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Recommended Reading
In this article I will outline a few ideas about essay writing and refer to some textbooks which I have found useful when teaching for the Ielts exam.
Writing a good essay in task two of the Ielts exams firstly requires students to work on improving accuracy in their language skills. 'Grammar For Ielts' published by Cambridge not only deals with many of the basics like tense, articles and so on but also provides language practice in the context of the reading, listening, speaking and writing papers.
Another book which I often use with my students is 'Vocabulary For Ielts' (also by Cambridge) which covers many common exam topics. Vocabulary is an essential part of good essay writing, therefore students need to become familiar with academic terms and be able to use synonyms to avoid repetition. Needless to say correct spelling and punctuation are also vital.
The third important element is a clear structure and good use of linking words. There should be a lot of 'signposting' at the beginning of the paragraphs and between sentences in order for the reader to understand the writer's view with ease. No matter how well written an essay is in terms of vocabulary and language, it will not score a high mark if the reader struggles to follow the writer's argument. I have found many of the chapters in 'Improve Your Ielts Writing Skills' published by Macmillan very useful.
In conclusion, accuracy, good range of vocabulary and clear structure are all essentials for good essay writing. One thing I have not mentioned is the content of the essay: some students say they do not have many ideas about certain questions. My advice is to read as widely as possible, not just to absorb new language but also to formulate ideas and opinions on current issues. Finally, good planning before you write and proof-reading at the end will ensure that you get the score you need.
Good luck!
