep understanding of public speaking principles, and an ability to write persuasive and engaging speeches. The course could also help a Speechwriter learn how to conduct research, interview sources, and write in a variety of styles and tones.
Grant Writer
A Grant Writer is responsible for writing grants to secure funding for various projects and programs. This course could lead to success in this career by helping a Grant Writer develop strong writing skills, a deep understanding of grant writing principles, and an ability to write persuasive and compelling grants. The course could also help a Grant Writer learn how to identify potential funding opportunities and how to develop strong relationships with funders.
Journalist
A Journalist is responsible for writing news articles, feature stories, and other types of written content for newspapers, magazines, and other publications. This course could lead to success in this career by helping a Journalist develop strong writing skills, a deep understanding of journalistic ethics, and an ability to write clear and concise prose. The course could also help a Journalist learn how to conduct research, interview sources, and write in a variety of styles and tones.
Editor
An Editor is responsible for reviewing, correcting, and improving written material. This course could lead to success in this career by helping an Editor to develop a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of grammar and syntax. The course could also help an Editor to learn how to collaborate effectively with authors and other members of the publishing team.
Copywriter
A Copywriter is responsible for creating written content for advertising and marketing purposes. This course could lead to success in this career by helping a Copywriter develop strong writing skills, a deep understanding of marketing principles, and an ability to write persuasive and engaging copy. The course could also help a Copywriter to learn how to use different writing tools and techniques to create effective marketing materials.
Product Manager
A Product Manager is responsible for managing the development and launch of new products and services. This course could lead to success in this career by helping a Product Manager develop strong writing skills, a deep understanding of product development principles, and an ability to bring new products and services to market successfully. The course could also help a Product Manager learn how to conduct market research, analyze data, and track product performance.
Proposal Writer
A Proposal Writer is responsible for writing proposals for a variety of purposes, such as funding, business development, and research. This course could lead to success in this career by helping a Proposal Writer develop strong writing skills, a deep understanding of grant writing principles, and an ability to write persuasive and compelling proposals. The course could also help a Proposal Writer learn how to use different writing tools and techniques to create effective proposals.
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager is responsible for planning and executing marketing campaigns for a variety of products and services. This course could lead to success in this career by helping a Marketing Manager develop strong writing skills, a deep understanding of marketing principles, and an ability to develop and implement effective marketing campaigns. The course could also help a Marketing Manager learn how to conduct market research, analyze data, and track campaign results.
Business Development Manager
A Business Development Manager is responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities for a company. This course could lead to success in this career by helping a Business Development Manager develop strong writing skills, a deep understanding of business development principles, and an ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and partners. The course could also help a Business Development Manager learn how to identify potential business opportunities, develop and implement business plans, and track results.
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist is responsible for managing the public image of an organization or individual. This course could lead to success in this career by helping a Public Relations Specialist develop strong writing skills, a deep understanding of public relations principles, and an ability to build and maintain positive relationships with the media. The course could also help a Public Relations Specialist learn how to develop and implement public relations campaigns, and how to manage crisis communications.
Translator
A Translator is responsible for translating written or spoken text from one language to another. This course could lead to success in this career by helping a Translator to develop a strong understanding of the grammar and syntax of both the source and target languages. The course could also help a Translator to learn how to identify and avoid common pitfalls, and how to produce accurate and faithful translations.
English Teacher
An English Teacher works with English language learners to help them improve their conversational, reading, writing, and listening skills. This course could lead to success in this career by helping an English Teacher to develop a deep understanding of the English language, including grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. The course could also help an English Teacher to learn how to create effective lesson plans and how to engage students in learning.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: IELTS Band 7+ Preparation.
This textbook valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their academic writing skills. It is well-organized and easy to use, and includes many examples and exercises.
This dictionary is an essential tool for anyone who wants to improve their English vocabulary. It includes over 230,000 words, phrases, and idioms, and provides clear and concise definitions.
This dictionary great resource for anyone who wants to improve their English collocation skills. It includes over 60,000 collocations, and provides clear and concise explanations.
This classic book provides essential guidance on the principles of clear and concise writing. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills.
This online thesaurus great resource for anyone who wants to find the right word to use in any situation. It includes over 3 million synonyms and antonyms, and is easy to use.
This online grammar checker great way to improve your grammar and spelling. It can be used to check your work for errors, and can also provide suggestions for improvement.
Valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills. It provides clear and concise guidance on how to write clear, concise, and effective prose.
This style guide is the industry standard for academic writing. It provides detailed guidance on all aspects of academic writing, from grammar and punctuation to citations and references.

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