Follow 5 Criteria to Boost Your IELTS Writing Success

Students often request private classes to improve their English writing skills in preparation for the IELTS exam.

Unfortunately, writing is an often neglected skill in ESL curricula and classes around the world.

However, for the IELTS, you need to not only know how to write well, but the exact criteria the IELTS graders seek in order to maximize your writing score.

Plus, you need to mix in the features of your basic essay.

Together you will have the five criteria for IELTS Writing success. So, let’s get started!

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Powerful Paraphrasing - Improve your IELTS Writing, Speaking Scores

Do you need to improve your IELTS writing and speaking scores?

Then, learn how to unleash your paraphrasing power. Read on!

Today, in our continuing series on extra skills you need to maximize your IELTS score, you are going to take away how paraphrasing can help you on the IELTS exam.

In the two previous articles, you learned about how to summarize and how to take notes.

Paraphrasing, simply put, is restating an author’s text in your own words...

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p.s. For more English tips direct to your inbox, register for the Business English Ace Academy and get 3 signing bonuses today!

Score Higher - Check these 15 Resources to Avoid IELTS Mistakes

Learn from others to maximize your IELTS score!

You have poured time and money into achieving the highest optimal score possible.

Don't you deserve a Cheat Sheet to give you an edge on the important exam?

Your future career goals may well be affected adversely if you do not get the score you need.

Stop!

Learn Note Taking to Improve Your Academic IELTS Score

As you know, time is your main enemy on the IELTS exam.

Learning to take great notes is an extra skill you can use on the big exam day to save time and oraganize your thoughts!

Today you get two videos - a twin spin - to help you take and use good notes.

IELTS VIDEO 1

The Cornell note taking system from the famed US university is suggested for use in academia.

Check out this clip and take notes on your pad and paper or tablet!

Do you organize your notes like this now? What do you need to do to make your notes appear like the Cornell system?

IELTS VIDEO 2

Engvid is a great Youtube channel for English learning videos. 

Check out this clip and take notes on your pad and paper or tablet!

Did you take notes as instructed in the video? If not, practice so by the big exam day you are ready!

Conclusion

Try these note taking strategies and practice them before test day.

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source: Academic IELTS – Extra Skill - Note Taking

Academic IELTS Writing - Task 2, Pt. 1

In our continuing series on IELTS Writing, we now turn to Task 2 – the essay.

Recall, Task 2 counts twice as much toward your overall writing score than Task 1. Thus, you want to pay particular attention to the knowledge-share, tips, and insights in this and the follow-on articles.

If you need secrets to boost your IELTS Writing score, check out my eBook on the topic.

Now, prepare yourself for Part 1 of our  briefing on getting started with your answer to IELTS Writing Task 2!

Consult Target Band 7: IELTS Academic Module – How to Maximize Your Score (second edition) (affiliate) for your intense exam preparation!

IELTS Writing – Understand the Question

Above all, you must interpret the question correctly. If you do not show a solid understanding of the question in your response, you will be penalized.

This is a point covered in my IELTS Writing Cheat Sheet. [Download]

There are seven (7) IELTS questions on the essay.

You should become familiar with these essay types and practice each of them before the exam.

The ability to spot the type of question and already have a basic organized response in mind will not only boost your score, but save you time.

A big part of knowing what the question is about is focusing on the keywords in the essay prompt.

Please visit the English Writing Clinic for one-on-one assistance to boost your English writing skills!

IELTS Writing – Outline

An organized essay builds coherence and cohesion in your essay which makes your paper easier to read by the grader. And you do want to make your paper easy to read!

Recall the basic organization of writing is the paragraph.

Each paragraph needs a topic sentence which conveys ONE controlling idea to the reader.

Consider 240 Writing Topics: with Sample Essays (120 Writing Topics) (affiliate) to boost your IELTS Essay 2 score!

For your introductory paragraph, you will need to include instead your thesis statement.

The best way – before you begin! – to prepare a response for your essay is to write an outline.

Once you create this “roadmap,” you will have your thesis statement, supporting paragraphs, and conclusion all read for you to write away in the time remaining.

Your thesis statement tells your reader (IELTS grader) the basis for your entire paper and what exactly your paper will cover.

In the video below, the instructor places the thesis statement at the end of the introduction.

