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Francis Carlisle: Last Minute English

Do you get nervous thinking about writing a 250+ word essay in English in only 40 minutes?

Do you feel worried about writing letters in Task 1? 

Do you always write safe, simple sentences in English because you are afraid of making a mistake?

Our Goal: You will get a 7 or 8 in your IELTS General Writing Test.

Welcome to IELTS General Writing - The Complete Guide from Last Minute English.

We will take you step by step through the IELTS General Writing Test.

After taking this course, you will:

- Have more confidence in your English writing ability

Read more

Do you get nervous thinking about writing a 250+ word essay in English in only 40 minutes?

Do you feel worried about writing letters in Task 1? 

Do you always write safe, simple sentences in English because you are afraid of making a mistake?

Our Goal: You will get a 7 or 8 in your IELTS General Writing Test.

Welcome to IELTS General Writing - The Complete Guide from Last Minute English.

We will take you step by step through the IELTS General Writing Test.

After taking this course, you will:

- Have more confidence in your English writing ability

- Feel relaxed about the IELTS Writing test

- Be ready to follow your dreams

This Last Minute English course has been created by Francis, a qualified IELTS Examiner from the UK.

Francis has 10 years of experience helping students to get 7+ in the IELTS Exam.

By learning from a qualified IELTS Examiner, you’ll:

- Get crucial inside information to break the 5.5 IELTS score ceiling

- Learn IELTS Writing skills in a focused and efficient way

- Make your friends jealous and amaze your family with your high IELTS score.

3 Part Course:

- Formal English Writing Improvement (2.5 hours)

- Focus on IELTS General Writing Task 1 (3.5 hours)

- Focus on IELTS Writing Task 2 (2 hours)

Section 1: Formal English Writing Improvement

- Use long, complex sentences correctly

- Know the difference between Formal & Informal English writing

- Use transitional words and phrases for logical essays

- Understand great writing tricks like the Rule of Three

- Discover (and avoid) common writing mistakes

- 2.5 hours in total

- 24 videos

Section 2: IELTS General Writing Task 1: The Letter

- Learn how to answer IELTS General Writing Task 1

- Understand all IELTS Writing Task 1 questions

- Find out how the IELTS Examiner decides your score

- Learn how to make a plan to answer IELTS Writing Task 1

- Discover which tenses to use for which IELTS Writing questions

- Learn great phrases to use in your IELTS Writing Task 1

- Build 3 full IELTS General Writing Task 1 answers together (including full IELTS Band 9 answers)

- 3.5 hours

- 43 videos

Section 3: IELTS General Writing Task 2: The Essay

- Learn how to answer IELTS General Writing Task 2

- Understand all IELTS Writing Task 2 questions

- Find out how the IELTS Examiner decides your score

- Learn how to organize your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay (different structures for every type of question. Make sure you learn this. )

- Discover the best way to plan your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay

- Learn the best vocabulary for all parts of your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay

- Build 2 full IELTS Writing Task 2 answers together (including full IELTS Band 9 answers)

- 2 hours

- 24 videos

Credits: Music from bensound

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • You'll learn how to get 7+ in your ielts general writing test
  • You'll improve your formal english writing ability
  • You'll learn how to write perfect letters (task 1) and excellent essays (task 2)

Syllabus

You'll learn how to use complex sentences and avoid common mistakes in order to get a 7 or 8 for grammar
Welcome to the Course!
Complex Sentences 1: Overview Part 1
Read more

You can find the PDF version of this section's content available to download in this video.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Breaks down the complexities of formal English writing, which is essential for achieving a high score on the IELTS General Writing test
Provides detailed guidance on both Task 1 (letter writing) and Task 2 (essay writing), which are key components of the IELTS General Writing test
Offers insights into how the IELTS examiner assesses writing, which can help students tailor their writing to meet the assessment criteria
Includes building full IELTS General Writing Task 1 and Task 2 answers together, which provides practical experience and examples for learners
Taught by a qualified IELTS Examiner from the UK, which provides learners with valuable insights and strategies for success
Focuses on improving formal English writing skills, which may not be suitable for learners seeking to improve informal or creative writing abilities

