Reasons why you should avoid using “I” in a Writing Task 2 Essay

Students often wonder whether to use or avoid  ‘I’ in IELTS Writing Task 2. Let’s find out! 

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second part of the writing exam, and it is common to both Academic and General Reading modules. This task requires you to present a point of view, argument by writing an essay. You should write your essay in a formal format, in at least 250 words, and it’s advisable to complete the task in 40 minutes.

There are several different types of questions in IELTS Writing Task 2. They are:

• Opinion essays
• Direct question essays
• Discussion essays
• Advantage and Disadvantage essays
• Cause and Effect essays

So, why avoid using ‘I’ in writing essays?

• It’s pointless to keep using ‘I’ in a sentence or answers if you have already voiced your point of view clearly, by using terms like ‘personally’ or ‘from my perspective.’ There is no need to keep repeating it by saying ‘I believe,’ ‘I guess,’ ‘I think,’ and so on. Your writing task 2 answers must be concise, which means writing fewer words to express the same thought. 
• It’s critical to differentiate between “facts” (what is really true) and “opinion” (what is subject to the writer’s perspective and may be right or wrong) while writing.

This above-mentioned statement states a fact. A piece of information that is known or proven to be true.

when you add ‘I’ in this sentence, the stance of the statement is weak. 

So, does that mean ‘I’ cannot be used in IELTS Writing tasks at all?

No, you can use “I” in some essay types, where it is required to give your opinion. Though you can use ‘I’ in these types of essay questions, you should not use it repeatedly. Rather you should look for alternative terms like from my point of view, to my knowledge, speaking personally and so on.

The other approach you can follow is by attacking the opposite idea or beliefs. 

To summarise, it is appropriate to use personal pronouns in IELTS essays, but don’t overdo them because it can sound too casual. Use them in your opinion essays’ introduction and/or conclusion to make your point very clear. Instead of using ‘I,’ prefer other ways to convey your thoughts and opinions.

Also Check :

• Cause and Solution Essay 
• Opinion Essay
• Advantage and Disadvantage Essay
• Discussion Essay
• Direct Essay 
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