Webinar on IELTS WritingWebinar on IELTS Writing

Windsor English Language Windsor English Language SchoolSchool

Moscow, RussiaMoscow, Russia

The Writing Test (60 min.)The Writing Test (60 min.)

Task 1 150 words 20 min.Task 1 150 words 20 min.

Task 2 250 words 40 min.Task 2 250 words 40 min.

• The mechanics of writing.The mechanics of writing.

The Simple SentenceThe Simple Sentence

• ““I like pizza.”I like pizza.”

• ““I eat it every day.”I eat it every day.”– Two sentences.Two sentences.– Each sentence has one subject and one Each sentence has one subject and one

verb.verb.

The Compound SentenceThe Compound Sentence

• ““I like pizza, and I eat it every day.”I like pizza, and I eat it every day.”– Two clauses.Two clauses.

•Each clause has a subject and a verb.Each clause has a subject and a verb.

– A coordinating conjunction.A coordinating conjunction.– A comma before the conjunction.A comma before the conjunction.

•The comma in English is not as difficult as The comma in English is not as difficult as you may have been led to believe.you may have been led to believe.

FANBOYSFANBOYS

• Are you an Apple fanboy?Are you an Apple fanboy?

• An acronym:An acronym:– For And Nor But Or Yet SoFor And Nor But Or Yet So

•The seven coordinating conjunctions that The seven coordinating conjunctions that form compound sentences.form compound sentences.

More ExamplesMore Examples

• ““I love England, but I hate London.”I love England, but I hate London.”• ““I love England, yet I hate London.”I love England, yet I hate London.”• ““She went to Harvard, so she got a She went to Harvard, so she got a

great job.”great job.”• ““I enjoy reading, for it expands one’s I enjoy reading, for it expands one’s

mind.”mind.”– Yet Yet and especially and especially for for are quite literary, are quite literary,

thus being less common in everyday thus being less common in everyday speech.speech.

Yet…Yet…

• ““I like pizza and eat it every day.”I like pizza and eat it every day.”

• ““My brother and I like pizza.”My brother and I like pizza.”

• ““I like pizza and Coca Cola.”I like pizza and Coca Cola.”

• ““I like pizza and eat it every day.”I like pizza and eat it every day.”– This is not a compound sentence as it only has This is not a compound sentence as it only has

one clause with a subject and compound one clause with a subject and compound predicate.predicate.

• ““My brother and I like pizza.”My brother and I like pizza.”– Here is a similar situation: one clause with a Here is a similar situation: one clause with a

compound subject and one verb.compound subject and one verb.

• ““I like pizza and Coca Cola.”I like pizza and Coca Cola.”– There is only one subject and one verb.There is only one subject and one verb.– Notice that there are no commas in the Notice that there are no commas in the

sentences above as they are simple sentences.sentences above as they are simple sentences.

ParataxisParataxis

• The use of compound sentences is an The use of compound sentences is an example of parataxis, whereby one example of parataxis, whereby one places two independent sentences places two independent sentences side by side, joining them together side by side, joining them together by means of a coordinating by means of a coordinating conjunction.conjunction.

HypotaxisHypotaxis

• It is possible, on the other hand, to It is possible, on the other hand, to make one clause subordinate to the make one clause subordinate to the rest of the sentence, a process rest of the sentence, a process known as subordination. known as subordination.

• Although IELTS does not seem to Although IELTS does not seem to differentiate between parataxis and differentiate between parataxis and hypotaxis, the latter is a mark of hypotaxis, the latter is a mark of complex speech.complex speech.

The Complex SentenceThe Complex Sentence

• ““When I was a boy, I used to play When I was a boy, I used to play football.”football.”– Two clauses.Two clauses.– A subordinating conjunction.A subordinating conjunction.– Each clause has a subject and a verb.Each clause has a subject and a verb.– A comma after the subordinate clause.A comma after the subordinate clause.

• A simple test to identify the subordinate clause:A simple test to identify the subordinate clause:– I used to play football.I used to play football.– When I was a boy.When I was a boy.

The second is an incomplete sentence.The second is an incomplete sentence.

The Basic Comma Rule for The Basic Comma Rule for Complex SentencesComplex Sentences

• ““When I was a boy, I used to play When I was a boy, I used to play football.”football.”

