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IELTS Writing

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IELTS tests candidates' ability to produce two quite different pieces of writing in a fairly short period of time. The test is divided into two parts and candidates are allowed 60 minutes to complete both parts.

Academic

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The IELTS Academic Writing test takes 60 minutes. Candidates have to complete two tasks, of 150 and 250 words. In task 1, candidates are asked to describe some information in the form of one or more bar charts, line graphs, diagrams, pie charts or tables. In task 2, candidates are given an opinion, a problem or an issue to discuss.

IELTS Writing Task 1

In the first part, candidates will be given a task based on some information, presented in graphic and diagrammatic form. Candidates are expected to write a descriptive report of at least 150 words on the information provided.
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IELTS Writing Task 2

In the second task, candidates are assessed on their ability to produce a clear and logical argument on a given topic. Most of the topics are of general interest to, suitable for and easily understood by students at undergraduate or postgraduate level. Candidates will have to write at least 250 words and, as task 2 is longer than task 1, it is suggested that about 40 minutes is spent on this task and 20 minutes on the first task.
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General

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The IELTS General Training Writing test takes 60 minutes. Candidates have to complete two tasks, of 150 and 250 words, as in the Academic module. However, task 1 is always a letter, while task 2 is an essay based on a given topic. The topics of the questions will be of general interest, and no specialist knowledge is required. For example, topics can include travel, accommodation, current affairs, shops and services, health and welfare, health and safety, recreation, social and physical environment.

IELTS Writing Task 1

In task 1, candidates are asked to write a letter which may need to be semi-formal or formal in tone in response to a given problem or situation. Candidates will be asked to include information relating to three bullet points in the question. Candidate answers should be at least 150 words in length for this task.
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IELTS Writing Task 2

In task 2, candidates are asked to discuss a topic in response to a statement which presents a particular point of view, argument or issue. The task requires candidates to write a discursive piece of writing in which the question will typically ask them to discuss factual information, discuss a problem and present solutions, evaluate ideas or justify opinions. Candidate answers for task 2 should be at least 250 words in length.
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What can I do to improve my performance at the Writing test?

• Make sure you answer everything that is asked in the question, and that you have written the number of words required. Remember you do not lose marks for writing more but you do lose for writing fewer words than required.
• This is not a test of your knowledge. You can state your opinions, provided you are able to give evidence to support them.
• Don’t go off topic. Underline key words in the questions to help you know exactly what is required in the answers.
• Support the points you make with examples (from your own experiences if possible) or data.
• Write neatly and clearly and check for mistakes before you submit your answers.
• Write in complete sentences. Do not use bullet points and do not use short forms of words.
• Do not repeat the same ideas just to reach the word count needed.
• Task 2 - Make sure you present a balanced point of view giving both the pros and cons of the statement you are asked to discuss.
• Spend more time on Task 2 – you have to write at least 250 words for this. Plan your answer, giving an introduction, conclusion and writing each new idea in a new paragraph. You may want to do a brief rough draft before you begin your answer.
• Do not use memorised answers. They probably won’t be relevant to the question asked and examiners can recognise them easily.
• Do not begin by copying the questions – especially in Task1 where you may have the description of data or bullet points for your letter. This is a waste of time as these parts are not included in your word count.
• Make sure the tone you adopt is consistent and relevant to the task.
• Use linking words to ensure that your ideas flow smoothly.

Avoid common mistakes:

• Spelling (English is often not written the same way it is spoken)
• Punctuation (e.g. basic errors with using capital letters and full stops)
• Not using enough paragraphs and not clearly dividing them.

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