common lines for ielts essay pdf

Useful phrases for IELTS writing task two

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This tutorial contains useful phrases and vocabulary for  IELTS writing task 2 .

When students ask for general lines for writing task 2, they are looking for phrases that are going to impress the examiner but can be used flexibly.

Use these phrases for introductions, body paragraphs, and supporting sentences.  Copy and adapt them . This is perfectly legitimate, however, you absolutely must  adapt  the phrases to your essay topic in the  IELTS exam ! 

If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to start, remember that there are resources available to help, including services where you can say, " someone write my essay " to get professional assistance. A model essay for your specific task could inspire you, especially if you are feeling blocked. 

1. Useful phrase best for introductions

This essay will analyse this issue using the examples from… to demonstrate points and support arguments.

You will need to supply examples in accordance with your particular topic. For instance:

This essay will analyse this issue using examples from wartime countries and conflict zones to demonstrate points and support arguments.

This essay will analyse this issue using examples from Canada, Australia and Rwanda to demonstrate points and support arguments.

If you need further help to start writing your introductions, check our  writing task 2 tutorial  for examples of writing complex sentences.

Many students struggle with starters for writing task 2, but there is no need to memorise more than one or two. One of the best starting lines for writing task 2 is:

It is undeniable that ___(insert problem from question)___ is one of the most challenging issues in the western world.

You can adapt this slightly to become:

In the modern world… (insert problem from question)___ is one of the most challenging issues of our time.

2. A phrase best for body paragraphs showing opinions

When injecting an opposing thought, the best general line for task 2 is that instead of using only “However,” you can use:

However, it should not be forgotten  (that)… and add the opposing point. Even if you strongly disagree, you must object in a proper way and using good vocabulary as practiced in higher education.

Same idea, much higher level of vocabulary.

3. A phrase best for body paragraphs showing examples

A great way to boost your IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary (lexical resource) score is to cite examples from research or studies made, using the phrase,

“For example, a recent study by _________ showed…”

“There are also studies being performed on a global level to discover the source of these important problems. One solution proposed by the _ (insert global organisation) ___ is to_________.”

For instance:

Cite examples from research or studies made, using the phrase,

“For example, numerous studies by _________ showed that people support…”

“There are also studies being performed on a global level such as those concerning global warming, to discover the source of these important problems. One solution proposed by the _ (insert global organisation) ___ is to_________.”

For example,  a recent study by the  WTO  (or  U.K. government ) showed pressing issues…  (then supply the details of the findings).

4. Best for body paragraphs

It is fairly easy to comprehend the arguments as to why this proposal has been made.

There would be at least two facets to this proposal.

There is also, however, a strong argument not to implement this proposal.

The issue of __X__ in western / African countries has  grown  in importance over the past few  decades .

The issue of __X__ in most continents has  fallen  in importance over the past few  years .

5. Best for supporting sentences

Instead of saying “There is proof that…” you can say, instead:

There is ample evidence to suggest that…

There is ample evidence  to suggest that scientists will promptly discover…

There is ample evidence  to suggest that local governments will be implementing …

6. Best for supporting conclusions 

Give your findings a supportive introduction using the phrase:

Numerous studies have consistently found that …

Then provide your conclusion, for instance:

Numerous studies have consistently found that children from economically advanced countries…

Numerous studies have consistently found  that students who learn three languages have a reduced chance of contracting Alzheimer’s.

7. A phrase best for strengthening an argument by being specific

It’s also useful to memorise some general lines for IELTS writing task 2 that can be used flexibly anywhere in the body paragraphs.

Instead of generalising, enumerate or cite samples. For instance:

Recent electronic gadgets have…

Electronic gadgets such as the smartphone, the laptop, and the 3D printer have drastically increased worker productivity.

Serious diseases are a recurring matter…

Serious diseases such as malaria, ebola and dengue fever bring about a considerable amount of expenses.

8. Useful phrase 8 -best for conclusions

As such it can be concluded that…

This phrase is specifically useful during a closing argument, it ties together every trail of thought. Example:  As such it can be concluded that in the era and age of technology, globalisation and the need to be trendy, social media marketing can influence what consumers buy.  Therefore,  when it comes to starting your conclusion, there is no need to memorise several general lines for task 2 on different topics. This one works for every essay type and topic.

These may be little additions of 3-9 words per phrase but many little phrases go a long way toward a complete error free essay. Using the phrases above are going to be much more useful than searching for a ‘phrases for IELTS writing task 2 pdf’  or ‘common lines for IELTS essay pdf’ because we have worked hard to make sure these phrases can be used with any essay type.