• ““I used to play football when I was a I used to play football when I was a boy.”boy.”

• ““If I am late to work, my boss will be If I am late to work, my boss will be angry.”angry.”

• ““My boss will be angry if I am late to My boss will be angry if I am late to work.”work.”– Exceptions will be noted later.Exceptions will be noted later.

Temporal ClausesTemporal Clauses

• There are many subordinating There are many subordinating conjunctions.conjunctions.

• ““Since I was a child, I have been Since I was a child, I have been studying English.”studying English.”

• ““I have been studying English since I I have been studying English since I was a child.”was a child.”– Others: Others: before, after, while, as, before, after, while, as, and and as as

soon as.soon as.

Causal ClausesCausal Clauses

• ““Since I work a lot, I do not have much Since I work a lot, I do not have much free time.”free time.”

• ““I do not have much free time because I do not have much free time because I work a lot.”I work a lot.”– In formal academic writing, causal In formal academic writing, causal since since

comes first and comes first and because because second.second.– Other synonyms: Other synonyms: as, considering that, due as, considering that, due

to the fact that, to the fact that, andand on account of the fact on account of the fact that.that.

Purpose ClausesPurpose Clauses

• ““I am studying English so that I may I am studying English so that I may go to university abroad.”go to university abroad.”– Purpose is often expressed by means of Purpose is often expressed by means of

prepositional phrases, e.g., prepositional phrases, e.g., in order to.in order to.

Three ClausesThree Clauses

• ““I like pizza, and I eat it every day, so I like pizza, and I eat it every day, so I am not very healthy.”I am not very healthy.”

• ““When I was a boy, I played football When I was a boy, I played football because it was fun.”because it was fun.”– We can also make compound-complex We can also make compound-complex

sentences.sentences.

The Compound-Complex The Compound-Complex SentenceSentence

• ““When I was a boy, I played football, When I was a boy, I played football, and I studied hard.”and I studied hard.”– Don’t go crazy!Don’t go crazy!

•Gibbon and the period.Gibbon and the period.

Review of Sentence TypesReview of Sentence Types

• The simple sentence.The simple sentence.

• The compound sentence.The compound sentence.

• The complex sentence.The complex sentence.

• The compound-complex sentence.The compound-complex sentence.

TestTest

• 1. I studied French at university.1. I studied French at university.• 2. I studied French at university, but I 2. I studied French at university, but I

have never visited France.have never visited France.• 3. Before I studied French at 3. Before I studied French at

university, I also studied it at school.university, I also studied it at school.• 4. When I had graduated university, I 4. When I had graduated university, I

was quite fluent in French, so I took a was quite fluent in French, so I took a job at a multinational corporation.job at a multinational corporation.

SynonymsSynonyms

• What is a synonym of What is a synonym of difficult?difficult?– What is its antonym?What is its antonym?

• Why should we use synonyms on Why should we use synonyms on IELTS and in academic writing in IELTS and in academic writing in general?general?

VariatioVariatio

• This is a technical term for incorporating This is a technical term for incorporating variety into one’s sentences.variety into one’s sentences.

• Show the examiner the breadth of your Show the examiner the breadth of your knowledge of the English language.knowledge of the English language.

• Avoid repetition.Avoid repetition.

• Incorporate grammar planning into Incorporate grammar planning into essay planning.essay planning.

ContrastContrast

• ““I love England, but I hate London.”I love England, but I hate London.”

• ““I love England, yet I hate London.”I love England, yet I hate London.”

• ““I love England, although I hate London.”I love England, although I hate London.”– Comma exception 1: contrast.Comma exception 1: contrast.

• ““Although I hate London, I love Although I hate London, I love England.”England.”– Synonyms: Synonyms: despite the fact that despite the fact that andand in spite in spite

of the fact that.of the fact that.

Contrast ContinuedContrast Continued

• ““Whereas I love England, my friend Whereas I love England, my friend hates it.”hates it.”– Contrast and comparison.Contrast and comparison.– Synonym: Synonym: while.while.

A Common MistakeA Common Mistake

• ““I love England, despite I hate I love England, despite I hate London.”London.”

