IELTS WRITING

IELTS Writing is a part of the IELTS exam that focuses on assessing your ability to write in English. In this part of the test, you will be asked to write two essays on different topics, requiring you to use your vocabulary, grammar and writing skills to present your opinions, analyse information and make arguments in a coherent and clear way.

For most candidates, Writing is always the most difficult part of the IELTS test. To get the best score, you need to have a clear and effective test preparation strategy. This article will introduce an overview of IELTS Writing, the types of questions, detailed writing instructions and tips. IELTS Writing materials useful to help you improve your writing skills effectively. Let's learn the strategies IELTS Writing Practice Okay ETEST English for Study Abroad given below to conquer this part.

Overview of IELTS Writing test structure

The IELTS Writing test consists of 2 Tasks:

  • Task 1 Candidates are required to write at least 150 words, usually focusing on describing information from charts, tables or other forms of data.
  • Task 2 requires candidates to write at least 250 words, requiring candidates to present and develop their personal views on a particular topic. Candidates have a total of 60 minutes to complete both tasks, so time management is very important.

For IELTS General test type:

  • Task 1 often requires writing letters for different purposes such as applying for a job, making a complaint, or requesting information. Candidates need to master the appropriate format and language for each type of letter.
  • Task 2 of IELTS General requires you to write an essay about social, family or workplace issues. These topics are often related to everyday life and require you to analyse, reason and express your opinions clearly.

IELTS Academic has a different structure:

  • Task 1 requires candidates to describe, explain or summarise information from charts, tables, graphs or diagrams. These types of tasks require analytical skills and the ability to present information logically and accurately.
  • Task 2 requires you to write an essay presenting a point of view, argument or debate on an academic or educational topic. Candidates need to have extensive knowledge and the ability to reason well to achieve a high score in this section.

As a result, many people will have difficulty in not knowing which IELTS test format to take. If you are also wondering about this issue, do not miss the article: Should I take IELTS Academic or General??

ielts writing
Overview of IELTS Writing test structure

IELTS Writing Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1 requires candidates to analyse and describe information from various types of diagrams such as graphs, tables, charts or diagrams about a particular field.

Common topics include statistical data on population, economics, education, the environment, and many other areas. Candidates are required to compare and contrast key elements in a chart, and describe, summarize, or explain the information in their own words.

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Overview of IELTS Writing Task 1

In Task 1, candidates may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how a piece of equipment works or describe an event. The main aim is to demonstrate the ability to present and analyse information logically and clearly. Common types of questions include bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, tables, process diagrams and maps.

Example:

The chart below shows the average number of hours per week that teenagers in Japan, Spain, Australia, and the USA spent on different types of physical activities in 2020.

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

(Write at least 150 words)

See more writing tips and sample essays for each type of essay. IELTS Writing Task 1 to access more related articles.

IELTS Writing task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires candidates to write an essay on a given issue or question. Common topics in Task 2 include education, technology, environment, health, society, economics and many other areas.

The essay should have clear arguments, data, evidence and examples to prove the writer's point of view.

There are several common essay types in IELTS Writing Task 2, including opinion essays, argumentative essays, problem-solution essays, discussion essays, and advantages and disadvantages essays. Each type requires different analytical and reasoning skills, but all require a clear and logical structure.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 needs to have a clear structure

Example: 

The rise of online shopping has significantly impacted the retail industry, leading to the closure of many physical stores.

Do you think this trend has more advantages or disadvantages for consumers and businesses?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

(Write at least 250 words.)

If you are not proficient in this type of test, do not ignore the basic types of questions and how to do them. IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing test scoring scale and criteria

The IELTS Writing test is scored based on four main criteria: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and AccuracyEach criterion plays an important role in assessing the candidate's English essay writing ability.

Task ResponseBand Score 5Band Score 6Band Score 7Band Score 8
– Not completed request.– Have access to the topic and the problem.– Approach all issues and questions in the test.– Effectively approach all issues and questions.
– May be on the right track but not clear.– Can express opinions clearly.– Express your views clearly throughout.– Express your views clearly throughout.
– Have an opinion but not clearly.– There is a conclusion, which may be duplicated.– The main ideas are relevant.– The main ideas are relevant.
– There may be no conclusion.– Ideas are not fully developed.– Ideas are developed but lack focus.– Ideas are developed and expanded.
– Does not develop main idea.– Relevant or somewhat general examples.– Specific examples in each paragraph.
– Some irrelevant details.
Coherence and CohesionBand Score 5Band Score 6Band Score 7Band Score 8
– Has information layout.– Clear information layout.– Logical information layout.– Information layout and logical arguments.
– Limited paragraph division.– Divide paragraphs logically.– Good segmentation.– Effective segmentation.
– The linking words/phrases are full of errors or inappropriate.– Uses effective linking media but has a few flaws.– Have a main point for each paragraph.– Proficient use of linking tools.
– Repeated words due to frequent lack of replacement pronouns.– There are alternative pronouns but some places are unclear.– Use a variety of linking tools.– The pronoun is completely correct.
– Some linking media is misused or inaccurate.
– Use pronouns well.
Lexical ResourceBand Score 5Band Score 6Band Score 7Band Score 8
– Limited vocabulary.– Relatively diverse vocabulary.- Diverse and relatively accurate vocabulary.– Diverse and accurate vocabulary.
– Frequent spelling or word form errors.– Some academic terms are used incorrectly.– Uses academic terminology.– Use academic terminology fluently.
– Makes reading difficult.– Some spelling and word morphology errors.– Has style and ability to combine words.– Very few spelling and morphological errors.
– Express clearly.– Some places have spelling mistakes or incorrect word choice.
Grammatical Range and AccuracyBand Score 5Band Score 6Band Score 7Band Score 8
– Limited sentence structure capital.– Use both simple and complex sentence structures.– Use a variety of complex sentence structures.– Use a variety of complex sentence structures.
– Has unsuccessful use of some complex sentence structures.– Some grammatical errors.– Most of the sentences have no errors.– Most of the sentences have no errors.
– Many grammatical errors.– There are some errors in sentence breaks.– Good grammar control.
– Sentence pause error.– Express clearly.– Some places have grammatical errors or sentence breaks.
– Makes reading difficult.

