KEY POINTS for IELTS WRITING (Academic and General Training)
Essential Points to know before Attempting both IELTS Modules
Duration: 1 hour total
Word Limit:
- Writing Task 1: Minimum of 150 words
- Writing Task 2: Minimum of 250 words
Note: Your band score will be deducted if tasks fall short of the required word limit.
Suggested Time Allocation:
- Writing Task 1: 20 minutes
- Writing Task 2: 40 minutes
Test Structure:
The Writing test has two tasks, called Task 1 and Task 2, for both the Academic and General Training exams.
An Overview of IELTS Writing Tasks:
Task 1 for Academic Test Takers:
- Report Writing: You are required to accurately describe and summarize the given visual information.
- Question Types: Your Task 1 may involve any of the following categories:
- Bar graph
- Pie chart
- Line graph
- Flow Chart
- Process chart
- Table chart
- Layout/Map
- Diagram
- Mixed graph/Combination of more than one.
For complete overview of Task 1, you can check https://www.englishlearners.in/overview-of-ielts-academic-writing-task-1
For General Training Test Takers:
- Letter Writing: You are required to write a letter in response to a specified situation.
- Question Types: The letter may be one of the following:
- Formal Letter
- Informal Letter
- Semi-formal Letter
Task 2: Essay Writing (Same for both Academic and General Training)
Question Types:
- Opinion Essays: You might encounter questions such as:
- Do you agree or disagree?
- To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Is it a positive or negative development?
- Do the merits outweigh the demerits?
- Discussion Essays: You may be asked to:
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
- Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- Problem-Solution Essays: Questions may include:
- Causes/Solutions: What do you think are the causes of these problems, and what measures could be taken to solve them?
- Causes/Effects: What do you think maybe the reasons for this issue, and what problems could it lead to?
- Effects/Solutions: What do you consider to be the major influences, and what measures should be taken to address this issue?
- Direct Questioning: Occasionally, Task 2 may involve direct questioning.
Note: The score for Task 2 contributes slightly more to your overall score than Task 1.
- You can complete the tasks in any order, so you may choose to start with Task 2 if you prefer, or if you’re concerned about managing your time effectively.
- If you need additional paper, you can request it; all pages will be stapled together.
Writing Test Sheets:
You will be given two answer sheets on which to write your Task 1 and Task 2 responses. I’ve shared the exam answer sheets in PDF format, which you can use to practice your Writing Module: IELTS Writing Answer Sheets
You can refer to the following books to practice all the possible types of questions that may be asked in the IELTS Writing section.
I truly hope this clears all your doubts regarding IELTS Writing. If you still have any doubts, you can drop your queries in the contact form.
