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IELTS Writing Test
Assessing your English writing skills
In IELTS Writing test, you will write two essays to respond to two different tasks. These tasks are called IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2.
In the first essay called Task 1, you need to write 150 words. While in the second essay, also known as Task 2, you should write minimum of 250 words which is longer than the first IELTS task. Overall, you have to complete the test in 60 minutes time.
This exam aims to assess your ability to express opinions or explain a point in the form of written English essays. It will examine your language proficiency level with 4 standards:
1. The first is Task Achievement, which will look how relevant your response is to a task or even develop more insights to the topic.
2. Secondly, Coherence and Cohesion, which is the level of your success in using a coherent and cohesive sentence structure so that it can be well understood.
3. There is also Lexical Resources, which examines your writing style and variety of vocabularies.
4. The last category is Grammatical Range and Accuracy, this assesses your usage of grammar. Try to show a wide range of tenses and keep it precise.
The difference between writing test in IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training modules can be seen on the type of questions. Each module has a different purpose of assessment. The Academic module examines your ability to write academically, such as for studying abroad, hence the topic would be deeper. Whereas the General Training module will evaluate your ability to write for more general purposes. More information can be found in the following:
IELTS Writing Task 1
In the Academic module’s Task 1, you will get a question based on a chart image of a specific topic. Here you should write a descriptive essay to explain the chart. The chart can be a bar chart, line chart, pie chart, table, map, and process diagrams about how something work or how something is done. You will need to write about the main points of the chart, analyze trends or changes that occur, compare data, or explain the process that took place. Whereas in the General training module, you must write a letter according to the instructions. For example, if you have been instructed to write informally, do not write in the style of formal writing. You should ideally complete Task 1 should within 20 minutes. This is because the essay is minimum of only 150 words in length, and if you are too focused in writing task 1 essay, you will lose time to move on to the next task.
IELTS Writing Task 2
The Task 2 essay in Academic writing test is in the form of discursive text, which should contain your opinion, along with a strong conclusion.
To show your ability to write academically, write this second IELTS task in formal English style. On the test day, you will be assigned to can write an essay of opinions, discussion, advantage and disadvantage comparation, direct question, or solutions.
For General Training module, the question and the topics tend to be simpler.
Please note that Task 2 requires you to write 250 words, which is longer than Task 1. The assessment in Task 2 also weighs more. Therefore, make sure you finish both your essays within 40 minutes.
To make it clearer, check out the video from IELTS Essentials IDP channel that gives the essential tips on IELTS Writing Task 2:
There is a slight difference between the writing test in IELTS Computer-delivered or IELTS on Computer, compared to IELTS Paper-based. Check out the differences below:
Writing Test in paper-based IELTS
If you take paper-based IELTS, you must follow some rules that apply to all modules:
You should not open the question paper until you are told to do so,
You must write your name and candidate number on top of the page,
You must answer each question and follow the instructions carefully,
You should not skip a task or write under the minimum word limits. You can get penalized if you do this.
Your essay must be written on your answer sheet using a pencil or pen,
You must complete all the questions within the specified time.
Make sure your hand writing is clear and legible.
-Click here to download Paper-based IELTS Academic Reading sample questions
-Click here to download Paper-based IELTS General Training sample questions
Writing Test in computer-based IELTS
If you are taking Computer-based IELTS Test Or , you can simply type your essay using the computer in front of you. Sitting IELTS Writing test on computer has some additional benefits that can make a more comfortable experience. For example, the word count feature to help you count the number of words, and the timer feature to make time allocations easier between Task 1 and Task 2. Typing your essays instead of writing it can also be an advantageous alternative to avoid less readable handwriting.
Follow the instructions and make sure you write it correctly, without any misspelling or wrong capitalization.
To see how of IELTS Writing test is conducted on computer, watch the following video:
Your Writing test will follow your Listening and Reading exam without any break. As a requirement for Listening, Reading, And Writing IELTS Test, you must bring the same passport/national identification card as the one you use in the IELTS application form. The same document will also be used to test Speaking.