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

IELTS Writing Exam Pattern

To excel in the IELTS Writing section, it is essential to understand the exam pattern. The IELTS Writing test consists of two tasks that must be completed within one hour.

1. IELTS Writing Task 1 
   Academic - requires you to analyze and describe visual information, such as graphs, charts, tables, or diagrams, in approximately 150 words. You need to provide a clear and concise summary of the information presented.
   General - 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:
   (i) 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.
   (ii) Semi-formal Letter: This might be a letter to a colleague, friend, or acquaintance. For instance, an invitation, giving advice, or making arrangements.
   (iii) 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.
2. IELTS Writing Task 2 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. You should demonstrate your ability to develop coherent arguments, provide examples, and organize your thoughts effectively.
   
   IELTS Academic
   
   IELTS General
   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.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: What to Expect

• You already know the basics, so let's explain what to expect in the first task of the writing section. There might be challenges, but we have a plan to tackle them.
• The challenges of IELTS Writing Task 1 include quickly analyzing data to identify the subject. It can sometimes be like a guessing game or involve unfamiliar topics. However, you won't fail if you use basic logic, even without specific knowledge.

Tip: If you're unsure about the diagram's topic, imagine it's about something you know.
You don't need professional-level descriptions. Often, the necessary words are already in the picture; you just need to analyze and structure your answer. Still, it's good to learn IELTS writing task 1 vocabulary.

• While it's not an essay, your writing should have a basic structure with an introduction and main body. There might be a conclusion too, depending on your question.
• This task usually involves predictable types of graphics, like pie charts or graphs. Practice writing descriptions for each type to notice the small differences. For example, processes have a specific chronology, and describing pie charts may include predicting future changes in the presented statistics.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Structure

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, questions typically fall into these categories:

1. Agree/Disagree
2. Discussion
3. Cause & Solution
4. Direct Question

• Now, let's review some basics of the IELTS essay structure for this task. An average essay includes an introduction, main body, and conclusion. In the introduction, present the context and a thesis statement. In the conclusion, restate the thesis and summarize key points from the main body.
• To make the most of the topic and questions, paraphrase the bold statement in your exam booklet into a strong thesis statement. Use synonyms for a unique sentence. For example:

Original Topic: Today, the air is polluted, especially in big cities, which increases the risk of lung cancer among residents.

Paraphrased Thesis: In recent years, air contamination in cities has become a factor affecting the likelihood of lung cancer.

• Use the questions in the task for the main body paragraphs, answering each in separate paragraphs.
• Formulating the conclusion becomes easier if you've written a solid introduction.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: Tips

The second task is IELTS essay writing, a bit more challenging than the first. Stress from the previous task can affect your performance, but there's a trick to help.

Tip: While practising, try to write two tasks in a row. This will reduce stress during exam.

This assignment needs you to grasp the basics of IELTS Writing Task 2 structure. Focus not only on content but also on the composition's outline. Typically, it includes a statement and two questions. Get used to this flow so that each time you approach the task, you know how to structure it.

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 practicing, 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 General Writing Tips

By now, we have covered almost all specific tips and tricks for the Writing section of the IELTS exam. However, there are some more universal recommendations on boosting your performance that we would like to share with you.

Resources You Can Use to Prepare for the IELTS Exam

To enhance your preparation for the IELTS Writing section, utilize a combination of offline and online resources. Here are some recommended resources:

Offline Resources/Books:

• "The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS"
• "Target Band 7: IELTS Academic"
• "Cambridge IELTS 11 Self-Study Pack"

Online Resources:

• The British Council website offers a wide range of study materials, including sample questions, practice tests, and tips for each section of the IELTS exam.
• The official Cambridge University Press website offers additional practice materials and resources.
• The EduRev app offers comprehensive IELTS practice content, including a diverse range of sample essays and letters, enabling candidates to hone their writing skills and excel in the exam.
  
  In addition to these resources, consider using podcasts and online forums dedicated to IELTS preparation to further enhance your knowledge and understanding of the exam.

IELTS Writing Sample Questions For Reference

To get a better understanding of the types of questions you may encounter in the IELTS Writing section, here are some sample questions for both Task 1 and Task 2:

Task 1:

• Describe the changes in the population of a city over a period of time based on a line graph.
• Summarize the information presented in a pie chart showing the distribution of household expenses.
• Compare the sales figures of two different products based on a bar graph.

Task 2:

• Some people believe that the government should invest more in public transportation to reduce traffic congestion. Do you agree or disagree? Support your opinion with relevant examples.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using technology in education. Provide examples to support your arguments.
• In many countries, young people are leaving rural areas to study or work in cities. What are the reasons for this trend? What effects can this have on rural communities?

Remember, these are just examples, and the actual questions in the exam may differ. Practice with a variety of sample questions to familiarize yourself with different topics and question formats.

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.