Writing test overview

WRITING TEST OVERVIEW

In the IELTS writing test you are given 60 minutes to complete 2 tasks. The Academic and General Training writing tasks are different.

First let`s take a look at the IELTS Academic writing– General writers don't go away!

In IELTS Academic writing you are required to complete two tasks.

In the first task you will be given a graph, a chart, or it could be a diagram explaining a process..

Here are a few typical examples

You have to write a descriptive report of at least 150 words on the visual information provided.

Remember, this task is not asking you for your opinion! The task is to be objective and describe information presented.

Paragraph 1 should explain what/when/where?

Paragraph 2 should give an overview of the task, avoiding details so as to avoid repitition later.

Paragraph 3 should give the main idea and be the main body of your argument, logically organised.

If you are given a graph with an X and Y axis, you must explain what each axis represents as well as the information provided in the graph. The graph should be explained from left to right and be easy to understand. There should be a logical progression in your explanation of figures, and it should be crystal clear for the reader to understand.

It could be about a subject or situation and the changes over time, the progression of those changes, whether something changed rapidly, steadily, quickly …

In the case of a pie chart your task is to make a written description of the facts shown in the chart.

For example, in the pie chart shown above describing the percentage of immigrant labour in Australia in 1991, 62% were from Europe whilst 17% were from Asia and 9% from New Zealand etc ...

Take a moment to plan your writing before you start. First ask yourself, what register does it require? ... this means, what style? Is it formal, or informal? Academic task 1 and 2 require formal style – this means you should write the way you would write to someone you don't know. There should be no informal words, you would not use contractions and you would avoid using informal phrasal verbs.

In Part 2 of the Academic writing test you will be given 40 minutes to write a 250 word essay in response to a question, an opinion or a topic for discussion.

For example you may be asked to give the advantages and disadvantages of a certain situation and explain your views.

Here are a few typical examples

Just as in part 1 of the writing test, you should be absolutely sure of what is required of you. Don't start writing until you've noted down a brief plan/outline.

This outline should include a brief introduction stating the reason for your essay ... be careful not to copy the introduction from the test paper ... learn to paraphrase, put the same idea into your own words - use synonyms ...

This is a test of your writing ability, not your ability to copy.

Next - your outline should include your main arguments - note these briefly, and be ready to explain ... why?

Finally a brief conclusion should summarise the situation that you're discussing and your argument or opinion.

Remember, all IELTS written material is assessed against these criterion;

1.Task achievement.

Did you answer/discuss/compare what was asked of you ... Or did you digress onto something else?

2. Coherence and cohesion.

Did you develop your arguments/opinions logically, in a manner easy to read and follow ... Did one idea lead on smoothly to the next?

3.Lexical resource.

Did you use vocabulary appropriate to the situation? Were you able to use less common words and synonyms logically or did you repeat words unnecessarily.

4. Grammatical range and accuracy.

Did you write everything in one or two tenses, or was there a good range of grammar? Did you show the examiner that you can use present, past, perfect forms ... future, passive voice?

It may not be possible or desirable to use all these forms, but you should try to include as many as is appropriate, and of course, they must be used accurately.

How about the IELTS General Training writing?

Just like the IELTS Academic writing, the IELTS General Training writing test consists of two parts.

In part 1 you are required to write a letter on a given theme – you are required to write 150 words words and you're allowed 20 minutes for this.

Here are a few typical examples

In part two of the IELTS General Training test you are required to write an essay on a given topic. You're allowed 40 minutes to write 250 words ...

The task could be to give your point of view on an argument or a problem ...

Here are a few typical examples

Do you remember..? What criteria will your essay be judged against? The 4 main criteria are;

1.Task achievement

2.Coherence and cohesion

3.Lexical resource

4.Grammatical range and accuracy

Just as in all the other Ielts writing, good planning will help you achieve a high score.

Take a few minutes to plan what you're going to write.. what register will you use? – will it be formal or informal?

In making your brief plan what is YOUR opinion.. what are the advantages/disadvantages of the situation?What evidence can you provide?

The first criteria;

1.Task achievement

This means, did you - the writer, do what was asked of you..? did you write about what was required? It's easy to digress, to write about things that are not relevant.. Don't do this– stick to the task/question or situation presented to you.

The second criteria;

2.Coherence and cohesion.

An essay should build an argument– It should fit together logically, and one part should lead into the next, not in an awkward or illogical manner, but in a flowing, cohesive manner.

The third criteria;

3.Lexical resource.

Resource means.. how much you have of something. The examiner wants to see the extent of your lexical resource. Do you know a lot of words, or can you use only simple words, repeating them often unnecessarily instead of using synonyms, words with a similar meaning - or worse still, using the wrong words. If so, the examiner will see that your lexical resource is quite low.

The fourth criterion;

4. Grammatical range and accuracy.

The examiner wants to see that you can use the appropriate grammar which the situation requires. They also want to see a range of grammar. Do you use only 1 or 2 tenses, or can you explain and reason, proving your point using a range of grammatical tenses?

In conclusion your writing should be logical, clear and appropriate. Study, practice and preparation are the keys to achieving the balance you require.

Points to remember;

Make sure you understand the task and carefully follow it.
Make a brief plan/outline before starting to write.
Remember your writing will be judged against - task achievement/coherance and cohesion/lexical resource/grammatical range and accuracy.
Write the required amount of words.

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