Is writing not an area of your expertise? But what if you can ace an IELTS writing test effortlessly even if you’re not a pro? Today, let’s analyse the writing test in-depth and equip you with the tips and tricks you need to crack the test. This blog will focus on the writing section of the IELTS, specifically, the IELTS general writing task 1 and the IELTS academic writing task 2.
IELTS General Writing
IELTS General Writing is a turning point for people who want to work, study or migrate to an English-speaking country. It is a widely accepted test that assesses a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English in real-life situations. The test consists of two tasks: Writing Task 1, which requires candidates to write a letter or report based on a given prompt, and Writing Task 2, which requires candidates to write an essay in response to a given prompt. The tasks evaluate a wide range of writing skills, including vocabulary, grammar, and coherence. The candidates should be familiar with the format and requirements of each task to pass the test. One should also practise writing in different styles, such as formal and informal letters, reports, and persuasive, argumentative, and descriptive essays.
IELTS General Writing Task 1
The IELTS General Writing Task 1 is a formal letter-writing task. In this task, candidates write a letter addressing the situation they get. The letter can be intended to serve varied purposes, such as making a complaint, giving advice, or requesting information. The candidate should write the letter in a formal tone and look into proper usage of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. The letter should be at least 150 words long, and the duration is 20 minutes.
IELTS General Writing Task 2
In this task, candidates will receive a topic related to a subject in the general field and are required to write an essay expressing their opinion on the same. The essay should have a clear, logical and coherent flow. The task assesses a wide range of writing skills, including the candidate’s ability to present an argument clearly, use appropriate vocabulary and grammar, and organise ideas effectively. The essay should be at least 250 words in length and should only take 40 minutes to complete. It’s important to note that Task 2 carries more weight than Task 1 in the General IELTS.
IELTS Academic Writing
The IELTS Academic Writing section gauges a candidate’s ability to use and understand the English language in an academic setting. This section requires candidates to write two essays, one in the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 and one in the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2. The grades are on a scale of 0 to 9.
Task 1
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 evaluates a person’s writing skills. It is one of the two writing tasks in the academic version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. The task requires test takers to describe, summarise, or explain data, such as a graph, chart, table or diagram. Writing Task 1 usually lasts for 20 minutes, and test takers should write a minimum of 150 words. The task checks a wide range of writing skills, including the test taker’s ability to understand and interpret data, use proper grammar, and arrange ideas effectively. The task is scored based on the candidate’s ability to describe the key features of the data, use appropriate grammatical structures and vocabulary, and present the information precisely.
Task 2
The IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 is specifically meant for candidates who are planning to study or work in an academic setting. In this task, candidates are given a topic related to a subject in the academic field to write an essay expressing their opinion. The essay should be clear and concise, and should also have a flow. The word limit for this task is 250 words in length and should only take 40 minutes to complete.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics
Task 2 typically presents a variety of topics, including:
- Social issues (e.g. crime, poverty, education)
- Environmental issues (e.g. pollution, deforestation, conservation)
- Economic issues (e.g. unemployment, trade, globalisation)
- Political issues (e.g. democracy, freedom, human rights)
- Technological issues (e.g. internet, mobile phones, artificial intelligence)
- Transportation (e.g. cars, public transportation, traffic)
- Health and Medicine (e.g. obesity, mental health, medical treatments)
- Lifestyle (e.g. work-life balance, leisure time, consumerism)
- Education (e.g. school, university, vocational training)
- Ethics and morality (e.g. honesty, responsibility, respect)
It’s important to note that Task 2 prompts are generally more abstract and require a more analytical approach. It requires examinees to give their opinion and provide reasons and examples to support their arguments.
FAQs
1. How can I practise writing for IELTS?
To practise writing for IELTS, you can: Write essays on various topics, review sample essays, practice under timed conditions, get feedback from a teacher/tutor, use online resources, read widely, familiarise yourself with common topics, and practice writing in English regularly.
2. Is 10 days enough to prepare for IELTS?
Ten days can be sufficient to prepare for IELTS if you are already familiar with the test format and have a good command of the English language. With a focused and dedicated approach, you can use these 10 days to brush up on your skills, practice sample questions and make the most of the time available to you.
3. Why is IELTS writing so difficult?
Writing may seem challenging at first, but it only tests your ability to express yourself clearly and effectively in written English. With practice and the right approach, you can develop the skills necessary to perform well on the writing portion of the test. The key is to be familiar with the test format, understand the requirements for each task and practice writing in a way that demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively in English.
4. How can I get a 9 in IELTS writing?
To achieve a score of 9, you should practise writing on various topics, familiarise yourself with the test format, use a wide range of vocabulary, use advanced grammar structures, and get your writing reviewed by an IELTS expert.
Thank you for reading this blog on ‘How To Crack the IELTS Writing Test Like A Pro’. If you wish to learn more about the procedures for studying/working abroad, do check out these blogs:
- 8 Most-Recommended Grammar Books For IELTS
- IELTS Score Validity | A Comprehensive Guide
- 8 Best Books For IELTS General Training For A Perfect Score
Get Personalised Counselling Expert
1 thought on “Top PGDM Courses In Canada: Universities, Specialisations & Eligibility”
I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further