IELTS Academic Writing

You will describe visual information (such as a graph, table, chart, or diagram) in your own words.

• Word count: At least 150 words.
• Time recommendation: Approximately 20 minutes.

You will be presented with a point of view, argument, or problem to discuss.

• Word count: At least 250 words.
• Time recommendation: Approximately 40 minutes.

Guidelines:

• Write in full sentences—notes or bullet points are not allowed.
• Use the answer sheet for your responses. Notes written on the question paper will not be marked.

Marking Criteria

Your responses will be assessed by certified IELTS examiners using four criteria:

1. Task Achievement (Task 1) / Task Response (Task 2):
   • Task 1: How accurately, appropriately, and relevantly you describe the visual information provided.
   • Task 2: How well you develop and support your argument, including evidence and examples, which can be based on your own experience.
2. Coherence and Cohesion:
   • Clarity, logical structure, and fluency of your writing.
   • Effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., linking words, pronouns, conjunctions).
3. Lexical Resource:
   • Range, accuracy, and appropriateness of your vocabulary.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy:
   • Variety and correctness of grammatical structures used.

Key Points

• Time Allowed: 60 minutes.
• Number of Tasks: 2.
• Marking Weight: Task 2 carries twice the weight of Task 1 in the Writing score.

By following these guidelines and focusing on the assessment criteria, you can maximise your performance in the Writing section.

What’s Involved?
In Academic Writing Task 1, you’ll be asked to describe one of the following:

• One or more graphs, charts, or tables.
• A diagram representing an object, device, process, or event.

Your goal is to summarise the key points of the visual information, focusing on the most important aspects. Minor details can be omitted. The response should be written in an academic, semi-formal, or neutral style.

Time and Word Limit:

• Spend no more than 20 minutes on this task.
• Write at least 150 words.
• Writing fewer than 150 words will result in a penalty. While you won’t lose marks for exceeding 150 words, writing a longer response may leave you less time for Task 2, which has double the weight in the Writing band score.

Important Notes:

• You will be penalised if your response:
  • Doesn’t address the topic.
  • Is not written as a cohesive piece of text (e.g., if notes or bullet points are used).
  • Includes plagiarised content.
• Write your response on the answer sheet, as notes on the question paper will not be assessed.

What Skills Are Tested?
This task evaluates your ability to provide a clear and well-structured overview of visual information while using language appropriate for the context. Depending on the task, you’ll be assessed on your ability to:

• Organise, present, and possibly compare data.
• Describe the stages of a process or procedure.
• Explain an object, event, or sequence of events.
• Clarify how something works.

How Much Do You Need to Write?
A minimum of 150 words.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure your Task 1 response is effective and meets the assessment criteria.

What’s Involved?
In Academic Writing Task 2, you’ll be given a specific topic to address. Your response should focus on the most relevant aspects of the topic and provide a thorough answer. It’s crucial to read the task carefully to ensure your writing stays on-topic. For example, if the question focuses on a specific aspect of computers, your response should address only that aspect, not the broader topic of computers in general.

Your writing should follow an academic, semi-formal, or neutral style, with ideas clearly organised and supported by relevant examples or evidence. Examples may include personal experiences, if appropriate.

Time and Word Limit:

• Spend no more than 40 minutes on this task.
• Write at least 250 words.
• Responses shorter than 250 words will result in a penalty.
• Writing more than 250 words is allowed, but overly lengthy answers can lead to:
  • Insufficient time for proofreading.
  • Inclusion of ideas that are not directly relevant to the question.
  • Unclear handwriting if rushed.

Important Notes:

• You will be penalised if:
  • Your answer doesn’t address the topic.
  • You use notes or bullet points instead of connected text.
  • Your writing includes plagiarised content.
• Write your response on the answer sheet, as notes on the question paper will not be assessed.

What Skills Are Tested?
This task evaluates your ability to write a clear, relevant, and well-structured argument while supporting your ideas with evidence or examples. You’ll be assessed on your ability to:

• Propose a solution to a problem.
• Present and justify an opinion.
• Compare and contrast evidence, opinions, and implications.
• Evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence, or arguments.

How Much Do You Need to Write?
You must write a minimum of 250 words to meet the task requirements.