ILETS Writing

The IELTS Writing Test consists of two tasks and is designed to assess your ability to write clearly, coherently, and appropriately in English. Here is a detailed overview of the IELTS Writing tasks, how to prepare for them, tips to score high, and examples, including past questions and model answers.

Overview of IELTS Writing Test

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Format

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• Total time: 60 minutes (40 minutes for Task 2, 20 minutes for Task 1)
• Tasks:
  • Task 1 (Academic): Describe, summarize or explain visual information (graph, chart, table, diagram) in at least 150 words.
  • Task 1 (General Training): Write a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal) of at least 150 words.
  • Task 2 (both modules): Write a formal essay in at least 250 words on a given topic.

Scoring Criteria

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Four criteria are used to score both Task 1 and Task 2:

1. Task Achievement/Response:
   • How fully you address the task requirements.
   • Clarity and development of ideas.
2. Coherence and Cohesion:
   • Logical organisation of ideas.
   • Use of linking words and paragraphing.
3. Lexical Resource:
   • Vocabulary range and accuracy.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy:
   • Variety and correctness of grammar structures.

Task 2 has double the weighting of Task 1 for the overall writing score.

Detailed Explanation of IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic)

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• Types of tasks:
  • Bar Charts, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Tables.
  • Diagrams (processes or cycles).
  • Maps (location descriptions or changes over time).
• Requirements:
  • Write a report based on the data or diagram.
  • Highlight key trends, differences, or stages.
  • Avoid including personal opinions.
  • Write at least 150 words.

Tips for Success

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• Spend about 20 minutes on Task 1.
• Paraphrase the question and give an overview in the introduction.
• Organise body paragraphs by grouping related data or stages.
• Use appropriate vocabulary for numbers, trends, and comparisons (e.g., “increased”, “decreased”, “remained steady”).
• Practice describing key features succinctly.

Example Question

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The graph below shows the number of tourists visiting three different museums in London from 2010 to 2020. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Detailed Explanation of IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay)

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• Types of essay questions:
  • Opinion (Agree/Disagree)
  • Discussion (Discuss both views)
  • Problem-Solution
  • Advantages-Disadvantages
  • Mixed (Two-part)
• Requirements:
  • Write an essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
  • Minimum 250 words.
  • Present a clear position.
  • Support ideas with explanations, examples, or evidence.

Tips for Success

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• Spend about 40 minutes on Task 2, as it counts more.
• Analyze the question carefully to understand what is being asked.
• Plan your essay (outline ideas and structure) before writing.
• Write clear paragraphs with topic sentences.
• Use a range of vocabulary and grammar structures.
• Avoid informal language and stay on topic.
• Conclude by summarising your position or main points.

Example Questions

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• Some people believe that education should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working from home.
• What are the causes of climate change, and what can be done to reduce its effects?

Preparation Strategy to Score High

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1. Understand the test format and scoring criteria.
2. Practice writing regularly under timed conditions.
3. Study model answers and understand what makes them high-scoring.
4. Work on vocabulary: learn topic-specific words and phrases.
5. Improve grammar: learn complex sentence structures and avoid errors.
6. Plan essays and reports before writing.
7. Seek feedback from teachers or online IELTS communities.
8. Practice past years’ questions and sample tasks.

Sample Answers and Examples

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer (Academic - Bar Chart)

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The bar chart illustrates the number of visitors to three London museums over a 10-year period from 2010 to 2020. Overall, the British Museum attracted the highest number of visitors throughout the years. Visitor numbers for all museums increased steadily, with the Science Museum showing the largest relative growth.

In 2010, the British Museum received around 5 million visitors, which increased gradually to nearly 7 million by 2020. The Natural History Museum started with just below 4 million visitors and surpassed 5 million visitors in 2020. The Science Museum initially attracted the fewest visitors, just above 3 million, but this figure nearly doubled to 6 million by 2020.

To conclude, the data indicate a rising trend in the popularity of all three museums, with the Science Museum gaining the most visitors over the decade.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer (Opinion Essay)

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In recent years, some argue that universities should provide free education for all students. I fully agree with this view as it promotes equal opportunities and benefits society as a whole.

Firstly, making education free removes financial barriers for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, allowing them to pursue studies they otherwise could not afford. This fosters social mobility and helps reduce inequality.

Secondly, an educated population contributes positively to economic growth and innovation. Graduates are more likely to find employment and contribute taxes, thus benefiting the economy.

Critics may say that free education causes a burden on government finance, but investing in education is an investment in future prosperity.

In conclusion, free university education benefits both individuals and society. Countries that provide such opportunities are likely to flourish in the long run.

Past Year Questions (PYQ)

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• Task 1:
  • Describe the process of manufacturing bricks.
  • Summarize the information in a given pie chart about energy consumption.
  • Explain the changes depicted in city maps over several decades.
• Task 2:
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online learning.
  • To what extent do you agree or disagree with the use of technology in the classroom?
  • Discuss causes and solutions for the rise in obesity among children.

Conclusion

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Scoring high in IELTS Writing requires understanding the test structure, practicing regularly, mastering vocabulary and grammar, and learning to organize ideas coherently. Use timed practice with past questions, study model answers carefully, and seek feedback to improve your writing skills.

If you want, I can also provide specific model answers for recent question examples or target band 7-9 responses with detailed analysis. Let me know! ^{123456789101112}