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IELTS and TOEFL writing skills

Writing skills for IELTS and TOEFL iBT: task types, essay planning, cohesion, linking words, paraphrasing and describing data, with original model sentences.

42 cards6 topicsAbout 15 minutes a roundTypical English test preparation or pre-university EAP writing course

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About this deck

This deck is for students preparing for the writing sections of IELTS (Academic or General Training) or the TOEFL iBT, usually to meet an English requirement for university admission. It covers the current task formats, common essay question types and how to plan for them, cohesion and linking words, paraphrasing, the language of describing graphs and data, and accuracy and style. Every example is written for this deck; it is not drawn from real test papers, and StudyBrix has no connection with the organizations that run either test.

Format facts were checked against the test owners' public pages in October 2026. IELTS Writing takes 60 minutes for two tasks, with Task 2 counting for twice as much as Task 1. The TOEFL iBT moved to a new format in January 2026, with a Writing section of three task types and scores on a 1 to 6 band scale. Formats change, so always confirm on the test owner's website before your test date.

You should be at about an upper-intermediate level (B1 to B2) to use this deck well. Do not just memorize linking phrases. Instead, write short timed responses and use the cards as a checklist when you review them: is there a clear position, an overview, varied linking, a paraphrased introduction?

Common mistakes: copying whole phrases from the prompt, which examiners do not count as your own language; forcing a linking word into every sentence so the writing sounds mechanical; and, in IELTS Task 1, listing every number without an overview of the main trends.

Before you start: Upper-intermediate English (about B1 to B2) and basic paragraph writing.

All 42 cards

Cover the definitions with a sheet of paper and test yourself, or use the study modes above.

Test formats

IELTS Writing: overall format: 60 minutes, two tasks, both required. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1, so spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 on Task 2.Example: If Task 1 earns band 6 and Task 2 band 7, Task 2 carries double weight in the writing score.
IELTS Academic Task 1: Describe visual information (a graph, table, chart, map or process diagram) in your own words in at least 150 words, in a neutral academic style.Example: Summarize a bar chart of bike-share trips in three cities from 2020 to 2024.
IELTS General Training Task 1: Write a letter of at least 150 words about an everyday situation, covering three given bullet points. The tone (personal, semi-formal or formal) depends on the reader.Example: A letter to a landlord about a broken heater: describe it, say how long, request a repair date.
IELTS Task 2: An essay of at least 250 words responding to a point of view, argument or problem. You can support ideas with examples from your own experience.Example: Some say university should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree?
IELTS writing criteria: Each task is marked on four criteria: task achievement (Task 1) or task response (Task 2), coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy.Example: A response with excellent grammar but no clear position still loses marks on task response.
TOEFL iBT Writing (2026 format): Since January 2026, the section has three task types: Build a Sentence, Write an Email and Write for an Academic Discussion, in about 23 minutes. Section scores use a 1 to 6 band scale.Example: During a two-year transition, test takers also receive a comparable overall score on the 0 to 120 scale.
Build a Sentence (TOEFL): Short items in which you rearrange given words or phrases into a correct, natural sentence. Tests word order, question forms and clause structure.Example: Words: 'the / you / did / library / visit' gives 'Did you visit the library?'
Write an Email (TOEFL): A short, practical email for a situation described in the prompt. Match the reader and purpose, cover every point asked, and use a suitable greeting and closing.Example: Dear Professor Lee, I am writing to ask whether I could submit the lab report two days late because...
Write for an Academic Discussion (TOEFL): A paragraph contributing to an online class discussion: typically an instructor's question and classmates' posts. State your view, support it, and add an idea of your own.Example: While Sam focuses on cost, I think the bigger issue is access, because students in rural areas...

Task types and planning

Opinion essay: A prompt that asks how far you agree or disagree. Take a clear position in the introduction and keep it consistent to the conclusion.Example: I strongly agree that cities should invest in cycling lanes, for two main reasons.
Discussion essay: A prompt asking you to discuss two views and give your own opinion. Give each side a paragraph, then make your own view clear.Example: While some argue that exams measure ability fairly, others believe coursework is a better guide. In my view...
Problem and solution essay: A prompt asking for causes or problems and possible solutions. Match each solution to a problem you have described.Example: One cause of traffic congestion is cheap parking; raising parking fees downtown could reduce it.
Advantages and disadvantages essay: A prompt asking you to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of something, and sometimes whether one outweighs the other.Example: Online courses offer flexibility; however, they can make it harder to stay motivated.
Two-part question: A prompt with two separate questions. Answer both fully, often with one body paragraph for each.Example: Why do people move to cities, and is this a positive development? Paragraph 1: reasons. Paragraph 2: evaluation.
Thesis statement: One sentence, usually at the end of the introduction, that gives your position and previews your main points.Example: Although cars offer convenience, public transit is the better choice for cities because it is cheaper and cleaner.
Topic sentence: The first sentence of a body paragraph, stating its main idea so the reader knows what the paragraph will prove.Example: The main advantage of working while studying is the practical experience it provides.
Overview (Task 1): Two or three sentences summarizing the main trends or most striking features of the data, without detailed numbers. Missing it limits the Task 1 score.Example: Overall, car use fell in all three cities, while cycling rose most sharply in Vancouver.
Planning time: A few minutes spent deciding your position, main points and examples before writing. It prevents off-topic paragraphs and repetition.Example: For a 40-minute essay: about 5 minutes to plan, 30 to write and 5 to check.

