How to Prepare For IELTS Writing | Writing for Academic IELTS PDF Download

There are four sections that make up the IELTS Academic and General tests: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Writing section is the third you’ll complete and is split into two separate but similar tasks.

IELTS Writing Exam Pattern

IELTS Academic Test

The IELTS Academic test is designed for individuals entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies, as well as those seeking professional registration. Here are some things to keep in mind when writing an IELTS Academic test:

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

• Bar chart
• Line graph
• Pie Chart
• Table Diagram

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2

It is an essay-writing task where you are given a topic and asked to present and support your opinion on the matter in approximately 250 words. In the IELTS Writing Task 2, questions typically fall into these categories:

• Agree/Disagree
• Discussion
• Cause & Solution
• Direct Question

You should demonstrate your ability to develop coherent arguments, provide examples, and organize your thoughts effectively. 

IELTS General Test

The IELTS General test is designed if you wish to migrate to an English-speaking country, (e.g. Australia, Canada, New Zealand,

UK) or if you wish to train or study at below degree level.

IELTS General Writing Task 1

In this task, you'll be required to write a letter based on a given situation in 150 words under 20 minutes. There are three types of letters you might be asked to write:

• Formal Letter: This could be a letter to a business, government agency, or someone you don't know personally. For example, a letter of complaint, application, or requesting information.
• Semi-formal Letter:This might be a letter to a colleague, friend, or acquaintance. For instance, an invitation, giving advice, or making arrangements.
• Informal Letter: This is a letter to a friend or family member, where you can use a more casual tone. It could be about sharing news, telling a story, or giving updates.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2

You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The essay can be slightly more personal in style compared to an Academic Writing task. You will support your point of view with relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.

Both tasks are graded based on several criteria, including Task Achievement, Task Response, Coherence, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Lexical Resource. It is important to familiarize yourself with these criteria to understand how your writing will be evaluated.

Preparation Tips for IELTS Writing Section

Preparing for the IELTS Writing section requires consistent and dedicated effort. Here are some tips to help you effectively prepare for this section:

• Start Early: Begin your preparations for the IELTS exam at least three months before your intended test date. This will allow you ample time to practice and improve your writing skills.
• Practice Regularly: Set aside time each day to practice writing on various topics. Focus on improving your vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. Use IELTS practice materials, such as sample questions and model answers, to guide your practice.
• Analyze Sample Essays: Read and analyze sample essays to understand the structure, style, and language used in high-scoring responses. Pay attention to how arguments are developed, examples are provided, and ideas are organized.
• Expand Your Vocabulary: Work on expanding your vocabulary by learning new words and phrases. Use a variety of resources, such as vocabulary books, online word lists, and flashcards, to enhance your word bank.
• Develop Time Management Skills: As the IELTS Writing section has time constraints, practice writing within the allocated time for each task. This will help you improve your speed and ensure that you complete both tasks within the given timeframe.
• Seek Feedback: Ask a teacher, tutor, or study partner to provide feedback on your writing. They can help you identify areas for improvement and provide valuable suggestions to enhance your writing skills.
• Read Widely: Read a variety of English texts, including newspapers, magazines, and academic articles, to expose yourself to different writing styles and improve your understanding of complex ideas.
• Revise and Edit: Always allocate time for revising and editing your writing. Check for grammar errors, spelling mistakes, and sentence structure issues. Ensure that your ideas flow logically and coherently.
• Practice Task 1 and Task 2 Separately: Dedicate separate practice sessions for Task 1 and Task 2 to focus on the specific requirements of each task. This will help you become familiar with the different writing styles and techniques needed for each task.
• Simulate Exam Conditions: When practising, recreate exam-like conditions by timing yourself and writing under similar constraints. This will help you build confidence and improve your performance on the actual test day.

IELTS Writing Test Tips

• Perform a thorough analysis of assigned tasks and quickly prepare the answers mentally
• Divide your time smartly, 20 minutes for task 1, and 40 minutes for the task (as it is lengthier and carries more marks)
• Try to write over 150 words for task 1 and over 250 for task 2
• Avoid repetition of ideas, phrases, and words
• Ensure that you write a conclusion for task 2
• Write precise, relevant answers. Avoid writing long paragraphs and sentences
• Use active voice. Avoid writing in the passive voice
• Do not submit without a thorough revision and proofreading

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the best way to improve my vocabulary for the IELTS Writing section?
Ans: To improve your vocabulary, read extensively and make a note of new words. Use flashcards or vocabulary apps to practice and revise regularly.

Q2: How can I improve my grammar for the IELTS Writing section?
Ans: Practice grammar exercises, read English grammar books, and seek feedback from teachers or tutors to improve your grammar skills.

Q3: What is the recommended word count for Task 1 and Task 2 in the IELTS Writing section?
Ans: Word count is a crucial aspect of the IELTS Writing section, and meeting the required word limits is essential to avoid potential score deductions. For Task 1, you have to write a minimum of 150 words, ensuring that you provide enough detail to fulfill the task's requirements. Similarly, for Task 2, a minimum of 250 words is required to adequately develop your arguments and ideas. Writing below these word counts will lead to a decrease in your overall score due to incomplete responses. Therefore, adhering to the specified word limits is vital for showcasing your writing abilities effectively in both tasks.

Q4: Can I use bullet points or subheadings in my essays for the IELTS Writing section?
Ans: No, the IELTS Writing section requires you to write in full sentences and paragraphs. Bullet points and subheadings are not recommended for this section.

Q5: Where can I find additional practice materials for the IELTS Writing section?
Ans: EduRev provides quality study material, practice questions, and sample essays for IELTS preparation. Utilize their resources to enhance your practice and improve your writing skills.