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Reviews summary

Practical guide to ielts general writing

According to learners, this course is a highly beneficial aid for preparing for the IELTS General Writing test, particularly for those aiming for a Band 7 or higher. Many highlight the value of learning from a qualified IELTS Examiner, appreciating the insider tips and clear explanations of how examiners score the tests. The step-by-step structure, covering both Task 1 (Letter) and Task 2 (Essay), is frequently praised for providing practical strategies and useful vocabulary. Students also found the Band 9 examples very helpful. While the majority express increased confidence after taking the course, a few reviewers mention wishing for more practice exercises to solidify their learning and some found the pace a little slow in parts.
Pace might not suit all learning speeds.
"For beginners, the pace might be just right, but for others, some parts are slow."
"Sometimes I felt the instructor went over the same points multiple times."
Helps students feel ready for the test.
"After taking this course, I feel much more confident about the writing test."
"It really helped calm my nerves about the IELTS Writing section."
"I feel ready to follow my dreams after completing this guide."
Well-organized and easy-to-follow modules.
"The course is perfectly structured and divided into clear, manageable sections."
"Francis takes you step by step through everything you need to know."
"I liked how the course was broken down into formal English, Task 1, and Task 2."
Useful examples help grasp concepts.
"Building full answers together, including Band 9 ones, was extremely beneficial."
"The examples of letters and essays show you how to apply the strategies."
"The course provides great phrases and vocabulary for both tasks."
"Seeing the Band 9 examples gave me a clear target."
Instructor's background adds unique value.
"Learning from an IELTS examiner makes a big difference, providing valuable insights."
"I got crucial insider information to break the 5.5 IELTS score ceiling."
"Instructor is an actual examiner, which helps you understand exactly what they look for."
"The tips from the examiner were incredibly helpful for understanding the scoring."
Some desire more exercises to practice skills.
"I wish there were more practice questions or exercises after each section."
"While the examples are great, more interactive practice would be good."
"I had to find additional practice materials myself to feel fully prepared."

