IELTS Writing module

by KB IELTS

A hybrid IELTS essay (also known as a two-part question or mixed-type essay) is one where more than one task is given, usually a combination of question types, like:

• Reason + positive or negative development

Or

• Reasons + pros outweigh the cons

Why do students lose bands in this type of topic?

Students usually miss one part of the essay and get stuck at 5.0 bands in the first parameter (Task Response)

The above shared image is from the official IELTS Writing Band descriptor. If you miss one part of the essay, you get stuck at 5.0 bands in TR.

{You can download the band descriptor by clicking here: IELTS Writing band descriptor (Examiner Version) - Payhip (No worries, it's free :)) }

How to make sure you don't get stuck at 5.0 bands in TR?

For this, always follow the following steps:

1) Read the task twice:

It does not matter if the task seems super difficult or very easy; always read the task statement two times. Don't be overconfident.

2) Mark keywords:

Sometimes students feel like they don't know anything about the task. However, when you mark important keywords, you understand the main topic and how to include relevant information.

3) Find the total parts of the task:

The super important step is to find out the total parts of the task.

a) In case of 'reason + positive or negative development' essay, you can write only one reason in the first body paragraph and choose between positive and negative development for the second body paragraph.

b) In case of 'reasons + positive or negative development', you need to write more than one reason in the first BP because the task says 'reasons', not 'reason'. For the second paragraph, you can choose between positive or negative development.

c) In case of 'reason' + pros outweigh the cons', you can have three body paragraphs because you need to write about reason + benefit + drawbacks. Don't forget that you need to 'outweigh'. That means you need to write 1 reason in the BP1, and a 2:1 essay in the BP2.

Just to avoid confusion:

BP1: 1 reason

BP 2: 2 benefits

BP3: 1 drawback

(If you want to say benefits are more/benefits outweigh)

If you want to say drawback are more/drawbacks outweigh:

BP1: 1 reason

BP2: 2 drawbacks

BP3: 1 benefits

or

BP 1: 1 reason

BP 2: 1 benefit

BP 3: 2 drawbacks

(Make sure you don't list ideas. You need to justify your ideas with a WH family)

Why vs reasons

Why is this?

vs

What are the reasons?

Why is this? = You can write only one point. That's totally fine.

What are the reasons? = you need to write more than 1 reason (usually recommended to write a maximum of two points)

Essay:

In some parts of the world, it is becoming popular to research the history of one's own family. Why might people want to do this? Is it a positive or negative development? 

The below sample answer is from our Writing PDF. You can get full PDF for AC (Academic) here and GT (General Training) here . OR you can get all IELTS PDFs here

You can access our full IELTS website here (Kindly click on the blue link)

The above video shows different formats for different types of IELTS Writing Tasks :)

Kindly let us know by commenting if you want us to upload content on any other topics.

Keep preparing. You will reach your dream country soon :)