The most common complaint students have about IELTS writing is time. They don’t have enough of it. Here are some IELTS template sentences that you can alter for any Task 2 essay question and save you time. You don’t need to learn them all, just choose the ones you like and use them in your practice essays. Once you know how to use them well, they will become an indispensable part of your IELTS writing toolbox.
Structure
Introduction – (global sentence?) – paraphrase – opinion (if asked for)
topic sentence – supporting sentence 1 – example – supporting sentence 2 – concluding sentence/ possible alternative and/or link to next paragraph
topic sentence – supporting sentence 1 + such as – supporting sentence 2 – concluding sentence/ possible alternative
Conclusion – summarise previous – restate opinion
Here are some template sentences for each sentence in this simple easily memorised structure for IELTS Writing Task 2.
Introduction
Paraphrase
For some people think A and others think B questions.
It is a contentious argument whether …… or ……
Examples
It is a contentious argument whether it should be illegal for householders not to recycle their waste. There is currently a contentious argument about whether scientific information should be shared freely or if it is too valuable.
It is a contentious argument whether criminal punishments should be fixed or tailored to the specific crime that was committed.
Opinion
Strong opinion –
I am absolutely convinced that …..
I strongly believe that …..
I am in no doubt that …..
Examples
X is more convenient than Y because…
I am convinced that watching DVDs is much more convenient than watching films in the cinema because…
X should have/has a higher priority than Y because…
I believe science should have a higher priority than art in schools because…
X is more important than Y because…
I hold the opinion that keeping healthy is more important than just hanging out with friends and having fun because…
X is undoubtedly of greater importance than Y because…
I feel that quality education is undoubtedly of greater importance than economic development because…
X is certainly in need of more attention than Y because…
For me, slowing down global warming is certainly in need of more attention than saving particular species of animals because …
X should take precedence over Y because…
Spending money improving our hospitals should take precedence over spending money renovating historic buildings because…
Balanced opinion
I strongly believe that both sides of the argument have their merits
Examples
If the two things you are comparing have the same importance or priority, you can use:
X is equally as important as Y because…
Developing the economy is equally as important as saving the environment because…
Agreeing and Disagreeing
Complete agreement
I totally agree
I completely agree
Partial agreement
l agree with X to a point, but…
I can see their point, but..
I can agree to some extent, but X must be considered…
I can see their point, but…
I agree up to a point, but…
Complete disagreement
I can’t possibly agree because if X happens, then Y.
I absolutely disagree. If people continue to do X, then it could be disastrous for Y
Body Paragraphs
Topic Sentence
There are a number of factors that contribute to …..
There are numerous factors that contribute to …..
There are innumerable factors that contribute to …….
There are myriad factors that contribute to …..
there are many explanations for …..
There are numerous contributing factors/ innumerable contributing factors, including A and B.
There are many reasons for ….., the two main ones being A and B. –
There are several explanations for ….., the two most important of which are A and B. –
There are a number of reasons for ….., with A and B being the most important. –
There are several explanations for ….., the most important of which are A and B.
Supporting Sentences
Firstly, ….
First of all, …..
First, …..
Compared to, …..
In comparison to/with A, …..
As opposed to A, …..
Regarding the former/latter, …..
As for the latter, …..
Secondly –
second –
second of all –
furthermore –
Examples
It is essential for + verb-ing
A solid education is essential for finding a good job.
It is vital for + verb-ing
A solid education is vital for finding a good job.
People should all + verb
It gives people the opportunity/freedom to+ verb
Better public transport gives us the opportunity to stop using private vehicles which hurt the environment.
People should make an effort to + verb
I really think that people should all try and eat healthily.
Negative examples
It would be inappropriate to + verb/for + noun
It would be inappropriate to make children under the age of 12 work for a living.
It is not good for society if people…
It is not good for society if people need to work as many hours as they can each week.
It is unfair to+ verb/somebody…
It’s unfair to deny people health care just because they are poor.
It is not necessary to + verb
It is not necessary to make education free because it’s already extremely cheap.
It is unethical to+ verb
It is unethical to make customers pay, then not provide the service they paid for.
