In the context of IELTS Writing Task 2, candidates are expected to demonstrate their ability to construct logical, coherent, and grammatically accurate arguments. More than just using standard vocabulary, achieving a high band score also requires fluency in academic style and tone. One essential feature of academic writing is the use of reporting verbs. These verbs allow you to reference others’ viewpoints, engage with multiple perspectives, and introduce ideas or claims with clarity and precision.
Reporting verbs add subtle meaning to your writing. They help you show whether you agree, disagree, or remain neutral about an idea. They also indicate the strength or weakness of a claim. Without them, writing can sound repetitive, simplistic, or overly casual. Overreliance on basic verbs like say or tell reduces the academic tone of your essay. Instead, using a wider variety of reporting verbs can help you present arguments with sophistication, avoid redundancy, and demonstrate the ability to synthesize information effectively.
Why Reporting Verbs Matter in IELTS Essays
In IELTS Writing Task 2, you are often required to evaluate opposing views or introduce contrasting perspectives before providing your own opinion. This is especially true in opinion essays, discussion essays, and even in some solution-based formats. Reporting verbs help you transition between ideas without always starting with phrases like some people say or others believe. Instead, they allow you to seamlessly present and critique ideas while showing your understanding of tone and academic structure.
A strong IELTS essay typically includes at least one or two sentences where you refer to general opinions, scholarly viewpoints, or common social attitudes. If every viewpoint is introduced using the same basic verbs, the writing will lack variation and fluency. However, when you vary your reporting verbs depending on context, the writing sounds more refined and intellectually engaged.
For instance, consider the difference between the following two statements:
Some people say that taking a year off before university helps students grow.
Some people argue that taking a year off before university helps students mature and develop key life skills.
The second version uses a reporting verb that implies a stronger defense of the idea. It suggests that the speaker is not just stating a fact but making a persuasive case. This small shift makes your writing more nuanced and credible.
Tone and Strength: What Reporting Verbs Reveal
Each reporting verb carries a particular tone. Some are tentative, others are assertive, and a few express disagreement or criticism. Choosing the right verb helps the reader understand your attitude toward the information being reported. This is crucial in IELTS Writing Task 2, where you are evaluated on your ability to express ideas logically and appropriately.
Tentative verbs are useful when you want to show uncertainty or when you are referring to controversial topics. Words like suspect, suggest, or imply indicate that the information might be true, but there is room for doubt or discussion. These are useful when you are presenting ideas without fully endorsing them.
Assertive or strong verbs are more suitable when discussing widely accepted facts, emphasizing agreement, or presenting your position. Verbs such as argue, insist, maintain, or advocate are stronger and show conviction. These are ideal for thesis statements or topic sentences that present your personal view.
Neutral verbs like think, believe, or state are helpful when you want to refer to ideas without adding emotional weight or strong judgment. These verbs are versatile and safe for general use in both body and introduction paragraphs.
For example, consider these variations:
Some critics doubt the effectiveness of homework for young children.
Several educators argue that assigning homework helps build discipline and independence.
In the first sentence, the verb doubt introduces skepticism. In the second, the verb argue implies a strong position supported by reasoning. Each verb changes how the reader interprets the subject and your alignment with the viewpoint.
How to Use Reporting Verbs to Introduce Contrasting Opinions
One of the most important functions of reporting verbs in IELTS essays is to present different viewpoints. Many task prompts ask you to discuss both sides of an issue before presenting your own opinion. When handling these prompts, using a range of reporting verbs allows you to clearly distinguish between the various voices in the discussion.
Start by introducing the general opinion of one group using a specific reporting verb that matches the tone of the idea. You can then contrast this view by using another reporting verb to introduce the opposite argument.
Here’s an example in the context of a discussion essay:
It is often claimed that public transport systems should be free of charge to reduce environmental damage. Others dismiss this idea, insisting that it would lead to increased taxes and inefficient use of resources.
In this example, claimed and dismissed are used to contrast two opinions with different levels of strength. The first verb presents a popular proposal, while the second introduces an opposing stance with more authority and assertiveness.
Another version might look like this:
Many people believe that funding public transportation is a sustainable solution. However, critics challenge this approach, arguing that it would place too much financial strain on the government.
