Layout of An EssayPARTS THINGS TO LOOK OUT FORIntroduction Introduce the topic and your opinion.Main body Explain your opinion.Conclusion Briefly summarize your opinion.TEST TIPS FOR WRITING AN ESSAYTip 1People often fail to do as well as they could do in the essay writing because they didn’t think about the question before beginning to write the essay. Remember, a few minutes spent planning the essay could potentially improve your band score in the essay writing by one band;Tip 2It is very important to practise writing essays in 40 minutes. This way you can make sure you can do as well as you are able to in the IELTS writing test;Tip 3The best way of brainstorming ideas is to discuss the topics in groups. This also helps to improve your spoken English.When brainstorming ideas don’t write long sentences. Save time by writing words or short phrases;Tip 4When you think about the essay question do not think there is a right and wrong answer. As you can see from the ideas brainstormed there is only for and against. It is your job to consider both sides of the argument. If you do this you can improve your band score.Remember. It is your opinion compared to the opinions of other people;Tip 5The more ideas you can think of whilst doing the exercises the better, because your ideas may be relevant for other essay titles;Tip 6In the IELTS tests you will not have time to organise all your information in a detailed manner. However, if you use this technique while you are developing your essay writing skills, the process of writing a good essay will become easier and easier. This will help you improve your band score;Tip 7The exercises are designed to help you better understand how to write an essay in English. With practice you will be able to write a good essay in far less time than it has taken you so far, and will help to achieve a higher band score in your IELTS writing;Tip 8In the IELTS test, your essay is only 250 words long. This is a very short essay. Four or five ideas, that are well explained, are enough;Tip 9Your ideas are important. They have to be relevant, and you have to express them well. But always remember that your examiner is testing your use of English, not your knowledge;Tip 10You don’t have to write an essay that is either for or against the question. You can be somewhere in the middle if you wish. For example, you may partially agree with the use of nuclear energy, or you may recognize the value of using nuclear energy but not be totally in favor of its use;Tip 11To do as well as you can in the essay writing it is very important that you explain your ideas clearly. Remember, a few ideas that are well explained are far better than lots of ideas that are not well explained;Tip 12If your examiner has difficulty understanding your ideas, or following your main argument, you will get a lower band score than you are capable of getting. Therefore, when you are writing your essay, always ask yourself this question: “What do I mean by this?” Then answer your own question;Tip 13In the academic IELTS writing, you are supposed to write an essay for a college lecturer who has no specialist knowledge in this subject. This means that no one is testing your knowledge. You are, however, being assessed on your ability to write in an academic style;Tip 14If you are writing an academic essay it is acceptable to use personal pronouns in the introduction and conclusion but not the main body;Tip 15Do not waste valuable time by writing a long introduction and conclusion. Instead, keep them brief and to-the-point. They are important, but the main body of the essay is more important;Tip 16Always remember to check your essay before turning it in. Focus on the grammar, spellings and use of phrases and writing style.Good luck!