A very well-drafted essay is one that has a greater level of clarity and follows a composition driven by the opinion of the test-taker throughout the task. Are you still wondering what and how to write in an essay of the 'outweigh' question type? Stress no more! This blog is the perfect place you have landed on. Here, you will find out what the examiner actually expects from the candidate and how to positively respond to this question, followed by tips to build a confident, well-paraphrased opinion.
Understanding the Word 'Outweigh'
When students find this word in their IELTS Writing Task 2, they rapidly start writing about advantages and disadvantages, which is up to an extent correct, but the inclusion of the word 'outweigh' also has its own significance.
The word 'outweigh' means to be greater than, to be on the higher side of, or to exceed something/someone. For students, this question type asks whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or vice versa — in other words, are the benefits of the topic more than the drawbacks? Here, you need to stress one part more, rather than simply listing the merits and demerits.
You must know that the actual objective behind asking this question is that the examiner wants you to develop your idea more strongly on one part of the topic by following the same notion throughout the essay. Even your conclusion should express the same thought.
What Structure to Follow
A very easy structure of 4 paragraphs needs to be followed. Here's how it can be done:
• Introductory Paragraph: This paragraph should contain 3 things: a general statement about the topic (optional), a reframed topic sentence without changing its meaning, and a thesis statement that reflects your opinion.
• Body Paragraph 1: Here, the area of the topic that you feel holds substantial importance must be written. This means that the heavier facet of the question needs to be drafted in the first body paragraph along with a relevant example.
• Body Paragraph 2: The part which holds lesser weight has to be stated in this paragraph. This means you need to present the weaker side of the topic — but remember, an example should not be ignored here either.
• Conclusion Paragraph: Your viewpoint, the one you wrote in your introduction, must be restated here convincingly so as to display your firmness on that specific point.
Crucial Steps to Bring Confidence
A number of techniques can help you build confidence. Some are given below:
• 5 Minutes of Initial Planning: After going through the question, it is beneficial to spend at least 5 minutes properly planning what to write. In this type of question, figure out 2-3 pros and 2-3 cons. Doing this relaxes your mind, as you already know what you have to write down.
• Pay Attention to Expanding Your Idea: Simply noting down points in an orderly manner will not help you score 7+ bands in your IELTS Writing Task. You must express and develop your point of view in depth with acceptable and logical examples.
• Write Sentences with Conditions: Impactful sentences can be written when you include some type of condition. Sentences with conditional combinations of words such as if and then, although and yet, and so on can bring an extra edge to your essay. It also demonstrates your knowledge of grammar.
• Convey Concepts Through Connectors: The use of words that demonstrate coherence and cohesion always makes a difference, and your confidence in what you have written improves. You can use linkers such as however, moreover, in addition to the above, to illustrate, and many more.
• Manage Your Time: Managing your time is the first and foremost factor to consider when boosting your self-assurance. You can organise it well if you set aside 5 minutes at the beginning for planning and 5 minutes at the end to check your grammar. This gives you confidence in your essay content.
Things You Should Avoid
Keep in mind the things below that you should NOT do:
• Explaining Both Sides with the Same Level of Importance: You need to show one aspect as weightier. Giving equal weight to both advantages and disadvantages may lead to a lower band score.
• Not Managing Time Wisely: Spending too much time on either planning or thinking about what the question asks may result in your essay being incomplete. Keep an eye on the time while drafting your task.
• Using Broad-Ranging Illustrations: In IELTS essay writing, you must cite an example related to the main idea that you presented at the beginning of the body paragraph. Failing to be specific makes your essay unorganised and unclear. Write to the point and avoid beating around the bush.
Conclusion
Overall, when you receive this 'outweigh' type of question in your IELTS Writing Task 2, make sure that you weigh one side more heavily and with more seriousness. Consider following all the points above and score 7+ bands in your first attempt itself in your Writing Task. IELTS coaching centres can also be of great help.