Examples using more complex sentences
First of all, most families believe that a good education is essential for finding a good job and having a comfortable lifestyle.
Firstly, significant numbers of people feel losing weight is important for keeping them healthy and less susceptible to illness.
To begin with, such a law would be vital for making recycling compulsory and would encourage the vast majority of households to make the effort to recycle their waste.
Regarding the former, teaching relevant skills and knowledge is essential for these tertiary educational institutions maintaining their reputations and remaining competitive.
Advantages phrases
one of the main advantages of
one of the main benefits of
one of the major strong points of
a key advantage of
All of the above phrases can be completed with the following:
verb-ing/noun is you can…
verb-ing/noun is that you’re able to…
verb-ing/noun is you don’t have to…
verb-ing/noun is you don’t need to…
Disadvantages
the main disadvantage of
a major disadvantage of
one drawback of
another disadvantage of
verb-ing/noun is you can/might/ may/could
become bored with/get frustrated by ……..
be inconvenient because /for …..
give a bad impression of somebody/something to somebody
verb-ing/noun is that it can/might/may/could/is possible that it may
damage/harm /cause illness/_health problems/_stress/_harm to …….
get damaged/get stolen/get broken easily/get cheated by/get addicted to/get obsessed with
Examples:
The main disadvantage of working outside is that it might cause health problems in winter.
The bad thing about owning an expensive bike is that it could get stolen.
One drawback, of being a computer programmer is that the work can be quite confusing sometimes.
The one bad point about being outspoken and confident in class is that some people may think you are arrogant.
Examples using more complex sentences
Firstly, a key advantage of having a predominantly young population is that the government should be able to propose plans for the country’s progress.
First of all, the main advantage of teaching primary school children a second language is that younger students often adapt to new concepts faster than older students.
To begin with, one of the main benefits of being self-employed is that such people can organise their work around their lives rather than the reverse.
Transition words
although
however
while
yet at the same time
while at the same time
having said that
then again
on the one hand… on the other hand
Previous examples using transitions
First of all, most families believe that a good education is essential for finding a good job and having a comfortable lifestyle, although many wealthy people have only attended school.
Firstly, significant numbers of people feel losing weight is important for keeping them healthy and less susceptible to illness, however, it is no guarantee.
To begin with, such a law would be vital for making recycling compulsory and would encourage the vast majority of households to make the effort to recycle their waste, then again some would ignore it.
Regarding the former, teaching relevant skills and knowledge is essential for these tertiary educational institutions maintaining their reputations while at the same time remaining competitive.
Firstly, a key advantage of having a predominantly young population is that the government should be able to propose plans for the country’s progress, while their contributions would help to pay for the elderly.
First of all, the main advantage of teaching primary school children a second language is that younger students often adapt to new concepts, while older students are slower.
To begin with, one of the main benefits of being self-employed is that such people can organise their work around their lives,while those in employment usually cannot.
The main disadvantage of eating in restaurants is that it’s expensive although it can be exciting and fun to eat out every now and again.
A great thing about computers is that you can buy a computer now that was state-of-the-art only a few months ago quite cheaply. Then again, this means that the computer you buy now will soon be outdated.
The telephone is incredibly useful, while at the same time it can be quite annoying when you want to be left alone.
Being into fashion can be a really good thing, yet at the same time it can sometimes be a bit silly if people spend too much time thinking about fashion.
Going to see sports games can be fun and exciting and exhilarating. Having said that, it can be annoying to be in a crowded stadium with lots of people.
On the one hand contact sports are a great way to exercise, but on the other hand they can be quite dangerous.
Examples
For example
for instance
by way of illustration
word order and where to put the ‘for example’
Such as
Firstly, significant numbers of people feel losing weight is important for keeping them healthy and less susceptible to illness, however, it is no guarantee. For example, pressure on the health service from both over-eating and smoking has led to family pressure to eat well and keep a healthy diet.
Firstly, significant numbers of people feel losing weight is important for keeping them healthy and less susceptible to illness, however, it is no guarantee. Pressure on the health service from both over-eating and smoking, for example, has led to family pressure to eat well and keep a healthy diet.
