IELTS Writing: Do and Don´t Task 2

DO

DON´T

analyse the topic respond to all parts of the prompt fully spend the first five minutes planning your essay in the introduction: paraphrase the task and state the aim of your essay in a thesis statement divide your essay into paragraphs (min. four: introduction, two main body paragraphs, conclusion) start each paragraph with a topic sentence provide a reason and an example for each of your arguments summarise the points made in the essay in the conclusion provide some food for thought (e.g. recommendations, suggestins, wider implications) in the conclusion use impersonal language (e.g. we must - it is essential we) if appropriate, state your opinion in formal style (e.g. It is my firm belief that) use formal vocabulary (e.g. keep - maintain; make sure - ensure) TIP; words that sound or look more French, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese will usually be more formal use passive voice to sound more formal and objective (e.g. The film will be shown...) avoid repetition by using synonyms (e.g. important = vital = essential = crucial) use formal linking words (e.g. despite, neverthless, furthemore) use complex sentences proofread your work to avoid simple mistakes make sure you´ve written at least 250 words

DON´T use contractions (e.g. I don´t) avoid being personal (e.g. I, me, my) DON´T use emotive language (e.g. disgusting, fabulous) DON´T use only personal examples DON´T use colloquial expressions (e.g. I had great time) avoid simple vocabulary (e.g. say, think, bad) and basic linking words (e.g. and, but, also) DON´T repeat the same vocabulary throughout your essay DON´T write simple sentences (e.g. Everyone thinks it´s true. I disagree.) DON´T use overgeneralisations (e.g. everyone, always, never, all) DON´T copy the task in your introduction DON´T forget  to answer ALL parts of  the task DON´T write less than 250 words DON´T forget to summarise and conclude your essay in the last paragraph DON´T use examples or arguments unrelated to the topic

compiled by Marek Kiczkowiak

Vocabulary: The Universe

Outer Space	Espacio exterior
Milky way	Vía láctea
Orbit	Órbita
Galaxy	Galaxia
Nebula	Nebulosa
Solar System	Sistema solar
The Sun	El sol
Mars	Marte
The Earth	La Tierra
Planets	Planetas
Meteors	Meteoritos
Satellite s	Satelites
Comets	Cometas
The Moon	La Luna
Light Year	Año lluz
Eclipses	Eclipse
Atmosphere	Atmósfera
Asteroid	Asteroide
Comet	Cometa
Star	Estrella
Constellation	Constelación
Telescope	Telescopio
Astronaut	Astronauta
Spacecraft	Nave espacial
Space Shuttle	Transbordador
Rocket	Cohete
Space probe (no person inside)	Sonda espacial
Lunar module	Módulo lunar
Unidentified flying objects	OVNI
Cosmos	Espacio
Allien	Extraterrestre
Globe	La tierra
Gravity	Gravedad