The IELTS writing section aims to assess the writing skills of test takers who desire to pursue higher studies or employment abroad. This section is different for academic and general training tests in terms of task and a slight change in formality.
Generally, test takers have to complete the 2 tasks, depending on which they get raw scores, which are later converted into band scores. In this blog, we have discussed the IELTS writing section, including a brief description of tasks, topics covered, and preparation tips.
Table of Contents
IELTS Writing Section: An Overview
- The IELTS writing section requires test takers to complete 2 tasks in 60 minutes.
- On average, 20-30 minutes are allotted for a task.
- The minimum words required to complete the individual task is 150 words for task 1 and 250 words for task 2 in both academic and general training tests.
- Below, we have tabulated a general overview of the IELTS writing section for both academic and general training tests.
| Features | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training Test |
|---|---|---|
| No. of Tasks | 2 (Task 1 & 2) | 2 (Task 1 & 2) |
| Task 1 Type | Describe a visual representation (graph, chart, table, map, process, or diagram) | Write a letter based on a certain situation |
| Task 1 Word | Minimum 150 words | Minimum 150 words |
| Task 2 Type | Write an essay based on a given argument or opinion | Write an essay based on a given argument or opinion |
| Task 2 Word | Minimum 250 words | Minimum 250 words |
| Writing Style | Formal | It can be formal or informal |
| Topics | Education Technology Environment Health Sociolog | Education Technology Environment Health Sociology |
| Total Duration | 60 Minutes | 60 Minutes |
IELTS Academic Writing Section Task 1
- The IELTS writing task 1 of the academic test comprises a graph, chart, map, process, diagram, or object map based on which test takers have to summarise, describe, or explain visual information effectively in at least 150 words.
- There may be one or more graphs, charts, or diagrams.
- Test takers can structure their response into 3 parts: introduction, overview, and main features.
- Test takers have to include only main points and ideas, leaving minor points or details behind.
- The response should be in a semi-formal or neutral style.
- Test takers have only 20 minutes to complete this task
- Like the speaking section, it is also divided into 2 parts.
Avoid:
- Interpretation: Don’t speculate or provide explanations for the data.
- Personal opinion: Keep your writing objective and factual.
- Under-explanation: Write up to the recommended word length; otherwise, you will be penalised
- No Deviation: Avoid deviating from the topic; otherwise, you will be penalised
- No Plagiarism: Avoid copying responses from any source
IELTS Academic Writing Section Task 2
- In the IELTS writing task 2 of the academic test, test takers are provided with a topic, idea, or argument to write an essay in about 250 words.
- The topic can range from the environment, immigration, culture, and technology.
- Test takers are asked to agree or disagree with a point of view or argument, discuss two opposing views, write about the advantages or disadvantages of a topic, or explain a given problem or the cause of a problem and offer a solution.
- The response should be in an essay format.
- The response should be in a semi-formal or neutral style.
- Unlike the listening section, test takers have only 40 minutes to complete this task
Avoid:
- Personal opinion: Keep your writing objective and factual.
- Under-explanation: Write up to the recommended word length; otherwise, you will be penalised
- No Deviation: Avoid deviating from the topic; otherwise, you will be penalised
- No Plagiarism: Avoid copying responses from any source
IELTS General Writing Section Task 1
- In IELTS writing task 1, test takers are provided with a situation where they have to write a letter to request information or explain the circumstances in about 150 words
- Depending on the task, the letter can be formal, semi-formal, or formal in style.
- The situations that a test taker has to write upon are common, such as
- writing to a college accommodation officer about problems with your accommodation
- writing to a new employer about problems you are having with managing your time
- writing to a local newspaper about a plan to develop a local airport
- writing to a renting agency to sort out problems with the heating system in your house.
- Test takers have only 20 minutes to complete this task
- The question paper will contain the information to include in the letter.
IELTS General Writing Section Task 2
- In IELTS writing task 2, test takers are provided with a topic, idea, or argument to write an essay in about 250 words.
- Similar to IELTS academic writing task 2, the topic can range from the environment, immigration, culture, and technology.
- Test takers are asked to present their point of view or argument, discuss two opposing views, write about the advantages or disadvantages of a topic, or explain a given problem or the cause of a problem and offer a solution.
- The response should be in an essay format.
- The response should be in a semi-formal or neutral style.
