Lesson 22 of 22
Study plan, checklists, and common questions
A four-week practice cycle
This schedule organises practice; it does not promise a particular band or assume every learner needs the same amount of time.
| Week | Main work | Evidence of progress |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Read prompts, identify scope, practise introductions and overviews | Fewer changes to units, categories, or question meaning |
| 2 | Write Task 1 details for dynamic, static, map, and process tasks | Accurate figures, clear grouping, complete sequences |
| 3 | Plan Task 2 questions and develop individual body paragraphs | Clear positions and explanations that support each claim |
| 4 | Complete timed Writing sessions, obtain feedback, and rewrite | Both tasks finished with time to check recurring errors |
In a typical study session, review one explanation, complete a short exercise, apply it to new material, and record one or two improvements. Alternate tasks rather than neglecting either part of Writing.
Task 1 checking list
- Have I identified the correct subject, dates, categories, and units?
- Does my introduction preserve the meaning of the prompt?
- Does the overview state the main trends, differences, changes, or stages?
- Have I supported those points with accurate relevant information?
- Are the details grouped logically and comparisons made where useful?
- Have I covered every supplied visual and the meaningful process stages?
- Have I avoided invented explanations and personal evaluation?
- Is the answer at least 150 words, in connected prose?
- Have I checked tenses, comparison forms, and sentence boundaries?
Task 2 checking list
- Have I answered the exact question and every part of its instruction?
- Is my position clear and consistent with the conclusion?
- Does each body paragraph develop a relevant main idea?
- Have I explained why or how each claim works?
- Do examples illustrate the argument without pretending to be research?
- Have I evaluated both sides when the instruction requires it?
- Are the paragraph order and references easy to follow?
- Is the answer at least 250 words, in connected prose?
- Have I checked recurring grammar and vocabulary errors?
Common questions
Do I have to use exactly four paragraphs?
No. Four paragraphs are a useful default for many answers. Use enough paragraphs to organise the information or argument clearly.
Where should the Task 1 overview go?
After the introduction is a convenient routine. It can also appear at the end. Make sure it provides a clear summary wherever you place it.
Does Task 1 need a separate conclusion?
A separate opinion-style conclusion is unnecessary. The overview supplies the summary. Avoid repeating it merely to add an ending paragraph.
Must every sentence be complex?
No. Choose structures that express your meaning naturally and accurately. Variety includes knowing when a short sentence works best.
Can I use personal experience in Task 2?
Yes, when it is relevant and supports the point. Keep the example focused; a long personal story can distract from the argument. Official Academic Writing format.
Do I need statistics or named studies?
No. Explain your reasoning and use credible examples. Invented research does not strengthen an argument. IELTS guidance on Task 2 prompts.
Should I memorise model essays?
Use them to study decisions and language patterns. Practise answering new prompts so you can adapt your reasoning rather than reproduce an answer that may not fit.
Can the guide guarantee Band 7, 8, or 9?
No. A result depends on the response produced under test conditions across all assessment criteria. Use qualified feedback and the official descriptors to assess your current performance.