The IELTS Expert: IELTS Writing Task 2 Academic & General from Udemy

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Syllabus

You will learn how to answer OPINION questions, ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES questions, DISCUSSION questions, PROBLEM AND SOLUTION questions and others

Decide whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE:

TITLE: Some businesses now say that no one can smoke cigarettes in any of their offices. Some governments have banned smoking in all public places. Do you agree or disagree with this?

TITLE: Science can now help people to live to the age of a hundred or more. Some people view it in a positive light, but others believe it creates problems. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

TITLE: Many parents today pay for private tutors to teach their children after school hours. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

TITLE: At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people. Do you think that the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

TITLE; People doing dangerous sporting activities like scuba-diving and bungee-jumping should be responsible for their own safety. Rescue workers should not risk their lives to save people doing those sports. Do you agree or disagree?

TITLE: Students at school and university have to take too many tests and exams. These tests make it harder to teach and harder to learn and put students under unnecessary pressure. Is this a fair comment?

TITLE: It is sometimes said that people who think only about themselves are happier because they get what they want. Others say that selfish people have no friends and are usually lonely. Why do you think some people act selfishly? Is it good to be selfish?

TITLE: Our televisions, computer screens and streets are full of adverts for goods and services. Some experts say that advertising has a positive impact whereas others see it as dangerous. What is your opinion?

TITLE: Some experts say that the best sports stars, artists and scientists are born with great talent which other people do not have. Other experts say that any child can learn to be one of the best in these areas. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

TITLE: When people commit serious crime in most countries, they are sent to prison. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this approach?

TITLE: As more and more people move from one country to another, levels of racism have grown. Is it the responsibility of governments to tackle racism and, if it is, what should they do?

TITLE: These days, more and more schools focus on science and social science subjects and choose not to teach children to sing, paint, sculpt, write creatively or dance. Should school-children study the arts?

TITLE: Many students struggle in class and do not leave school with good educational qualifications. Why do some pupils struggle? What do you think should be done to help students who find studying difficult?

TITLE: In a response to the perceived threat of terrorism, security measures in many of the world’s major cities have been increased significantly in recent years. Do the benefits of having increased security outweigh the drawbacks?

TITLE: Some people prefer to go on holiday with family or friends. Other people prefer to go on holiday alone. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these two options?

TITLE: People listen to music for different reasons and at different times. Why is music important for many people?

TITLE: Who has the greater influence on the world: politicians or scientists?

TITLE: In some countries, children under 16 years old are not allowed by law to leave school and get full-time work. Is this a good or bad thing? Discuss your opinion.

TITLE: For many, being allowed to say what you want without fear of punishment is a basic human right. Why do people believe in the freedom of speech? Will the huge technological changes affecting us make it easier or more difficult for citizens to enjoy freedom of speech?

TITLE: In some countries, schoolchildren wear a uniform. In others, they can wear whatever they want at school. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having school uniforms?

TITLE: There are many elderly people in the world. It is unfair that their families should be expected to look after them. This is the job of the state. Do you agree?

TITLE: Many things which were done in the home by hand in the past are now done by machines. Does this development bring more advantages or disadvantages?

TITLE: In some countries, people prefer to rent a house to live in, while in other countries people prefer to buy their own house. Does renting a house have more advantages or disadvantages than buying a house?

TITLE: These days, people seem to spend less time sleeping than in the past. What are the reasons for this change? Is it a positive or a negative development?

TITLE: As a country develops, more people are able to purchase a car. Do you think that the positives for the individual outweigh the negatives for the environment?

TITLE: Cultures around the world today are more similar than they used to be. What are the reasons for this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

TITLE: More and more people are using online language translation apps. Does this development have more advantages or disadvantages?

TITLE: Some say that parents should encourage their children to take part in organized group activities in their spare time. Others say that it is important for children to learn how to occupy themselves on their own. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

TITLE: Memorizing facts is the most important way to succeed in education. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

TITLE: The media is increasingly interested in famous people who have ordinary backgrounds. Why do you think people want to find out about the lives of these famous individuals? Do you think this is a good thing?

TITLE: Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, prefer to take risks and think that change is a positive thing. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

TITLE: These days, in many countries, fewer people go to the cinema to watch movies than in the past. Why is this? Is it a good thing or a bad thing?

TITLE: More and more serious crimes seem to be committed each year. Some think that the death penalty is the best way to deal with this problem while other people think different measures are more likely to be successful. Discuss both options.

