Useful phrases for IELTS writing task two

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

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 the examples in accordance with your particular topic. For instance:

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

and

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

If you need further help with your introductions, check our writing task 2 tutorial.

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

2. A phrase best for body paragraphs showing opinions

When injecting an opposing thought, instead of using only “However,” you can use:

However, it should not be forgotten (that)… and add the opposing point.

3. A phrase best for body paragraphs showing examples

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:

For example, a recent study by the WTO (or U.K. government) showed… (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…

For instance:

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

and

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

6. Best for supporting sentences

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…

and

Numerous studies have consistently found that students who learn 3 languages have a reduced chance of contracting Alzheimer’s.

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

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

Replace:

Recent electronic gadgets have…

with

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

Replace:

Serious diseases are a recurring matter…

with

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.

Summary

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.

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

Make sure you have adapted them to your specific essay topic
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.
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.

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

Next Step!

Now you need to take notes and exercise using the phrases in your own sentences for better retention. Note that these phrases need not necessarily be copied. Merely copying can cause you trouble. You must make sure that the way you use the phrases that fit your essay perfectly to maintain coherence in thought and correct grammatical structures.

If you have questions, 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.”

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

For Band 9 IELTS writing samples, click here.

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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