These 5 tips can help you hack your way to an 8 in IELTS

Extra long, complex sentences with big words are not the secret for a great score. Simple sentences with simple words and these 5 tips can help you achieve a great score.

1. Convert the Question

If the question is complex, convert it into a close-ended question. This usually makes it easy to answer the question. Here is an example for you:

Modern technology has increased our material wealth, but not our happiness. To what extent do you agree?

This question can be looked at it this way:

• Did modern technology increase our material wealth? Yes or No?
• Did modern technology increase our happiness? Yes or No?
  

You will notice that these questions are much easier to answer than the original question.

2. Make a flow chart of the response

Rather than attempting to write everything at once, make a flow chart of ideas. This will help you get clarity and save your time while crafting paragraphs.

3. Write Short Simple Sentences

The more complex you try to make a sentence, the more chances for errors there are. Simple error-free sentences, will give you a better score than a long sentence with errors.

Example:

Modern technology did not increase our material wealth. We are spending more money on things like internet connections and mobile bills. So we have less money than before.

4. Paragraphs need not be long

Did you know that a perfect, 9-band paragraph can have just two sentences? Yes. 2 sentences are enough for a good paragraph, as long as you complete an idea.

Example:

Thirty days before the sale, we will publish a notice advertising bids. The notice will be in at least one local newspaper and in one trade publication. It will identify any reservation where the tracts to be leased are located.

5. One paragraph; one idea

Do not jumble ideas. Do not club them together. Even if the idea is a simple one, present it in a separate paragraph. Even if the paragraph is short one.

6. Bonus Tip

If you wish to get a deeper understanding of how to get a great score in writing, you can always attend a free IELTS writing session. We would love to have you with us.