Avoiding generalisations in your IELTS, TOEFL and TOEIC essays

ScottsEnglish

In the writing sections of your IELTS, TOEFL or TOEIC essay you will be expected to write an essay.  In the essay you will typically have to give your opinion about the topic asked.

Good academic writers make sure they don't make statements in their essays that are too general.

Here are some examples of general vs specific statements:

General		Specific
1	Children learn a new language better than adults.	In many cases, children learn a new language better than adults.
2	It is difficult to find employment in a foreign country.	For many, it is difficult to find employment in a foreign country.

As you can see from the examples above, we have a number of expressions that can be used to avoid writing in generalisations.

• In many cases
• For many
• Generally speaking
• Typically
• Often

Now, take a look at some general statements below and try re-writing them so they are not generalisations:

1. Adolescents turn to crime because both parents are working.
2. Children copy the behaviour of their parents.
3. Moving overseas is difficult.
4. It is extremely difficult to integrate into a new country.

1. In some cases, adolescents turn to crime because both parents are working.
2. In many cases, children copy the behaviour of their parents.
3. For many, moving overseas is difficult.
4. It is often extremely difficult to integrate into a new country.