This blog will not only answer an IELTS essay question from Cambridge IELTS 15 Academic Test 1 Writing Task 2 Essay but also takes you through the detailed steps required for writing a band 7 or higher essay. The Essay response is aimed at an IELTS band 8 and is around 300 words. You will gain an understanding of the question, learn how to Plan this essay, Frame sentences, and finally, read a Sample IELTS Essay below.
Cambridge 15 Test 1 Essay
Essay Question
In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people.
Why might this be the case?
Do you think this is a positive or negative situation?
Simple steps for writing an IELTS essay
Many people would just start writing an essay without the complete understanding of the question, or planning. This is the reason why they end up with a score below 6.5 in IELTS writing. The IELTS test expects one to at least know and follow the structure of an academic essay. When I teach my students to write a band 7 essay, I break the process down into three steps:
Step 1: Understanding the Question
Step 2: Planning the essay
Step 3: Framing the sentences
Step4 : IELTS ESSAY ON HOME
Understanding the Question
The process of writing an IELTS essay starts with gaining an understanding of the question. The way to decipher a question is by picking out the main keywords in the question. Moreover, You need to understand that an IELTS essay question is made up of a statement and a query:
- The statement in the above question has the following keywords – some countries, owning a home, renting, important.
- The question wants us to give reasons for this preference, and also asks if it is a positive or negative change.
Looking at the question, we can understand that this is a two-part essay.
Thus, in the first body paragraph, it would be wise to mention two reasons why people prefer owning a home.
In the second body paragraph, you need to say if it is a positive or negative trend.
Finally, you need to close the essay by summarizing your body paragraph one and two, and/or giving an opinion.
Planning an IELTS Essay
The second step towards a Band 7+ essay has everything to do with planning. So, let’s go ahead and learn how to plan an essay for the question above. The image you see below is the plan, have a look. You would notice that I have numbered it from 1 to 6. Just after the image, I have explained these points, make sure you read it as well.
- Box 1 states the question, as it is. You do not need to do this step in the actual test, it’s just for an easier understanding.
- In Box 2, the question is broken into two parts: First, I ask myself, What is the question about? Here, the question is about HOME. Second, I ask, what are the two choices given in the question? Here, they are Rented House and Self-Owned House.
- Box 3 is where I build the introduction paragraph. It must have a Paraphrase and a Thesis. In the example below, I have framed fully-developed sentences, but in your case, you may just note down the keywords found in the question, and build the sentences later.
- Box number 4 and 5 are there for the purpose of building a body paragraph. If you closely inspect box 4, you would see two boxes. In the first box, I have written – “WHY/ Reasons”, this is the main idea of the paragraph. Remember, you should not discuss more than one main idea in a body paragraph. The second box has many jargon, such as TC, AR1, EX1. See explanation below.
- TC – Topic Sentence – Think of this as an introduction to the body paragraph. Don’t ever start the body paragraphs with an argument, rather first, introduce the main idea of the paragraph.
- AR1/ AR2 – Argument 1/ 2 – You argument/ point.
- EX1/ EX2 – Explanation 1/ 2 – An explanation or example for your argument.
- CL – Now, it’s time to close the paragraph. Again, closure is an important part of a body paragraph, don’t skip it. Think of this as a conclusion to the body paragraph.
- This is similar to box 4, read point 4.
- Box 6 is for a conclusion. Usually, it is your opinion and/or a summary of the body paragraphs.
Framing the sentences
After planning your essay, you need to frame sentences. Now, you need to form sentences from the ideas formed during the last step (planning an essay). While you do so, you need to include a few linking words (However, Moreover, etc…). This is done so that there is a level of coherence and cohesion within the essay. As a tip, while you frame a sentence, make sure that it aligns with the tone, tense and verb form of the previous sentences. The sentences you frame should not sound disconnected from each other. It should rather flow like a river.
Below you can see how I have framed each element of the essay. Here, I have shown you each element separately, but in the IELTS test, you should not write these elements on a separate line. I have shown you this, only for your understanding.
In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people.
Why might this be the case?
Do you think this is a positive or negative situation?
Introduction Paragraph
Paraphrase – In some parts of the world, ownership of a property, such as a house or an apartment, is more revered than living as a tenant.
Thesis – As shelter is one of the basic needs of a human being, owning one’s place is much preferred.
Body 1 Paragraph
Topic Sentence – There may be numerous reason for this desire to own a dwelling place; nevertheless, this need to possess is rooted deep within one’s nurture.