I prefer IELTS essays begin with the thesis. Students are more focused once it is written and you only have to fill in the other key parts of your answer thereafter.

Above all, you want good organization and structure to build coherence and cohesion in your response which will impress the IELTS graders.

IELTS Writing – Instructional Video

Watch the following video for a step-by-step process to organize and prepare your best response to Task 2.

English Writing – Resources

While you are concerned about your IELTS grade, English writing probably is going to serve your well in your career either in school or at the office.

Thus, you should have the proper tools now for a lifelong learning of English writing.

Three gems come to mind that should be part of your IELTS preparation.

There really is no substitute for these helpful and accessible texts to guide your writing to a higher level (affiliate links):

Conclusion

Well, now you should have a better ides of how to begin your IELTS Task 2 essay.

Recall, good structure, organization, solid grammar, crisp vocabulary, and precise punctuation form the foundation of your writing in general and IELTS Writing in particular.

Stay tuned for our next installment on IELTS Task 2 next week.

Do you need more help to prepare for the IELTS Writing exam? Don’t panic! Check out my eCourse – Maximize Your IELTS Writing Score now.

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If you were unable to attend the Tweetchat, Energize Your IELTS Writing, here is a compilation of the texts. 

These 7 C's of IELTS Writing will help you maximize your score at a time when many students fear an English writing exam. 


If you are studying for the IETLS or plan to take the test soon, please study these tips carefully and use them in your papers.

Energize Your IELTS Writing

Do you need to write well at school or at the office? You can learn from these tips I covered in the Tweetchat.  

Please Tweet Your Friends about these tips. Thanks!

Energize Your IELTS Writing - Chat Notes




If you genuinely want to start improving your IELTS Writing score, check out my eBook - Wham Media's 6 Secrets to IELTS Academic Writing Success, where the 7 C's for IELTS Writing orginally appeared. 

Good Luck on your IELTS!

#Audio Clip – L2 - Ecourse for Academic IELTS Writing

Welcome to the third audio clip about my Ecourse for Academic IELTS Writing.

Today’s episode is an overview of Lessons 2 for Maximize Your Score for IELTS Academic Writing - Build a Strong Vocabulary. 

I have written two vocablary texts. The most recent eBook is Grow Your Word Power: 301 Useful Vocabulary Terms.

You can download the syllabus for the ECourse at ScribD.

IELTS Writing Audio Clip

Please listen to the clip to find out why a robust lexicon is key to scoring high on the IELTS. 

Please Tweet Your Friends about this audio clip. TX :)

Conclusion

It is not fair that so many students are ill–prepared for English writing when the big test day arrives.

I always start my classes with a journal topic to sharpen my students' skills.

However, you still have time to study for an optimal score for your entry into university in an English-speaking country or get that job promotion you have always wanted.

A confident command of English is indispensable in our global interdependent economy (Tweet this)

Make the Ecourse – Maximize Your Score for IELTS Academic Writing – an integral part of your study plans!

Good Luck on your IELTS!

#Listly Resource - Avoid these Common IELTS Writing Errors!

Students often fall into common traps on the IELTS Writing exam.

In our previous posts on IELTS Writing, we have reported on different facets of exam preparation:

• Tips 1, 2, and 3 for Task 1


• the importance to Improve Your Academic IELTS Writing Skills;


• and When to Prepare for the Exam.

Now, we turn to common errors!

Visit our English Writing Clinic for help with your IELTS Writing skills.

Today we provide you a hand-selected list of IELTS Writing resources on the Web to help you sidestep these pitfalls on the exam.

Get your hand-selected list of IELTS Writing resources on the Web to avoid common errors.

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Visit each of these sites to discover common errors students make and how you can avoid them!

Check out the list of resources below to improve markedly your IELTS Writing skills.

12 Resources - Common Errors on IELTS Academic Writing

12 Resources - Common Errors on IELTS Academic Writing

View more lists from H. E. Colby

Check out my Ecourse, Maximize Your Score for IELTS Academic Writing, today!

Visit our English Writing Clinic for help with your IELTS Writing skills.

Good luck on your IELTS Preparation!

#IELTS Academic #Writing Preparation - Best Move Overall (#Video)

Now we continue to review Task 2 of Academic IELTS Writing, the expressive essay. 

For more details, check out my eCourse - Maximize Your Score for IELTS Academic Writing.

