myths IELTS Writing formats that FAIL students

 

IELTS Writing FORMAT MYTHS that FAIL students 🚨

Most students don’t fail IELTS Writing because of English — they fail because they believe the wrong format myths.

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❌ Myth 1: One format works for all Task 2 questions

Truth:
Opinion, Discussion, Problem–Solution, Advantages–Disadvantages — each needs a different structure.
Using the wrong format = low Task Response = Band 6 cap.

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❌ Myth 2: More paragraphs = higher band

Truth:
4 clear paragraphs beat 5–6 weak ones.
Unnecessary paragraphs confuse the examiner and reduce Coherence & Cohesion.

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❌ Myth 3: Long introductions impress examiners

Truth:
Introductions should be 2 sentences only.
Long intros waste time and add errors — instant band drop.

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❌ Myth 4: Fixed memorised templates are safe

Truth:
Examiners identify templates easily.
Overused lines like “In this contemporary era…” limit your score to Band 6 or below.

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❌ Myth 5: Linking words alone create coherence

Truth:
Using Moreover, Furthermore, Hence without logical flow breaks coherence.
Ideas must connect naturally, not artificially.

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❌ Myth 6: Examples are optional

Truth:
No example = undeveloped idea = Band 6.
Every main idea must be explained or illustrated.

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❌ Myth 7: Task 1 & Task 2 formats are similar

Truth:
Task 1 is reporting data; Task 2 is arguing ideas.
Mixing styles is a common examiner red flag.

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❌ Myth 8: Writing more than 300 words is safer

Truth:
Ideal length:
• Task 1: 160–180 words
• Task 2: 260–280 words
Extra words = extra mistakes.

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EXAMINER REALITY CHECK

📌 Correct format = higher Task Response
📌 Clear structure = higher coherence
📌 Strategy beats vocabulary

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Final Truth

🚫 IELTS Writing is not about creativity
🚫 It is not about memorisation
✅ It is about using the right format for the right question

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If you want, I can also share:
✔️ Exact Band 7+ formats for all Task 2 question types