How to Improve logical reasoning in presenting ideas in IELTS Writing Task 2

One extremely important aspect for candidates participating in the IELTS Writing Task 2 exam to achieve high scores is logical reasoning in presenting ideas. How can each sentence and paragraph in your writing have a certain level of logic? In this article, PREP will share with Preppies some tips on improving logical reasoning in presenting ideas in IELTS Writing Task 2. Refer to this article right away to become a "writing genius" in Writing Task 2, Preppies!

I. Solutions to Improve Logical Reasoning in Presenting Ideas in IELTS Writing Task 2 

The logical reasoning in presenting ideas in IELTS Writing Task 2 is assessed through the criteria of Coherence & Cohesion, which evaluates the logical argumentation system and the organization of ideas reasonably.

Therefore, one of the important solutions to improve logical reasoning in presenting ideas is to establish logical consistency in terms of content ideas and the coherence of sentences, paragraphs, and the overall structure of the writing.

1. Construct a standard idea development structure

Constructing a standard idea development structure is a way to ensure logical reasoning in presenting ideas in IELTS Writing Task 2. This includes sentences with basic roles that contribute to the formation and development of complete ideas. These roles are as follows:

Topic sentence -> Main idea -> Supporting ideas/Examples

Establish a standard idea development structure.

Once students understand and apply this basic structure, the next step is to understand how to logically sequence the development of ideas. Specifically, the presented ideas need to be arranged in an order that reflects their logical progression and interrelation. For example:

Task: Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems. Identify one or two serious ones and suggest solutions.

Idea development: 

• Main idea: Overpopulation causes more problems for transportation 
• Supporting ideas: 

Increasing population leads to more vehicles 

↓

More vehicles leads to high traffic density 

↓

Higher traffic density is the main cause for traffic congestion 

This example accomplishes two things:

• The supporting ideas presented have a tight and logical connection with the previous idea, forming a chain of idea development where the subsequent ideas are derived from the preceding ones, ensuring the coherence of information.
• The presented ideas are directly relevant to the prompt. The beginning idea addresses the main issue (overpopulation paraphrased as increasing population) and the subsequent ideas provide specific details, ultimately clarifying the "problem for transportation," specifically "traffic congestion."

Furthermore, when writing the essay, students can self-evaluate the logical reasoning in presenting their ideas in IELTS Writing Task 2 by answering the following questions at both the sentence and paragraph levels.

2. Check Logical Reasoning in presenting ideas in IELTS Writing Task 2 at the Sentence Level

Has the order of the ideas been logical? Are they easy to understand and persuasive? → Specifically, review how the sentences fulfill their roles and the order in which they appear (topic sentence, main idea, and supporting idea).

Have the transitions between ideas been tight and fully developed? → Specifically, have the supporting ideas answered or clarified the main idea, and does the main idea address the core focus and keywords of the prompt?

Have the sentence connections been sufficient and appropriate? → Specifically, have cohesive devices (linking words) been used appropriately?

3. Check Logical Reasoning in presenting ideas in IELTS Writing Task 2 at the Paragraph Level

Has each paragraph addressed a specific part of the prompt's question? → Specifically, determine if each paragraph accurately identifies the main topic without repetition or discussing multiple main topics.

4. Learn from Sample Writing

In addition, improving logical reasoning in presenting ideas in IELTS Writing Task 2 can be done by learning from Sample Writing. Specifically, students can refer to the Box of Thoughts method, in which each sample essay is analyzed and presented in a clear table format with distinct boxes serving different functions.

By using the Box of Thoughts method, students can easily learn and understand the structure and logical thought process of the sample essays. Specifically, students identify the role of each sentence, indicate the connections between sentences, and determine how an idea is organized and fully developed.

II. Conclusion

To ensure logical reasoning in presenting ideas in an essay, students need to apply a standard idea development structure and maintain a coherent and complete development of ideas.

Extended Application:

The thinking process for presenting ideas can also be applied to speaking skills. Specifically, in a student's response, the presentation of ideas needs to be organized and developed coherently and logically. This helps facilitate the brainstorming of ideas and improves fluency and coherence.

This article has provided some ways to help Preppies improve logical reasoning in presenting ideas in IELTS Writing Task 2. Hopefully, these writings will be helpful and assist Preppies in achieving the highest band score in IELTS Writing!