IELTS Writing
IELTS Writing Test is conducted to access your skills to write, organize, and present your ideas in response to the given question. This test also analyses the accuracy and range of vocabulary and grammar in your response.
The writing test is different for Academic IELTS and General IELTS, but there are some similarities. The time to attempt the tasks is the same for both, which is 60 minutes only. The writing test comprises two tasks for both the IELTS test. You have to write at least 150 words for task 1 and 250 words for task 2.
Academic IELTS
Task 1
Task 1 in Academic Writing is based on any pictorial representation, and you have to analyze and present the information given in those in verbal form. Representations are like a graph, diagram, table, chart is given to candidates. You have to write 150 words report on different types of charts (line graph, pie, chart, bar chart, map, table, diagram, or a process). The total time for Writing Task is 60 minutes. You should attempt your Task 1 in no more than 20 minutes.
It is to note that IELTS Writing Task 1 is only accountable for 33% in your writing band score.
Task Types in Academic Task 1
Bar Chart
A bar chart, also known as bar graph represents data in different categories using rectangular bars either horizontally or vertically. The height or length of these bars represent the value of the particular category.
Line Graph
A line graph or line chart is the presentation of data in graphical form. The X-axis and Y-axis show the variation of data, and the data points are connected using line segments.
Pie Chart
A pie chart is a circular statistical representation of data. A circle is divided into slices to show mathematical proportions. Slice’s arc length is proportional to the quantity.
Table
A table represents data using rows and columns and forms a grid. Columns are vertical and represent fields, and rows are horizontal and show data about that field.
Map
A map is a symbolic representation of a place by making relationships between some elements like objects or regions.
Diagram/Process
A diagram uses visual techniques like a square, circle, arrows, and so on, to symbolically represent some information.
For more information on Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 click here.
Task 2
In Task 2, you are asked to write an essay on a topic that is suitable for undergraduates and postgraduates. You have to write over 250 words in 40 minutes, as recommended. Essay topics in Academic Task 2 are formal.
General IELTS
Task 1
You are asked to write a letter about a particular situation in task 1. You have to write at least 150 words and should spend no more than 20 minutes on Task 1. The letter may be formal/ semi-formal/ informal. Each type of letter requires a different way of beginning, as well as signing off. Take care of the language and tone of your sentences for different types of letters.
Types of Letters
An informal letter is a letter to a person with whom you have a personal relationship like a friend, a family member, a relative about a personal or social situation.
A semi-formal letter is a letter to a person to whom you know personally. This letter is about some serious or a formal situation like a letter to your landlord for complaining or giving suggestions, or a letter to your manager for seeking leave. Please note that a letter to your company’s manager can also be formal.
A formal letter is a letter to a person with whom you do not have any personal relationship, and maybe you have not met with the person before. Examples include a letter to a bookseller, the manager of a hotel, an editor of a newspaper, or an administrator of the municipal corporation.
Task 2
Just like Academic Task 2, you have to write an essay on a general interest topic. Here, the topic may be more personal than Academic Writing.
Types of Essays
In a discussion essay, the examiner gives viewpoints of two different groups of people about a particular situation. You have to discuss both views and give your opinion.
This type of essay has two sub-types:
- In the first type, the examiner gives a situation and asks if the candidate agrees or disagrees with the situation.
- In the second type, the examiner asks the extent to which the candidate agrees or disagrees with the situation.
This essay also has two sub-types:
- The examiner gives a problem and asks about the causes of the problem and its solutions.
- The examiner asks about the problem that occurs because of the given problem and its solutions.
In this type of essay, the examiner gives a situation. Then the examiner asks directly for the advantages or disadvantages of the situation or for the comparison of whether the situation has more advantages or disadvantages.
As the name depicts, in an opinion essay, examiner describes a situation and ask the candidate about his/her opinion.
In this essay, the examiner shares a development that has occurred in recent years and asks the candidate whether it is a positive development or a negative development.