Warning! When using these useful phrases for IELTS writing task two…

• Make sure you have adapted them to your specific essay topic. General lines for task 2 are all over the internet and if you just write them down as a list you will not get credit for them.
• To improve your grammatical range and accuracy experiment with these same structures but using different  verbs  and nouns.
• You can find more structures by reading academic material and copying phrases you think you could adapt in your essays. Academic material is easily found by searching in Google like this:  Your topic (crime) + .edu + pdf  -this will usually pull up academic reports about your given topic. You may also find some new phrases to expand your writing task 2 vocabulary.
• If you need need more sentence structures and don’t know how to organise all these sentence structures then have a look at the  online IELTS course here .
• We also have a useful resource of  IELTS Writing task 2 questions  to help you prepare which contains even more phrases for writing task 2.

A quick guide on how to find useful phrases for IELTS writing task two (60 seconds!)

Now you need to take notes and exercise using the relevant examples and phrases in your own sentences for better retention. Note that these phrases need not necessarily be copied. Merely copying can cause you trouble in the future. You must make sure that the way you use the phrases and other words fit your essay perfectly to maintain coherent thought and correct grammatical structures as you would find in an English-speaking country.

  If you have questions about the IELTS writing exam don’t hesitate to send me an email at struggling -at sign- ieltspodcast.com.  

As I’ve always said, “The important thing is to take action, do something every day, and little by little, you will get there.” To master the IELTS essay, IELTS Exam test takers need to practice writing skills such as our IELTS writing tasks, essay writing, opinion essays and IELTS test.

For an introduction to how to start IELTS Writing task 2 click here .

For Band 9 IELTS writing samples, click here  and boost your band score!

IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary 

If you think that you can get through the IELTS without bumping up your vocabulary a few notches, you might find yourself disappointed. To avoid this, check out our  list  of  IELTS vocabulary .

Audio tutorial

Audio tutorial about useful vocabulary for Task 2

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Tutorials and Tips to Prepare for Task 2

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• Band 9 Sample Essay
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• 3 ways to paraphrase for your Task 2 introduction
• Marking Criteria for IELTS Writing
• Topics Sentences for Your Essays
• 7 Ways to Improve your Sentences in Your IELTS Essays
• Grammar for IELTS Writing
• Academic Collocations for Task 2
• Nine Band 9 Verbs For IELTS Writing

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IELTS essay templates pdf

Learn structures for different types of essays.

There is a limited range of types of questions that get asked in your IELTS test and you should learn how to write and structure each of these different types of essays. This is because it will save you time in your real test and allow you to have a better quality essay.

Templates for common types of IELTS essays

After you have established the structures for different types of essays you can work on templates for each of the structures. The advantage of using templates is that it can help you to speed up the writing of your essay; and also help you to increase your score as you have a lower proportion of errors, and also increase your score for vocabulary and grammar because the template has high-level vocabulary and grammar embedded in it. Note that the examiner will not consider this memorised language because this is structural language that is essential to writing an essay. memorised language would be something you have memorised relating to a specific topic that you have memorised from an article or published online essay.

Template for opinion essay

The template below has been used to write the second version of the essay.

Introduction There is currently a contentious argument over whether XYZ [XYZ is the topic] I totally agree/disagree with this opinion because

[reason 1 + reason 2]

Paragraph 2 The main reason why I believe/don’t believe XYZ is because… [reason 1]

Paragraph 3 Another reason why I support/don’t support the notion that XYZ is due to the fact that… [reason 2]

Conclusion In conclusion, I completely agree/disagree that XYZ because [rephrase reason 1] and [rephrase reason 2].

Given this situation, it seems that [give a final recommendation or opinion]

Model opinion essay

There is currently a contentious argument over whether family life is being harmed by the high-speed and pressure of contemporary lifestyles. I totally agree with this opinion because the fast pace leads to less time for families to be together, and stress leads to arguments among family members.

The main reason why I believe family life is being compromised is because families have less time to be with each other. This is due to family members being busier at work and with their social lives. As well as this, people have many things they have to do these days such as checking e-mail, updating their online social status and so less time is left for family life. To illustrate, I spend about two hours online every night attending to daily correspondence before chatting with my family members, whereas ten years ago I would spend time with my family as soon as I walked in the door.

Another reason why I support the notion that families are being impacted negatively is that the pressure of life these days means that even when families do get together arguments are more likely. This is because everyone feels tired and they are more likely to get irritated and to react to their heightened emotional levels.

