IELTS - Tips for Your Writing Test
IELTS -Tips for Your Writing Test
The IELTS Writing test checks your ability to write well in English. It tests your grammar, word usage, vocabulary, usage of tenses, accuracy, coherence, language flow etc. You have the liberty to put your thoughts into words though you have to write within the word limit. You will have 60 minutes to complete the Writing section, and the two tasks should be completed within this 60 minutes. This rule stands the same for both IELTS Academic and General Tests.
Do you wish to get tips for your IELTS Writing test?
Do you know the IELTS writing test format for Academic and General Training?
You can read this blog completely if you need answers to these questions, as this blog is exclusively for the tips you may find helpful for your IELTS Writing test.
What is the IELTS Writing Test?
As mentioned above, the IELTS Writing test will have two questions that test your ability to write in English. You will get 20 minutes to complete the first question in the IELTS Academic Test. You will be given charts, diagrams, tables or graphs and will be asked to summarise or describe them based on the question asked. They should have an academic style and should be written within 150 words. For the second question, you will be given an argument or issue and will be asked to write your opinion on it within 250 words. You can take 40 minutes to complete this question.
In the General Training Test, there will again be two questions, and the first one can be completed within 150 words in 20 minutes. You will be asked to write your response to a given question, and the tone depends on the situation given. In the second question, you will be asked to write your response to a given situation or issue.
Writing Test Format - IELTS Academic
The IELTS Academic Test will have two questions, which you should attempt in a semi-formal, neutral and academic style. The questions asked will be those that can be easily understood by both Undergraduate-and-Postgraduate-level students. We have given below the type of questions you can expect. You may find it helpful to get an idea of the same.
Task 1: You will be given a chart, graph, or diagram and will be asked to summarise them. You can compare the data and can add your opinion. It is essential that you stay within the word limit of 150 words. You can take a maximum of 20 minutes to complete the task.
Task 2: You will be given a situation, issue or problem and will be asked to give your opinion on it. More weightage should be given to this task, as it contributes twice as much as the first task to the overall Writing score. You can complete the task in 250 words, taking 40 minutes.
Writing Test Format - IELTS General Training
As the name indicates, the IELTS General Training will have topics of general interest. You will have to attempt two questions. We have given a detailed description of it below for your reference.
Task 1: In the first task, you will be given a situation and will be asked to explain the situation to someone else or write a letter. The letter can be formal, semi-formal or personal. You can complete the task in 20 minutes. The word limit is 150 words.
Task 2: You will be given a problem or an issue and will be asked to write a response to it in the second task. The essay can be less formal compared to the second task in Academic Writing. The score of the second task contributes twice as much as the first task in the Writing section.
IELTS Writing Test Tips
As we promised at the beginning of the blog, we have provided a few tips that will help you score good on the IELTS Writing test. You can keep note of them so that it will benefit you during your preparation and writing. These tips are
- Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes. American, Australian and British spellings are accepted in the IELTS test.
- The last paragraph of both questions should summarise the entire idea.
- The second task in the Academic Test will be an essay. When you write an essay, always remember to give an introduction, state points with examples, and give a conclusion.
- Always be crisp and clear in your writing. You should always stay within the word limit.
- It is important to write in your own words. You should not use the words in the question as such.
- Read the question thoroughly before attempting to answer.
- It is to be kept in mind that there is no right or wrong answer in the IELTS Writing Test. You will get scores on how you express your views.
- You will lose marks if you go well beyond the word limit.
- You should write your answers only in paragraph form. You should never write in bullet form.
- For the first task in the Academic Writing Test, you should compare the data given in the graphs or diagrams. It is important to be factual.
- It is always better to plan what you are writing. You can spend the first five minutes on this.
- Do not mix singular and plural forms in your writing.
We hope to have covered all the necessary information in this blog. You can reach out to AECC’s expert counsellors to get detailed information regarding the IELTS test. AECC has some of India’s best IELTS coaching centres. You can even attend our coaching sessions so that you score your best.
AECC has been assisting students in studying in top study-abroad destinations since 2008. You can contact us if you need expert guidance on any step of studying abroad. From university applications to visa guidance, we offer help on every step of your journey. Don’t hesitate to contact us!
FAQs - IELTS Tips for Your Writing Test
You can do well in the IELTS Writing Test by attempting sample questions, finding ways to improve your vocabulary, and learning a few tips.