TITLE: Many sports players advertise sports-related products. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

TITLE: Some people say that protecting the environment is the government’s responsibility. Others believe that every individual should take responsibility for it. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

TITLE: Fewer and fewer young people are choosing to become teachers. Why do young people not want to be teachers? How could this be changed?

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Features videos based on model answers to IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, providing insights into how to effectively address various essay prompts and impress examiners

Taught by former IELTS examiners with over 16 years of experience and Master's Degrees, offering learners insights from experienced educators

Covers a range of essay types, including opinion, advantages/disadvantages, discussion, and problem/solution essays, which are common in the IELTS Writing Task 2

Explores vocabulary, grammar, coherence, cohesion, and task response, which are key criteria for achieving a Band 7.0 or higher in IELTS writing

Includes downloadable model answers, which can serve as valuable resources for learners to study and emulate in their own writing practice

Focuses specifically on the IELTS Writing Task 2, so learners may need to seek additional resources to prepare for other sections of the IELTS exam

Reviews summary

Ielts writing task 2 expert guide

According to learners, this course offers clear and effective strategies for tackling IELTS Writing Task 2. Many found the insights from former examiners particularly valuable, praising the detailed explanations of model answers and the focus on what examiners look for. The coverage of various essay types (Opinion, Problem/Solution, Discussion, etc.) is seen as comprehensive. Students report significant improvement in their understanding of structure, vocabulary, and grammar, often leading to higher band scores. However, some learners noted a lack of opportunities for practical application, wishing for more practice exercises or feedback on their own writing.

Helpful tips for vocabulary and grammar.

"The sections on Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy were very beneficial for improving my language score."

"I learned how to use linking words and more complex sentence structures effectively."

"The vocabulary tips provided were relevant and easy to incorporate into my writing."

"Focus on grammar and vocabulary helped me avoid common mistakes."

Addresses various question types comprehensively.

"The course covers all the main types of Task 2 essays, so I felt prepared for whatever came up in the test."

"I appreciated the specific modules for opinion, discussion, advantages/disadvantages, and problem/solution essays."

"It's great that both Academic and General Training Task 2 essays are covered."

"I learned how to structure and write each specific essay type effectively."

Provides excellent examples of high-scoring essays.

"The model answers provided are fantastic for understanding how to apply the strategies and use appropriate language."

"Analyzing the model essays step-by-step was incredibly useful for grasping the required quality."

"Seeing high-scoring examples written by experts really helped me set my own goals."

"The video breakdowns of the model answers are a key strength."

Offers invaluable perspective from former examiners.

"Learning directly from former IELTS examiners is a game-changer. Their insights into scoring criteria are invaluable."

"The '20 reasons' section is brilliant. It clearly shows what examiners look for and how to impress them."

"I gained so much confidence knowing what to focus on, thanks to the examiner perspective."

"This is what sets the course apart - the inside scoop on the marking process."

Well-explained methods for essay writing.

"The course provides a very clear structure on how to approach each type of essay. It's easy to follow and apply."

"I finally understand how to structure my Task 2 essays properly thanks to the detailed guidance."

"The strategies taught here are very practical and make essay writing much less daunting."

"I found the explanations of coherence and cohesion particularly helpful for organizing my thoughts."

Could benefit from more practice tasks or feedback.

"While the theory is strong, I really wished there were more practice exercises or a way to get feedback on my writing."

"The course explains *how* to write, but there's no opportunity to submit my own work for correction."

"It's a great resource for learning strategies, but I had to find external ways to practice writing essays."

"More practice prompts or quizzes would enhance the learning experience."

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 The IELTS Expert: IELTS Writing Task 2 Academic & General with these activities:

Review Essay Structures

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Strengthen your understanding of essay structures commonly used in IELTS Writing Task 2 to improve coherence and task response.

Browse courses on Essay Structure

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Review different essay types.
Study model essays.
Practice outlining essays.

IELTS Advantage: Writing Skills

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Study advanced writing techniques and strategies to achieve a higher band score in the IELTS Writing Task 2.

View IELTS Advantage Writing Skills: A step-by-step... on Amazon

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Read the book chapter by chapter.
Complete the exercises in each chapter.
Apply the techniques to your own writing.

Cambridge IELTS Series

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Practice with authentic IELTS past papers to familiarize yourself with the test format and improve your timing.

View IELTS 16 Academic Student's Book with Answers... on Amazon

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Complete a full IELTS Writing Task 2 test.
Analyze your essay against the band descriptors.
Identify areas for improvement.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Create a Vocabulary Log

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Expand your vocabulary related to common IELTS essay topics to enhance your lexical resource score.