Here, the contrast is made clear through the use of believe, challenge, and arguing, offering a balanced view while maintaining academic tone.
Using such verbs helps demonstrate your ability to weigh perspectives, reflect on policy implications, and convey complexity—traits that are valued in high-scoring essays.
Introducing Solutions, Suggestions, and Hypotheses
In IELTS Writing Task 2, certain essay types ask you to provide solutions to problems or suggest changes. This is where reporting verbs that imply suggestion or intention are most useful. These verbs allow you to introduce possible improvements or future directions in a way that sounds analytical rather than personal or emotional.
For instance, verbs like suggest, propose, recommend, urge, or advocate are commonly used to offer advice or direction. However, each verb has a slightly different tone. Suggest and propose are softer and more neutral. Urge and advocate carry stronger conviction, implying that the speaker believes the recommendation is urgent or necessary.
Here’s how different reporting verbs can change the tone of a solution-oriented sentence:
Many educators suggest reducing class sizes to improve student concentration.
Some experts urge school boards to implement smaller classrooms immediately.
The first sentence offers a calm suggestion, while the second communicates urgency and a call to action. Both are appropriate depending on the stance you wish to take in your essay.
These verbs are especially useful when writing the final paragraph of your essay, where you recommend next steps or summarize your solutions. Avoid using personal language such as I think we should or in my opinion this would be best. Instead, use reporting verbs to present your suggestions with professionalism and academic style.
Recognizing Reporting Verbs That Indicate Disagreement or Doubt
Sometimes you will need to critique a viewpoint or point out flaws in an argument. Doing so with tact and academic precision is important in IELTS writing. Reporting verbs can help you express disagreement without sounding aggressive or informal.
Verbs like deny, refute, dismiss, oppose, or criticize are useful when discussing positions you do not agree with. For example:
Some policymakers argue that increasing surveillance ensures public safety, but others strongly dismiss this view, citing privacy violations and ethical concerns.
Using a verb like dismiss communicates that the counterpoint is forceful and backed by strong reasoning.
Similarly, you may want to express skepticism or uncertainty, especially when the evidence is inconclusive. Verbs like doubt, question, and challenge are appropriate in such cases:
Many believe that artificial intelligence will improve the economy, although some experts question whether its benefits will be evenly distributed.
These verbs allow you to explore complexity without sounding one-sided or superficial.
By using verbs that reflect disagreement or doubt, you demonstrate analytical thinking, the ability to evaluate opposing positions, and a commitment to clarity—all essential components of a high-scoring IELTS essay.
The Grammar of Reporting Verbs in IELTS Writing Task 2 — Structure, Accuracy, and Application
Developing a strong IELTS Writing Task 2 essay means more than simply using a wide range of vocabulary. It also requires an understanding of grammar, tone, and structure. Reporting verbs are an important part of academic writing, but many test-takers fail to use them accurately. Knowing the correct grammatical patterns for different reporting verbs helps you express complex ideas with clarity, vary your sentence structure, and demonstrate academic control over your language.
While using a variety of reporting verbs shows lexical range, using them with grammatical precision shows syntactic mastery. Each reporting verb fits into specific sentence structures, and misusing them can confuse the reader or reduce the quality of your writing.
Why Structure Matters When Using Reporting Verbs
Reporting verbs are used to introduce what others believe, say, or suggest. However, not all reporting verbs follow the same grammatical rules. Some require a noun clause starting with that. Others are followed by a noun or noun phrase, while a few must be followed by a gerund or an infinitive. The structure you use affects how smoothly and correctly your ideas are expressed.
Using the wrong structure after a reporting verb makes your sentence ungrammatical, which can reduce clarity and coherence. Since grammar is a key criterion in IELTS Writing Task 2, incorrect use of structures can negatively affect your score. On the other hand, correct and varied use of reporting verbs and their corresponding structures will make your essay sound more fluent and academic.
Understanding these structures is not just about avoiding errors. It is also about developing the flexibility to express your ideas with precision. When you can shift between different patterns naturally, you gain more control over how you present arguments, explore counterpoints, and build logic into your writing.