- Test takers have only 40 minutes to complete this task
What Skills Are Evaluated in the IELTS Writing Section?
- Writing skills are considered to be the most important component of the communication system that we use in our everyday lives, such as email, SMS, social media messaging, etc.
- These are also the backbone of communication in the workplace and classroom.
- The IELTS writing section tests the below skills in the test takers
- Interpreting information, statistics, and diagrams
- Summarising and describing
- Formulating arguments and a point of view
- Balancing viewpoints and analysing problems
- Coherence and cohesion
- Vocabulary
- Grammatical accuracy
IELTS Writing Marking System
- The assessment criteria used in the IELTS writing section are the same for both academic and general training tests.
- 2-4 examiners evaluate the IELTS writing test to maintain the highest level of accuracy and fairness in the marks awarded.
- The answers in IELTS Writing Task 1 & 2 are assessed against the following criteria: task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource and grammatical range, and accuracy.
- Each criteria is worth 25% of the test taker’s total mark for that task.
- The raw score represents the number of correctly answered questions.
- This raw score is subsequently converted into the band score, which ranges from 0 to 9.
Preparation Tips for IELTS Writing Section
Below, we have provided the preparation tips for the IELTS writing section that can help test takers, both before and during the test.
Pre-Test Prep Strategies for IELTS Writing Section
- Familiarise yourself with the format and pattern of the IELTS writing section.
- Learn topic-specific vocabulary for the common IELTS theme.
- Simulated test conditions at home while practicing for the writing section.
- Ask experienced counsellors or IELTS mentors to provide you with detailed feedback. You can also join the AdmitX Smart Academy.
Test-Day Strategies for IELTS Writing Section
Following are the 5 strong test-day strategies for the IELTS writing section
Understanding the Task
Analyse the Prompt:
- Identify the Task Type: Determine whether it’s a letter, report, or essay.
- Pinpoint Keywords: Understand the specific requirements and expectations.
- Recognise Instruction Words: Pay attention to words like “describe,” “compare,” “discuss,” or “evaluate.”
Planning Your Response
Create a Structure:
- Brainstorm Ideas: Generate ideas relevant to the topic.
- Organise Your Thoughts: Create a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Allocate Time: Plan your time wisely to allocate sufficient time for each section.
Writing Effectively
Write a Strong Introduction:
- Hook the Reader: Begin with a strong opening sentence.
- State the Thesis: Clearly state the main idea of your essay or letter.
- Outline the Main Points: Briefly introduce the key points you’ll discuss.
Develop Coherent Body Paragraphs:
- Topic Sentence: Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence.
- Supporting Details: Provide relevant examples and evidence to support your claims.
- Transitional Phrases: Use connectors to link ideas smoothly.
Conclude Strongly:
- Summarise Main Points: Briefly recap the key arguments.
- Restate Thesis: Reiterate your main point in a different way.
- Offer a Final Thought: Provide a closing statement or recommendation.
Key Takeaways by Smart Academy
The IELTS writing section assesses essential writing skills, including grammatical accuracy, sentence structure, vocabulary, coherence, and idea development.
These skills are crucial for effective communication in both academic and professional settings. While the writing section is largely similar for both the academic and general Training tests, there are slight differences in task requirements and the level of formality.
FAQs
What is writing task 1 in the IELTS academic?
In the IELTS writing task 1 for the academic test, you’ll be presented with visual elements, such as a graph, chart, table, or diagram. Your primary task is to accurately describe the information presented in a clear and concise manner.
How do I prepare for the IELTS writing task 1?
To effectively prepare for IELTS writing task 1, you are required to go through the format and pattern thoroughly and practice as many mock tests as you can before appearing for the test. Also, interacting with experienced IELTS teachers can be beneficial for you because they can provide you with feedback on your prep strategies.
What kind of questions are asked in IELTS General writing task 1?
In IELTS academic writing task 1, you’ll be required to write a letter to request information or explain the circumstances of a given situation, provided in about 150 words.
How important are personal experiences in the essay?
While personal experiences can be relevant, they should be balanced with broader, more academic perspectives and used sparingly. In most cases, it is better to rely on general examples, research-based information, or hypothetical scenarios.
How strictly is word count enforced?
The IELTS writing task requires a minimum of 150-250 words, depending on the task. Writing significantly below these counts will be penalised. However, candidates should aim to stay within 280-300 words to ensure comprehensive coverage without unnecessary repetition.
