Chapter 4: Writing

The IELTS Academic Writing Test takes 60 minutes and you need to complete two tasks in this time. The two tasks are not linked in terms of topic. In other words, they will be about different things. There is a lot to do in 60 minutes and it is a good idea if you can organise your time like this. In Task 1, you need to write at least 150 words and we usually recommend that you finish in 20 minutes. In Task 2, you need to write at least 250 words and you should plan to finish in 40 minutes.

In Task 1, you will receive some information in visual form. This information could be in the form of a graph, a table, a diagram or even a map. You will also receive a statement explaining what the visual represents, or what it shows, in other words. Then, you need to summarise the information in the visual and it is important that you write this summary in your own words.

So how can you do well in Task 1? In order to do a good job you need to be able to do the following things: select, organise and compare information. You may need to be able to describe the stages of a process, or describe an object or place, or perhaps you will need to explain how something works. You will do this using the information you can see in the visual.

In Task 2, you are given a point of view, an issue or a problem and it will be written in the form of a question or statement. For this task, you are required to write an academic essay. And, as in Task 1, you must write it in your own words.

So how are you going to organise your essay and what do you need to include in Task 2? You need to read the question carefully and decide what the question is asking you to do. You may need to present and support an opinion, or present the solution to a problem. The question may ask you to compare and contrast evidence and opinions, or evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or opinions.

Assessment

1. Cohesion and Coherence: ability to write a clear and organised answer that is easy for the reader to follow and understand
2. Lexical resource, or vocabulary: ability to use a range of vocabulary and expressions accurately and appropriately.
3. Grammatical range and accuracy: ability to use a range of grammar structures accurately and appropriately.
4. Ability to answer the question because each writing task requires a different type of written response, and they are marked slightly differently.

Task 1 is a description of a visual so you will be marked on task achievement, or how appropriately, accurately and relevantly you complete the task using at least 150 words. 

In Task 2, on the other hand, you need to write an academic essay, so you will be marked on your task response. Here the examiner will be looking to see how well you can make and develop your position or argument and how you support it with evidence and examples, to complete the task using at least 250 words.