Common Sentence Patterns for Reporting Verbs
Let’s explore some of the most common sentence structures used with reporting verbs. These patterns will help you write accurate and natural academic sentences.
1. Reporting verb + that + clause
This is one of the most frequently used patterns in IELTS Writing Task 2. It is used to report what someone or some group has said, argued, or claimed. The word that can sometimes be omitted in informal contexts, but in formal writing, it is safer to include it.
Examples:
Many experts argue that stricter regulations are required to protect the environment.
It is widely believed that early childhood education plays a vital role in development.
Some people claim that exposure to violent media increases aggressive behavior.
Verbs commonly used in this pattern include argue, claim, suggest, maintain, believe, admit, accept, deny, and assert. The subject of the verb can be either a person or a general group. This structure is particularly useful in introductions and discussion-style essays.
2. Reporting verb + whether + clause
This structure is used when you are introducing doubt, uncertainty, or a question about a situation. It is often used to introduce a point that is still being debated or that lacks a clear answer.
Examples:
Some researchers question whether online learning can fully replace traditional classrooms.
It remains unclear whether government subsidies improve innovation in small businesses.
The structure works well when presenting uncertainties or when discussing contrasting views. Verbs like doubt, question, and wonder commonly follow this form.
3. Reporting verb + preposition + noun or noun phrase
Some reporting verbs are followed by a specific preposition before the noun. These verbs often express opinion, disagreement, or support. When using this structure, it is important to choose the correct preposition to match the verb.
Examples:
Many people object to the increased surveillance in public spaces.
Some environmentalists insist on the reduction of carbon emissions.
Critics of the policy disagree with its implementation method.
Verbs in this category include object to, insist on, disagree with, and approve of. They are ideal for body paragraphs that compare different opinions or reflect personal or societal attitudes toward an issue.
4. Reporting verb + noun or noun phrase
Some reporting verbs can be followed directly by a noun or noun phrase. This structure works well when the verb and the idea being reported are both concrete.
Examples:
The proposal supports the expansion of renewable energy projects.
Opponents dismiss the claim that economic growth justifies environmental damage.
Many people advocate reform in the public education system.
This pattern tends to be more compact and can be helpful in topic sentences or concise analytical statements. Verbs that work in this structure include support, advocate, oppose, dismiss, consider, and reject.
5. Reporting verb + gerund
In this structure, the verb is followed by a verb ending in -ing. This form is useful when discussing recommendations, habits, or repeated actions. It also allows you to use the reporting verb without having to construct a full clause.
Examples:
Some educators advocate allowing students to take more responsibility for their learning.
Several studies suggest reducing screen time to improve sleep quality.
Verbs like suggest, recommend, advocate, and consider often use this structure. These verbs typically appear when offering solutions, suggestions, or advice in IELTS essays.
6. Reporting verb + object + infinitive
Some verbs require an object before the infinitive verb form. This structure is often used when someone is being urged or encouraged to take a specific action.
Examples:
Health experts urge the government to provide more public fitness programs.
Activists advised the council to reconsider the proposed development project.
The most common verbs used in this format include urge, advise, encourage, and instruct. This is a useful structure for solution essays or when presenting calls to action in your conclusion.
Using Reporting Verbs Across the Essay
To write a high-quality IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, you need to structure your ideas in paragraphs that flow logically and stay on topic. Reporting verbs can be used in all parts of your essay: the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each section serves a different purpose and therefore may call for different verbs and structures.
In the Introduction
When introducing background information or general opinions, reporting verbs help set the stage for your discussion.
Example:
Many people argue that universities should focus solely on academic subjects to prepare students for professional careers. However, others suggest that creativity and social skills are equally important.
In this context, argue and suggest the positions you will explore in the body.
In Topic Sentences
A good topic sentence outlines the main idea of the paragraph and often includes a reporting verb if you are introducing a viewpoint.
Example:
Some experts maintain that automation will lead to significant job losses across industries.
Using reporting verbs in topic sentences helps frame the discussion and makes it easier for the reader to follow your logic.
In Supporting Sentences
Once you have introduced an idea, you can continue to elaborate using reporting verbs that show agreement, doubt, or suggestion.