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Identify common IELTS essay topics.
Research vocabulary related to each topic.
Create a log with definitions and examples.

Create a Grammar Checklist

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Develop a personalized grammar checklist to identify and correct common grammatical errors in your writing.

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Identify your common grammatical errors.
Create a checklist of grammar rules to review.
Use the checklist to proofread your essays.

Essay Writing Practice

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Practice writing essays under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy in responding to different essay prompts.

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Choose a practice essay prompt.
Write an essay within 40 minutes.
Review and revise your essay.

Peer Review Session

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Exchange essays with a peer and provide constructive feedback to improve your writing and learn from others.

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Find a peer to exchange essays with.
Review your peer's essay.
Provide feedback on task response, coherence, lexical resource, and grammar.

Career center

Learners who complete The IELTS Expert: IELTS Writing Task 2 Academic & General will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Tutor

A Tutor provides individualized instruction to students, often focusing on specific subjects or skills. The course helps build a foundation to becoming a Tutor, particularly for students preparing for English proficiency exams or seeking to improve their writing skills. The course's comprehensive coverage of essay types and emphasis on vocabulary, grammar, and task response can equip a Tutor with the knowledge and resources needed to guide students effectively. The downloadable model answers and video explanations can serve as valuable teaching aids, providing students with clear examples of high-quality writing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tutor

English Teacher

An English Teacher instructs students in reading, writing, and speaking the English language. This course helps build a foundation to becoming an effective English Teacher by focusing on writing skills, which is a vital component of English language education. The course emphasizes clarity, structure, and persuasive writing, all of which are essential for teaching students how to communicate effectively in written form. The course videos and downloadable model answers could be useful resources for lesson planning and providing examples to students. This focus on IELTS writing provides unique insights into teaching effective communication. The strategies provided for achieving a high score on the IELTS exam, such as improving vocabulary and grammar, can be adapted for use in the classroom to improve students' overall English proficiency.

See salaries and explore the career path for English Teacher

Content Writer

A Content Writer creates written material for websites, blogs, and other digital platforms. This course helps build a foundation for honing your writing skills, and learning to create content that is clear, concise, and persuasive. The course's analysis of various essay types and its emphasis on grammar, vocabulary, and structure can be applied to a wide range of writing tasks. The course materials relating to lexical resources and grammatical range are especially useful. Furthermore, the strategies for achieving coherence and cohesion in writing are directly applicable to creating engaging and effective content for online audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer

Proofreader

A Proofreader reviews written content to identify and correct errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style. The knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, as well as awareness of coherence and cohesion promoted by this course helps build a foundation for a Proofreader. The detailed analysis of grammar and vocabulary enables a Proofreader to identify and correct errors effectively, ensuring that written content is polished and professional. This attention to detail is essential for maintaining the credibility and accuracy of written communications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Proofreader

ESL Instructor

An ESL Instructor teaches English to speakers of other languages. This course helps build a foundation for a career as an ESL Instructor by focusing on the specific skills assessed in the IELTS Writing Task 2. The course provides a deep dive into various essay types, including opinion, advantages/disadvantages, and problem/solution essays. ESL Instructors can use this knowledge to develop tailored lesson plans that address common challenges faced by English language learners. The course emphasizes language use and strategies for achieving a Band 7.0 or higher on the IELTS, these same strategies can be transferred to students needing to learn English for general purposes.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESL Instructor

Grant Writer

A Grant Writer prepares proposals to secure funding from foundations, government agencies, and other organizations. This course helps build a foundation to becoming a Grant Writer by focusing on persuasive writing and effective communication. The course's analysis of essay types, such as problem/solution and discussion essays, can be applied to structuring compelling grant proposals. The course helps you learn how to convey complex ideas clearly and convincingly, which is essential for securing funding. The course materials about vocabulary and grammar are particularly useful for crafting persuasive arguments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Editor

An Editor reviews and revises written content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency. This course is incredibly useful for an aspiring Editor. It provides a thorough understanding of effective writing techniques and the principles of coherence and cohesion. The course's focus on grammar, vocabulary, and task response equips an Editor with the skills to identify and correct errors in written material. Understanding how to achieve a high score on the IELTS Writing Task 2 provides additional insight into what constitutes high-quality writing, making this course useful for anyone looking to improve written communications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Communications Specialist

