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Every year, more than 3 million people trust the IELTS exam to test their skills in writing, reading, listening, and speaking the English language. They need to work on several skills to get their desired scores. However, they struggle to develop skills for the IELTS writing section. In this case, the best trainers advise them to learn how to use cohesive devices and take the IELTS writing practice test papers to prepare for it. Now, you might be thinking, Why do the experts do so? Read this article and know its answer. However, first, let's take a look at the writing section.

A Brief on the IELTS Writing Section

The writing section is a crucial part of the IELTS test pattern, comprising two distinct tasks. In the first one, test takers receive an image that consists of details in the form of a bar or line graph, a pie chart, a table, or an image. Test takers must thoroughly review them and describe them in 150 words. Furthermore, they must write an opinion essay, an essay discussing the advantages and disadvantages, a problem-solution essay, and a double-question essay, all of which are approximately 250 words in length, to showcase their listening skills. It should be well-structured and must be completed within 60 minutes. However, test-takers must possess outstanding writing skills to answer both tasks. So, the best experts guide them to use cohesive devices because they can help them enhance their writing skills. Let's understand how.

What Are Cohesive Devices?

Test-takers need excellent writing skills to answer all the questions in the IELTS writing section. They need to maintain a flow. However, it is not easy to do so while writing sentences of two different intents. In this case, IELTS aspirants use cohesive words or devices. These are connecting words that help to maintain a flow in sentences of different intent. Therefore, however, in addition, there are some examples of such words. There are five different types of cohesive devices used in the IELTS exam. Let us know about them below.

Referencing

Referencing words are used to refer to the ideas already mentioned in the text. These are the most commonly used cohesive devices. Words like, such, this, those, it, and more are some of the best examples of it.

Substitution

Substitutes are used to replace some words already used in the text. They help to reduce the chances of repetition of words and enhance the flow of text. Words like do, so, and one are the best examples of substitution cohesive devices.

Ellipsis

This cohesive device is used to remove a word from the phrase to make a meaningful sentence. It helps to reduce word repetition and maintain the flow while writing an essay in the writing section of the IELTS exam.

Conjunctions

These are cohesive words used to join sentences, phrases, or ideas in the IELTS writing section. It includes some commonly used words such as like, and, or, but, then, because, and more. Every test taker must know how to place conjunctions correctly to secure a high band score.

Lexical Cohesion

Lexical cohesion refers to the repetition of words using synonyms and antonyms. Test takers need a strong command of their English grammar and vocabulary to use this cohesive device. However, it is the best way to avoid word repetition, connect sentences, and showcase English writing skills.

Using cohesive devices or connecting words is the best way to showcase English writing skills. However, many test takers have questions about whether their essays are grammatically correct or incorrect. In this case, experts advise them to take the practice test. It helps them in several ways. Let us know how in the next part.

How Practice Test help to prepare for the IELTS Writing?

There are several benefits of taking practice tests to prepare for the IELTS writing section. Let us keep an eye on some of them.

• Practice For Every Possible Question- A practice test is a replica of previous question papers. Due to this, test takers can know what they will face on the exam and practice describing every image question and essay.
• Track Mistakes - The IELTS writing practice test papers come with an AI tool. It helps test takers identify their mistakes in their essay or Writing Task 1. Due to this, they can work on improvements.
• Build Confidence - Test takers can track their progress and assess their readiness for the exam. As a result, they can boost their confidence and achieve a high score.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the writing section is a crucial component of the IELTS exam pattern. It has two different tasks that help to test the English writing skills. However, many test takers struggle to prepare for it. So, they take help from experts in gradding. This is because they attend regular sessions and complete mock tests that include writing and IELTS reading answers. Thus, it helps the aspirants to prepare for each section and boost their confidence to ace the exam.