IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Write a Band 8.5 Essay

Introduction

• Task: Many people work until a later age. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
• Requirements: Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples. Write at least 250 words.
• Common Myth: Complex writing with big words is needed for a high score. Reality: Simplified, clear writing that delivers what examiners look for is crucial.

Strategy for High Score

Answer the Question

• Official Criterion: The main parts of the prompt must be appropriately addressed.
• Key Parts to Address in Task:
  1. Advantages
  2. Disadvantages
  3. Opinion (which one outweighs the other)
• Common Mistake: Failing to cover either advantages or disadvantages adequately and clearly stating your opinion.

Simple Essay Structure

1. Introduction: Express opinion clearly.
2. Body Paragraph 1: Present advantages.
3. Body Paragraph 2: Present disadvantages.
4. Conclusion: Restate opinion clearly.

• Advice: Avoid complex ideas; choose simple ones that are easy to explain.

Logical Organization and Clear Progression

• Importance of Planning: Plan ideas before writing.
• Example:
  • Advantages: Economical and psychological benefits; passing on experience; addressing labor shortages.
  • Disadvantages: Keeping up with innovation; less energy; hindering younger workers' development.
• Choosing Opinion: Advantages outweigh disadvantages (no right or wrong; just defend your stance).
• Displaying a Clear Position: State position directly in introduction.

Writing the Essay

Introduction

1. Summarize Question:
   • Example: "In many parts of the world, people are still working after retirement age."
2. Describe Both Sides:
   • Example: "Some argue that continuing to work and therefore not being a financial burden on family members or society is good, while others believe it would be better for the elderly to enjoy their golden years and make way for younger workers."
3. State Opinion:
   • Example: "In my opinion, there are more advantages than disadvantages to working into old age."

Body Paragraph 1: Advantages

• Topic Sentence: Longer working lives bring benefits for both individuals and wider society.
• Ideas:
  1. Staying physically and mentally active while earning money.
  2. Sharing accumulated knowledge, skills, and experience with younger colleagues.
  3. Addressing labor shortages in countries with falling birth rates (e.g., Japan).
• Linkers: Use of phrases like "besides that," "for example."

Body Paragraph 2: Disadvantages

• Opening Phrase: Among the drawbacks...
• Ideas:
  1. Diminishing enthusiasm viewed negatively by employers.
  2. Potential lack of ability to keep up with technological change.
  3. Hindering the development of young talent.
• Counterarguments:
  • Example: "However, it could be argued that sharing different skill sets with younger workers might negate this disadvantage."
  • Example: "Nevertheless, any organization with a view of the future should be able to prevent that from happening."
• Linkers: "However," "nevertheless."

Conclusion

1. Restate Main Topic:
   • Example: "People are living longer and increasing numbers remain employed well beyond retirement age."
2. Restate Opinion:
   • Example: "Although there are downsides to this trend, I believe that they are outweighed by the advantages to both the individual and society."

• Key Advice: Always restate your opinion in the conclusion.

Grammar Tips for High Score

• Complex Sentences: Variety of complex structures; most sentences should be error-free.
• Passive Voice: Example: "Enthusiasm is often viewed."
• Modal Verbs: Example: "Could" and "might" for possibilities, "should" for recommendations.
• Conditionals: Example: "An older workforce will hinder the development of young talent if they are not allowed sufficient work opportunities."

Additional Resources

• Writing and Speaking Courses: Linked in the description.
• PDF Downloads: For essay examples and more detailed guides.

Thank you for watching! Good luck with your preparation and exam.