What is the main problem with this essay plan?
Thesis: Family is more important and should be prioritised over friends.
Body1 Main idea: The significance of family
Body2 Main Idea: The signifinance of friends
The main idea for Body 2 contradicts the thesis.
What is missing from the two topic sentences below?
Family plays a fundamental role in nurturing and guiding individuals.
Frienship is equally important for two main reasons.
linking words (AKA discourse markers/linkers)
Add "On the one hand," and "On the other hand,"
or: "Undoubtedly," and "However,"
Is "prefered" spelled correctly?
No, the correct spelling is "preferred" (double "r").
True or False?
The plural form for "child" is "childrens"
False. The correct word is "children".
True or false?
In IELTS Task 2, simple sentences should be avoided. ALL sentences must be either compound or complex.
False. Simple structures can be used to write a clear topic sentence. For example:
On the one hand, family plays a crucial role in children’s development for two main reasons.
What is the main issue with the text below in terms of idea development?
Friendship is important for both emotional support and personal growth. Friendship also gives children opportunities to practice the social skills that parents has taught them. Therefore, friends are important.
There is no explanation or example to support the main ideas. This often results in a low Task Response score.
True or false?
"Moreover / additionally / in addition" can be used to introduce a similar point in the same paragraph.
True.
Which spelling is correct?
1. enroled
2. enrolled
2. enrolled
"enroll (v)" and "enrollment (n)" for American English; "enrol (v)" and "enrolment (n)" for British English
Delete an unecessary word from the text below:
Family provides the children with emotional stability and guidance, which are essential for their healthy development.
Delete "the" before "children" because the sentence is making a general statement, not talking about particular children.
❌ “the children” → refers to a specific group of children already known.
✅ “children” → refers to children in general — all children as a category.
Combine sentences by adding a conjunction (and/but / because):
Parents spend time teaching children manners. Children benefit from it.
Parents spend time teaching children manners, and children benefit from it.
OR:
Parents spend time teaching children manners because children benefit from it.
Put these sentences in a logical order:
A. Close friends not only help individuals cope with stress but also encourage them to develop new skills and perspectives.
B. Friendship is important for both emotional support and personal growth.
C. For example, a friend might offer comfort during a difficult time while simultaneously motivating someone to join a group activity or try a new hobby, which helps them build confidence and resilience.
D. In this way, friendships contribute significantly to emotional stability and self-development.
B, A, C, D
True or false?
"Firstly" and "secondly" CANNOT replace "on the one hand" and "on the other hand".
True.
"Firstly / Secondly" are used to list points in order.
"On the one hand / On the other hand" are used to show contrast or two sides of an argument.
Find the spelling mistakes in the text below:
Strong family bonds foster a sense of security, wich enables children to explore the world with trust and curiocity.
which
curiosity
Is "they" the correct word?
Family plays a vital role in a child’s growth, and they help children feel secure and supported.
No. "They" refers to the singular noun "family". The correct word should be "it" followed by "helps".
Form a complex sentence by adding "which" to:
Parents spend time teaching children manners. Children benefit from it.
Parents spend time teaching children manners, which benefits them.
“Which benefits them” refers back to the entire idea of teaching manners.
Put the sentences in a logical order:
A. Emotional support from family helps children feel safe and valued, while guidance in social interactions enables them...
B. For instance, parents who comfort their children during stressful situations and involve them in...
C. Therefore, a strong family environment is fundamental for nurturing well-rounded and responsible children.
D. Family is crucial for children’s development because it provides emotional security and teaches essential social skills.
D, A, B, C
Improve cohesion by adding linking words where necessary:
Family is important. Children learn manners from their parents. They also get emotional support. Friends are also important. It is through friendship that children develop social skills.
Although family is important as/because children learn manners from their parents and receive emotional support, it is through friendship that children develop social skills.
True or false?
Words like "you", "your", "it's" and "doesn't" are acceptable in IELTS Writing.
No. Never use second person pronouns and contractions in IELTS writing.
Correct the mistake in the sentence below:
Children rely on their parents for guidance, and them need constant reassurance.
Replace "them" with "they".
Can anyone explain WHY?
Combine these sentences by adding a conjunction that draws contrast:
Family plays a key role in helping children develop manners. Healthy friendships provide opportunities to practice social skills.
While family plays a key role in helping children develop manners, healthy friendships provide opportunities to practice social skills.
In relation to the thesis, why is the conclusion below problematic?
Thesis: Family and friends can both influence individuals in significant ways.
Conclusion: In summary, while friendship is key to the emotional well-being of adults, family is always more important in life.
The conclusion fail to support or align with the thesis-- it contradicts the thesis.
How would the ideas below reduce coherence? Give 3 reasons.
Family is important for children’s development. Children can develop social skills just by spending all their time with friends, so family guidance is unnecessary.
1. Ideas contradict each other
2. There is no logical connection or transition (no linking words)
3. The paragraph becomes confusing for the reader--final result
Spot any spelling mistakes in the text below:
Argueably, adults with friends who are suportive tend to hav better emotional welbeing.
Arguably
supportive
have
well-being (formal)
Correct mistakes in the sentence:
Parents spent time teach childrens manners, and they benefit from consistent routines.
Parents spend time teaching children manners, and the children benefit from consistent routines.
Well done, everyone!