Mastering English Language Tests — Series #2
The Art of Scoring High in Writing Tasks
(IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, OET — The Techniques Top Scorers Use)
By Faraz Parvez
Professor Dr. (Retired) Arshad Afzal
Retired Faculty Member, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA
(Pseudonym of Professor Dr. Arshad Afzal)
🚀 Introduction: Why Writing Is the Hardest Skill to Master
If speaking reflects your personality, then writing reflects your intellect. It is the only part of English tests where:
- You cannot rely on memorization
- You cannot depend on luck
- You cannot bluff the examiner
Listening and reading can be improved with practice drills. Speaking can be saved by confidence and fluency. But writing? It is pure skill.
And mastering that skill requires a system, not guesswork.
This article will teach you that system — the same method applied by examiners who grade IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE writing scripts around the world.
🌟 The Core Principle:
Writing = Communication + Clarity + Logic
A high-scoring answer is not about:
❌ Using complicated vocabulary
❌ Writing long, confusing sentences
❌ Copy-paste memorized templates
Examiners reward clarity of thought, logical progression, and accurate English.
✍️ The Writing Formula Used by Top Scorers
Every effective writing task — whether essay, report, letter, or response — is built around just four universal components:
| Component | Purpose | Marks Linked |
|---|---|---|
| 🎯 Task Fulfilment | Addressing all parts of the task correctly | 25–30% |
| 🧠 Coherence & Cohesion | Logical flow + clear structure | 25% |
| 📝 Lexical Resource | Accurate and varied vocabulary | 25% |
| 🧩 Grammar Range & Accuracy | Correct sentence patterns and punctuation | 25% |
If any one of these collapses → your score drops.
🎛️ The 4-Step Writing Master Technique
Step 1 — Deconstruct the Task
Before writing, stop and analyse:
✔ What type of question? (Opinion, Discussion, Problem-Solution, etc.)
✔ How many parts must be answered?
✔ What is the writer’s required role? (Formal/informal/neutral)
✔ Who is the audience? (Examiner? Reader? Recipient?)
✔ What tense and tone suit the context?
Students lose marks not because of English, but because they misread the task.
Step 2 — Map Your Answer (The 2-Minute Plan)
Plan structure BEFORE writing:
🧩 Introduction — paraphrase + outline your stance
📌 Body Paragraph 1 — strongest idea → explanation → example
📌 Body Paragraph 2 — contrasting/supporting idea → example
🔗 Conclusion — summarise → reaffirm your position
A strong plan prevents:
- Repetition
- Going off-topic
- Weak endings
Step 3 — Write with Logic
Each paragraph must follow the SEA Formula:
| S | Statement (Main point) | | E | Explanation (Why?) | | A | Application (Example) |
Example paragraph structure:
Statement: One major reason is the lack of adequate public transport.
Explanation: When buses and trains are unreliable, people prefer personal vehicles.
Application: For instance, in Karachi, frequent delays force commuters to rely on motorbikes, increasing traffic congestion.
Simple but perfect for exam scoring.
Step 4 — Upgrade the Language Smartly
High scores depend on precision, not complication.
Replace:
| Weak Expression | Strong Alternative |
|---|---|
| I think | I believe / It is evident that |
| A lot of | Numerous / A significant number of |
| Very big | Enormous / Substantial |
| Good | Beneficial / Effective |
| Bad | Harmful / Detrimental |
Golden Rule → One idea per sentence.
🧱 The Perfect Essay Template (Use in IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
✨ Introduction (3–4 lines)
- Paraphrase topic
- Give your point of view
- Mention what the essay will cover
Example:
Although technology has transformed communication, many argue it weakens real relationships. This essay explains why digital interaction cannot fully replace personal contact and why both must coexist.
📌 Body Paragraph 1 (6–7 lines)
- Your strongest idea
- Evidence + Example
📌 Body Paragraph 2 (6–7 lines)
- Supporting or contrasting idea
- Evidence + Example
🔚 Conclusion (2–3 lines)
Summarise + final viewpoint
(No new ideas!)
Example:
In conclusion, technology has reshaped how we connect, yet physical interaction remains essential. A balanced approach is necessary for healthy communication.
📎 Sample High-Scoring Essay (Band 8+ / TOEFL 26+ / PTE 79+)
Topic: Modern cities struggle with traffic congestion. Discuss causes and solutions.
Introduction
Urban expansion has made transport systems increasingly strained. As a result, countless cities face severe traffic congestion. This essay examines the primary causes of this issue and proposes practical solutions to create smoother and more efficient mobility.