In our first post, we discussed how many professionals need an IELTS score for study abroad or a promotion on the job. You got a peak at Task 1 on the IELTS - describing a trend or trends from graphical data. 

In our second post, we began a two-part closer look at describing trends from two bar graphs in a video.

In our third post, we concluded a two-part closer look at describing trends from two bar graphs in a video. 

In our fourth post, we focused on beginning the essay correctly.

Best Move for IELTS Writing

Our final post on IELTS Writing in the series may be the most important. 

How strong is your vocabulary?

A robust lexicon is probably - hands down - the best move for IELTS Writing you can make to prepare for success on the exam.

Think about it. Your English vocabulary is necessary for speaking, reading, listening, and yes writing on the IELTS just as in life in general.

Even in your own language, you probably appreciate how important potent word power makes a life in your student or professional life.

Our friend IELTS Ryan is back again to help you with awesome vocabulary tips for IETLS Writing.

So, get comfortable and pay good attention to the video. It is a valuable lesson for the next 20 minutes. 

By the way, please Tweet Your Friends  about this article too! :)

Conclusion

People do judge you by the words you use in speech and in our case, your writing. So does the IELTS examiner scoring your essay.

Check out my eBook Grow Your Word Power: 301 Use Vocabulary Terms to rapidly boost your vocabulary for the big test day.

Do you like the IELTS series? Leave a comment on the Business English Ace Facebook page.

Look out for our editor-cut video playlist on IELTS Writing to help you even more.

In the meantime, stay tuned here for more English tips. Good luck on your IELTS!
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Grab your IELTS Academic Writing Cheat Sheet today! 

#IELTS Academic #Writing Preparation - Task 2 (#Video)

Now in our review of Academic IELTS Writing, we turn to Task 2 - the expressive essay. 

For more details, check out my eCourse - Maximize Your Score for IELTS Academic Writing.

In our first post, we discussed how many professionals need an IELTS score for study abroad or a promotion on the job. You got a peak at Task 1 on the IELTS - describing a trend or trends from graphical data. 

In our second post, we began a two-part closer look at describing trends from two bar graphs in a video.

In our third post, we concluded a two-part closer look at describing trends from two bar graphs in a video. 

Introduction to IELTS Writing Task 2

Today our review of IELTS Writing focuses on beginning the expressive essay.

The start of your Task 2 response sets the tone for the rest of your piece.

Always remember - Task 2 counts more toward your Band score than Task 1.

Therefore, it is very important to make your best effort here.

So, get comfortable and listen carefully to this 5-minute video clip about IELTS Writing for Task 2.

Please Tweet Your Friends  about this article :)

I encourage you to check out videos from IELTS Ryan. He thoroughly covers many topics related to the exam.


Do you like the IELTS series? Leave a comment on the Business English Ace Facebook page.

Stay tuned for more IELTS tips coming up!
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Grab your FREE IELTS Academic Writing Cheat Sheet today! 

#Audio Clip – L1 - Ecourse for Academic IELTS Writing

Welcome to the second audio clip about my Ecourse for Academic IELTS Writing.

Today’s episode is an overview of Lessons 1 for Maximize Your Score for IELTS Academic Writing - Answer the Question.

The Ecourse is divided into seven lessons. You may download the syllabus at ScribD.

IELTS Writing Audio Clip

Please listen to the clip. Are you already preparing for the IELTS exam?

Please listen to the audio clip to understand how important it is to answer the questions fully for Tasks 1 and 2.

 Conclusion

Many students are unprepared for the writing sections of both the IELTS and TOEFL.

However, you still have time to study for an optimal score for your entry into university in an English-speaking country or get that job promotion you have always wanted.

A confident command of English is indispensable in our global interdependent economy (Tweet this)

Make the Ecourse – Maximize Your Score for IELTS Academic Writing – an integral part of your study plans!

Good Luck on your IELTS!

When to Prepare for IELTS Writing

Welcome to our continued series about the IELTS Writing section.

In our previous article, we discussed the importantce of the IELTS exam for upwardly mobile elite professionals who see the whole world as their playing field.

The need to demonstrate English proficiency with a credit like the IELTS or TOEFL is indispensable in our interdependent global economy.

Our focus is on writing success on the IELTS. I see too many students ill-prepared for the challenge to produce solid responses to writing Tasks 1 and 2. 