PrepositionsPrepositions

• ““I love England despite hating I love England despite hating London.”London.”– Prepositions are placed before a noun or Prepositions are placed before a noun or

gerund (a verbal noun).gerund (a verbal noun).•Pre- Pre- and and position.position.

– The sentence “I love England despite I The sentence “I love England despite I hate London” is a solecism.hate London” is a solecism.

– Synonym: Synonym: in spite of.in spite of.

More on PrepositionsMore on Prepositions

• ““I love England despite my best I love England despite my best friend’s hating it.”friend’s hating it.”– If the subject of the gerund is the same If the subject of the gerund is the same

as the subject of the verb, it is often not as the subject of the verb, it is often not expressed.expressed.

– In academic writing, the subject of a In academic writing, the subject of a gerund is often in the possessive case.gerund is often in the possessive case.

Another MistakeAnother Mistake

• ““I love England, however I hate I love England, however I hate London.”London.”

Conjunctive Adverbs/Adverbial Conjunctive Adverbs/Adverbial PhrasesPhrases

• I love England. However, I hate I love England. However, I hate London.London.– I love England, however I hate LondonI love England, however I hate London is is

a comma splice.a comma splice.– We can also join these sentences We can also join these sentences

together by means of a semicolon:together by means of a semicolon:•““I love England; however, I hate London.”I love England; however, I hate London.”

– Technically, this is a compound sentence.Technically, this is a compound sentence.

More Conjunctive Adverbs and More Conjunctive Adverbs and Adverbial PhrasesAdverbial Phrases

• Contrast: Contrast: however, nevertheless, on the one however, nevertheless, on the one hand, on the other hand, hand, on the other hand, and and in contrast.in contrast.

• Result: Result: therefore, thus, hence, therefore, thus, hence, consequently, consequently, and and as a result.as a result.

• Addition: Addition: first, first of all, secondly, first, first of all, secondly, moreover, what is more, in addition, moreover, what is more, in addition, additionally, further, finally, additionally, further, finally, and and lastly.lastly.– Firstly Firstly is often thought of as a neologism and is often thought of as a neologism and

should be avoided in academic writing at should be avoided in academic writing at university.university.

The Three Types of Compound The Three Types of Compound SentencesSentences

• ““She went to Harvard, so she got a She went to Harvard, so she got a great job.”great job.”– Let’s change this sentence by using the Let’s change this sentence by using the

conjunctive adverb conjunctive adverb therefore.therefore.

• ““She went to Harvard; therefore, she got a She went to Harvard; therefore, she got a great job.”great job.”– ““She went to Harvard. Therefore she got a great She went to Harvard. Therefore she got a great

job.”job.”

• ““She went to Harvard; she got a great job.”She went to Harvard; she got a great job.”– There must be a clear semantic connection There must be a clear semantic connection

between the two clauses joined by a semicolon.between the two clauses joined by a semicolon.

Using Conjunctive Adverbs and Using Conjunctive Adverbs and Adverbial PhrasesAdverbial Phrases• To increase the cohesiveness of a To increase the cohesiveness of a

paragraph or essay.paragraph or essay.– ““First of all, if one has fair remuneration from First of all, if one has fair remuneration from

one’s work, it will produce a feeling of self-one’s work, it will produce a feeling of self-satisfaction from getting a well-earned reward. satisfaction from getting a well-earned reward. Secondly, it is friendly colleagues who create a Secondly, it is friendly colleagues who create a happy environment; moreover, a boss who happy environment; moreover, a boss who understands his or her employees can be the understands his or her employees can be the icing on the cake, so to speak. It is, therefore, icing on the cake, so to speak. It is, therefore, clear that there are many essential elements clear that there are many essential elements involved in producing an atmosphere of involved in producing an atmosphere of contentedness at work.”contentedness at work.”• Avoid the mechanical use of these words and phrases. Avoid the mechanical use of these words and phrases.

The ParagraphThe Paragraph

• Planning is the key to avoiding Planning is the key to avoiding stream-of-consciousness writing.stream-of-consciousness writing.

• Each paragraph should have one Each paragraph should have one clear main idea.clear main idea.

• Begin with a topic sentence followed Begin with a topic sentence followed by supporting sentences.by supporting sentences.

Do You Like Moscow?Do You Like Moscow?

