Last updated on May 14th, 2023 at 09:09 pm
What is IELTS?
IELTS examination is conducted by Cambridge University combined with 2 examination bodies called BC (British Council) and IDP (International Development Program). It assesses proficiency in the English language in four modules i.e., Listening, Reading, Writing, and speaking. In this blog, I’m going to discuss the Academic writing module.
The Academic Writing test is 60 minutes long and consists of two tasks. Task 1 and task 2
IELTS Writing Task 1:
Is a description of visual information presented in a graph, table or diagram? For this task, write at least 150 words within the time limit of 20 minutes.
Writing task 1 must include Introduction, Overview and minimum two body paragraphs
READ ALSO: Common Mistakes in English [ Simple Tips ]
Let’s discuss in brief about the structure
Introduction:
In the introduction what you have to do is, paraphrase the question prompt by writing 1-2 sentences that answers the questions: What? Where? When?
Example:
The bar diagram illustrates the number of people who owned more than one mobile phone in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia from the years 2000 to 2015.
Overview:
In this part, you have to provide an overall idea of the graph. In other words, write 1-2 sentences that summarize the main features or trends like a bird’s-eye view. Use words like increasing/decreasing (for a range of dates) or more/less (for one point in time). Moreover, begin the overview with a cohesive device: Overall /, In general, / generally speaking.
Example:
Overall, between 2000 and 2015 there was an increase in the number of people owning more than one mobile phone in Saudi Arabia, and this trend is expected to continue for the next 50 years.
Body Paragraphs:
Write at least two body paragraphs that include the key features of the graph and support them with data or figures. Here, you should be selective on finding the relevant information from the graph and compare and contrast that selected 4-5 most important key features. Use statistics and dates to support the key features and add the beginning and ending figures for every key feature.
Example:
The pump price for diesel fuel in the UK has fallen from $2.27 per liter in 2012 to $1.99 per liter in 2014.
Do not explain the reasons for the data or your opinions about the data. This is a descriptive task-simply describe the data.
Example:
I think the reason why the graph shows…. X
Use linking devices to compare and contrast the ideas.
Example:
The number of women in full-time education increased between 1970-71 and 1990-91 whereas the number of men fluctuated during this time period.
Check your work:
When you finish writing, spend a few minutes, in the end, to check your grammar and spellings carefully.
In paper-based IELTS count the number of lines: 10 words/line X 15-17 lines = 150-170 words.
In computer-delivered IELTS there is a word counter on the screen.
IELTS Writing Task 2:
Academic writing task 2 is an essay written in response to an opinion or problem. For this task, write a minimum of 250 words within the time limit of 40 minutes. A framework for writing the essay constitutes an introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Before you begin writing, spend 3-4 minutes to plan your essay. Plan to write at least 4 paragraphs and plan to use a range of grammatical sentences and vocabulary. At the time of planning, first, you have to find out how many parts are there in the question that you must answer? Circle the keywords to help you. Then, decide on your position (what do you believe about the topic?) And brainstorm on your main ideas to support your position. Let’s discuss in brief about the structure
Introduction:
Introduce the topic by paraphrasing the question prompt and state your position clearly (thesis point). Then, say what your main ideas are going to be. The introduction requires 30-40 words.
Body Paragraphs:
Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence and elaborate your ideas by supporting statement and provide appropriate evidence in each paragraph. If there are 3 body paragraphs, then you have to write 60-70 words per paragraph.
Example:
Paragraph 1. Topic sentence
a. Elaborate
b. Example
c. Reasoning
Paragraph 2. Topic sentence
a. Elaborate
b. Example
c. Reasoning
Conclusion:
Summarize the main points in the essay and highlight your position. Here, be sure that no new ideas are introduced in the conclusion. It requires 40-50 words.
Do not use any kind of abbreviation (short forms) in your essay.
Example:
Don’t, etc, &…… X
Check your work:
When you finish writing, spend a few minutes, in the end, to check your grammar and spellings carefully.
In paper-based IELTS count the number of lines: 10 words/line X 25-27 lines = 250-270 words.
In computer-delivered IELTS there is a word counter on the screen.
How we can train our students to attain a good score in IELTS:
At Proper Choice Training Institute, we make sure that our students are thorough with the format of all modules and once the students are familiar with each module, we discuss which part takes longer to complete. Then work out for the possible timings with them. Moreover, we make sure that they focus on each skill in an examination point of view. For that, we are giving practice materials as homework that enables them to do in their own time as well as timed practice sessions in class under exam conditions. It is an important factor to develop their listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills as well as to give them exam practice.
For IELTS Academic writing task 1, we ensure that the students become familiar with a wide range of types of data (table, bar chart, pie chart, graph, diagram, process) and that they can quickly understand and extract the key trends and features of them. In IELTS general task 1, we provide intensive training to identify the type of letter that being asked to write, how to open and close the letter correctly, how to structure the letter, etc. Additionally, we provide plenty of practice questions and we review it in a detailed way.
For IELTS Academic and General writing task 2, we make sure that our students are aware of the appropriate level of formality and style for essays and the patterns of the order of organization for the various types of discursive writing (e.g., discussing advantages and disadvantages, evaluating evidence, giving their own opinion).
Indeed, along with all of these, we focus on the positive aspects of our students’ capabilities as well as the areas that need to be improved. In our feedback, especially on the writing tasks, we include comments on the use of arguments, ideas, and evidence, planning and organization, coherence and cohesion, communicative quality, task completion, etc.
Request for IELTS Course Preparation