Timing: Preparing for IELTS Writing

As the saying goes, timing is everything. It is even truer for the IELTS.

The writing section of the exam lasts 60 minutes. 

That may seem like a lot of time for Tasks 1 and 2, but  you need to start training for the big day much earlier than you imagine.

I suggest my students start at least three months before the exam date for two principal reasons:

• Build a strong vocabulary


• Practice under test conditions

Let’s take a look at each of these elements to your success on the exam.
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Please Tweet Your Friends about this article! :)
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Build Strong Vocabulary for IELTS Writing

A robust lexicon is the foundation of solid writing skills.

Growing your vocabulary is not an overnight proposition. 

Really, cultivating strong word power is a lifelong adventure. Indeed, some observers have accurately pointed out how increasing your word repertoire accrues many advantages given your “wealth of words.” 

Some read to build their vocabulary and that is a strategy most educators embrace.

However, for the IELTS Writing, you usually do not have the time enough for our purposes.

An alternative strategy is direct learning using a vocabulary text with thematic lists of words. When you learn words associated with a particular subject, you are bound to remember them better. 

Given the normal narrow time window to maximize your writing score on the exam, embrace this strategy! You can master keywords to help you impress the IELTS examiners.

Watch this excellent video for more vocabulary tips.

Practice Responses for IELTS Writing

A second strategy to approach the writing part of the exam is to be accustomed to the time limits.

You have 20 minutes to complete Task 1, descriibing trends in charts, graphs or diagrams.

You have 40 minutes to complete Task 2, producing an expressive essay.

However, Task 2 counts more toward your actual final score on the IELTS writing than Task1!

One of the outcomes for my Ecourse to maximize your score on the writing exam is to learn how to manage your time wisely, a challenge for many test candidates.

Hint: Practice relentlessly using the exam’s time limits so when test day arrives you feel at ease and do not buckle to the time pressure.

Conclusion

In sum, if you anticipate taking the IELTS in the near future, start today! Take the test. Don’t let the test take you!

I wish you the best of luck on the IELTS. Please stay tuned to this space for more hints and tips coming up soon.

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Grab your IELTS Academic Writing Cheat Sheet today! 

#IELTS Academic #Writing Preparation - Writing Task1 - Trends (Video) - Pt2

Welcome back to our continued video seris on preparing for the IELTS Writing section.

In our first post, we discussed how many professionals need an IELTS score for study abroad or a promotion on the job. You got a peak at Task 1 on the IELTS - describing a trend or trends from graphical data. 

In our second post, we began a two-part closer look at describing trends from two bar graphs in a video. 

Today we wrap up an examination of reporting data from two bar charts in the Part Two of the video series.

Enjoy!

Do you like the IELTS series? Leave a comment on the Business English Ace Facebook page.

Please Tweet Your Friends, too! :)

Stay tuned for more IELTS tips coming up!
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Grab your IELTS Academic Writing Cheat Sheet today! 

#IELTS Academic #Writing Preparation - Writing Task1 - Trends (Video) - Pt1

In our last post, we kicked off our IELTS Writing Video Series.

Many professionals who need the IELTS credit fear the Writing Section.

This video series is geared toward helping you (1) become more confident in your English writing abilities and (2) learning specific tips and insights to help you on the IELTS Writing section.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Video

Today, watch the following Part One Video on answering Task 1 on a double bar graph. 

p.s. Please Tweet Your Friends to tell them about this post. :=)

Stay tuned for the Part Two Video of insights for the Double Bar Graph.
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Grab your IELTS Academic Writing Cheat Sheet today! 

#Audio Introduction - Ecourse Outcomes for IELTS Writing

I got tired of seeing students struggle with preparing for the IELTS Writing exam.

So, I decided to write my own preparation Ecourse – Maximize Your Score for IELTS Academic Writing.

All week I am highlighting tips and insights to help you achieve your optimal Band score on the IELTS Writing.

I recorded the following audio clip for you. I cover the four outcomes you can expect upon completing the Ecourse.

IELTS Writing Ecourse Syllabus

Here is the syllabus for the course:

ECourse Syllabus: Maximize Your Score for IELTS Academic Writing by H. E. Colby

Do you need to improve your writing skills for the IELTS?

