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Honesty is the best policy: IELTS Writing Task 2

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Updated on Mar 08, 2024, 13:35

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second part of the writing test. Here, you are given a topic or issue and must write an essay about it. Your essay should be in a formal style, at least 250 words long, and completed in less than 40 minutes. 


Use formal language and aim for a well-organised response. The topic ‘honesty is the best policy’ can also come as a question such as, “Honesty is the best policy. To what extent do you agree or disagree with it?”

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1. How to Answer Honesty is the Best Policy Essay

The topic ‘honesty is the best policy’ can also come as a question such as, “Honesty is the best policy. To what extent do you agree or disagree with it?”

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2. Sample Answers for Honesty is the Best Policy Essay

Find the Sample Answers for Honesty is the Best Policy IELTS Writing Essay Topic here.

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1.

How to Answer Honesty is the Best Policy Essay

To answer these questions in the IELTS writing task, you must start with the introduction, give an opinion about the topic, and provide concluding remarks to conclude your topic. For the same, the detailed breakout is provided for the topic: honesty is the best policy is given below:
 

Introduction (2-3 sentences):
 

  • Start your essay with a clear introduction using simple language. 
  • The tone should be neutral, and the vocabulary should be easy to understand. 
  • State your position clearly by saying whether you agree or disagree with the statement. 
  • Avoid using overly complex words.

 

Example:Being honest is super important. In this essay, I'll explain why honesty is the best way to go.’

 

Body Paragraphs: Supporting Perspective - Honesty is the Best Policy:

 

  • Use clear and concrete examples in simple language to illustrate the benefits of honesty.
  • Employ a positive tone and straightforward vocabulary. Explain concepts without unnecessary complexity.
  • Focus on relatable situations that showcase the positive outcomes of honesty.

 

Example:Honesty is great because it builds trust. When you're honest, people trust you more, making relationships stronger.”

 

Body Paragraphs: Opposing Perspective - Honesty has Limitations:

 

  • Introduce this paragraph by acknowledging that while honesty is generally positive, it might not be the best approach in some situations.
  • Use straightforward language and examples to explain the limitations. 
  • Keep a neutral tone, avoiding extreme statements.
  • Ensure that your vocabulary is accessible, choosing words that the reader can easily understand.
  • Use words like "tricky situations" and "can be hard." 

 

Example:But sometimes being honest can be tricky. In certain situations, it can be hard because it might cause problems or make things confusing.”

 

Personal Opinion (1 paragraph):

 

  • Clearly express your stance, using language that reflects your personal view. 
  • Keep the tone balanced and avoid sounding too forceful. 
  • Select vocabulary that conveys your opinion without being confrontational.
  • Keep it strong but not too serious.

 

Example:In my opinion, being honest is the best. It's important because it helps us trust each other, making life better.”

 

Conclusion (2-3 sentences):

 

  • Summarise what you said simply.
  • Use words like "so" and "in short" to finish up.
  • Maintain a neutral tone, and use vocabulary that emphasises the key takeaways. 
  • End the essay on a thoughtful note without introducing new ideas.

 

Example:So, in short, honesty is super important. It makes trust and helps us be better. Overall, honesty is the way to go.”

2.

Honesty is the Best Policy Essay: Sample Answers

Find the Sample Answers for Honesty is the Best Policy IELTS Writing Essay Topic here.

Sample Answer 1
Sample Answer 2

Sample Answer 1: Supporting the Statement (Band Score 09)
 

Honesty fosters trust among individuals. When people are truthful in their personal and professional dealings, others are more likely to rely on them. This trust forms the foundation for healthy relationships and collaborations. In everyday scenarios, such as workplaces or friendships, individuals prioritising honesty are often respected and valued.

Moreover, honesty contributes to personal growth. When individuals are truthful about their strengths and weaknesses, they can identify areas for improvement. Accepting mistakes with honesty allows for self-reflection and learning. Acknowledging shortcomings and seeking improvement is integral to personal and career development in educational settings or professional environments. For instance, in personal relationships and professional settings, honesty can create an environment of transparency, laying the foundation for mutual respect.

I believe honesty should be a guiding principle in various aspects of life. While there may be situations where complete transparency is challenging, the benefits of honesty far outweigh any potential drawbacks. Being truthful builds strong connections with others and forms the basis for one's self-esteem and continuous improvement.
 

