Thursday, January 26, 2012

Overview – IELTS Writing


Over the coming weeks, I will look at how the different parts of the test are marked, but to start with, I will continue with just giving an overview of the various parts of the test.  Today, we look at the IELTS writing test.

Overview – IELTS Writing


There are two versions of the writing test and both versions have two parts. There is a general training module and an academic module.

Both versions of the test have two parts and you have one hour in which to complete the writing part of the test. The two parts of the writing test are:

  • Task 1 – a shorter task – write at least 150 words in 20 minutes
  • Task 2 – a longer task (essay) – write at least 250 words in 40 minutes
Candidates therefore choose the Academic Module or the General Training Module.

General Training Writing Module

General Training Part 1 – Part one of the general training will be to write a letter to another person and you will be expected to write at least 150 words in around twenty minutes.  You will be told what kind of person you are writing to and what information should be included in your answer.

Example of General Training Task 1:
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You are at college and have to share a room another student. This situation is however, causing you many problems and you find it very difficult to work.

Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In the letter,

·         describe the situation
·         explain the problems and why they make it difficult for you to work
·         say what other kind of accommodation would be better

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam


General Training Part 2 – the second part requires the writing of an essay in around 40 minutes of 250 or more words. The question is not normally as difficult as the academic question but it still requires the writing of an essay.

Example of General Training Task 2: 
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In some countries, when someone starts to get old they often go to live in a home with other old people where there are people to look after them.

Who do you think should pay for this care, the government or the family?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words


Academic Writing Module

Academic Module Part 1 – Part one of the Academic module will expect you to write at least 150 words in around twenty minutes. You will be given a graph or some other type of picture showing data of some sort for you to analyse and present the information in a report.  The data could be a line graph, bar chart, pie chart, table, process diagram, or it could even be a map showing past, present and future aspects of a town or area.

Example of Academic Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The table below shows different recruitment method used by UK companies to find new staff in two different years.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and  make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words




Academic Module Part 2 – This is the most difficult part of the writing test and you need to be able to write a minimum for 250 words in 40 minutes. Please note that the 250 words is a minimum and if you need a higher level score (a score of 7 or above) it will not be enough and a much longer and more detailed answer will be required.

Example of Academic Task 2:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic.

Road transport is increasing in almost every country in the world. In some countries there are more cars than there are people. Some people think that relying on cars is a negative development and that other alternative forms of transport should be encouraged.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words

In future blogs, I will look at how candidates get their scores and what you can do to get the best score possible. We will also look in more detail at some of the writing tasks!

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