Developing a formal writing style

What kind of language should be used in IELTS Writing Task 2?

• Technical jargon
• Poetic and flowery language
• Casual and slang language
• Formal and academic language

Which expression/ phrase is considered informal?

• I believe

• in my view

• if you ask me

• from my point of view

The passive should be used in every sentence in an IELTS essay to create a formal tone. Is this correct?

• No
• Only in the conclusion
• Sometimes
• Yes

The following suggestions are possible ways to sound more formal when it comes to IELTS Writing Task 2, EXCEPT...

• use the passive where relevant

• use contractions

• avoid using phrasal verbs (e.g. give up)

• avoid vague words

People often suggest that an international language would lead to the disappearance of minority languages.

Rewrite the red part of the above sentence so that it sounds more formal.

People argue that an international language would facilitate international trade.

Rewrite the red part so that the sentence sounds more formal.

Some people think that an international language would reduce nationalistic feelings.

Rewrite the red part so that the sentence sounds more formal.

Experts believe that about 6,500 languages are spoken in the world today.

Rewrite the above sentence, using the passive (2 correct answers)

• Experts are believed that about 6,500 languages are spoken in the world today.

• It is thought that about 6,500 languages are spoken in the world today.

• 6,500 languages are expected to be spoken in the world today.

• 6,500 languages are believed to be spoken in the world today.

1.      Linguists have pointed out that all languages diversify into dialects.

Rewrite the red part of the above sentence so that it sounds more formal.

People generally agree that artificial languages such as Esperanto are not the solution to the problem.

Rewrite the red part of the above sentence so that it sounds more formal.