Have you ever thought an essay was good and then were surprised with a low score or grade?
IELTS students often get lower scores than they expect on the writing exam.
You know your essay had good grammar, advanced vocabulary, complex sentences, and linking words but then you scored 6 or lower.
The problem is almost always that your ideas aren’t supported well enough.
Today we’re going to do something a bit different.
Instead of teaching you how to write a good paragraph, we’re going to teach you how to diagnose a bad one.
To score 7+ on the Task Response score, a paragraph needs to have one clear job: develop one main idea that directly answers the question.
The 3D test
1. Direction: Does the paragraph have a clear main idea?
2. Development: Does it explain and support that idea?
3. Details: Are the supporting details specific and relevant?
#1: No clear main idea
Task 2 question: Some people believe that working from home is beneficial for employees. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Bad paragraph opening: Nowadays, many people work from home. Technology has changed the way people work, and there are many different types of jobs. People use computers every day, and companies have offices in many different places.
What’s the problem?
The paragraph has information about work and technology, but we don’t know the main argument.
Diagnostic question: Could I summarize the paragraph’s main point in one sentence?
Better: One major advantage of working from home is that it gives employees greater flexibility.
Now the Examiner knows exactly what the paragraph is about.
#2: The idea is not developed
Bad paragraph: Working from home is beneficial because it gives employees more flexibility. People can choose when they work. This is convenient, and it is also good for employees.
Technically, the paragraph has a main idea, supporting sentences and correct grammar, but there’s almost no development.
Diagnostic question: Did I explain WHY or HOW my main idea is true?
If it is developed, you’d be able to answer the question “Why does flexibility matter?”
Better: Working from home is beneficial because it gives employees more flexibility. Rather than following a rigid schedule, workers can organize their working hours around personal responsibilities. This can be particularly valuable for parents, who may need to take their children to school or attend appointments during traditional working hours.
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#3: The example isn’t specific and relevant
Bad paragraph: Working from home can improve people’s quality of life. For example, my cousin used to spend an hour commuting to work each morning, but now he works remotely.
What’s the problem?
The example isn’t connected clearly to the argument. We don’t know if the cousin has a better quality of life due to working remotely.
Maybe he loved the commute, as it was when he listened to his favorite podcasts.
It’s possible that he misses that hour of quiet time with his thoughts.
Don’t make the examiner jump to conclusions.
You have to connect the ideas for them.
Diagnostic question: Does my example prove to the examiner that my idea is valid?
Better: Working from home can improve people’s quality of life by reducing the time they spend commuting. For example, my cousin used to spend an hour commuting to work each morning, but now that he works remotely, he has time each morning to exercise and have breakfast with his family.
Now the example proves the point.
Takeaway
This 3D test can help you diagnose the paragraphs of your Task 2 essay.
Use it to score 7+ on the Task Response score.
For all the strategies you need on IELTS, sign up for our 3 Keys IELTS course.
What questions do you have from today’s episode?
Please leave a comment below.
