IELTS - Academic Writing Section
The IELTS Writing Section is the third part of the test and comprises of two essay questions, in which you have 60 minutes to complete. Topics are suited for test takers such as those entering undergraduate and postgraduate studies, or the job seekers.
Writing Detailed Description
There are 2 essays which you will have to write.
| Part | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | Essay 1 – You will be presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event. | About 20 minutes (150 words) |
| Task 2 | Essay 2 – You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. Responses to both tasks must be in a formal style. | About 40 minutes (250 words) |
Writing Task 1 - Essay Details
In the first writing question you will be assessed on your ability to identify and write an essay about the most important and relevant information and trends found in one (or two) of the following:
- Graph
- Table
- Chart
- Diagram
In your essay, you are to:
Look at the diagram(s) provided and write an essay summarizing data in the content provided.
You maybe asked to combine the most important ideas of 2 graphs, tables, charts or diagrams.
You are to write a formal writing style, using complete sentences to convey your ideas.
Do not use slang, and ensure your punctuation is fully correct.
Marking Scheme
Your score will also be closely related to your writing style.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Score | Task 1 is weighted less than Task 2, and is the small essay task. |
| Time | It is advised to spend only 20 minutes of your time on Task 1 (40 minutes on Task 2). |
| Content | You will receive marks based on accurately writing on the key points, along with minor points. Solutions which are off-topic, unrelated, inconsequential or incorrect will be penalized. |
| Length | Your essay should be at least 150 words. Answers which are too short will be penalized. Long answers will not be penalized. |
| Writing Style | Your essay should be organized, linking your ideas into sentences and logical sequencing. |
| Vocabulary | Your essay will also be affected by vocabulary usage: the complexity and range of words and the accuracy used in the essay. |
| Grammar | Essays with poor grammar and errors will be penalized. Using complex sentence structures correctly and appropriately will allow you to have the highest score. |
Writing Task 2 - Essay Details
In the second essay you will be given a specific topic to write about in an academic, formal, or semi-formal writing style. You should carefully read the question and provide a full and relevant response. General responses not giving specific arguments in your essay, will not score high on content
This task assesses your ability to demonstrate a clear, relevant, well-organised argument, giving evidence or examples to support ideas and use language accurately.
In your essay, you are to:
Write a well thought out essay which should focus on good main points.
You are to write a formal writing style, using complete sentences to convey your ideas.
Do not use slang, and ensure your punctuation is fully correct.
Marking Scheme
Your score will also be closely related to your writing style.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Score | Task 2 is weighted more than Task 1. You should ensure this task is written well, in order for a high writing score. |
| Time | It is advised to spend only 40 minutes of your time on Task 2 (20 minutes on Task 1). |
| Content | You will receive marks based on accurately writing on the key points, along with minor points. Solutions which are off-topic, unrelated, inconsequential or incorrect will be penalized. |
| Length | Your essay should be at least 150 words. Answers which are too short will be penalized. Long answers will not be penalized. |
| Writing Style | Your essay should be organized, linking your ideas into sentences and logical sequencing. |
| Vocabulary | Your essay will also be affected by vocabulary usage: the complexity and range of words and the accuracy used in the essay. |
| Grammar | Essays with poor grammar and errors will be penalized. Using complex sentence structures correctly and appropriately will allow you to have the highest score. |