IELTS Writing Tips

IELTSWriting components of the International English Language Testing System exam (IELTS) are designed to evaluate how appropriately you write a response, accurately use vocabulary and grammar, and organize ideas. IELTS exams comprise two tasks which students must respond to in an hour as perfect essay writers.

The first task requires candidates to provide a written response on a subject of their choice. For example, you may decide to write a film analysis essay which describes, explains, or summarizes visual information such as tables, diagrams, or graphs. The second task requires response to a problem, argument, or point of view while discursively considering the issues that matter. The answers you provide must be relevant to the topic at hand.

Students often dread the IELTS writing test. The feeling is understandable as writing is not an easy task. Additionally, you cannot self-study and know your progress as it can only be determined by an instructor. Also, some students are not confident concerning their mastery of English. They become anxious as they wonder how to incorporate correct grammar, vocabulary and cohesiveness into properly constructed sentences. Even native English speakers experience these challenges.

Fortunately, with sufficient IELTS writing preparation and practice, you can pass this test. The following tips are designed to assist you in preparing for and passing the exam.

Word count

Your first task requires you to write a response of not less than 150 words. The second task requires a written response of not less than 250 words. Make sure your responses meet the basic length criteria for these 2 tasks.  Failure to do so guarantees you will lose marks.

While there is no finite upper limit set you should nonetheless aim for a specific range such as 160-200 for the first task and 260-300 for the second task.

Time management

Time management is a factor you need to consider. Many students tend to spend more time on the first task than they should, leaving less for the second task.  To successfully pass your IELTS exam you must use the allotted time wisely. The test takes an hour. We recommend you use the first 20 minutes on the first task and the remaining 40 minutes on the second task as the second task is double the value (marks earned) than the first.

Remember to leave time to check your work. So practice time management so that you include enough time in both segments to check your work..

Understand questions and requirements

IELTS examiners use comprehensive performance descriptors to evaluate your work. They examine the following:

♦  Is your answer coherent and cohesive

♦  What is your grammatical range and accuracy in language usage

♦  task accomplishment

♦  Vocabulary

Each of the above accounts for 25% of your total score. The final score is based on the average earned across these four criteria. Before attempting your task read through the question set to ensure you fully understand the questions and requirements.

Practice

As the adage goes, practice makes perfect. To improve your writing skills for IELTS, you need to practice regularly. There are many online resources you can use for help with both tasks. These online resources come with model answers. However, you should not memorize them when practicing. This is because your instructor can easily identify and recognize the answers. If you cheat you risk rendering your whole test invalid.

You can purchase IELTS writing test samples and see how you can go about the tasks within the time-frame specified. Additionally, you can use these samples to learn how to correctly punctuate your sentence, use the correct grammar and avoid spelling mistakes.

In conclusion, IELTS writing components evaluate and asses how appropriately you write a response, organize ideas, and use different grammar and vocabulary accurately. With IELTS writing preparation and practice, you will be able to enter an exam room ready to take and past the exam.

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