IELTS Writing Task 2: plan your main paragraphs

Before you start writing your task 2 essay, you need a plan:1. First, think about how you could write 2 main body paragraphs. What would be the main idea/topic of each one?

2. Then make some notes for the first main paragraph. Your notes could follow this formula: Idea, Explain, Example.

3. Do the same thing for the second main paragraph.

Here's an example question with a few ideas below:

People nowadays work hard to buy more things. This has made our lives generally more comfortable, but many traditional values and customs have been lost and this is a pity.To what extent do you agree or disagree?

1. I can see two clear ideas in this question: 1) buying things has made our lives more comfortable. 2) traditional values and customs have been lost. I agree with both of these points, so I'll write one paragraph explaining why I agree with the first point, and another paragraph explaining the second point.

2. Idea: buying things has made life more comfortable. Explain/Examples: we buy appliances like microwave ovens and dishwashers; we use computers to shop online; more people own a car.

3. Idea: traditional values and customs have been lost. Explain/Examples: people buy microwave meals rather than cooking traditional dishes; traditional local shops disappear and are replaced with online shopping; people are more independent, but lack a sense of community.

Source: http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2011/11/ielts-writing-task-2-plan-your-main-paragraphs.html

ELTS Speaking Part 3: tensesWhen answering the two questions below, you should be aware that the examiner is expecting to hear some different verb tenses.

1. Do you think films have changed since you were a child?No, I dont think films have changed much since I was a child. When I was younger I enjoyed watching action films, and the Hollywood formula for this type of film seems to be the same today. For example, I liked the original Superman films, and superheroes are still a popular subject for film-makers.

2. As the technology for home viewing improves, do you think people will stop going to the cinema in future?No, I dont think that people will stop going to the cinema. People can already buy fantastic home viewing equipment, but it still feels more special to share the experience of watching a new film with a theatre full of people. I don't think that technology will be able to replicate that cinema atmosphere.

Source: http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2015/07/ielts-speaking-part-3-tenses.html