In addition, to get a high score in the IELTS Writing test and limit losing points due to unnecessary mistakes, you need to clearly understand the 4 IELTS Writing scoring criteria and how to calculate IELTS score scale latest 2024

IELTS Writing Task 1 types and effective strategies

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 requires you to use common language in reports, reviews or summaries about a specific issue. You do not need to give your personal opinion but only need to rely on the images and data provided to present your opinion objectively and concisely.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Types

IELTS Writing Task 1 requires candidates to analyse and describe information from different types of graphs. Common types include:

  • Line graph: Describes the change of one or more objects over time.
  • Bar chart: Compare proportions between objects or changes in objects over time.
  • Pie chart: Compare the proportions of objects in the whole.
  • Table: Compare the proportions between components or the change of an object over time.
  • Process (process chart): Describes the working principle or transformation process of an object.
  • Map: Describes the location and orientation of objects in an area.
  • Mix (mixed chart): Combine two or more different charts to present information.
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IELTS Writing Task 1 Diagram Illustration

IELTS Writing Task 1 Test Strategy

When doing IELTS Writing Task 1, there are some strategies to help you complete the writing effectively:

  • Prioritize doing the easier part: If you have a choice, prioritize Task 1 if you feel the task is easier and more confident. This will save you time and help you feel confident when approaching Task 2 later.
  • Take notes of important data: While analyzing the chart, highlight and take notes on the most important data. This helps you focus on the main information and avoid getting sidetracked and writing unnecessary details.
  • Conclusion without much investment: Unlike Task 2, the conclusion in Task 1 does not require much investment. Instead, it is more important to focus on writing a clear introduction, a concise overview, and a coherent and logical body.

IELTS Writing Task 2 types and effective strategies

You will be asked to provide factual information, solutions and evidence to support your views in Task 2. It is important that your essay is written carefully, including using relevant ideas and evidence. It should be clearly presented and no less than 250 words long to ensure completeness and detail.

3 main types of questions in IELTS Writing Task 2

The types of questions in IELTS Writing Task 2 require you to be able to analyze sharply and make convincing arguments. Make sure you understand each type of question so you can prepare and write effectively:

  1. Argumentative Essay: This is an essay type in which you have to defend your opinion on a given issue. The question usually asks you to choose a point of view and provide arguments to prove it. Signs to recognize this type of question are: “To what extent do you agree or disagree?”, “What is your opinion on this?”, …
  2. Discussion Essay: The question presents two opposing views on a particular issue and asks you to discuss both views and then give your personal opinion. The signs of this type of question are: “Discuss these two points of view and give your opinion”, “Discuss both sides and give your own opinion”, …
  3. Account Essay: This type of article is divided into sub-types such as:
    • Causes and Effects/Problems and Solutions: The question presents a phenomenon and asks you to analyze the causes and effects or propose solutions to the problem. The signs to recognize this type of question are: “Could you outline the possible causes and predict consequences?”, “Discuss causes to this problem and suggest solutions.”
    • Advantages and Disadvantages/Pros and Cons: The question asks you to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a certain object or phenomenon. The signs to recognize this type of question are: “What is the positive and negative change of this trend to the society?”

See more structures Commonly used sentence patterns in Writing Task 2 extremely "scoring" to get maximum score in Task 2 writing.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Test Strategy

To get a high score in IELTS Writing Task 2, apply the following strategies:

  • Study common topics before the exam: Before you start writing, it is a good idea to have a good understanding of the common topics that may appear in the exam. This will help you to be better prepared and more confident when you have to write about the topic asked.
  • Take at least 5 minutes to outline: Outlining helps you create a clear plan for your writing. Organize your main ideas and arguments logically, making sure you develop each idea into a coherent and logical paragraph.
  • Focus on expressing ideas rather than finding sophisticated vocabulary: For Task 2, a deep understanding of the topic and the ability to clearly justify it are more important than using complex vocabulary. Use clear and easy-to-understand language to communicate your ideas effectively.
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Scoring criteria in IELTS Writing Task 2

In addition, to get the highest score in IELTS Writing Task 2, memorizing vocabulary is very important. See more IELTS Writing Vocabulary include IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary + IELTS Writing Task 2 Vocabulary The best you need to know.

So through the above article ETEST English for Study Abroad has helped you gain the necessary knowledge about IELTS Writing.

Why is IELTS Writing important?

IELTS Writing is an important skill in life and work. If you want to study abroad, work or settle in English-speaking countries, a high IELTS Writing score will help you increase your chances of success.

Want to learn more about how to improve your IELTS Writing skills?

Please refer to the IELTS course specialized in ETEST English for Study AbroadWith a curriculum built by a team of experienced lecturers and a well-structured curriculum, it brings IELTS learning roadmap Comprehensive and effective, not only ensuring you master the necessary skills but also helping you gain confidence and success in the IELTS test. Let's start your journey to conquer IELTS together ETEST English for Study Abroad today!

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