A Communications Specialist develops and implements communication strategies for organizations. The ability to communicate effectively in writing is essential for this role. This course helps build a foundation to becoming a Communications Specialist. It emphasizes clarity, conciseness, and persuasive writing. The detailed analysis of essay types, such as discussion and problem/solution essays, assists those in communications to craft compelling messages that resonate with target audiences. The focus on achieving high scores on the IELTS Writing Task 2 provides valuable insights into what makes writing effective and persuasive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Specialist

Curriculum Developer

A Curriculum Developer designs and creates educational materials and curricula. This course may be useful for a Curriculum Developer, especially one focused on English language learning. It offers insights into effective writing strategies and assessment criteria which helps one to create comprehensive and engaging writing modules. The detailed analysis of various essay types, such as discussion and problem/solution essays, as well as language aspects like vocabulary and grammar offer a structured approach to curriculum design. Understanding the nuances of the IELTS exam can assist a Curriculum Developer in creating materials that align with international standards and provide students with practical writing skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Copywriter

A Copywriter creates persuasive content for advertising and marketing campaigns. The ability to write compelling and effective copy is essential for this role. This course may be useful to a Copywriter, as it emphasizes clarity, conciseness, and persuasive writing techniques. The detailed analysis of various essay types and the emphasis on vocabulary and grammar will assist copywriters in crafting impactful messages that resonate with target audiences. The focus on achieving high scores on the IELTS Writing Task 2 can provide valuable insights into what makes writing effective and persuasive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

Public Relations Specialist

A Public Relations Specialist manages an organization's communication with the public, media, and other stakeholders. Excellent written communication skills are essential for this role. This course will help a Public Relations Specialist because it covers a wide range of writing styles and techniques. The focus on achieving high scores on the IELTS Writing Task 2 provides valuable insights into what makes writing effective and persuasive. This skill can be used to improve press releases, social media posts, website content, and other communications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Educational Consultant

An Educational Consultant provides expert advice and guidance to students, parents, and educational institutions. This course may be useful to an Educational Consultant because it deepens their understanding of English assessment standards. The course dissects the scoring criteria for the IELTS Writing Task 2, and it provides insight into effective writing strategies. This knowledge enables a consultant to offer informed recommendations to students preparing for international exams or seeking to enhance their overall writing skills. The course's focus on practical strategies and downloadable resources can assist a consultant in providing valuable support and guidance to clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant

Journalist

A Journalist investigates and reports on current events and issues. This career requires excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate information clearly and effectively. This course may be useful for a Journalist, as it covers a wide range of essay types and emphasizes the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and task response. The skills in structuring arguments and presenting information logically that are learned in the course will be invaluable in crafting compelling news stories. By studying the techniques for achieving high scores on the IELTS Writing Task 2, journalists can ensure that their writing is clear, concise, and engaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Speech Writer

A Speech Writer crafts speeches for public figures, executives, and other individuals. This career requires the ability to write clear, engaging, and persuasive speeches that resonate with audiences. This course may be useful for a Speech Writer. It emphasizes clarity, conciseness, and persuasive writing techniques. The detailed analysis of essay types, such as opinion and discussion essays, can guide the Speech Writer to crafting compelling and effective speeches. This ability to sway people with words is also vital in a speech.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech Writer

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates user manuals, documentation, and other technical materials. This course may be useful for a Technical Writer because it emphasizes clear, concise, and structured writing. The course's focus on various essay types and its emphasis on vocabulary, grammar, and task response can be applied to creating effective technical documentation. This is especially useful for technical documents being translated internationally. By learning how to improve written communications, this course helps provide a unique perspective on technical papers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

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 The IELTS Expert: IELTS Writing Task 2 Academic & General.

IELTS 16 Academic Student's Book with Answers with...

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The Cambridge IELTS series provides authentic past papers from Cambridge ESOL. These books are invaluable for familiarizing yourself with the test format and question types. Working through these tests will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. is commonly used by students preparing for the IELTS exam.

IELTS 16 Academic Student's Book with Answers with...

Paperback

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IELTS 16 Academic Student's Book with Answers with...

Kindle Edition

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IELTS Advantage Writing Skills

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Provides in-depth guidance on the IELTS Writing Task 2, covering various essay types and providing model answers. It focuses on developing advanced writing skills and techniques. This book is valuable as additional reading to deepen your understanding of the writing assessment criteria.

IELTS Advantage Writing Skills: A step-by-step...

Paperback

The IELTS Expert

IELTS Writing Task 2 Academic & General

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Ielts writing task 2 expert guide

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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