Check out this information video and enroll in the Ecourse – Maximize Your Score for IELTS Academic Writing today!

#IELTS Academic #Writing Preparation - Writing Task 1 (Video)

Business Professionals need the IELTS

This week in coordination with our sister blog, Business English Ace, we are focusing on IELTS Writing preparation.

Many companies check employee English competence by requiring a score on the IELTS, TOEFL, or TOEIC periodically. 

Also, many professionals who seek greater personal and professional success abroad need to prove their English power officially. 

If they want to pursue an MBA in an English-speaking country, a score from IELTS in a British Commonwealth country or TOEFL from the US is required. In fact, more US institutions are accepting the IELTS as well.

Moreover, in a recent blog post, we reported how the mobile and global elite are flocking to English-speaking countries, thus making English exam scores more important.

In sum, professionals from around the world need a high IELTS Band score for many reasons.

Ecourse Solution for Writing Ills

There is a problem. 

Writing is a fundamental weakness among many English learners, even native English speakers.

Unfortuantely, writing is often neglected in English classrooms for a variety of reasons. In any case, students are left unprepared for the IELTS writing section of the academic exam.

A great cure for these writing ills is our solution.

We created an eCourse - Maximize Your Score for IELTS Academic Writing to help  you. Check out the preview video.

By the way, if you want to improve your writing - not just for the IELTS - download the a specially-prepared IELTS Writing Cheat Sheet. 

While geared toward the test, there is still some good advice for boosting your writing.

IELTS Writing Help

We have a cool video series prepared to improve your IELTS writing power this week. Again, there are nuggets of information to help anyone struggling to increase his or her writing.

So, we hope you enjoy the video series. Let us know your thoughts by commenting on the Business English Ace Facebook page. By the way, give a Like while you are there :) 

As you may know, the Academic IELTS Writing section is divided into two tasks. Task 1 requires you to describe trends in a graph, chart, or other visual aid. Task 2 requires you to write an expressive essay. Each require solid academic writing skills.

So here is our first video. Get some helpful hints on IELTS Writing Task 1. 

Thanks and Have a great week!

p.s. Please Tweet Your Friends to tell them about this post. :=)

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Grab your IELTS Academic Writing Cheat Sheet today! 

Improve Your Academic IELTS Writing Skills!

Mobility for both educational and professional purposes has been a major growth market for two decades, with a focus on English-speaking countries.

Indeed, we recently wrote a post highlighting a recent study by the Boston Consulting Group in which five of the top 10 destination cities of the global and mobile elite were in English-speaking countries.

London and New York ranked first and second respectively.

The IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) is one of the main credentials sought by government bodies, organizations, and companies for prospects to demonstrate their English proficiency.

However, there is a problelm.

IELTS Writing

Many aspiring professionals and students lack strong writing skills to reach the Band 7 or 8 score needed for graduate studies or a work permit. 

Frankly, English learners do not receive adequate practice writing English in the classroom. Whether the instructor is not comfortable with their own writing skills or benign neglect prevails, their students suffer.

Thus, many talented English learners are unprepared for the tough IELTS writing section. 

In some cases, corporations use the IELTS to test their employees who attend English classes. In other situations, a promotion hinges on success on the IELTS.

For business professionals, written English is a vital skill given the language’s importance in the global interdependent economy. 

The Academic IELTS Writing section thus becomes even a greater obstacle for upwardly mobile professionals. 

eCourse Solution

Given the low English writing skills of many candidates for the IELTS, we have prepared an eCourse – Maximize Your Score for IELTS Academic Writing.

In only seven modules, with exercises, audio introductions to each lesson, and extra resources (including four eBooks), both students and professionals who need to sharpen their written communication skills can at a relatively quick pace.

Check out the video below to learn more.

Conclusion

The exponential growth of candidates sitting for the exam globally since its inception in 1989 demands a response to help those who need to boost their IELTS writing competence.

A growing elite of ambitious professionals want to participate in the global interdependent economy.

Migration to English-speaking countries is increasing and thus so is the demand for credentials like a high IELTS Band score. 

All this week in various online venues we present a host of tips and suggestions for both students and professionals to enhance their IELTS Writing skills in time for the big exam day!

Visit our English Writing Clinic today!

Join us as we help YOU reach your IELTS Writing summit! Stay tuned!


Improve Your Academic IELTS Writing Skills!