IELTS Writing Exam Hints and Advice
General and Academic Training Writing examinations are typically graded to the same standard. The IELTS Academic Writing module covers topics suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students, whereas the IELTS General Training module consists of excerpts from books, magazines, notices, company handbooks, and guidelines that you are likely to encounter frequently in an English-speaking environment.
The duration of the test (academic and general) is sixty minutes.
Format of the Academic IELTS Writing Test
There are two distinct sections. Responses to Tasks 1 and 2 must have an academic, semiformal, or neutral tone.
You will be provided with a graph, table, chart, or diagram and asked to summarise the data in your own terms. You might be asked to select and compare data, describe the phases of a process, characterise an object, or explain the operation of something.
You are required to write an essay in response to a viewpoint, argument, or issue. Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.
The topics covered are of general interest to test-takers entering undergraduate or graduate school or seeking professional registration, are appropriate for them, and are easily understood.
IELTS Writing Exam Organisation: General Training
There are two distinct sections. The topics have wide appeal. You are provided with a scenario in which you must write a letter to request information or clarify the current situation. The correspondence may be informal, semiformal, or formal.
You are required to write an essay in response to a viewpoint, argument, or issue. This essay can be less formal and more personal than Academic Writing Task 2. Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.
Guidelines for the IELTS Writing Test
- Remember that grammar is essential. Standard American, British, and Australian spellings are accepted on the IELTS.
- Avoid mixing plural and singular nouns. Always double-check your answers for this common mistake.
- Save the final paragraph of your essay for a summary of all the arguments made in the answer.
- You have 40 minutes to complete the Essay for Task 2. Always spend five minutes planning your response before you start writing and another five minutes reviewing for errors.
- Task 2 of the Academic Writing examination is the essay. Always plan your essay’s organisation in advance. The conclusion comes after the introduction, which is followed by supporting principles and real-world examples.
- In Academic Writing Task 1, you must select and compare relevant data presented in a graph, table, or diagram. Never reproduce the question’s text when composing the preface. Always use your native tongue.
- Do not concentrate on writing extensive and complex responses. Write coherently and organise your thoughts effectively. Ensure that your diction is immaculate.
- Never use bullet points in your responses; they must always be written out in full. Separate your fundamental ideas into separate paragraphs. This demonstrates your ability to organise your points for the examiner.
- Always respond to questions in your native language. If you use the question’s exact language, you will not receive credit.
- Remember to comply with the word limit. You will forfeit points if you write less than 150 words for Task 1 or 250 words for Task 2.
- Examine the questions thoroughly and address all of their components.
- Keep in mind that you will be graded on your expression when composing answers. There are no right or wrong answers.
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