IELTS Writing: Academic and General Training

The IELTS Writing module is one of the four essential sections of the IELTS exam, designed to assess your writing skills in English. The Writing test is structured differently for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, but both versions require candidates to complete two writing tasks in 60 minutes.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the IELTS Writing module, including how it works, what types of questions are included in both Academic and General Training, and how the scoring system functions.

Overview of the IELTS Writing Module

The IELTS Writing test is structured into two tasks:

Task 1: Requires candidates to write at least 150 words.

Task 2: Requires candidates to write at least 250 words.

You are expected to complete both tasks in a formal style. The topics, however, vary based on whether you are taking the Academic or General Training version of the test.

The IELTS Writing test assesses your ability to:

  • Organize and structure your ideas clearly.
  • Use a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
  • Develop and present an argument effectively.
  • Express complex ideas in a coherent manner.

Let’s dive into the specific details for Academic Writing and General Training Writing.

IELTS Academic Writing Module

The IELTS Academic Writing test is intended for those applying for higher education or professional registration. It includes two tasks:

Task 1: Report Writing

In Task 1, you are presented with a graph, chart, table, diagram, or a combination of these, and you are required to describe, summarize, or explain the visual information in your own words. You may need to compare data, explain a process, or describe how something works or changes over time.

Example questions for Task 1:

  • Describe the process of water purification shown in the diagram.
  • Summarize the information given in the bar chart showing the population growth of two countries over 20 years.

Key skills for Task 1 include:

  • Accurately summarizing key information.
  • Comparing and contrasting data.
  • Identifying trends or explaining processes.
  • Using appropriate vocabulary to describe visual information.
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Task 2: Essay Writing

In Task 2, you are asked to respond to a question by writing an essay on a given topic. This task requires you to present a clear argument, support your ideas with examples, and demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

Example questions for Task 2:

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Some people think that technology has improved the quality of life, while others believe it has caused more problems than it has solved.”

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad.

Key skills for Task 2 include:

  • Structuring your essay logically, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Presenting a coherent argument with supporting details and examples.
  • Demonstrating a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical accuracy.

IELTS General Training Writing Module

The IELTS General Training Writing test is intended for those applying for secondary education, work experience, or immigration purposes. Like the Academic test, it also includes two tasks, but the content of the tasks differs:

Task 1: Letter Writing

In Task 1, you are required to write a letter based on a given situation. The letter can be formal, semi-formal, or informal, depending on the scenario. You may be asked to write a letter of request, complaint, or explanation, among others.

Example questions for Task 1:

  • Write a letter to your landlord explaining a problem with your accommodation.
  • Write a letter to a friend who is planning to visit your city, recommending some places they should visit.

Key skills for Task 1 include:

  • Understanding the tone and style required (formal, informal, semi-formal).
  • Explaining the situation clearly and providing necessary details.
  • Using appropriate language for the type of letter (formal or informal).

Task 2: Essay Writing

Task 2 in the General Training Writing test is similar to the Academic test, requiring you to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. However, the topics in the General Training version are usually of more general interest, relevant to everyday issues and work-related scenarios.

Example questions for Task 2:

  • Some people believe that children should be given homework every day. Do you agree or disagree?
  • In some countries, people are encouraged to work past the age of 65. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Key skills for Task 2 include:

  • Presenting a well-structured essay with logical development of ideas.
  • Using clear examples to support your points.
  • Displaying a range of vocabulary and sentence structures.
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How the IELTS Writing Test Works

For both Academic and General Training, the IELTS Writing module consists of two tasks:

Task 1: Must be completed in around 20 minutes. You are expected to write at least 150 words.

Task 2: Must be completed in around 40 minutes. You are required to write at least 250 words.

You will be penalized if your response is too short, so it’s important to meet the word count requirements. You will also lose marks if your answer is off-topic or if you fail to complete both tasks.

IELTS Writing Scoring System

The IELTS Writing test is scored based on four key criteria:

Task Achievement (Task 1) / Task Response (Task 2): This criterion evaluates how well you address the question or prompt. For Task 1, it assesses how accurately you describe the information provided. For Task 2, it evaluates how well you develop and support an argument or idea.

Coherence and Cohesion: This measures your ability to organize your ideas clearly and logically, using appropriate linking words to connect your ideas and paragraphs.

Lexical Resource: This assesses the range and accuracy of your vocabulary. You should demonstrate the ability to use a wide range of words and phrases relevant to the topic.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: This evaluates your use of grammar, including sentence structure, tenses, and punctuation. You should aim to use a variety of sentence types and minimize grammatical errors.

Each of these criteria is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9, and the overall score for the Writing module is an average of the scores for each criterion.

  • Band 9: Fully operational command of the language, with no significant errors.
  • Band 8: Very good use of language, with only minor inaccuracies.
  • Band 7: Good control of the language, with occasional errors but no major miscommunications.
  • Band 6: Adequate use of language, though there may be some errors and repetition.
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Key Features of the IELTS Writing Module

Formal Writing Style: Both Task 1 and Task 2 require a formal style of writing, especially in the Academic version. Even in the General Training version, most letters will require a formal or semi-formal tone.

Word Count Requirements: It is essential to meet the word count requirement for both tasks to avoid penalties.

Time Management: You need to manage your time effectively to ensure that both tasks are completed within the 60-minute time frame.

The IELTS Writing module is a crucial part of the IELTS exam, testing your ability to write clearly, coherently, and accurately in English. Whether you are taking the IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training version, it’s important to understand the structure of the test, the types of tasks involved, and the key skills needed to succeed. By practicing regularly and focusing on organizing your ideas, improving your vocabulary, and refining your grammar, you can enhance your performance in the IELTS Writing module and achieve the band score you need.

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