How to Make Correct Sentence Structure and Understand the Questions in IELTS Writing Task-2?

How to Make Correct Sentence Structure?

A common error in essay writing task 2 is the illogical parallel structure. Parallel structure is the grammatical balance of two or more phrases. When using correlatives in a parallel construction, be sure that the word group following the first pair is parallel with the word group following the second.

For Example:

1. In counselling, both talking and to listen are important. (Incorrect)
   In counselling, both talking and listening are important. (Correct)
2. This car is not only fast but also it is safe to drive. (Incorrect)
   This car is not only fast but also safe. (Correct) 
3. The trip to city is neither a long one nor expensive. (Incorrect)
   The trip to the city is neither long nor expensive. (Correct) 
4. Either you must stay home or come with us. (Incorrect)
   You must either stay home or come with us. (Correct)
5. John likes to read, jogging and swimming. (Incorrect)
   John likes to read, to jog and to ride a bicycle. (Correct)

How to Understand the Questions?

In IELTS essay (Task 2), logical explanations are expected. It is important that you understand the question hidden in the question and know how to organize the answer. To enable you to read in between the lines, a few difficult questions are analyzed here:-

1. Damage to the environment is an inevitable consequence of worldwide improvements in the standard of living. Discuss. 

The question here is not just about the environment, but whether the environment will be inevitably damaged in the process of development. It is generally believed that improvement in the quality of life through developmental activities entails emission of harmful gases and the consequent pollution of the environment.

But you can argue that sustainable development is possible, if measures are taken not to pollute the environment. Worldwide improvements in the standard of living refer to different aspects of social life such as residential complexes, express highways, airports, factories and urban development. You must also mention about damage on nature.

2. Education is the single most important factor in the development of a country. Discuss.

It must be noted that the question is not about education in general, but whether it is the single most important factor in the development of a nation. Your essay should focus and discuss whether it is the only important one in the priority of a nation. You need not write about the different aspects of education. As this is a question to discuss, you should state others’ views as well. It  were you, I would argue that education is one of the most important factors since areas like infrastructure, social security schemes, law and order and healthcare are also vital for the development of a nation.