Body 1 — Cause
One of the major causes is the widespread dependence on private vehicles. Cars provide personal freedom and convenience, yet when millions of individuals make the same choice, road infrastructure collapses under pressure. For instance, cities such as Lahore and Jakarta experience daily gridlocks because their public transport systems are insufficient, forcing citizens to rely on personal vehicles.
Body 2 — Solution
A logical solution is to invest heavily in accessible public transportation. When buses, metros, and trams are reliable and comfortable, people willingly switch from private vehicles. Singapore, for example, drastically reduced congestion by offering efficient public trains combined with strict car-ownership regulations, proving that planned transport can transform city life.
Conclusion
Therefore, high congestion stems primarily from a lack of viable alternatives to private transportation. Governments must prioritise modern transit solutions, improving urban mobility and citizens’ quality of life.
✔ Length: 270 words
✔ Fully addresses question
✔ Clear structure, logical flow
✔ Strong vocabulary but not confusing
💡 For TOEFL & PTE: Minor Adjustments
- Use more direct examples (statistics if possible)
- Maintain American spelling for TOEFL (“organize”, “analyze”)
- In PTE, balance content + structure because computer scoring is rule-based
TOEFL Tip:
Use modal verbs to show analytical thinking:
may, might, could, would, is likely to
PTE Tip:
Use linking phrases more frequently:
Furthermore, consequently, in contrast, as a result
🎯 The 7 Things Examiners Always Look For
| Criterion | What they expect |
|---|---|
| Clear argument | No confusion or contradiction |
| Task completion | All parts answered. |
| Rich vocab | But meaningful, not decorative |
| Grammar accuracy | Few or no errors |
| Variety of sentences | Complex + simple mix |
| Paragraphing | Clear separations with transitions |
| Tone | Formal/neutral in essays |
🧨 Dangerous Mistakes That Kill Your Score
❌ Copying the question → Counted as plagiarism
❌ Giving only examples → No explanation
❌ Emotional arguments → Not logical
❌ Writing 400–500 words → More mistakes
❌ Slang / emojis / contractions (in IELTS opinion essays)
The examiner rewards maturity of thought — not emotional rants.
🧩 Sentence Structures That Impress Examiners
1️⃣ Complex Sentence (Show reasoning)
Because public transport is unreliable, many citizens prefer driving personal vehicles.
2️⃣ Conditional Sentence (Predictions)
If governments invest in rail systems, congestion will be significantly reduced.
3️⃣ Passive Voice (Academic tone)
Road expansion is considered a temporary solution by urban planners.
4️⃣ Cause-Effect Connector
Consequently, pollution levels continue to rise in overcrowded cities.
Use 2–3 complex structures per paragraph — NOT every sentence.
✍️ Expressing Opinion Powerfully
| Weak | Strong |
|---|---|
| I think the government must act | It is essential that the government intervenes |
| It is important | It is of paramount importance |
| This is good | This yields positive social outcomes |
Formal Tone = Higher Score
🧠 Vocabulary Toolbox (Theme-Based)
These are common test topics — memorise 10–12 words each:
Education
📌 Curriculum, vocational skills, literacy, academic achievement, digital learning, tuition fees
Environment
📌 Sustainability, carbon emissions, renewable energy, recycling infrastructure, conservation
Technology
📌 Automation, innovation, digital divide, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, surveillance
Health
📌 Healthcare infrastructure, vaccination campaigns, nutritional awareness, chronic illness
🛠️ Editing Technique (1 minute at the end!)
Before submitting, check:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove repeated words |
| 2 | Fix articles (a, an, the) |
| 3 | Check punctuation |
| 4 | Shorten long sentences |
| 5 | Ensure conclusion is strong |
This single minute can raise your band by 0.5.
🔥 Final Exam Strategy (Guaranteed Higher Score)
| Tip | Result |
|---|---|
| Write 250–300 words (IELTS) | Enough ideas but fewer errors |
| Spend 2 mins planning | Zero confusion in structure |
| Finish 3 mins early | Proofread and polish |
| Use one idea per sentence | Maximum clarity |
| Add one global example | Examiners love real-world relevance |
⭐ Practice Task (For You)
Some people think children should use smartphones in school. Others feel they are distracting. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
You can write your answer — and I’ll score it like a real examiner.
🧩 Series Continuation
📌 Series #3 — Speaking Skill Domination
📌 Series #4 — Listening: Techniques to Capture Every Answer
📌 Series #5 — Reading: Smart Strategies for Fast Accuracy
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