Writing test 15

Writing test a b c

Question types and tips

Writing test format: IELTS Academic, 60 minutes

There are two parts. Responses Task 1: You are presented with a graph, Task 2: You are asked to write an essay
to Task 1 and Task 2 should be table, chart or diagram and are asked in response to a point of view, argument
to summarise and report the information or problem. Task 2 contributes twice as
written in an academic, semi- in your own words. much as Task 1 to the Writing score.
formal or neutral style.
You may be asked to select and The issues raised are of general interest
compare data, describe the stages to, suitable for and easily understood
of a process, describe an object by test takers entering undergraduate
or how something works. or postgraduate studies or seeking
professional registration.

Writing test format: IELTS General Training, 60 minutes

There are two parts. Task 1: You are presented with a Task 2: You are asked to write an essay
Topics are of general interest. situation and are asked to write a letter in response to a point of view, argument
requesting information or explaining the or problem. The essay can be less formal
situation. The letter may be personal, in style with a more personal response
semi-formal or formal in style. than the Academic Writing Task 2 essay.
Task 2 contributes twice as much as
Task 1 to the Writing score.

Tips

01 In your Writing test there are no right 03 Notice the minimum word limit. If you 05 You must write both your answers
or wrong answers or opinions. The write less than 150 words for Task 1 in full, not in note form or in bullet
examiners are assessing how well and less than 250 for Task 2, you will points. You must arrange your ideas
you can use your English to report lose marks. In computer-delivered in paragraphs to show the examiner
information and express ideas. IELTS, the screen shows your word that you are able to organise your
count automatically. main and supporting points.
02 Analyse the questions carefully to
make sure your answer addresses all 04 Be careful to use your own words
the points covered by the question. because the examiner will not include
words copied from the question in
the word count.
16 IELTS Preparation Guide

Question types

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

Length: Write at least 150 words. Time: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Summarising facts or figures Showing comparisons of data at one moment in time

from graphic information
If you are doing the Academic test, your
first job may be to compose a report
identifying the most important and relevant
information and trends using the facts
or figures presented in a chart, graph,
table or a combination of such graphics.
It is also possible that you will instead
be given a diagram of a machine, device
or process and be required to explain
how it works.
Other graphics that can sometimes appear
on the test are two maps or structural
drawings of an area from different times
showing changes that have occurred.
You will need to summarise the major
changes or differences between them.
The key to responding successfully to
any of these Task 1 visuals is to show
that you understand the big picture by
identifying the main trends, major parts
or stages and/or important differences
that are evident in the graphic. So, rather
than mechanically describing all the data, When you are reporting on a graphic you were those aged 75 and over at just over
select and report on the most important will need to show that you understand 5%, and for women it was between
and the most relevant aspects that appear. exactly what data is about. Using this the ages of 45-54 at about 9%).
As you can probably guess, there are example, you can see a comparison
Look also at similarities (the higher rates
specific kinds of details you should be between the percentage of men and
of poverty for both men and women were
looking for in the different graphics that women living in poverty in 10 different
under the age of 24) and/or differences
appear on the test. Here is a more detailed age groups in the USA in 2008.
(females had higher rates of poverty
breakdown of question types with some Besides giving a general summary of what throughout, especially those over 75)
tips for how to interpret and complete the data shows about men and women in and data that stands out as exceptional
each of them. poverty at this time and in this place (more (higher rates of poverty in women aged
females were in poverty than men at all 18-24 and 75-up).
Charts, graphs or tables ages with lower rates for men and women
in the mid ages), you should note any
Generally, the charts, graphs and tables
outstanding highs (highest rates were
can either show comparisons of data For more question types and
under the age of 5, for both males and
at one moment in time or compare data
females at 20% and 21% respectively) and
advice on how to best organise
over a fixed period of time. your essays, see:
lows for each (lowest poverty rate for men

IELTSessentials.com/prepare/
preparation-course/writing
 Academic writing test 17

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2

Length: Write at least 250 words. Time: You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Writing an essay If you complete only part of the task, Problem/solution

you will lower your score. Here are some
If you are doing the Academic test, you Here are two different variations of
examples of some of the different essay
will be presented with an idea or premise essays about problems that often appear.
types and a breakdown of what needs
about a subject and you will be asked The questions related to these prompts
to be addressed in each.
to respond in some way to it. Topics are usually given to you so it’s easy to
can include a wide range of commonly see that there are two parts that need
discussed subjects such as the Agree/disagree to be addressed.
environment, immigration, technology, Some people believe that it is wrong for
However, take care to notice the plurals
or culture. professional athletes to compete in the
(reasons, problems, solutions). Be sure
Olympics because their strong financial
Your response to the prompt will be in one to pay attention to these instructions and
backing and training give them an unfair
of various ways. You might be asked to provide more than one reason, problem or
advantage over the other athletes.
answer by: solution if you are aiming for a high score.
To what extent do you agree
• agreeing or disagreeing • More and more wild animals are on
or disagree?
• discussing two given opposing views the verge of extinction and others are
Look carefully and you will see that there on the endangered list. What are the
• writing about whether the advantages
are two premises that you will need reasons for this? What can be done
of a given development outweigh the
to address if you want your response to solve this problem?
disadvantages
to be complete. It’s easier to see them • An increasing number of professionals,
• explaining a given problem or the if you look at them as questions: such as doctors and teachers, are
cause of the problem and offering
leaving their own poorer countries
solutions. • Do professional athletes have an
to work in developed countries.
unfair advantage over other Olympic
What problems does this cause?
Organisation athletes because of their financial
What solutions can you suggest
support and training?
You are required to organise your to deal with this situation?
• Is it wrong for the professionals
response into an essay. Essays are
to compete in the Olympics for
composed of several paragraphs. Advantages vs. disadvantages
this reason?
The first paragraph should introduce Here are two different possible question
the topic, your main idea (thesis) and NOTE: It is possible for you to agree formats you could see about advantages
generally outline how you propose to with one and disagree with the other. and disadvantages.
present your argument or discussion. For example, you could say that you
agree that they have an advantage but Today more and more people are working
The body or middle paragraphs that it isn’t wrong for them to compete from home.
are divided into separate points in certain circumstances. a) Does this trend have more advantages
with explanations and examples
or more disadvantages?
to support them.
Discussion
b) Do the advantages outweigh
The essay closes with a conclusion Successful sports professionals can the disadvantages?
that summarises your points and earn a great deal more money than
brings your arguments or discussion people in other important professions. Whether you are given question (a) or
to a reasoned closing. Some people think this is fully justified (b) above, to respond completely, you
while others think it is unfair. need to consider both the advantages
Aim to write 4 – 6 paragraphs including
and disadvantages.
an introduction and conclusion. Discuss both these views and give
your opinion. You can write more about one side
Remember that you have only 40 minutes
than the other, especially if you have a
to write the essay because you also need There are three parts that you need strong opinion going one way. However,
to complete the Task 1 report in the 60 to address in this prompt: a one-sided argument in these types
minutes you are given for this section
of questions is not complete and you will
of the test. • Why do some believe it is justifiable that
lower your score if you forget to consider
sports professionals earn a great deal
both advantages and disadvantages.
Addressing the Academic more money than others?
essay completely • Why do others think it isn’t justifiable
that they make these earnings?
It’s very important that you read
and respond to the prompt carefully. • What is your opinion in this matter?