Mastering ‘Write down’ to Excel in IELTS Speaking and Writing

1. Definition and Explanation

The phrasal verb “write down” is a common expression in English that means to record information in writing, typically on paper or in a digital format. It’s essential for IELTS candidates to understand and use this phrasal verb effectively, as it can enhance their speaking and writing skills.

Key meanings:

1. To record information in writing
2. To make a note of something
3. To document or register details

Synonyms: jot down, note, record, document

2. Usage in Context

“Write down” is versatile and can be used in various situations, from casual conversations to formal academic settings. Here are some examples:

• Informal: “Can you write down your phone number for me?”
• Formal: “Please write down your observations during the experiment.”
• Speaking: “I always write down new vocabulary words to help me remember them.”
• Writing: “It is advisable to write down the main points of the lecture for future reference.”

Write down phrasal verb usage in different contexts

3. Grammatical Analysis

“Write down” is a separable phrasal verb, which means the object can be placed between “write” and “down” or after “down.”

• Correct: “Write down the address” or “Write the address down”
• Also correct: “Write it down” (when using a pronoun, it must go between)

Note: When using a long object, it’s often more natural to place it after “down”:

• “Write down all the important details from the meeting.”

4. Application in IELTS

In IELTS Speaking:

Using “write down” can demonstrate your command of phrasal verbs and add naturalness to your speech. For example:

Question: “How do you prepare for exams?”
Sample answer: “One of my key strategies is to write down important points from my textbooks. I find that writing things down helps me remember them better. I also write down any questions I have so I can ask my teacher later.”

In IELTS Writing:

Incorporating “write down” in your essays can add variety to your vocabulary. However, be mindful of the formality level required. For example:

Task 2 essay: “Many students find it beneficial to write down their thoughts before starting an essay. This practice can help organize ideas and ensure a coherent structure.”

5. Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Jot down /dʒɒt daʊn/: To quickly write a short note.
   Example: “Jot down the meeting time so you don’t forget.”

2. Note down /nəʊt daʊn/: To write a brief record of something.
   Example: “Please note down the key points from the presentation.”

3. Put down /pʊt daʊn/: To write something, especially officially.
   Example: “Put down your name and address on this form.”

4. Set down /set daʊn/: To write something formally or officially.
   Example: “The rules are clearly set down in the company handbook.”

5. Take down /teɪk daʊn/: To write something that you hear or read.
   Example: “Take down these instructions carefully.”

6. Scribble down /ˈskrɪb.əl daʊn/: To write something quickly and carelessly.
   Example: “I quickly scribbled down her phone number before I forgot it.”

7. Pen down /pen daʊn/: To write, especially in a formal or literary context.
   Example: “He penned down his thoughts in a journal every night.”

8. Mark down /mɑːk daʊn/: To write or record something.
   Example: “Mark down the date of the next meeting in your calendar.”

Mind map of related phrasal verbs to 'write down'

6. Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks:

1. Can you your email address for me?
2. It’s important to the main ideas during a lecture.
3. Please your observations during the experiment.
4. I always new words I learn in my vocabulary notebook.
5. The teacher asked us to our homework assignments.
6. Don’t forget to the meeting time and location.
7. She likes to her thoughts before going to sleep.
8. your expenses to keep track of your spending.
9. The interviewer my responses on a notepad.
10. We need to the rules for everyone to see.

Rewrite the sentences:

1. Record the instructions in your notebook.
   → the instructions in your notebook.

2. I always make notes of interesting quotes from books.
   → I always interesting quotes from books.

3. Could you note my new address?
   → Could you my new address?

4. It’s helpful to document your goals.
   → It’s helpful to your goals.

5. The secretary recorded the minutes of the meeting.
   → The secretary the minutes of the meeting.

6. Remember to make a note of the deadline.
   → Remember to the deadline.

7. She likes to jot down her ideas in a small notebook.
   → She likes to her ideas in a small notebook.

8. The police officer noted the witness’s statement.
   → The police officer the witness’s statement.

9. Don’t forget to record the serial number of your device.
   → Don’t forget to the serial number of your device.

10. The students were asked to take notes during the lecture.
    → The students were asked to the main points during the lecture.

Answers and Explanations:

Fill in the blanks:

1. write down
2. write down
3. write down
4. write down
5. write down
6. write down
7. write down
8. Write down
9. wrote down
10. write down

Rewrite the sentences:

1. Write down
2. write down
3. write down
4. write down
5. wrote down
6. write down
7. write down
8. wrote down
9. write down
10. write down

Explanation: In all these sentences, “write down” is used to replace synonymous phrases or verbs that mean to record or make a note of information. The phrasal verb “write down” is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from casual note-taking to formal documentation.

7. Memorization Tips

To help remember the phrasal verb “write down,” you can use the following techniques:

1. Visual association: Imagine a pen physically writing words that then fall down onto a paper below.

2. Mnemonic device: “When you WRITE it DOWN, it stays around.” This rhyme can help you associate the action with its purpose of recording information for later use.

3. Context-based learning: Create a personal story or scenario where you frequently use “write down.” For example: “Every morning, I write down three goals for the day.”

4. Practice with real objects: Keep a small notebook handy and physically write down things throughout the day, saying “I’m writing down…” each time you do it.

5. Related word groups: Associate “write down” with other verbs related to recording information, like “note,” “record,” “document,” and “jot.”

8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Mistake: Using “write” alone when “write down” is more appropriate.
   Correct: “Write down your name” instead of just “Write your name” when emphasizing the act of recording.

2. Mistake: Incorrect word order with pronouns.
   Correct: “Write it down” not “Write down it.”

3. Mistake: Overusing “write down” in formal writing.
   Solution: In academic essays, vary your language with synonyms like “record,” “document,” or “note.”

4. Mistake: Confusing “write down” with “write up.”
   Note: “Write up” often means to prepare a formal report, while “write down” is simply to record information.

5. Mistake: Using “write down” for digital typing.
   Solution: While “write down” can be used for digital note-taking, it’s more commonly associated with handwriting. For clarity, you might say “type out” for digital recording.

9. Conclusion

Mastering the phrasal verb “write down” is crucial for IELTS success. It’s a versatile expression that can enhance both your speaking and writing skills. Remember to practice using it in various contexts, and don’t hesitate to incorporate it into your IELTS responses when appropriate. By understanding its usage, avoiding common mistakes, and using memorization techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to use “write down” effectively in your English communication and during your IELTS exam.

For more tips on improving your IELTS performance, particularly in handling economic topics, check out our guide on how to address income inequality during economic downturns. Additionally, if you’re interested in exploring how language can impact cultural preservation, our article on the role of storytelling in passing down cultural values provides valuable insights that could be useful in your IELTS preparation.