To begin with, such a law would be vital for making recycling compulsory and would encourage the vast majority of households to make the effort to recycle their waste, then again some would ignore it. To illustrate, schools would probably take a leading role in promoting it so children would put pressure on their parents to recycle as well as it becoming the new normal.
Regarding the former, teaching relevant skills and knowledge is essential for these tertiary educational institutions maintaining their reputations while at the same time remaining competitive. For instance, For universities to invest in the best equipment, they need to be reputable and have a history of both academic and research success.
Regarding the former, teaching relevant skills and knowledge is essential for these tertiary educational institutions maintaining their reputations while at the same time remaining competitive. For universities to invest in the best equipment, for instance, they would need to be reputable and have a history of both academic and research success.
Firstly, a key advantage of having a predominantly young population is that the government should be able to propose plans for the country’s progress, while their contributions would help to pay for the elderly. For example, the government could decide to launch new training initiatives in the technology field that would give the country a better chance to succeed economically in the following years.
Educational professionals such as teachers and administration staff usually have to work overtime just to get their job finished.
Everyone can improve their health by curtailing habits such as smoking and drinking.
If such as introduces a list of more than two items, it is usually preceded by a comma.
Even the less well off can now afford to take a vacation in exotic locations, such as the Bahamas, Mexico or Madagascar.
Concluding Sentence
Generally, these two reasons account for popularity of X –
In general, these two factors account for X’s popularity. –
X’s success stems from these two factors in general. –
In general, these two factors contribute to X’s popularity.
Possible Alternative
Alternatively –
Conversely –
if, however, this did not happen/occur/take place, then ……. which would …….
Link to the next paragraph
Linking to the same side of the argument –
therefore / clearly + very brief summary of the overall result of what you have written in the paragraph so far.
Linking to the opposing side of the argument
However, these advantages are balanced by several disadvantages – the next paragraph starts by stating what these disadvantages are.
However, these benefits are balanced by several drawbacks – the next paragraph starts by stating what these drawbacks are.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ….
To sum up, …..
To conclude, …..
Cohesion
Connect paragraphs and sentences with linking words.
Don’t over-use linking words or phrases or use inappropriately – this could become confusing or irritating for the reader. Also don’t always use linking words at the beginning of sentences -show more variety.
Adding similar ideas – in addition … another reason is…, equally
Contrasting ideas – in contrast, on the other hand, on the contrary…, although….
Giving examples or evidence – “for example…, for instance.., to illustrate this….
Explaining results – as a result, for this reason, ‘consequently.”’
Sequencing – *firstly…’, ‘secondly…’,”next.. … to begin with
Providing explanations – ‘owing to…’, ‘because of.”., due to…
Drawing conclusions in conclusion. – in conclusion, to sum up..
Introducing your opinion – in my opinion to my mind, it seems to me that…
Alternative methods of cohesion
Cohesion does not only come from linking devices, there are other methods of creating cohesion:
Referencing using pronouns:
Firstly, I am happy to receive this award. Additionally I would like to thank my colleagues, without them I wouldn’t be standing here accepting this”.
Some children grow up in destitution and poverty thanks to their parents. These children, however, have an inborn survival instinct so many manage to change their lives for the better. Using ‘these children’ refers strictly to the children and definitely not the adults.
Using Substitution
‘Famous people deserve a private life. Celebrities also sell newspapers’.
Footballers train every day and eat healthy diets. These sportsmen are role models for many youngsters and have to set an example if they want to keep their star status.
Many buildings were destroyed during the war. Clearing the rubble was a huge task and took many years.
Speculating about the future
future perfect is: will + have + past participle.
time phrases:
in the future
in the next few years
in the next two decades
in a short time
in only a couple of years
in our lifetime
by the year 2055 by 2030
by next century
by the time + clause
Examples
They say that by the year 2030,the ice caps will have melted.
Some believe that by the time we are old, mankind will have cut down all the rainforests on earth.
Some scientists say that by the late 2050s, man will have built cities on the moon.