Example:
It is believed that children who participate in team sports develop stronger communication skills. However, others contend that academic success should be prioritized over extracurricular involvement.
These verbs allow you to present more than one perspective in a balanced and analytical way.
In Counterarguments
When addressing opposing views, using the appropriate reporting verb helps you maintain an academic tone and respect different opinions.
Example:
Although some people claim that prisons are the best way to reduce crime, others challenge this belief, pointing to high rates of reoffending.
The use of claim and challenge clarifies which side is being presented and adds dimension to your discussion.
While conclusions do not usually introduce new reporting verbs, you can still use them to reinforce your main points or restate strong opinions.
Example:
In conclusion, although it is often argued that economic growth should be the primary goal of government policy, I believe that social equality and environmental protection must also be prioritized.
The reporting verbs here help restate the key arguments and remind the reader of the essay’s direction without sounding repetitive or casual.
Tone and Position — How Reporting Verbs Reflect Your Opinion in IELTS Writing Task 2
Reporting verbs are not merely linguistic tools used to reference ideas. They play a crucial role in shaping tone, positioning your opinion, and directing the reader’s understanding of a viewpoint. In IELTS Writing Task 2, where you often present different sides of an argument before declaring your stance, the way you use reporting verbs determines how balanced, assertive, or neutral your writing appears.
Tone in academic writing is a reflection of your attitude toward the information you present. Whether you support, reject, question, or simply observe an idea, reporting verbs are the vehicles that carry that attitude into your writing. While grammatical structures provide the foundation, it is the tone of your reporting verbs that tells the reader how much weight you assign to the views you introduce.
Understanding the Spectrum of Reporting Verbs by Tone
The tone of a reporting verb determines how forcefully a viewpoint is presented. Some verbs strongly emphasize certainty or approval. Others convey hesitation, caution, or the possibility that the idea may not be entirely reliable. Then some fall in the middle, presenting information without judgment.
When used strategically, reporting verbs can help you show respect for multiple opinions, subtly highlight weaknesses in an argument, or express firm support for a particular stance. Mastering this spectrum is essential for writing high-band IELTS essays because it demonstrates your ability to engage critically with different perspectives.
Tentative Reporting Verbs
Tentative verbs suggest that the speaker or writer is not entirely convinced by the idea. These verbs are often used to introduce possibilities, raise questions, or reflect on uncertain outcomes. They are helpful in IELTS essays when you want to present a perspective without endorsing it too strongly, or when you need to show that a claim is debatable or lacking strong evidence.
Examples of tentative reporting verbs include suggest, imply, suspect, question, and speculate.
These verbs are especially useful in problem-solution essays or discussion tasks where a balanced tone is expected. They also come in handy when you want to introduce less popular or unproven views.
Examples in use:
Some sociologists suggest that increasing screen time in young children may delay language development.
It has been implied that the widespread use of electric cars might not be as environmentally friendly as once believed.
Researchers suspect that the recent rise in anxiety disorders is linked to social media habits.
In each example, the reporting verb creates space for analysis. It avoids sounding overly certain and invites further discussion. This is particularly useful when writing about evolving issues or when evidence is still being debated.
Neutral Reporting Verbs
Neutral verbs present information without strong emotion, emphasis, or judgment. They are factual and objective, making them suitable for nearly all IELTS essay types. These verbs are ideal when introducing general beliefs, summarizing research, or stating widely accepted ideas.
Examples of neutral reporting verbs include state, report, believe, think, consider, and note.
Because they do not show approval or disapproval, neutral verbs allow you to establish a calm and professional tone. They are especially effective in introduction paragraphs and body paragraphs where you are comparing multiple perspectives.
Examples in use:
Many experts believe that early exposure to diverse languages enhances cognitive development.
It is often stated that cities must expand public transport to reduce carbon emissions.
Some researchers consider online learning to be a valid alternative to traditional education.
The advantage of neutral verbs lies in their flexibility. You can use them across various essay formats without sounding biased or emotional. However, overusing them without variety can make your writing feel flat, so they are best used in combination with tentative or emphatic verbs for contrast.