• ““In my opinion, Moscow is a brilliant In my opinion, Moscow is a brilliant city.”city.”

• ““In my opinion, Moscow is a brilliant In my opinion, Moscow is a brilliant city.”city.”– History/culture/academic center.History/culture/academic center.– Economic center with many Economic center with many

opportunities for work.opportunities for work.– My example.My example.

•2-3 reasons why or examples as support.2-3 reasons why or examples as support.

More on Topic SentencesMore on Topic Sentences

• ““First of all, if one has fair remuneration First of all, if one has fair remuneration from one’s work, it will produce a feeling from one’s work, it will produce a feeling of self-satisfaction from getting a well-of self-satisfaction from getting a well-earned reward. Secondly, it is friendly earned reward. Secondly, it is friendly colleagues who create a happy colleagues who create a happy atmosphere; moreover, a boss who atmosphere; moreover, a boss who understands his or her employees can be understands his or her employees can be the icing on the cake, so to speak. It is, the icing on the cake, so to speak. It is, therefore, clear that there are many therefore, clear that there are many essential elements involved in producing essential elements involved in producing an atmosphere of contentedness at work.”an atmosphere of contentedness at work.”– Where is the topic sentence?Where is the topic sentence?

• The topic sentence may also be placed at The topic sentence may also be placed at the end: the end: – ““First of all, if one has fair remuneration from First of all, if one has fair remuneration from

one’s work, it will produce a feeling of self-one’s work, it will produce a feeling of self-satisfaction from getting a well-earned reward. satisfaction from getting a well-earned reward. Secondly, it is friendly colleagues who create a Secondly, it is friendly colleagues who create a happy atmosphere; moreover, a boss who happy atmosphere; moreover, a boss who understands his or her employees can be the understands his or her employees can be the icing on the cake, so to speak. It is, therefore, icing on the cake, so to speak. It is, therefore, clear that there are many essential elements clear that there are many essential elements involved in producing an atmosphere of involved in producing an atmosphere of contentedness at work.”contentedness at work.”• You should use both styles of topic-sentence You should use both styles of topic-sentence

placement in an essay.placement in an essay.

Comma ReviewComma Review

• 1. I have learned English but I have 1. I have learned English but I have never studied French.never studied French.

• 2. I have learned English but have 2. I have learned English but have never studied French.never studied French.

• 3. I have learned English but not 3. I have learned English but not French.French.

AnswersAnswers

• 1. I have learned English, but I have 1. I have learned English, but I have never studied French.never studied French.

• 2. I have learned English but have 2. I have learned English but have never studied French.never studied French.

• 3. I have learned English but not 3. I have learned English but not French.French.– Which type of sentence is each?Which type of sentence is each?

More Comma ReviewMore Comma Review

• 1. If I do not sleep enough I will be 1. If I do not sleep enough I will be tired.tired.

• 2. I will be tired if I do not sleep 2. I will be tired if I do not sleep enough.enough.

• 3. Although I am tired I will go to 3. Although I am tired I will go to work.work.

• 4. I will go to work although I am 4. I will go to work although I am tired.tired.

AnswersAnswers

• 1. If I do not sleep enough, I will be tired.1. If I do not sleep enough, I will be tired.

• 2. I will be tired if I do not sleep enough.2. I will be tired if I do not sleep enough.

• 3. Although I am tired, I will go to work.3. Although I am tired, I will go to work.

• 4. I will go to work, although I am tired.4. I will go to work, although I am tired.– What type of sentence?What type of sentence?

Even More Comma ReviewEven More Comma Review

• 1. Although I am tired I will go to 1. Although I am tired I will go to work but I will complain about it. work but I will complain about it.

• 2. I enjoy learning languages 2. I enjoy learning languages because it is interesting although I do because it is interesting although I do not have enough time for it.not have enough time for it.

AnswersAnswers

• 1. Although I am tired, I will go to 1. Although I am tired, I will go to work, but I will complain about it. work, but I will complain about it.

• 2. I enjoy learning languages 2. I enjoy learning languages because it is interesting, although I because it is interesting, although I do not have enough time for it.do not have enough time for it.

The Most Difficult SentenceThe Most Difficult Sentence

• 1. As far as I am concerned it is 1. As far as I am concerned it is possible to do well on IELTS but if possible to do well on IELTS but if you do not study hard it will be you do not study hard it will be difficult therefore you should take difficult therefore you should take the exam very seriously.the exam very seriously.