In conclusion, I completely agree that the rapid pace and stressful nature of contemporary lifestyles are having negative consequences on family relationships. This is because family members have less time, and when they are together they feel less relaxed. Given this situation, it seems that family members should try to be more supportive to one another and also parents need to set aside regular times for families to relax together.        [281 words]

Template for a both sides and opinion essay

The template below contains about 130 words. The advantage of this template is that it can be used for any type of both sides and opinion essay. Memorising and using this template can help you to speed up the writing of your essay [you have less language to think of], and also help you to increase your score as you have a lower proportion of errors, and also increase your score for vocabulary and grammar because the template has high-level vocabulary and grammar embedded in it.

INTRODUCTION A highly controversial issue today relates to whether to have… [issue]… or not. In this essay, I am going to examine this question from both points of view and then explain why I believe….

BODY PARAGRAPH 1 There are people who argue that the benefits of ……………. considerably outweigh its disadvantages. The main reason for believing this is that …………………. It is also possible to say that ……. One good illustration of this is ………….

BODY PARAGRAPH 2 On the other hand, others believe that….. It is often argued that ……….. People often have this opinion because …………… A second point is that ………..A particularly good example here is…………..

CONCLUSION In conclusion, I believe both arguments have their merits. On balance, however, I feel that… This is because….

Model essay for a both sides and opinion essay

A highly controversial issue today relates to whether to have capital punishment or not. In this essay, I am going to examine this question from both points of view and then explain why I believe the arguments for capital punishment are stronger.

There are people who argue that the benefits of killing violent criminals considerably outweigh its disadvantages. The main reason for believing this is that the fear of execution acts as a deterrent to commit serious crimes such as rape and murder. It is also possible to say that the execution of a criminal may bring relief to the suffering victims. One good illustration of this is when Saddam Hussein was executed. Many of the victims who were persecuted under his rule expressed joy and relief when he was finally captured and killed.

On the other hand, others believe that the death penalty is not morally just. It is often argued that sentencing criminals to death is just committing another murder. People often have this opinion because they think that it is immoral to take another person’s life, no matter what the reason is. A second point is that many religions are opposed to any form of murder. A particularly good example here is from the Bible or Quran, which lists killing another person as one of the most severe sins

In conclusion, I believe both arguments have their merits. On balance, however, I feel that capital punishment is justified. This is because in cases of extreme crime and that deterring crime is more important than taking the moral high ground.       [261 words]

Template for a two-question essay

It is difficult to build a standardised template for our two-question essay because a wide variety of questions can be asked. First, a general template will be given and then a more specific template will be given for a typical problem and solution essay.

General template Introduction Rephrase the topic this essay discusses…[Question one] + [question two]

Body Question one [try to write two main points to respond to this question] Question two [try to write two main points to respond to this question]

Conclusion In conclusion, [summarise the two main points about question one] [summarise the two main points about question two]

Template for the problem and solution essay that follows with gaps for the topic Note that this is the original form of a two question essay that gets asked and it is essentially the same as the essay above and follows the same format. The question type is quite commonplace and you can use the template below for any essay of this type.

……………. is becoming increasingly serious in many nations. Although ……………. Threaten[s] many societies, its /their effects can also be combated successfully. This essay looks at some of the problems caused by ……………. on society, and suggests some solutions to the problems.

……………. causes multiple problems. The ……………. effects are very obvious. For example, ……………. In some cases, such as ……………. even leads to (death). The second effect is ……………. People who ……………. become …………….

However, the menace of ……………. can be fought. Education is the main way to tackle this issue. People need to be aware of the effects so that they can avoid this problem. In addition, the government could also …………….. This is a good approach because …………….

In conclusion, ……………. is a serious issue because it causes harmful effects on people’s health and people who are ……………. The best approaches to deal with it are to educate people about its damaging effects, and also for the government to …………….. Although the problem is unlikely to be entirely eliminated in the short term there are concrete steps to reduce the effects it is having on the current society. [about 175 words]

Model essay:

Drug abuse is becoming increasingly serious in many nations. Although drugs threaten many societies, their effects can also be combated successfully. This essay looks at some of the problems caused by drug use on society, and suggests some solutions to the problems.

Drug abuse causes multiple problems for countries and communities. The medical effects are very obvious. For example, addicts abuse their bodies and neglect their health, and so eventually require expensive treatment or hospitalization. In some cases, such as Marilyn Monroe, a drug overdose even leads to death. The second effect is crime. People who take drugs become crazy and irrational and often cause harm and danger to themselves and others.

However, the menace of drugs can be fought. Education is the main way to tackle this issue. People need to be aware of the effects so that they can avoid this problem. In addition, the government could also use infomercials to educate their citizens. This is a good approach because they can alert all citizens about the negative aspects of using drugs.

