The Importance of a Strong Overview in IELTS Writing Task 2
In the IELTS Writing Task 2, you are presented with an essay question and asked to write a well-organized, coherent, and grammatically accurate response in at least 250 words. A key element of a high-scoring essay is a clear and concise overview, often presented as the last sentence of your introduction paragraph.
The overview serves as a roadmap for the reader, outlining your stance on the issue and the main points you will discuss in the body paragraphs. A well-written overview demonstrates your ability to understand the essay question, formulate a relevant response, and structure your arguments logically.
Crafting Your IELTS Essay Overview
1. Analyze the Essay Question
Before writing your overview, carefully analyze the essay question to identify the key issues and your position. Pay attention to keywords such as “discuss both views,” “to what extent do you agree or disagree,” or “what are the causes and solutions.” These keywords will guide your understanding of the essay’s focus and the type of response expected.
2. Develop Your Stance
Based on your analysis of the question, establish a clear stance on the issue. Your stance forms the basis of your thesis statement, which is a concise summary of your overall argument.
3. Identify Your Main Supporting Points
Determine two to three main points that support your stance. These points will form the basis of your body paragraphs, where you will elaborate on each point with evidence and examples.
4. Write a Concise Overview Sentence
Combine your stance and main supporting points into a single, clear sentence. This sentence should provide a brief overview of the arguments you will present in your essay.
Example:
Essay Question:
Some people believe that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities. Others, however, argue that other measures are required in this regard. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Overview:
While increasing sports facilities can contribute to a healthier population, this essay argues that addressing other crucial factors, such as promoting healthy diets and improving access to healthcare, will be more effective in enhancing public health overall.
ielts-essay-overview-example|IELTS Essay Overview Example|A screenshot of an IELTS essay with the overview sentence highlighted.
Tips for an Effective Overview
- Be concise: Your overview should be one or two sentences long, succinctly summarizing your stance and main points.
- Use clear and concise language: Avoid complex sentence structures or jargon that may confuse the reader.
- Place it strategically: The overview typically appears as the last sentence of your introduction paragraph.
- Maintain a formal and objective tone: Even if you have strong opinions on the topic, present your stance in a neutral and objective manner.
- Proofread carefully: As with all parts of your essay, ensure your overview is grammatically correct and free from spelling errors.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of writing an effective overview is crucial for achieving a high score in the IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the essay question, establishing your stance, identifying your main supporting points, and writing a concise and clear overview sentence, you can demonstrate your ability to structure a coherent and well-argued essay. Remember to practice writing overviews for different essay topics to improve your skills and confidence.