AnswerAnswer

• 1. As far as I am concerned, it is 1. As far as I am concerned, it is possible to do well on IELTS, but if possible to do well on IELTS, but if you do not study hard, it will be you do not study hard, it will be difficult; therefore, you should take difficult; therefore, you should take the exam very seriously.the exam very seriously.

Introductory PhrasesIntroductory Phrases

• Conjunctive adverbs.Conjunctive adverbs.

• Prepositional phrases.Prepositional phrases.

• Participial phrases.Participial phrases.

ExamplesExamples

• ““Nevertheless,”Nevertheless,”

• ““In my opinion,”In my opinion,”

• ““Moving on to the second chart,”Moving on to the second chart,”– Use a comma after introductory Use a comma after introductory

phrases.phrases.

Relative ClausesRelative Clauses

• ““Men who dance are funny.”Men who dance are funny.”

• ““Charles Dickens, who was born in Charles Dickens, who was born in Portsmouth, wrote many novels.”Portsmouth, wrote many novels.”– What is the relative clause in each What is the relative clause in each

sentence?sentence?– What is the difference between the two?What is the difference between the two?– The second comma exception.The second comma exception.

Defining/Non-DefiningDefining/Non-Defining

• ““Men who dance are funny.”Men who dance are funny.”

• ““Charles Dickens, who was born in Charles Dickens, who was born in Portsmouth, wrote many novels.”Portsmouth, wrote many novels.”– What is the antecedent? Does the What is the antecedent? Does the

relative word define it?relative word define it?– Listen to my intonation.Listen to my intonation.

Relative WordsRelative Words

• People.People.

• Things.Things.

• Possession.Possession.

• Time.Time.

• Place.Place.

• After prepositions.After prepositions.

AnswersAnswers

• People: People: who/thatwho/that– That That for people is not used in formal academic for people is not used in formal academic

writing at university.writing at university.

• Things: Things: who/thatwho/that– That That is only used in defining relative clauses.is only used in defining relative clauses.

• Possession: Possession: whosewhose• Time: Time: whenwhen• Place: Place: wherewhere• After prepositions: After prepositions: with whom/whichwith whom/which

QuizQuiz

• 1. I visited England in the 1980s when 1. I visited England in the 1980s when there were many economic problems.there were many economic problems.

• 2. I visited England during a time 2. I visited England during a time when there were many economic when there were many economic problems.problems.

• 3. I live in Detroit where the economy 3. I live in Detroit where the economy is terrible.is terrible.

• 4. I live in a place where the economy 4. I live in a place where the economy is terrible.is terrible.

AnswersAnswers

• 1. I visited England in the 1980s, when 1. I visited England in the 1980s, when there were many economic problems.there were many economic problems.

• 2. I visited England during a time when 2. I visited England during a time when there were many economic problems.there were many economic problems.

• 3. I live in Detroit, where the economy is 3. I live in Detroit, where the economy is terrible.terrible.

• 4. I live in a place where the economy is 4. I live in a place where the economy is terrible.terrible.

One More ExampleOne More Example

• ““I gave him my phone, which I had I gave him my phone, which I had purchased in New York.purchased in New York.

• ““I gave him the phone which I had I gave him the phone which I had purchased in New York.”purchased in New York.”– What’s the difference?What’s the difference?

Some Common MistakesSome Common Mistakes

• 1. I think, that it is necessary.1. I think, that it is necessary.

• 2. I don’t believe that it is necessary.2. I don’t believe that it is necessary.

• 3. When I went to university, I had 3. When I went to university, I had many friends, we had a lot of fun.many friends, we had a lot of fun.

AnswersAnswers

• 1. I think that it is necessary.1. I think that it is necessary.– No comma before that.No comma before that.

• 2. I don’t believe that it is necessary.2. I don’t believe that it is necessary.– No contractions except in Task 1 No contractions except in Task 1

General informal.General informal.

• 3. When I went to university, I had 3. When I went to university, I had many friends; we had a lot of fun.many friends; we had a lot of fun.– Comma splice.Comma splice.