Many believe that in only a few years, another 200 species of endangered animals will have
become extinct.
I am pretty sure that in 1OO years, researchers will have succeeded in finding a cure for cancer.
Given the + noun/noun phrase + future prediction
Given the current situation bankers are sure that the financial crisis will end in a few years.
Taking into consideration/account + noun/noun phrase + future prediction
Taking into consideration the current problems, economists will have to take drastic measures to change things
Taking into account the amazing technological advances this century, NASA is sure people will be living on other planets in a short time.
Given that + clause + future prediction
Given that they making so much effort I am sure they will clean up the city before all the tourists come
Considering that + clause + future prediction
Considering that they have been working so hard I have no doubt they will all get the scholarships
Since + clause+ future prediction
Since they are currently putting more money into education I think that in 10 years most of the schools will be very modern.
Probability
it is likely/quite likely/highly likely/very likely/extremely likely
it is probable/quite probable/highly probable
it is possible/quite possible
Examples
If the planet continues to be treated in this way, it is very likely that it will be in serious trouble in the future.
If we don’t address the current traffic problems soon, it is highly probable that we will face serious problems in the near future.
Remember that we can also reverse the first conditional structure. Examples:
It is extremely likely that people will be a lot more open-minded in the future if our society continues to welcome art and culture from all over the world.
It is quite possible that the world will be a really clean and harmonious place in the future if we take measures to take care of our planet.
Use common present conditions & future outcomes phrases.
Examples
Given that the level of unemployment is high, job prospects are bleak.
Taking into consideration the current situation, exports will decrease significantly.
Use the future perfect tense accurately with time phrases.
By the year 2030 scientists say that all ice caps will have melted.
In about 20 years another 34 species of animals will have died out.
Other
Identifying problems –
There are a lot of problems with X.
There are a lot of problems with the national football team.
One major concern with X that needs addressing is Y.
One major concern with the ageing population that needs addressing is how we are going to pay for all of those pensions.
The biggest problem with X is Y.
The biggest problem with professional sports is that teams become businesses rather than playing for the love of the sport.
The main reasons behind X are Y and Z.
The main reasons behind desertification are agricultural misuse and rising global temperatures.
The main issue many people have with X is Y.
The e main issue many people have with warfare is that they feel it is immoral.
Most people believe that X is the main problem.
In regard to the spread of AIDS in Africa, most people believe that the teachings about the use of condoms are the main problem.
Proposing Solutions
could spend more money on …..
should pay more attention to …..
ought to make an effort to …..
can provide more …..
could try harder to …..
should take measures to …..
ought to take steps to…..
Examples
One thing that they could do is to make an effort to provide farmers with more access to better medical care.
I believe they should take steps towards dealing with the problem of water pollution.
I believe that young people ought to pay more attention to how they behave towards old people in public.
Companies should certainly take measures to improve the customer services in many countries.
The government could spend more money on public transport to reduce the cost of travel.
Hospitals could provide better and more customer-centred care.
Phrases for definite actions
to get rid of
to abolish
to clean up
to spend more money on
to impose tighter regulations on
to put pressure on
to encourage people to
to repair
to renovate
These verbs and verb phrases can be used in two ways.
Should + verb/ verb phrase
The above verbs and verb phrases can be used with the structure should + verb/verb
phrase as in the following examples:
I strongly believe the authorities should put pressure on factory owners to reduce emissions.
I am of the opinion that they should clean up the poorer ends of town.
I think they should impose tighter regulations on the DVD sales.
I really believe they ought to spend more money on improving the school facilities.
I am convinced that they should abolish certain outdated laws in this country.
One step would be to encourage people to stop buying products from manufacturers that damage the environment.
by + verb-ing
The above verbs and verb phrases can be used with the structure by + verb-ing.
They could improve the situation by imposing tighter regulations on…
They could improve things by cleaning up the most polluted areas of…
These companies could fix this problem by putting pressure on local governments to…
The department could take measures to solve this problem by spending more money on education and less on arms.
The building firm can make it a lot better by repairing the damage and by renovating the building.