To summarise, the maxim "honesty is the best policy" holds in fostering trust, building relationships, and promoting personal development. Embracing honesty in both personal and professional spheres creates a positive and conducive environment for growth and collaboration. In a world filled with complexities, honesty is a timeless virtue that contributes to the well-being of individuals and society.

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FAQs

Q. How to write a perfect essay in IELTS Task 2?

A. To write a good essay in IELTS Task 2:

  • Understand the Question: Make sure you fully grasp what the question is asking.
  • Plan Your Essay: Organise your thoughts with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Provide Examples: Support your points with relevant examples to strengthen your arguments.
  • Manage Time Well: Stick to the 40-minute timeframe, allocating time for planning and reviewing.
  • Use Clear Language: Express your ideas clearly, employing varied sentences and appropriate vocabulary.
Q. How to score 8 in IELTS writing?

A. To score an 8 in IELTS writing:

  • Understand the Criteria: Familiarise yourself with the scoring criteria and focus on meeting those requirements.
  • Practice Regularly: Regular writing practice helps improve coherence, vocabulary, and grammar.
  • Vary Sentence Structure: Use a mix of simple and complex sentences to showcase language proficiency.
  • Proofread Carefully: Avoid errors by reviewing your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Address Task Response: Ensure your essay effectively addresses the specific requirements of the task.
Q. How many words for IELTS Writing Task 2?

A. In IELTS Writing Task 2, you should write at least 250 words. While there is no strict upper limit, aiming for around 300 words is generally recommended to develop your ideas fully. Focus on expressing your thoughts clearly and coherently within this word range to meet the task requirements.

Q. Should I be formal or conversational in style?

A. In IELTS Writing Task 2, it's crucial to maintain a formal style. Academic essays are expected to be structured, objective, and impersonal. Avoid using conversational language, slang, or overly casual expressions. Stick to clear, concise, and formal language to meet the academic writing standards and demonstrate a strong command of English.

Q. Should I memorise essays for common topics?

A. While it's beneficial to familiarise yourself with common topics, memorising entire essays is not advisable. IELTS examiners look for genuine, well-structured responses. Memorised essays might not fully address the question, and robotic delivery can impact your score. Instead, focus on understanding key topics, practising diverse essay structures, and developing the ability to adapt your responses to different prompts. This approach ensures flexibility and authenticity in your writing, enhancing your scoring chances.

Q. Can I change the statement slightly in my response?

A. Yes, you can paraphrase or rephrase the statement in your response. Paraphrasing demonstrates your language proficiency and ability to express ideas in your own words. However, ensure that the meaning remains consistent and that the essence of the original statement is retained. Aim for clarity and accuracy in your paraphrasing to convey your perspective effectively and meet the requirements of the task.

Q. Can I use personal experiences in my essay?

A. Yes, you can use personal experiences in your essay to support your arguments, especially in the IELTS Writing Task 2. Sharing relevant personal examples can make your essay more engaging and authentic. However, ensure that your personal experiences directly relate to the topic and contribute to the overall coherence of your essay. Strike a balance between personal insights and broader, more general points to maintain the essay's effectiveness and relevance.

Q. Should I include opposing views?

A. Yes, including opposing views in an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay can strengthen your argument. It shows a balanced perspective and the ability to consider different angles. However, make sure to clearly explain why you disagree with the opposing view, providing strong reasons and examples. Balancing your response with opposing views demonstrates critical thinking and can contribute to a well-rounded essay.

Q. How much time should I spend on planning?

A. Spend approximately 5-10 minutes planning your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay. Use this time to brainstorm ideas, organise key points, and outline your essay structure. Planning is crucial to ensure a coherent and well-structured response. It helps you focus on key arguments, making the writing process more efficient. Avoid rushing this stage, as a well-thought-out plan lays the foundation for a successful essay.

Q. Is handwriting legibility important in the IELTS writing test?

A. Yes, handwriting legibility is crucial in the IELTS writing test. Examiners must read and assess your responses, so clear and readable handwriting is essential for effective communication. Illegible handwriting can lead to misunderstandings and may affect the overall impression of your work. Ensure your writing is neat, well-spaced, and follows standard conventions to enhance examiner comprehension and maximise your scoring potential.

Q. How should I structure my Agree/Disagree essay?

A. To write an Agree/Disagree essay in IELTS Writing Task 2, you can start with the introduction (Start): Clearly say if you agree or disagree. Briefly mention your main ideas. Then, follow the main Part (Middle): Include two or three paragraphs, each discussing a different point. Use examples or reasons. Finally, finish by summarising your main points and repeating if you agree or disagree.