Emphatic Reporting Verbs
Emphatic verbs show strong belief, conviction, or rejection. They are used when a viewpoint is supported or challenged with confidence. These verbs help you take a firm stance, present your thesis with authority, and rebut opposing views when appropriate.
Examples of emphatic reporting verbs include argue, insist, maintain, assert, advocate, deny, reject, and oppose.
These verbs are useful in argumentative essays or opinion essays where you are expected to take a side. However, they should be used thoughtfully to avoid sounding overly forceful or one-sided.
Examples in use:
Supporters of prison reform argue that rehabilitation is more effective than punishment in reducing repeat offenses.
Many experts assert that climate change must be addressed through immediate global action.
Critics deny that universal basic income is a sustainable solution to poverty.
When you want to align yourself with a particular viewpoint, emphatic reporting verbs give your essay a sense of direction and energy. They can also help you underline flaws in the opposing view while keeping your writing focused and coherent.
Using Tone Strategically Across Paragraphs
In IELTS Writing Task 2, your tone should match the function of each paragraph. The introduction often benefits from a neutral tone as you present both sides of the issue. In the body paragraphs, you might use a mix of tentative, neutral, and emphatic reporting verbs depending on whether you are presenting, analyzing, or challenging a viewpoint. In the conclusion, you are expected to summarize and reaffirm your position, which often requires more emphatic language.
In the Introduction
Aim for balance and clarity. Use neutral or tentative verbs to show that multiple views exist without revealing your stance too early.
Example:
Some argue that higher education should be free for all, while others maintain that students should bear the cost of their learning.
This sentence sets up the discussion without bias, using argue and maintain to reflect the existence of debate.
In the Body Paragraphs
Here, you explore perspectives in depth. Use tentative verbs when introducing lesser-known or controversial claims, neutral verbs for widely accepted ideas, and emphatic verbs to support your main argument.
Example of tentative use:
Several analysts suggest that investing in vocational training may reduce youth unemployment.
Example of neutral use:
It is believed that financial literacy should be included in the school curriculum.
Example of emphatic use:
Many educators insist that standardised testing fails to measure a student’s true potential.
By combining different tones, you show awareness of complexity and the ability to engage with arguments critically.
In this final section, your tone should become more assertive as you state your view. Emphatic verbs are appropriate here to demonstrate confidence in your conclusion.
Example:
In conclusion, although some people continue to advocate the traditional classroom model, I strongly believe that blended learning offers a more effective and inclusive approach to education.
This statement reaffirms the writer’s opinion while still acknowledging the opposing view.
Avoiding Tone Mismatches and Misuse
One of the challenges IELTS candidates face is using a reporting verb that unintentionally misrepresents the tone of a source or opinion. Choosing the wrong verb can lead to confusion or unintended meaning. For instance, using assert to introduce a weak or tentative idea can make the sentence seem exaggerated or misleading. Similarly, using suggest to introduce a widely accepted policy may make the argument appear less credible.
Consider the following sentence:
Many governments suggest that pollution should be controlled.
The verb suggest sounds weak here, as government action often comes in the form of regulation, not just suggestion. A stronger verb, like implement or enforce, could better reflect the seriousness of the policy.
Here is another example:
Scientists insist that more research may be needed on vaccine efficacy.
The verb insist does not pair well with may be needed, which sounds cautious. A better verb might be acknowledge or recommend.
To avoid mismatches, always consider the strength and context of the idea you are introducing. Does the idea require a soft presentation? Is it being widely debated? Are you agreeing or challenging it? Match your reporting verb to your purpose and the nature of the statement.
Practicing Tone Control in Writing
To improve your control over reporting verbs and their tone, consider the following practice strategies:
- Rewrite Sentences Using Different Verbs
Take a simple sentence and rewrite it using three different reporting verbs with varying tones. Note how the meaning and emphasis change with each revision. - Match Verbs to Essay Functions
When writing a practice essay, plan which tone you will use in each paragraph. Assign verbs accordingly, aiming for variation and accuracy. - Highlight Reporting Verbs in Model Essays
Read high-scoring IELTS essays and underline all the reporting verbs. Analyze whether they are tentative, neutral, or emphatic, and how they support the argument’s tone. - Create a Personal Verb Bank
Build your list of reporting verbs categorized by tone. Practice using them in writing until they become familiar and automatic.
