IELTS Writing Task 2 | A Simple Tip for Grammatical Range and Accuracy
IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to write an essay. This can be tricky because it's hard to know where to start. Also, it becomes difficult to grade the paper, as it is purely an opinion-based test. Thus, the IELTS Writing Task 2 is assessed on the four criteria, and all contribute to 25% of your total marks; Task Achievement, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
Most Common Mistake in the IELTS Writing Task 2
Many IELTS students prefer to write short and simple sentences to impress the examiner because short sentences are easy to understand and depict the idea. You will be surprised to know that this is the worst IELTS Writing Task 2 tip to follow.
Solution
IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about showcasing your ideas or understanding of the task; but also about a variation of the sentence formations with your writing style.
Examiner will not be judging you on your knowledge, though you should be logical enough in your writing. It doesn't matter what your opinion is, you can support or you can oppose the statements; the examiner will only judge you on the mentioned criteria.
While talking about the four criteria, let us discuss the Grammatical Range and Accuracy in detail.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Everyone is aware of Grammatical Accuracy, but there are only a few who know about the Grammatical Range.
Grammatical Range for IELTS - The VARIETY of sentence types
When you start showing the variety of sentence types, your scores will automatically lift from 7 to 8. You must understand sentence structure for IELTS Writing task 2 if you want to score well.
Types of Sentences
There are six types of sentences used in the IELTS Writing Task 2
- Simple Sentence
- Compound Sentence
- Complex Sentence
- Passive Sentence
- Question Sentence
- Conditional Sentence
Let us Understand these Sentence Types in Detail:
1. Simple Sentences
When you use simple sentences subjected to one idea, it is classified into a simple sentence.
For Example:
Prompt: Immigration has a major impact on society.
Variation: People prefer to move to developed nations.
People prefer to move to developed nations.
The above two sentences are simple sentences with 'subject', 'verb' & 'object'. You should include simple sentences in your writing, but again you will need variety.
2. Compound sentences
It is classified when there are at least two independent sentences in your statement connected by a comma, semicolon, or conjunction. Now, don't get confused with the technical terms.
For Example:
You use words like 'and', 'but', 'or' on a daily basis. These are called Conjunctions.
Let's have a look at how to write a compound sentence.
For Example:
Prompt: Immigration has a major impact on the society.
Variation: People prefer to move to developed nations for a better education.
Thus, when you add two simple sentences with the help of conjunctions are known as compound sentences.
Take a look at FANBOYS: "And, for, yet, but, so, or, nor" can be used in your writing exam.
3. Complex Sentences
The sentence that is formed by the inclusion of two (2) or more ideas makes it a complex sentence, and the examiner will try to find such words or sentences in your writing task.
For Example:
Prompt: Immigration has a major impact on the society.
Variation: There has been a trend where people are migrating to various countries.
The complex sentence coordinates two or more ideas into a single sentence. Write at least five complex sentences using these words and these are the sentences that make you win in the IELTS Writing exam.
4. Passive Sentences
In passive sentences, you reversed the subject and the object.
For Example:
Prompt: Immigration has a major impact on the society.
Variation:
Active: Migration has affected the literacy rate of the country.
Passive: Country's literacy rate has been affected by migration.
Passive sentences are also essential to show a variety of sentence types.
5. Question Sentences
It is advised to use one 'question type' sentence in your writing. This will work in your favor if you place the question sentence correctly.
For Example:
Prompt: Immigration has a major impact on society.
Variation: But what consequences can it lead to?
You can use a simple sentence for this, don't try to complicate the 'question type' sentence. You can add this in your introduction part to create an excellent narrative voice for the essay. But again, don't use this sentence in all the essay types. First, understand the context of the question and add it accordingly.
6. Conditional Sentence
Conditional sentences are those sentences that start with 'If' and express the factual implications or hypothetical situations and their consequences.
For Example:
Prompt: Immigration has a major impact on the society.
Variation: If the government had stopped immigration earlier, then we would not have this issue now.
You can also refer to the IELTS Writing Task 2 - Band Descriptors to know in detail.
What to Choose Between IELTS Grammatical Range and Accuracy?
There is a possibility that while concentrating on one part, you may lose your focus on the other one. This happens, when you have a lot going on in your mind or getting nervous. The only way to ensure high bands in the IELTS Writing task is by giving equal importance to both these parts.
But do you need that strike balance?
It is OK to be a bit weak in the English language, no one is perfect! You can try working on these key pointers and implement them in your practice tests. Get your IELTS Writing task checked by an expert tutor and keep a track of your scores. This way, you will know will increase your chances of getting a higher band.
The Takeaway Message
Variety is more important than accuracy! But so is accuracy. So, what should be done in this case?
Work on your weak points. If you are better at accuracy, then concentrate a bit more on variety, and vice versa.
In either case, it is extremely important that you take a test daily! To ensure regularity and numerous questions, download the IELTS Tutorials Exam Practice App. Practice more with this App to get a firm grip over IELTS Grammatical Range and Accuracy. You will get an extensive collection of the best sample questions for your IELTS preparation
Download the App today!
Also, if you have any other queries, do reach out to us!