Ace the IELTS exam: Writing Tips!!

All that you need to know for your IELTS journey: Writing Edition.

IELTS Writing Test:

The IELTS Writing test will take 60 minutes and has two Questions Task 1 and Task 2. Task 2 carries more marks as compared to Task 1; hence, the candidate must devote 40 minutes to Task 2 and 20 minutes to Task 1.

IELTS Academic Writing Test:

The IELTS Academic Writing Test includes two tasks. Topics are of general interest to, and suitable for anyone entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration.

Task 1: You will be presented with a graph, table, chart, or diagram and you will be asked to describe, summarize or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works, or describe an object or event.

For Task 1, you are required to write a description of what you see: this must be uncontroversial and evident to everyone who looks at the graphic. Where relevant, you are encouraged to make connections between different parts of the data and to recognize broad trends and use these as the basis of your comparison.

However, there are several things you should avoid:

• Do not speculate about the reasons behind the data.
• Do not draw inferences.
• Do not make evaluations.

Task 2: You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. Responses to both tasks must be written in a formal style.

IELTS General Training Writing Test:

The IELTS General Training Writing test Writing includes two tasks, which are based on topics of general interest.

Task 1: You will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation. The letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style.

Task 2: You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The essay can be slightly more personal in style than the Academic Writing Task 2 essay.

Examples:

Given below are few examples of each type of Task in both modules.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1:

The graphs below show the number of medals won by the top five countries in the summer and winter Olympics.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

The first car appeared on British roads in 1888. By the year 2000, there may be as many as 29 million vehicles on British roads. Alternative forms of transport should be encouraged and international laws introduced to control car ownership and use. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your own opinion on the issue. Use your own experience or an example to support your idea. Write at least 250 words.

IELTS General Training Writing Test:

Task 1:

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You live in a room in college which you share with another student. However, there are many problems with this arrangement and you find it very difficult to study/work. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In the letter: 

describe the situation 

explain your problems and why it is difficult to study/work 

say what kind of accommodation you would prefer

You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Task 2:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

In Britain, when someone gets old they often go to live in a home with other old people where there are nurses to look after them. Sometimes the government has to pay for this care. Who do you think should pay for this care, the government or the family? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words.

Grading parameters:

Most candidates can complete Task 1 easily but face problems with Task 2 writing questions. You will be taught how to overcome the Task 2 problems by using the grading rubric used to evaluate a candidate’s answer. The IELTS training program employs certain teaching methodologies that help a candidate express and write lucidly while being relevant to the asked Question.

You will need to develop the most appropriate written language for each task to succeed in the Writing test.

Timing is very important: Remember that Task 1 is worth around one-third of the total marks in the test, while Task 2 is worth roughly two-thirds. It is important not to spend too much time on Task 1 or you will not leave yourself enough time to perform well in Task 2. Practice until you are perfect and focus on the task at hand and plan your answers in points before you write.

Never let the ‘What If’ get in the way of what you do. Best of Luck!!