By consistently practicing with these techniques, you will develop a sharper sense of how tone affects argumentation and how to fine-tune your academic voice.
Reporting Verbs in Action — Writing, Revising, and Perfecting Your IELTS Task 2 Essay
Mastering reporting verbs is not just about memorizing vocabulary. It’s about embedding these words into your writing to strengthen tone, build structure, and signal relationships between ideas. Reporting verbs allow you to present and evaluate viewpoints while maintaining a formal and coherent style—key requirements for IELTS Writing Task 2.
Using Reporting Verbs in Each Paragraph of Your IELTS Essay
An IELTS Task 2 essay typically includes four major parts: the introduction, two or more body paragraphs, and the conclusion. Each part serves a different purpose, and the way you use reporting verbs should reflect that purpose.
Introduction Paragraph: Establishing the Conversation
The introduction sets the stage for the discussion. You typically begin by paraphrasing the question, followed by outlining different views, and ending with a clear thesis statement. Reporting verbs help you reference existing ideas without repeating phrases like some people say or it is believed.
Example introduction:
Some argue that fast food should be heavily taxed due to its contribution to public health problems. Others maintain that dietary choices are a matter of personal freedom and should not be regulated by the state. This essay agrees that implementing a tax on unhealthy food is a necessary measure to reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve public well-being.
In this example, the verbs argue and maintain present opposing views without sounding casual. They help you establish the key sides of the issue with a formal tone, while the thesis presents your own opinion using assertive language.
Body Paragraphs: Expanding and Evaluating Arguments
The body paragraphs are where you explain, support, and critique different ideas. Reporting verbs play a key role here, allowing you to introduce expert opinion, contrast views, highlight implications, or add emphasis. You can also use reporting verbs to introduce evidence or paraphrase social debates.
Example body paragraph:
Supporters of sugar taxes argue that economic disincentives are among the most effective ways to change consumer behaviour. This viewpoint is supported by several health researchers who maintain that even a minor increase in the price of sugary drinks can reduce consumption rates dramatically. However, critics of this approach claim that such taxes unfairly target low-income groups, suggesting that education, not regulation, is the more ethical strategy.
In this paragraph, four reporting verbs are used: argue, maintain, claim, and suggest. Each one introduces a different point or voice and guides the reader through the logic of the argument. None of the reporting verbs is used more than once, and their tone ranges from neutral to emphatic, which keeps the writing dynamic.
Counterarguments: Acknowledging and Refuting Opposition
High-scoring IELTS essays often include counterarguments. These show that you can recognize opposing views while defending your own. Reporting verbs help you introduce alternative perspectives with accuracy and objectivity.
Example counterargument paragraph:
While many experts advocate for increased investment in online education platforms, some question whether digital learning can truly replicate the social and cognitive benefits of classroom-based instruction. It is argued that the lack of face-to-face interaction may lead to reduced engagement and weaker peer collaboration. Nonetheless, these concerns can be addressed through hybrid models that combine the flexibility of digital resources with in-person activities.
Here, the verbs advocate, question, and argue are used to explore the disagreement. Note that even when challenging an idea, the tone remains respectful. Reporting verbs like question and argue allow you to express complexity without sounding dismissive.
Conclusion: Reinforcing Your Viewpoint
In the conclusion, your job is to summarize the key points and restate your position. Reporting verbs help you remind the reader of the opposing views without sounding repetitive. They also give your closing statement a formal and reflective tone.
Example conclusion:
In summary, although some argue that government intervention in personal food choices is excessive, the long-term consequences of a poor diet justify moderate regulation. Therefore, this essay supports the use of targeted food taxes as a public health strategy, provided that complementary education programs are also implemented.
The verbs argue and support are used again, but they are spaced out and applied purposefully. The conclusion is short, clear, and consistent with the rest of the essay.
Common Errors to Avoid When Using Reporting Verbs
Even students who understand reporting verbs sometimes make subtle mistakes in their usage. These mistakes can affect tone, grammar, or clarity. Knowing what to watch for will help you revise your essays more effectively.
