This writing tips was posted by Indonesian student who now are taking master in Melbourne University. We can learn a lot from her as she achieved good mark in her last IELTS test.

Dear all,

writing an essay, particularly for IELTS test, a lateral thinking is very needed (Alana, 2006), futhermore we supposed to write cohesive and concise (Barbara, 2006). there are some of strategies that I used to write in IELTS writing test.

first of all,
from the question, find the gist of the question, e.g if it a discussion question, talk about discussion on Nuclear Power, try to draw the idea using TREE CHART regardig the Nuclear Power (Steve, 2006). the chart is very useful especially to recall our memmories about the topic. when we have unfamiliar topic, use this way. it is very efficient and not waste your time to think about the topic. further question about TREE CHART, ask Steve Bolton, a seniour teacher in EAP Bali, I think he will pleasure to help you.. to EAP student in Jakarta just come to his website at www.stevebolton. net. on the website, I found some of strategies regarding to IELTS.

secondly,
after you done the tree chart, decided the Topic - Topic (T-T) and Topic - New Idea (T-N) (alana 2006) (Firen, 2007) from the idea that you already draw in the tree chart. According to Barbara (2006), we can list them as in order in your writing structure. e.g. still about discussion essay on Nuclear Power:
(decide whether you agree or disagree with the topic, and take an example you disagree in this matter)

Paragragh I
intro,—-
topic sentence,—
thesis statement,– - e.g there are some advantages and disadvantages using nuclear power as energy source.

Paragraph II,
(advantages) , however..
(disadvantage)

Paragraph III,
(advantages) , on the other hand..
(disadvantage)

paragraph IV,
disadvantages

Paragraph V,
conclusion

and many other startegies depend on the type of the question.. I got this one from Barbara. (thank you very much Barbara..I keep this one)

Thirdly,
write as concise as you can, dont forget to use different vocabularies to express the same idea, but dont ever try to use different vocabulary if you not fully understand about the meaning, dont use it. futhermore, try to use some of examples.

Fourthly,
Believe in the power of conclusion. write a strong conclusion but still related to your first topic statement (Amir, 2007). dont forget about this one. because as far as I know, it influence your writing mark.

Fiftly,
to shape your ability in writing, do TALO TAVI writing strategy (Steve, 2006). I still remember how to use this strategy but I forget what does TALO TAVI stand for. TALO (if I remember correctly), Text as Languange Object and TAVI is Text as bla bla.. I forget this one buddy..

sixtly,
be aware with your writing stucture (LLSU, 2007). dont flawed away and still focus on your topic statement.

the last but not least,
read some of current issue related to common IELTS writing topic. they are available in Resource centre both in Jakarta and Bali. Up date your awareness about current issue which happen todays. Because some of writing topic are taken from the current issue in both Indonesia and international.

I think, both of teachers in EAP contribute a lot in built my writing skill, particularly in writing (and many thanks to Yapet, who also help me come up with this one.). It means that your EAP teachers are the expert one. Use your time to explore their ability, make friend with them even if they are not your teacher..(but not all teacher loh..!! wanna share with us)

Dont wory to much with your writing, just attend the class with SMILE, RELAX but SERIOUS.. and when the day has come.. dont kill yourself with stress thinking your IELTS, but go to beach, do yoga, dance, and other relax things.. but DONT SHOPING, because you will spend lots of money and put more stress…and. ..go to the bed early, sleep well and do your best!!

w;)