In IELTS Writing, precision is paramount. Achieving clarity and coherence in your essays is essential for securing a high score. However, there are certain phrases that, rather than enhancing your writing, can actually detract from its quality. In this blog, we’ll delve into some common phrases that should be avoided in IELTS Writing to help you craft more compelling and effective essays.
- In my opinion: While expressing personal viewpoints is encouraged in IELTS Writing, prefacing your statements with “In my opinion” is redundant. The essay is inherently your perspective; thus, stating it outright can waste valuable word count and weaken the impact of your argument. Instead, present your viewpoint confidently without unnecessary qualifiers.
- I think that…: Similar to “In my opinion,” starting sentences with “I think that” can dilute the strength of your arguments. Instead of weakening your assertions with qualifiers, assert your ideas directly. For example, instead of saying “I think that climate change is a pressing issue,” simply state “Climate change is a pressing issue.”
- In conclusion: Concluding paragraphs in IELTS essays should be clear and concise, summarizing your main points and providing a final thought. Using phrases like “In conclusion” can come across as formulaic and uninspired. Instead, opt for more dynamic transition phrases that signal the end of your essay while maintaining reader engagement, such as “To summarize” or “In summary.”
- This essay will discuss…: Introducing your essay with a statement about its contents is unnecessary and wastes precious word count. Instead of telling the reader what your essay will do, dive straight into the topic and start developing your argument. For instance, rather than saying “This essay will discuss the causes and effects of urbanization,” simply begin with “Urbanization has profound impacts on…”
- Firstly, secondly, thirdly: While using transition words to structure your essay is important, overly simplistic phrases like “firstly, secondly, thirdly” can make your writing seem elementary. Instead, opt for a more varied and sophisticated array of transition words and phrases to guide your reader through your arguments, such as “Moreover,” “Furthermore,” “In addition,” or “Conversely.”
- Lots of: In academic writing, precision is key. Phrases like “lots of” are vague and imprecise, failing to convey the exact quantity or extent of something. Instead, quantify your statements whenever possible. For example, rather than saying “Lots of studies have shown,” specify the number or percentage of studies, such as “A significant majority of studies have shown.”
- Very: Similar to “lots of,” the word “very” is often overused and adds little value to your writing. It’s an example of what’s known as a “filler word” – a term that doesn’t contribute much meaning but takes up space in your sentences. Instead of relying on “very” for emphasis, choose more precise adjectives that convey the exact degree of intensity you intend.
- Basically, essentially: These filler words are often used to simplify complex ideas, but they can undermine the sophistication of your writing. Rather than oversimplifying your arguments with words like “basically” or “essentially,” strive to articulate your ideas clearly and directly. If a concept is complex, take the time to explain it thoroughly rather than resorting to simplifications.
- As everyone knows: Making assumptions about your reader’s knowledge can be risky in academic writing. Phrases like “As everyone knows” can come across as presumptuous and may weaken your credibility. Instead, provide evidence or examples to support your statements, ensuring that your arguments are persuasive and well-supported.
- To be honest: Similar to phrases like “In my opinion,” “To be honest” is unnecessary in academic writing. Your essay should be an honest and thoughtful exploration of the topic without needing to explicitly state it. Instead of using this phrase, focus on presenting well-reasoned arguments and providing evidence to support your claims.
In conclusion, mastering the art of IELTS Writing requires attention to detail and a commitment to precision. By avoiding these common phrases and focusing on clarity, coherence, and conciseness, you can elevate the quality of your essays and increase your chances of achieving a high score. Practice incorporating these tips into your writing, and soon you’ll be well on your way to success in the IELTS exam.
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