Repeating the Same Verbs
One of the most common problems is repeating general reporting verbs like say, think, or believe multiple times. This makes your writing sound flat and unvaried. To avoid this, create a small bank of synonyms and rotate them as needed.
Instead of using believe repeatedly, try incorporating verbs like consider, maintain, claim, or assert, depending on the strength of the viewpoint. This not only diversifies your language but also sharpens the tone of each paragraph.
Mismatching Verb Tone to Content
Another frequent mistake is using a strong reporting verb to introduce a weak or uncertain idea. This creates inconsistency and may confuse the reader about your level of agreement with the idea.
Incorrect: Scientists insist that more studies might be needed to prove the theory.
Correct: Scientists suggest that more studies might be needed to prove the theory.
In the incorrect version, the strong verb insist clashes with the tentative language that follows. Always ensure the reporting verb matches the tone of the sentence.
Misusing Verb Structures
Different reporting verbs require different grammatical structures, as discussed in the earlier parts of this series. Using the wrong structure after a verb is a serious grammar issue.
Incorrect: Experts recommend eating vegetables every day.
Correct: Experts recommend eating vegetables every day.
Always review the verb pattern. Some verbs require a gerund, others an infinitive, and some need a clause. Accuracy in structure strengthens your grammar score.
Using Reporting Verbs for Personal Opinions
IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to express your own opinion. However, reporting verbs are used to present the views of others, not your own. Avoid using them inappropriately to express personal judgment.
Incorrect: I argue that schools should eliminate homework.
Correct: I believe that schools should eliminate homework.
Use verbs like believe, think, or feel when giving your opinion. Save reporting verbs like argue, assert, and claim for third-party opinions or broader social debates.
Revising Your Essay with Reporting Verbs in Mind
After drafting your essay, review it specifically for reporting verb usage. A focused revision can help you fine-tune your tone, improve variety, and correct structural mistakes. Use the following checklist during your revision:
- Have I used a variety of reporting verbs throughout the essay?
- Do the reporting verbs reflect the correct tone of the idea presented?
- Have I matched each reporting verb to its appropriate grammatical structure?
- Are reporting verbs used only when referring to general or external viewpoints?
- Do my conclusions and topic sentences contain reporting verbs that strengthen my argument?
Spend time rewriting any repetitive or awkward sentences using more precise or formal alternatives. If needed, consult a list of verbs categorized by tone to help you diversify your word choice.
Sample Paragraph with Annotated Use of Reporting Verbs
Let’s take a complete sample paragraph and analyze how reporting verbs are integrated.
Sample:
Many educators claim that homework helps reinforce classroom learning and fosters discipline in students. This viewpoint is supported by research indicating a correlation between regular homework and academic achievement. However, some psychologists question whether excessive homework leads to burnout and stress, especially among younger learners. Although both views have merit, this essay maintains that a balanced approach to homework, with a focus on quality over quantity, is the most effective strategy.
In this paragraph:
- A claim is used to introduce a commonly held belief.
- It is supported reflects academic backing from studies.
- A question introduces doubt in a polite, formal way.
- Maintains and restates the author’s position with strength.
The reporting verbs guide the reader through a progression of ideas, clearly showing which views belong to whom and what the writer ultimately believes.
Final Thoughts:
Although reporting verbs are used to reference the ideas of others, they ultimately help shape your voice. They allow you to frame your essay in a way that sounds objective, mature, and informed. Instead of listing facts or copying the task prompt, you begin to engage with ideas, supporting, questioning, or challenging them.
This engagement is what IELTS examiners are looking for. They want to see that you can handle complex discussions with control, introduce ideas with subtlety, and build arguments with confidence. Reporting verbs are the bridge between presenting information and making it your own.
Practice using these verbs in your writing. Read model essays and identify how reporting verbs are placed strategically in each paragraph. Experiment with different combinations. Over time, they will become a natural part of your academic writing toolbox.
By mastering reporting verbs and understanding how to use them with variety and accuracy, you elevate your IELTS Writing Task 2 response from basic to advanced, making your writing not only grammatically correct but rhetorically powerful.