How to make your TONE more formal and academic in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Academic style takeaways
Is it ok to ask rhetorical questions in Task 2?
Rhetorical questions are often used to create a dramatic effect – so should you use them in Task 2?
Reference words: ‘that of’
‘That of’ and ‘Those of’ are great ways of avoiding repetition, especially in Task 1. Here are a few common mistakes.
As long as (qualifying your statements)
In this lesson you’ll learn how to use less common linkers (as long as/provided that) to qualify your statements.
The key to addressing, an approach to solving
What’s the difference between ‘a key to solving’ and ‘a key to solve’?
Collocation
Learn how to decrease your thinking time speed up your writing/speaking fluency by learning words that commonly go together.
Not only but also and inversion
‘Not only ..but also’ adds emphasis but it’s dangerous because it usually needs inversion – find out how to do this here.
Formal vs Informal language
Learn the best formal and informal alternatives for both Writing Task 2 and General Training Letters.
hedging
‘Hedging’ is a skill that takes time to get right. Here’s a brief overview which takes you to the full lesson.