Argument 1 – Apparently, people who have an abode of their own have a higher sense of pride within their community.
Explanation 1 – It is especially true for citizens of my country, India, where most individuals have a frame of mind which dictates that if something is bigger, then it’s better.
Argument 2 – Besides, four walls and a roof provides a sense of security as well.
Explanation 2 – Any family, be it in a remote location or urban sprawl, need to have a roof over their head to protect themselves from the destructive elements of nature and antisocial characters.
Close – Thus, possession of land or property is held dearly by many individuals.
Body 2 Paragraph
Topic Sentence – On another note, this thought process is advantageous for both, an individual and the country.
Argument 1 – Firstly, the standard of living improves ten-folds when individuals dwell under a sense of ownership.
Explanation 1 – For instance, when one buys a house, one tends to add or change certain aspects of their abode, such as new drapes, furniture and interior designs.
Argument 2 – Moreover, when citizens start owning their dwelling place, they become more independent, and consequently, it improves the economy.
Explanation 2 – This is mainly because one does not need to spend capital on paying rent, which devours a major part of their income. Instead, they spend that amount on buying items of need and add to the rolling economy.
Close – Understandably, all these factors add up and declare this trend to be more positive.
Conclusion Paragraph
To summarise, the desire to buy or own a house is, possibly, the best motivator in our society. Moreover, it is my opinion that this is a favourable trend.
It took me 30 mins to run through the above steps and build this essay. It, usually, takes 5 minutes to understand the question, 10 minutes to plan the ideas, and 15 minutes to frame the sentences. In your case, you might take 40-45 minutes, but that’s just in the beginning. As you practice this technique, you would be able to limit the time taken for framing an essay.
Sample IELTS Essay On Home
The final draft, 300 WORDS, BAND 8-9
In some parts of the world, ownership of a property such as a house or an apartment is more revered than living as a tenant. As shelter is one of the basic needs of a human being, owning one’s place is much preferred.
There may be numerous reason for this desire to own a dwelling place, nevertheless, this need to possess is rooted deep within one’s nurture. Apparently, people who have an abode of their own have a higher sense of pride within their community. It is especially true for citizens of my country, India, where most individuals have a frame of mind which dictates that if something is bigger, then it’s better. Besides, four walls and a roof provides a sense of security as well. Any family, be it in a remote location or urban sprawl, need to have a roof over their head to protect themselves from the destructive elements of nature and antisocial characters. Thus, possession of land or property is held dearly by many individuals.
On another note, this thought process is advantageous for both, an individual and the country. Firstly, the standard of living improves ten-folds when individuals dwell under a sense of ownership. For instance, when one buys a house, one tends to add or change certain aspects of their abode, such as new drapes, furniture and interior designs. Moreover, when citizens start owning their dwelling place, they become more independent, and consequently, it improves the economy. This is mainly because one does not need to spend capital on paying rent, which devours a major part of their income. Instead, they spend that amount on buying items of need and add to the rolling economy. Understandably, all these factors add up and declare this trend to be more positive.
To summarise, the desire to buy or own a house is, possibly, the best motivator in our society. Moreover, it is my opinion that this is a favourable trend.
P.S. – Most people, including native speakers of English, need some sort of training in IELTS Writing for scoring a band 7 or above!
As such, you need to be able to use different grammatical styles, have an apt vocabulary, learn to build coherence and use natural linking between sentences. Let me stop here, the list is exhaustive!
If you do need to score above a band 7 + in IELTS writing, I would suggest you find yourself a trainer. If you wish, you can Join my IELTS Writing Course.
Justus Joseph
Justus has talents that excite wonder and admiration. Founder of Ask Learning, he is a wiz-kid who later found his passion in writing. As a calm and diligent individual, most students find a guiding light under his leadership. He teaches crafty structures in IELTS writing and hand-holds you throughout the course. He pulls off amazing methods to cope with grammar troubles students usually have. You may contact Justus on his Official email id.
Angels School of Knowledge – No other coaching, just IELTS training! We are a language school located in Kochi, Kerala, and our entire focus is on IELTS training. Being focused on IELTS makes us the best IELTS Coaching centre in Kochi. Around 80% of our students score a band 7 or higher in IELTS. We are known to provide the most desirable IELTS classes in Kochi, both online and offline. Our personalised IELTS training would let you score higher on the IELTS test and make you cross the dreaded band 7 in IELTS. If you are looking for band 7+ in IELTS General or a 6.5 in IELTS Academic, we are your best bet!
