Ielts Writing Exam Tips

IELTS Academic Writing Structure 2 pieces of writing, 60 minutes in total. Task 1, candidates are presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and are asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in their own words. They may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event. Task 2, candidates are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem.

IELTS Academic Writing Strategies 1. Don't start writing immediately - think and plan! You will have one hour to write the two papers. You should allocate 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2. You should use the question paper to make some notes before you start to write the report/essay. Allocate five of your 20 minutes for planning for Task 1. Allocate up to ten minutes of your 40 minutes for planning for Task 2. Allow time at the end of each task to check for errors. 2. Make sure you answer the question Read the question carefully and underline all the information you need to include and then make sure you answer the question as it is written. 25% of your mark is on Task Achievement. You are required to address all parts of the question in the task. For Task 1, all the information you need to include is in the chart/graph/table; make sure you identify the key points before you start writing. Look for the main trends and comparisons. Do not describe the detail but make a fully developed response. Do not use the data to form opinions or ideas. This is a descri ptive task only. For Task 2, you will need to develop your own position and viewpoint based on any background information given and on your own experiences and knowledge.

3. Use clear paragraphs The examiner will be looking at the organisation and structure of your work. 25% of the marks will be for coherence and cohesion, which means clear paragraphing and sequencing the information logically. The examiner will expect to see clearly separated paragraphs with paragraph one an introduction and the last paragraph a conclusion or summary. For Task 1 use three paragraphs as a rule, maybe four. For task 2 use four paragraphs as a rule but 5 may at times be required.

4. Ensure you write at least the number of words required Task 1 requires a MINIMUM of 150 words. Ideally aim for 170 to 190. Task 2 requires a MINIMUM of 250 words. Ideally aim for around 270 to 290. Don't write too many words as this will waste your time.

5. Learn to recognise how many words 150 and 250 looks like This will avoid you wasting your time counting them in the exam.

6. Do not copy any phrases from the question You will receive no marks for any phrases copied from the question. The examiner will ignore this text. In addition, the copied text will probably be deducted from the word count and may leave you with fewer words than the minimum required meaning you haven't achieved the task.

7. Use formal language You must use formal language for tasks 1 and 2. However, this does not mean you should try to use over complex language. Keep it straightforward. This means using fewer contractions and phrasal verbs than in spoken English. Do not use slang.

8. Pay attention to grammar, vocabulary, collocations and spelling Ensure you use a wide range of grammar structures and sophisticated vocabulary and lexis. You will lose marks for incorrect spelling. Remember to use collocations, for example: a fundamental problem, a complex issue, addressing the problem, experiencing difficulties, significant improvements, gradual decline/increase, extensive research and so on. You will lose marks for bad spelling and incorrect word order.

9. 'Signpost' your essays. Task 1 Introduce the essay with a descri ption of the data. For example: "The graph shows data regarding people's TV viewing habits by social class from 2004 to 2014." Finish with a general summary statement or result of the data in the graph/chart, such as: "The last decade has clearly seen a significant shift in viewing habits away from broadcast towards Internet TV viewing across all social classes and particularly for the middle classes". Task 2 This question will ask for your opinion or position such as: "do you agree with.." State your position clearly in your introduction and then summarise again in the conclusion. For the introduction use lexis such as: "In my opinion.." or "I (strongly) believe that." to signpost your opinion. Show that the last paragraph is your summary. Start it with phrases such as: "In conclusion." or "In summary." to signpost that it's the conclusion.

10. Remember that the IELTS is a language exam The point of the IELTS writing task exercise is to show the examiner your abilities in the English language in grammar, lexis, structure, and task achievement and your ability to answer the question correctly. You will receive no marks for original ideas or for demonstrating an extensive knowledge of the subject area.