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 IELTS General Writing - The Complete Guide with these activities:
Review English Grammar Fundamentals
Strengthen your understanding of English grammar rules to improve sentence construction and avoid common errors in the IELTS writing tasks.
Browse courses on Complex Sentences
Show steps
  • Review basic grammar concepts such as tenses, articles, and prepositions.
  • Complete online grammar quizzes to assess your understanding.
  • Identify and correct grammar errors in sample essays.
Read 'Collins Get Ready for IELTS Writing'
Use this book to build a strong foundation in writing skills.
View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon
Show steps
  • Work through the exercises on sentence structure and paragraphing.
  • Pay attention to the vocabulary sections and practice using new words.
  • Review the sample essays and identify key features of good writing.
Study 'IELTS Advantage: Writing Skills'
Study this book to gain a deeper understanding of IELTS writing techniques and strategies.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on essay structure and vocabulary.
  • Complete the practice exercises in the book.
  • Analyze the sample answers and identify key features.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Writing Complex Sentences
Practice constructing complex sentences to enhance your writing style and demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency in the IELTS exam.
Show steps
  • Study examples of complex sentences using different clause types.
  • Rewrite simple sentences as complex sentences.
  • Get feedback on your complex sentence construction from a peer or tutor.
Write Practice IELTS Essays
Write full practice essays under timed conditions to simulate the IELTS exam environment and improve your writing speed and accuracy.
Show steps
  • Choose an IELTS writing task 2 prompt.
  • Plan your essay structure and key points.
  • Write the essay within the 40-minute time limit.
  • Review and edit your essay for grammar, vocabulary, and coherence.
Create a Vocabulary Log
Compile a list of useful vocabulary words and phrases relevant to IELTS writing topics to expand your lexical resource and improve your writing fluency.
Show steps
  • Identify common IELTS writing topics.
  • Research and collect relevant vocabulary for each topic.
  • Organize the vocabulary into a log with definitions and example sentences.
  • Review and practice using the vocabulary in your writing.
Peer Review and Feedback
Exchange essays with a peer and provide constructive feedback on grammar, vocabulary, structure, and coherence to improve your writing skills through collaborative learning.
Show steps
  • Find a study partner or join a writing group.
  • Exchange essays with your partner.
  • Provide feedback based on the IELTS marking criteria.
  • Discuss the feedback and identify areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete IELTS General Writing - The Complete Guide will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
ESL Instructor
An ESL Instructor teaches English to speakers of other languages, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and writing. This course, which covers IELTS General Writing, helps build confidence in English writing ability and provides a step-by-step guide to the IELTS General Writing Test. The course's syllabus, including sections on complex sentences, transitional words, and formal versus informal writing, may be directly applicable to ESL instruction. Furthermore, the focus on avoiding common writing mistakes and understanding different question types in Task 1 and Task 2 could enable an ESL instructor to better prepare their students for standardized tests and improve their overall writing proficiency.
Textbook Writer
A textbook writer creates educational textbooks on various subjects, requiring a deep understanding of the subject matter and excellent writing skills. This course on IELTS General Writing develops foundational skills. This course helps one improve their formal English writing ability and use long, complex sentences correctly. The emphasis on clarity, structure, and grammatical accuracy helps a textbook writer produce high-quality educational materials. The knowledge gained from this course's detailed writing guidance directly supports a textbook writer's capacity to create effective and engaging learning resources.
Grant Writer
A grant writer researches and writes proposals to secure funding for organizations. As a grant writer, excellent writing skills are critical. This course provides key skills in formal English writing, helping you to craft compelling and persuasive grant proposals. You will learn how to use transitional words and phrases for logical essays and understand great writing tricks. The focus on constructing well-structured arguments is directly applicable to writing successful grant applications, where clarity and precision are essential.
Curriculum Developer
A curriculum developer designs educational content and materials for various subjects and levels. Curriculum developers require a strong command of the English language. The course provides a detailed focus on improving formal English writing ability. By mastering the use of complex sentences, transitional words, and the avoidance of common writing mistakes, a curriculum developer can create clear, coherent, and effective educational content. The course's insights into structuring essays and writing different types of letters can inform the design of writing-based assignments and assessments.
Proofreader
A proofreader is responsible for reviewing text to identify and correct errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style. This IELTS General Writing course may be helpful for proofreaders, as it focuses on improving formal English writing and avoiding common writing mistakes. The knowledge gained from this course on complex sentences, transitional words, and grammatical accuracy helps a proofreader refine their skills. The course's detailed attention to language conventions and common errors can directly enhance a proofreader's ability to identify and correct mistakes in written material.
English Teacher
The role of an English teacher is to educate students on the English language, literature, and composition. This course, centered on IELTS General Writing, may be useful to those who wish to become educators. The course focuses on improving formal English writing ability, using complex sentences correctly, and avoiding common writing mistakes. It also may assist those who want to teach students preparing for the IELTS exam. The course's detailed sections on essay structure, vocabulary, and grammar offer a potential roadmap for teaching effective writing skills. The teacher could leverage this knowledge to guide students in mastering the nuances of formal writing.
Editor
An editor reviews and corrects written material to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency. This course on IELTS General Writing may be useful for editors. The course helps one improve their formal English writing ability and discover and avoid common writing mistakes. Furthermore, the course's focus on grammar and sentence structure may improve an editor's ability to refine text. The course can provide an editor with a solid foundation of the general skills that they require.
Copywriter
A copywriter creates persuasive content for advertising and marketing. Copywriters need to have a strong grasp of grammar and sentence structure. While the focus of this course is IELTS Writing, it may provide a useful skillset for copywriting roles. This course helps you improve your formal English writing ability. The course also helps one learn how to use long, complex sentences correctly, and how to use transitional words and phrases for logical communication. It also helps one to avoid common writing mistakes.
Journalist
A journalist researches and writes news articles or reports for various media outlets. While this course focuses on IELTS, it may be helpful for aspiring journalists. The course helps one improve their formal English writing ability and use long complex sentences correctly. The course aims to improve ones writing skills. Moreover, learning to avoid common writing mistakes can contribute to the accuracy and credibility of journalistic writing. The journalist benefits from a course that provides the formal skills that journalism requires.
Communications Specialist
A communications specialist manages the flow of information within an organization and to the public, often requiring strong writing skills. This IELTS General Writing course may provide valuable skills. The course improves formal English writing ability and helps one use long, complex sentences correctly. The ability to tailor communication to different audiences and purposes, as emphasized in the course, is essential for a communications specialist who must convey messages effectively across various channels. While not a direct fit, a communications specialist may derive value.
Technical Writer
A technical writer creates documentation for complex products or processes, and this often involves producing clear, concise, and accurate written material. While the course focuses on IELTS General Writing, a learner can use this opportunity to hone their skills. The course helps the learner use long, complex sentences correctly and know the difference between formal and informal English writing. The course can help a technical writer write clearly and accurately, while maintaining a formal tone.
Speech Writer
A speech writer crafts speeches for individuals in leadership positions, often needing to adapt their writing style to match the speaker's voice. Although focused on IELTS writing, this course, particularly the sections on formal English and essay structure, helps speech writing. The course helps one improve their formal English writing ability and use long, complex sentences correctly. Additionally, the course's emphasis on logical essay structure aligns with the need for speeches to be coherent and impactful. A speech writer will benefit from improved English skills.
Language Assessor
A language assessor evaluates an individual's language proficiency, often in the context of immigration or academic placement. Given that this course provides skills to achieve a high score on the IELTS exam, this course provides relevant skills. The language assessor is tasked with evaluating the language skills of others, and this assessment may require an understanding of the IELTS exam. This course provides one such foundation. Furthermore, the course helps one improve their writing ability.
Content Strategist
A content strategist plans, develops, and manages content for various platforms to meet specific goals. The course may be helpful to a content strategist who seeks to improve their formal tone. The course helps learners use transitional words and phrases for logical communication. A content strategist can leverage the course's insights on structuring written communication to develop content that is not only engaging but also logically sound and persuasive. The course may also help content strategists understand how to avoid common writing mistakes.
Linguist
A linguist studies the structure, evolution, and social context of languages. While the course focuses on IELTS General Writing, it may be useful for linguists interested in applied linguistics. This course helps one improve formal English writing ability and understand great writing tricks. The detailed analysis of sentence structure, grammar, and vocabulary enhances a linguist's understanding of English. Access to structured guidance on English writing skills can supplement a linguist's broader knowledge of language theory and application.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 IELTS General Writing - The Complete Guide.
Focuses on developing advanced writing skills for the IELTS exam. It provides detailed explanations of different essay types, grammar rules, and vocabulary. It is best used as a supplementary resource for students aiming for a high band score.
Is designed for lower-level IELTS students who need to build a solid foundation in writing skills. It focuses on essential grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. It is particularly helpful for students who struggle with basic writing concepts and need a step-by-step approach to improve their skills. This book is more valuable as background reading for those who need to strengthen their fundamentals.

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