IELTS General Writing: How to get Band 7?

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a test conducted to evaluate the candidate’s proficiency in English Language Communication Skills (LSRW). The test is conducted separately for Academic purpose and General purpose. This article drives home the point of preparatory steps to be taken for getting Band 7 in General IELTS. The IELTS test comprises of four modules: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. A student desiring to appear for the test must take all the four sub-tests. The Listening and Speaking test pattern is common for both Academic and General Training whereas a different pattern is followed for Reading and Writing. The candidate aspiring to turn up trumpets, they should become perfect in the language elements of the communication skills as mentioned below.

Sl. No	Communication Skills	Language Elements
1	Listening	Pronunciation of English words and numbers, Word and Sentence Stress, Intonation and Vocabulary including spellings.
2	Speaking	Pronunciation of English words and numbers, Word and Sentence Stress, Intonation, Vocabulary, Grammar and fluency. Audibility and Clarity in the voice is the first parameter for evaluation of speaking quality
3	Reading	Understanding the contextual meaning of words.  Analytical and comprehensive understanding of the given passage. Ability to grasp the gist of the content and answer to the point. Vocabulary knowledge is must.
4	Writing	Grammar, Vocabulary, ability to Generate ideas. Ability to analyze and compare various things. Understanding of Graphs, charts, pictures, etc. and convert them into test. Ability to generate ideas on various topics and give opinions.

IELTS General - Writing tasks There are two tasks to test the Writing skills. Task 1   Comprises of letter writing. A formal or informal situation is given and you need to write a letter accordingly in at least 150 words. The candidate has 20 minutes time to complete the task. Only the situation is given but it is not mentioned whether it is formal or informal. So, the candidate should read the question carefully, understand the situation and use appropriate vocabulary, structure, sentence formation, salutation and complementary close etc. Frequently asked Situations (content)

1. Giving complaints (mostly formal)
2. Sending invitations (mostly informal)
3. Making arrangements (formal/informal)
4. Expressing apology (formal/informal)
5. Registrations/applications (mostly formal)
6. Making request

Sample Instruction (question - formal letter) You are interested in applying for a scholarship program to study at an abroad university. Write a letter to get information about the course.

• Show your interest in a particular course
• Mention about your knowledge about the University
• Explain why the university should provide you the scholarship

Address:   Not to be mentioned (Instructions are given not to mention the address) Suggested salutations Dear Sir/Madam,   (If we don’t know the name of the person we are addressing) Dear Mr. John/Dear Ms. Jessica,   (If the name is known) Body of the letter: The main body of the letter should written in paragraphs as suggested below. 1^st Paragraph: Opening lines 2^nd Paragraph: Your interest in the particular course. Why do you opt the specific course? 3^rd Paragraph: Explain how and what do you know about the university. Also mention why the university should grant you the scholarship. Last Paragraph: Conclusion followed by request for the financial aid. Opening Statements: You can start the main body of the letter with any one of the following statements

• With reference to the subject cited above, I would like to introduce myself as an applicant for claiming scholarship
• I am writing this letter with regards to the scholarship program for graduate study
• This is in response to the notification about the scholarship program for graduate study at your acclaimed/esteemed university
• I would like to introduce myself as an aspirant for the scholarship program for pursuing graduate study at you’re your university of global reputation.

Closing line: Looking forward to positive reply Complimentary close: Yours faithfully, /faithfully yours, Task 2-Writing Assignment: A topic is given and the candidate has to write an essay in 250 words. The time given is 40 minutes. Most frequently asked essay types include the following.

• A description of an opinion
• An argument
• A Social Problem

The essay must be logically organized into 4/5 paragraphs. Each paragraph must suggest an idea/point. The points may be generated by the SPELT strategy.  Depending on the topic given, you must relate your ideas logically to the aspects of Social/Political/ Economic/Technology or Time bound.  It is not necessary that you take all the aspects. You may take only one, two or all the aspects 1^st Paragraph: Introduction that includes definition, history, scope, etc. 2^nd and 3^rd Paragraphs: Actual points of arguments, statements for supporting your opinions with relevant examples of situations, anecdotes, statistics, etc. 4^th and 5^th Paragraphs:  Highlights on the limitations with suggested solution followed by conclusions and recommendations Major parameters for getting higher score:

• Ideas expressed must be relevant to the given topic. Clarity of thought is very important.
• Impressive sentences without grammatical errors.
• Vocabulary should be above average and appropriate. Using of vernacular (mother tongue) collocations result to less score.
• Linguistic Phrases and Idiomatic Expressions would attract higher score.
• Avoiding redundancy of words/phrases and or ideas.
• Overall the essay should comply with the following  3 Cs:
  • Impressive Commencement
  • Interesting Continuation
  • Inquisitive   Conclusion

Tips for preparation:

• Keep yourself updated with latest changes in society, politics, current affairs, technology, etc. by extensive reading of articles in newspapers, magazines, journals, etc. This is one of the best practices that enables you generate the content easily and confidently. Besides, this helps you improve your vocabulary knowledge.
• Before you take coaching in IELTS, build your vocabulary such as: synonyms, English collocations, linguistic phrases and idiomatic expressions, and become perfect in framing the sentences grammatically perfect.
• Listen to and watch stories, debates, group discussions and other such programmes on standard TV (English) channels so that you can have a good exposure to English phrases and idioms.
• Participate in essay writing competitions, GDs and elocutions so that you are in continuous touch with English language.
• Take coaching and mock tests with one of the best trainers and build your confidence.

I wish good luck to all the IELTS aspirants and hope you will accomplish your goals and come up with flying colors in your future endeavors. About the Trainer: Ram Mohan Varanasi is a veteran IELTS Trainer who loves to instill the love of learning English Language among students and increase their language skills. He also offers Soft Skills Training, Business Communication Training and Placement Training to Fresh Graduates. If you are looking for IELTS Coaching? Post your learning requirements here.