In conclusion, drug abuse is a serious issue because it causes harmful effects on people’s health and people who are high often commit crimes. The best approaches to deal with it are to educate people about its damaging effects, and also for the government to ensure all people are aware of the consequences through public service advertising. Although the problem is unlikely to be entirely eliminated in the short term these are concrete steps to reduce the effects it is having on the current society.

[260 words]

About Mike I’m Mike Wattie from Australia. I have been teaching IELTS for over 20 years in Asia and Australia.

I have written IELTS books and this enables me to be an effective tutor. This is because I understand the main problems that students have taking the test and also the ways to overcome them.

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Learn how IELTS helps improve English language skills & why language skills are important for success. Read our IELTS Essay Samples today!

In modern education, the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) helps check how well you speak and understand English. It’s important because English is a global language. IELTS tests your language skills, which are needed for school and work. This essay looks at different “IELTS Essay Samples” to show why language skills matter. You can learn how to use English well for success in your studies and job.

Important Tips to Write IELTS Essay

• Understand the Question : Grasp the topic and requirements.
• Plan Your Ideas : Organize your thoughts before writing.
• Clear Introduction : Start with a brief, focused introduction.
• Use Examples : Support your points with specific examples.
• Stay Focused : Stick to the topic and main argument.
• Structured Paragraphs : Divide your essay into clear paragraphs.
• Formal Language : Write in a formal, academic style.
• Vocabulary and Grammar : Use varied vocabulary and correct grammar.
• Transition Words : Connect ideas using transitional phrases.
• Balanced Argument : Present both sides if required, then express your view.
• Summarize in Conclusion : Recap main points in your conclusion.
• Stay within Word Limit : Follow the recommended word count.
• Proofread : Check for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Time Management : Allocate time for planning, writing, and editing.
• Practice : Regularly write essays to improve your skills.

Types of IELTS Essays

• Opinion Essay (Agree/Disagree)
• Discussion Essay (Advantages/Disadvantages)
• Problem-Solution Essay
• Advantages and Disadvantages Essay
• Direct Question Essay
• Two-Part Question Essay
• Cause and Effect Essay
• Process Essay
• Comparison Essay
• Pie Chart/Bar Graph/Line Graph/Map Essay
• Mixed Graph Essay
• Double Question Essay
• Opinion and Discussion Essay

To improve your understanding of writing IELTS essays, consider reading the IELTS Essay Samples below for a band score of 8.

IELTS Essay Samples Images

To Write an Essay in IELTS (Short Guide) 1. Understand the Question : Identify the essay type (e.g., opinion, discussion, problem-solution). 2. Follow a Clear Structure : Introduction : Paraphrase the question and state your main idea. Body Paragraphs : Write two paragraphs, each with one main idea and examples. Conclusion : Summarize your points and restate your opinion. 3. Use Formal Language : Avoid informal phrases and contractions. 4. Add Linking Words : Use words like however, moreover, for example, and in conclusion for flow. 5. Check Word Count : Write at least 250 words. 6. Manage Time : Plan (2-3 mins), write (30 mins), and review (5 mins). Practice regularly to improve!

To Get 8.5 in IELTS Writing (Short Guide) 1. Understand the Criteria : Fully answer the question, use advanced vocabulary, write complex sentences, and avoid errors. 2. Plan Before Writing : Spend 2-3 minutes organizing ideas. 3. Use a Clear Structure : Introduction, 2 body paragraphs, and conclusion. 4. Write Sophisticated Sentences : Use a mix of sentence types with accurate grammar. 5. Use Precise Vocabulary : Avoid repetition; use synonyms and collocations naturally. 6. Link Ideas Well : Use connectors like however, moreover, consequently. 7. Practice and Review : Write regularly, check for mistakes, and get feedback. Consistent effort will get you there!

1. Plan (2-3 minutes): Think of two ideas and examples. 2. Structure: Introduction: Rephrase the question and state your main idea. Body 1: Explain your first idea with an example. Body 2: Explain your second idea or opposite view with an example. Conclusion: Summarize your main points. 3. Use Linking Words: Like firstly, however, for example, in conclusion. 4. Check for Mistakes: Spend 5 minutes reviewing grammar and spelling. Write clearly and stay on topic!

How to Write Task 1 Introduction in IELTS 1. Paraphrase the Question : Rewrite the information in your own words. Avoid copying phrases directly from the question. 2. Include Key Information : Mention what the chart, graph, or diagram is about. Include the time frame (if given) or key details like categories or locations. Example : Question : The graph shows the number of visitors to three museums in 2005. Introduction : The graph illustrates the number of visitors to three museums in 2005.

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