For ExampleFor Example

• Synonyms: Synonyms: for instance, by way of for instance, by way of example.example.

• 1. There are many elements that 1. There are many elements that influence whether or not we are happy influence whether or not we are happy at work for example one must have a at work for example one must have a good salary.good salary.

• 2. There are many elements that 2. There are many elements that influence whether or not we are happy influence whether or not we are happy at work for example a good salary.at work for example a good salary.

AnswersAnswers

• 1. There are many elements that 1. There are many elements that influence whether or not we are influence whether or not we are happy at work; for example, one happy at work; for example, one must have a good salary.must have a good salary.

• 2. There are many elements that 2. There are many elements that influence whether or not we are influence whether or not we are happy at work, for example, a good happy at work, for example, a good salary.salary.

Task 2Task 2

• There are those who believe that There are those who believe that Facebook is a beneficial social tool; Facebook is a beneficial social tool; however, others think that it has a however, others think that it has a negative effect on people’s negative effect on people’s relationships.relationships.

• Discuss both views and give your Discuss both views and give your own opinions.own opinions.

The ProcessThe Process

• Read the question.Read the question.

• Pick one side to argue.Pick one side to argue.

• Plan your essay (4-5 min.).Plan your essay (4-5 min.).– Plan paragraphs, sentences, and Plan paragraphs, sentences, and

grammar.grammar.

• Write.Write.– Use a variety of words and constructions.Use a variety of words and constructions.

• Check.Check.

Important!Important!

• Don’t change your opinion.Don’t change your opinion.

• Don’t try to argue both sides.Don’t try to argue both sides.

• No water.No water.

• Say what you mean.Say what you mean.

• Write clear body paragraphs with Write clear body paragraphs with topic sentences and support (reasons topic sentences and support (reasons why and examples).why and examples).

The IntroductionThe Introduction

• Paraphrase. Paraphrase. – Don’t just substitute words.Don’t just substitute words.

• Give your opinion.Give your opinion.– You must give a clear opinion You must give a clear opinion

throughout the essay.throughout the essay.

An ExampleAn Example

• There are those who believe that There are those who believe that Facebook is a beneficial social tool; Facebook is a beneficial social tool; however, others think that it has a however, others think that it has a negative effect on people’s negative effect on people’s relationships.relationships.– Try to paraphrase.Try to paraphrase.

AnswerAnswer

• A bad paraphrase:A bad paraphrase:– ““There are those who think that Facebook is a There are those who think that Facebook is a

useful social tool; however, others believe that useful social tool; however, others believe that it has a bad effect on people’s relationships.”it has a bad effect on people’s relationships.”

• A good one:A good one:– ““Whereas there is a perception that Facebook Whereas there is a perception that Facebook

can provide people with more opportunities to can provide people with more opportunities to socialize, it is my opinion that it has a clearly socialize, it is my opinion that it has a clearly deleterious effect on one’s interaction with deleterious effect on one’s interaction with others in real life.”others in real life.”

Another TypeAnother Type

• There are those who believe that There are those who believe that Facebook is a beneficial social tool.Facebook is a beneficial social tool.

• Do you agree or disagree?Do you agree or disagree?

FinallyFinally

• There are those who believe that There are those who believe that Facebook is a beneficial social tool.Facebook is a beneficial social tool.

• Do you agree or disagree?Do you agree or disagree?

• What benefits or problems might What benefits or problems might arise from using this website?arise from using this website?

ParagraphingParagraphing

• No magic rule.No magic rule.

• The introduction should include a The introduction should include a paraphrase of the topic and your paraphrase of the topic and your opinion.opinion.

• Each body paragraph should have one Each body paragraph should have one clear main idea.clear main idea.

• Fulfil the requirements of the task.Fulfil the requirements of the task.

• Restate your opinion in the conclusion.Restate your opinion in the conclusion.

One Final Point on CommasOne Final Point on Commas

• Causal Causal as:as:– ““I enjoy studying English as it is I enjoy studying English as it is

interesting.”interesting.”

• Temporal Temporal as:as:– ““I saw him as I was leaving the metro.”I saw him as I was leaving the metro.”

• As As in asides:in asides:– ““Social networking sites, as I have Social networking sites, as I have

already mentioned, can be problematic.”already mentioned, can be problematic.”