In IELTS Writing Task 2, the ability to present your arguments in a clear, coherent, and formally appropriate style is essential for a high band score. This chapter delves into the aspects of language and style, focusing on tone and formality, and provides a comprehensive understanding of how they influence your writing.

Let's break this topic down into critical subtopics:

Understanding the Importance of Tone

Tone in writing refers to the writer's attitude toward the subject and the reader. It can be formal, informal, serious, humorous, respectful, or intimate, depending on the purpose and context of the writing task. In IELTS Writing Task 2, the tone is predominantly formal academic.

Key Characteristics of Formal Tone in IELTS Writing:

• Objectivity: Your tone should be unbiased and impartial, focusing on facts rather than personal feelings or opinions.
• Respectfulness: Even when discussing opposing viewpoints, the tone should be respectful, acknowledging different perspectives without dismissiveness or condescendence.
• Professionalism: A professional tone avoids casual or colloquial language and maintains a certain level of seriousness.

Adjusting Tone:

• Consistency: Ensure your tone remains consistent throughout the essay. Sudden changes can confuse the reader and weaken your argument.
• Audience Awareness: Write as if you are addressing educated individuals who are not familiar with the subject. This approach will help you strike the right balance between explanation and assumption of prior knowledge.

Mastering Formality in Language

Formality in language is vital in Academic Writing Task 2. The following subtopics will help you achieve the necessary level of formality for a high band score.

Vocabulary:

• Choose Academic Vocabulary: Prefer words that are common in academic writing — for instance, use “children” instead of “kids” or “purchase” instead of “buy”.
• Avoid Slang and Idioms: These are too informal for this type of writing and can make your essay seem unprofessional.

Sentence Structure:

• Complex Sentences: Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences. However, ensure that complex sentences are clear and free of errors.
• Passive Voice: While not always necessary, the passive voice can sometimes add formality to your writing.

Phrasal Verbs and Modality:

• Limit Phrasal Verbs: Avoid phrasal verbs if there is a single-word alternative that is more formal. For example, use “investigate” instead of “look into”.
• Use Modal Verbs Carefully: Modal verbs like "could", "should", "would", and "might" help to soften statements and add an academic tone.

Using the Third Person:

• Impersonal Language: Use the third person as much as possible because it helps maintain formality. For example, instead of saying “I believe,” you can say “It is believed,” or use an impersonal subject like “one” to create distance.

Transition Words and Phrases:

Using transition words and phrases is essential to maintain the flow of your essay and link ideas smoothly. They can also contribute to formality. Common connectors include:

• Addition: furthermore, moreover, in addition
• Contrast: however, on the other hand, although
• Cause and Effect: consequently, therefore, as a result
• Example: for instance, for example, such as

Practice and Feedback:

Consistent Practice:

• Write Regularly: Practice makes perfect. Regular writing helps you internalize formal structures and academic vocabulary.
• Read Academic Texts: Exposure to academic articles, journals, and essays will familiarize you with the appropriate style and tone.

Seek Feedback:

• Get Expert Opinion: Have a teacher or a skilled individual review your essays and provide feedback on your use of tone and formality.
• Self-Evaluate: Use a checklist to review your essays for aspects of formality in language and appropriateness of tone.

By focusing on maintaining a formal tone, using appropriate vocabulary, structuring sentences correctly, and linking ideas smoothly, your essays for IELTS Writing Task 2 will meet the expectations for a high band score. Remember, practice and attention to detail will solidify these skills, making them second nature when you sit for the actual examination.