IELTS Academic Essay Writing Guide
Article 5: Time Management, Proofreading & Final Tips
The Final Polish
Congratulations on reaching the final lesson! You now have the skills to plan, structure, and write a high-scoring essay. But the race isn't over when you write the last word. How you manage your 40 minutes and what you do in the final five can make all the difference. This guide covers the critical final steps: time management and proofreading.
Part 1: The 40-Minute Blueprint
You have 40 minutes for Task 2. Wasting time is not an option. A clear plan ensures you complete every stage of the essay without rushing. Here is a recommended breakdown:
Phase 1: Planning (5-7 Minutes)
- Analyze the Question: Underline keywords. What is the exact task?
- Brainstorm Ideas: Jot down 2-3 main points for your body paragraphs.
- Decide Your Position: Take a clear stance if the question asks for your opinion.
- Create an Outline: Plan your introduction, body paragraphs (with topic sentences), and conclusion. A solid plan prevents you from stopping mid-essay.
Phase 2: Writing (30 Minutes)
- Introduction: ~5 minutes. Paraphrase the question and state your thesis.
- Body Paragraphs: ~20 minutes (10 minutes each). Focus on one main idea per paragraph.
- Conclusion: ~5 minutes. Summarize your points and restate your position.
Tip: Don't stop writing to correct minor errors. Keep your momentum and fix them during the proofreading phase.
Phase 3: Proofreading (3-5 Minutes)
This is your chance to catch mistakes that could lower your score. Do not skip this step!
Part 2: Your Proofreading Checklist
In the final minutes, scan your essay specifically for these common errors. Small corrections can lead to a big score increase.
Grammar
- Subject-verb agreement (e.g., The government has, not have)
- Correct verb tenses
- Use of articles (a/an/the)
- Correct plural forms (e.g., people, children)
Vocabulary
- Spelling mistakes
- Word choice errors (e.g., affect vs. effect)
- Repetitive words (Can you use a synonym?)
Punctuation
- Full stops at end of sentences
- Correct use of commas
- Capital letters at the start of sentences
Pro Proofreading Tip:
Read your essay backwards, one sentence at a time (last sentence, then second to last, etc.). This helps you focus on the grammar of each sentence individually, rather than the overall meaning, making it easier to spot errors.
Before Proofreading
"The goverment have a important role to play. They should invests in education for young peoples. This have a good affect on the future. The childrens will get gooder jobs and society become better."
After Proofreading
"The government has an important role to play. It should invest in education for young people. This has a positive effect on the future. Children will get better jobs and society will become better."
Interactive Proofreading Challenge
Click on the highlighted errors in the text below to see the correction and an explanation. Can you find all 12 mistakes?
One of the most significant trends in modern society are the increasing use of technology in education. While some people believes this is a positive development, others argue that it has several drawbacks. In my opinion, the benefits of integrate technology into classrooms far outweigh the disadvantages.
On the one hand, technology make learning more engaging. For example, interactive whiteboards and educational apps can capture childrens' attention much more effectively than traditional textbooks. This leads to a more better understanding of complex subjects. Furthermore, the internet provides access to a vast amount of informations, which can help students to broaden there knowledge.
However, there is concerns about the potential negative affects of technology. One major issue is the risk of distraction; students might use devices for playing games instead of study. Another point is that relying too heavily on computers could result in poor handwritten skills. Despite these issues, I feel the positive impacts are more significant.
Part 3: Common Pitfalls to Avoid
❌ Memorizing Essays
Examiners are trained to spot memorized answers. Your response will not directly answer the question, leading to a very low score for Task Response.
❌ Informal Language
Avoid contractions (don't, can't), slang, and personal anecdotes. Maintain a formal, academic tone throughout the essay.
❌ Overly Complex Language
Using "big" words incorrectly is worse than using simple words correctly. Focus on precision and clarity, not complexity for its own sake.
❌ Not Answering the Question
This is the most common mistake. Make sure every part of your essay directly relates to the prompt. A beautiful essay on the wrong topic will fail.
Part 4: Final Tips for Success
✅ Stay On Topic
Always link your points back to the main question. Don't include irrelevant information.
✅ Word Count
Write over 250 words, but don't obsess. Aim for quality over quantity. Around 270-280 words is a good target.
✅ Write Clearly
Your handwriting must be legible. If the examiner can't read it, you can't get marks for it.
✅ Stay Calm
If you feel panicked, take a few deep breaths. Trust in your preparation and your plan. A calm mind performs better.
🌟 The Golden Rule: Practice!
The single best way to improve is to practice writing full essays under timed, exam-like conditions. Use the strategies from this 5-part guide, write your essay in 40 minutes, and then analyze your work. Good luck!