IELTS Academic Writing

The IELTS Academic Writing Test has two tasks that evaluate your ability to present information, explain data, and express and justify opinions. You are expected to complete both tasks within 60 minutes. Below is an overview of each task:

Task 1: Report Writing

Purpose: To describe, summarize, or explain visual data or information.

• Time: Recommended 20 minutes.
• Word Count: At least 150 words.
• Question Types:
• Charts: Bar, Pie, Line, or Column.
• Tables: Numerical data.
• Diagrams: Processes, cycles, or mechanisms (e.g., life cycles, production processes).
• Maps: Comparisons of changes in a location over time.

Skills Assessed:

• Analyzing data.
• Summarizing trends.
• Comparing and contrasting.
• Describing changes or stages.

Key Requirements:

• Maintain an objective tone (no opinions).
• Focus on main trends and key details.
• Use clear and concise academic language.

Task 2: Essay Writing

Purpose: To present an argument, solution, or opinion in response to a specific question.

• Time: Recommended 40 minutes.
• Word Count: At least 250 words.

Question Types:

• Opinion Essays: Agree or disagree with a statement.
• Discussion Essays: Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Problem-Solution Essays: Describe a problem and propose solutions.
• Advantages-Disadvantages Essays: Evaluate pros and cons of a situation.
• Direct Questions: Respond to two or more specific questions.

Skills Assessed:

• Logical structuring of ideas.
• Presenting clear and supported arguments.
• Using formal and varied academic language.
• Managing paragraph coherence and cohesion.

Key Requirements:

• Address all parts of the question.
• Write in a formal tone.
• Support arguments with examples or reasons.
• Maintain a clear introduction, body, and conclusion structure.

Assessment Criteria for Both Tasks

The IELTS Writing tasks are evaluated on four criteria:

Task Achievement/Response:

• Task 1: Accurate description and coverage of the data.
• Task 2: Full response to the question with relevant points.

Coherence and Cohesion:

• Logical flow of ideas.
• Use of linking words and paragraphing.

Lexical Resource:

• Range and accuracy of vocabulary.
• Appropriate word choice for formal writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy:

• Correct use of grammar and sentence structures.
• Variety in sentence types (simple, compound, complex).

General Tips for IELTS Academic Writing

• Practice time management: Spend less than 20 minutes on Task 1 to ensure ample time for Task 2, which has more weight in scoring.
• Plan before writing: Spend 2-3 minutes outlining your main points.
• Stick to the word count: Aim for 10-20 words above the minimum.
• Proofread: Reserve 2-3 minutes to check grammar, spelling, and clarity.