Cohesion and linking

Cohesion vs coherence: Cohesion is the visible linking of sentences (pronouns, linking words, repeated key nouns). Coherence is whether the ideas follow a clear logical order overall.Example: An essay can use many linking words and still be incoherent if its ideas jump around.
Reference words: Pronouns and determiners such as this, these, it, they and such that point back to earlier ideas and avoid repetition. Make sure the reference is clear.Example: Many students work part-time. This can reduce study time.
Addition linkers: Words like furthermore, moreover, in addition and also, used to add a point that supports the same argument.Example: Cycling saves money. Furthermore, it improves fitness.
Contrast linkers: However, on the other hand, whereas, while and although signal a difference or opposite point. Note the punctuation each one needs.Example: Rents are high in Vancouver, whereas they are lower in Winnipeg.
Cause and effect linkers: Because, since, therefore, as a result, due to and consequently. Due to and because of are followed by a noun phrase, not a clause.Example: Due to heavy snow, classes were cancelled. As a result, the exam was moved.
Example linkers: For example, for instance and such as introduce specific illustrations. Such as is followed by a noun or list, not a full sentence.Example: Many cities, such as Montreal and Toronto, have bike-share systems.
Concession: Admitting an opposing point before showing why your view still holds, using although, even though or admittedly.Example: Admittedly, electric cars cost more to buy; however, they are cheaper to run.
Overusing linking words: Starting every sentence with a linker sounds mechanical and can lower your cohesion score. Use them where the logic needs signposting.Example: Weak: Firstly... Secondly... Moreover... Furthermore... In addition... Better: vary with reference words.
Concluding signals: In conclusion, to sum up or overall introduce a final paragraph that restates the position without adding new arguments.Example: In conclusion, the benefits of remote learning outweigh its drawbacks for most adult students.

Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing the prompt: Restating the question in your introduction with different words and structure, to show your own range and avoid copying.Example: Prompt: Many people now work from home. Paraphrase: A growing number of employees do their jobs remotely.
Synonym substitution: Replacing words with words of similar meaning. Check that the synonym fits the context and collocation; not every dictionary synonym works.Example: 'Children' can become 'young people', but 'kids' is too informal for an essay.
Changing word form: Turning a verb or adjective into a noun (or the reverse) to rebuild a sentence. Often makes writing more academic.Example: Unemployment rose sharply becomes: There was a sharp rise in unemployment.
Changing sentence structure: Rearranging a sentence by switching active and passive, moving clauses, or combining sentences, while keeping the meaning.Example: Governments should fund libraries becomes: Libraries should be funded by governments.
Copying from the prompt: Text copied word for word from the question is not credited as your own language and can lower the score; reuse only key technical terms.Example: Keep 'renewable energy' if needed, but rephrase the rest of the prompt sentence.

Describing data

Language of increase: Verbs such as rise, increase, grow and climb; nouns such as a rise or an increase. Use 'rose by' for the change and 'rose to' for the new value.Example: Sales rose from 200 to 260 units, an increase of 60 units, or 30 percent.
Language of decrease: Verbs such as fall, drop, decline and decrease. Fall and drop are intransitive: something falls; you do not 'fall' something.Example: The number of smokers fell from 25 percent to 15 percent, a drop of 10 percentage points.
Degree adverbs: Words like sharply, dramatically, steadily, gradually and slightly show how big or fast a change was. Choose one that matches the data.Example: Prices increased slightly, from 4.00 to 4.10 dollars, a 2.5 percent rise.
Approximation: Words such as approximately, roughly, just over and nearly let you round numbers honestly.Example: Just over half (52 percent) of respondents used transit.
Comparing figures: Structures like twice as many as, three times higher than, compared with and the highest proportion.Example: Calgary had 240 rentals and Regina 120, so Calgary had twice as many.
Describing a process diagram: Use the present passive and sequence words (first, next, after that, finally) to explain each stage.Example: First, the plastic is collected. Next, it is sorted and washed. Finally, it is melted into pellets.

Accuracy and style

Formal register: Avoid contractions, slang and very personal phrasing in essays; prefer precise, neutral words.Example: Informal: Kids can't focus on stuff. Formal: Children often find it difficult to concentrate.
Hedging in essays: Softening claims with words such as may, can, tends to and often, so that you do not overgeneralize.Example: Overclaim: Social media makes everyone lonely. Hedged: Heavy social media use may increase loneliness for some users.
Word count management: Write at least the minimum; extra length is not rewarded and leaves less time to check. An IELTS Task 2 of about 270 to 300 words is a practical target.Example: At about 10 words per line, 26 handwritten lines is roughly 260 words.
Final proofreading: Use the last minutes to check subject-verb agreement, articles, plurals, verb tenses and spelling, the errors that most often lower an accuracy score.Example: 'The number of students have increased' is fixed to 'The number of students has increased'.