IELTS Writing Preparation
- Details
- Written by IELTS Mentor
The original IELTS writing task lasts for 60 minutes and a candidate has to finish two tasks within that time. It is suggested that a candidate should spend about 20 minutes on task 1 and about 40 minutes on task 2. In IELTS writing task 1, a candidate is required to write at least 150 words and in task 2 at least 250 words.
The IELTS writing test varies depending on whether a candidate is taking Academic IELTS test or General Training (GT) IELTS test.
IELTS Academic Writing:
There are two tasks in IELTS Academic Writing test. Task 1 and Task 2.
In Academic IELTS writing Task 1, all candidates are asked to describe information presented in a single or multiple graph / table / chart / diagram etc. and to present the description in their own words. Candidates are required to write at least 150 words in task 1.
In task 1, depending on the type of input and the task suggested, candidates are assessed on their ability to:
• Organise, present and possibly compare data
• Describe the stages of a process or procedure
• Describe an object or event or sequence of events
• Explain how something works
In Task 2 candidates are presented with a point of view or argument or problem. Candidates are required to write at least 250 words in task 2 and they are assessed on their ability to:
• Present the solution to a problem
• Present and justify an opinion
• Compare and contrast evidence, opinions and implications
• Evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or an argument
The issues raised on both of the tasks are of general interest and suitable for and easily understood by candidates entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration.
IELTS General Training Writing:
There are two tasks in General Training Writing test. Task 1 and Task 2.
In Task 1 candidates are asked to respond to a given problem with a letter requesting information or explaining a situation.
Depending on the task suggested, candidates are assessed on their ability to:
• Engage in personal correspondence
• Elicit and provide general factual information
• Express needs, wants, likes and dislikes
• Express opinions (views, complaints etc.)
In Task 2 candidates are presented with a point of view or argument or problem. Candidates are assessed on their ability to:
• Provide general factual information
• Outline a problem and present a solution
• Present and possibly justify an opinion, assessment or hypothesis
• Present and possibly evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence and argument
The topics are of general interest and it makes no difference what subjects candidates study.
Marking and Assessment of the Writing tasks both for Academic and GT IELTS:
Each task is assessed independently. The assessment of Task 2 carries double weight in marking than Task 1. Writing responses are assessed by certificated IELTS examiners. All IELTS examiners hold relevant teaching qualifications and are recruited as examiners by the test centres and approved by British Council or IDP: IELTS Australia. Detailed performance descriptors have been developed which describe written performance at the nine IELTS bands. Public versions of these descriptors are available on the IELTS website. The descriptors apply to both the Academic and General Training Modules and are based on the following criteria.
Task 1 responses are assessed on:
• Task Achievement
• Coherence and Cohesion
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Task 2 responses are assessed on:
• Task Response
• Coherence and Cohesion
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Task Achievement of Task 1:
This criterion assesses how appropriately, accurately and relevantly the response fulfils the requirements set out in the task, using the minimum of 150 words. Academic Writing Task 1 is a writing task which has a defined input and a largely predictable output. It is basically an information-transfer task which relates narrowly to the factual content of an input diagram and not to speculate explanations that lie outside the given data.
General Training Writing Task 1 is also a writing task with a largely predictable output in that each task sets out the context and purpose of the letter and the functions the candidate should cover in order to achieve this purpose.
Coherence and Cohesion:
This criterion is concerned with the overall clarity and fluency of the message: how the response organises and links information, ideas and language. Coherence refers to the linking of ideas through logical sequencing. Cohesion refers to the varied and appropriate use of cohesive devices (for example, logical connectors, pronouns and conjunctions) to assist in making the conceptual and referential relationships between and within sentences clear. Lexical Resource This criterion refers to the range of vocabulary the candidate has used and the accuracy and appropriateness of that use in terms of the specific task. Grammatical Range and Accuracy This criterion refers to the range and accurate use of the candidate’s grammatical resource as manifested in the candidate’s writing at the sentence level.
Task Response for Task 2:
In both Academic and General Training Modules Task 2 requires the candidates to formulate and develop a position in relation to a given prompt in the form of a question or statement. Ideas should be supported by evidence, and examples may be drawn from the candidates’ own experience. Responses must be at least 250 words in length. Scripts under the required minimum word limit will be penalised. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.
» Click here if you want to prepare for Academic IELTS Writing.
» Click here if you want to prepare for General Training IELTS Writing.
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