IELTS Writing Task: A Comprehensive Guide

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, has a crucial section called the IELTS writing test. This test is vital for candidates aspiring to study or work abroad or in any English-speaking environment. This writing test assesses the candidate's writing skills and techniques. The IELTS Writing task has two modules, the Academic and General modules. Applicants planning to study abroad should take the IELTS Academic module, and applicants planning to work overseas should opt for the IELTS General module.

The IELTS Writing Task consists of two tasks, Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2. The Academic Writing test has questions that are different from the General Training Writing test. Academic institutions and employers worldwide recognise the IELTS writing section as a trustworthy measure of a candidate's ability to analyse data, communicate effectively, and build a well-organised written response. The IELTS Writing Task is exceptionally vital for those seeking to get admitted to universities, colleges, or vocational study abroad programs, where academic success relies on the ability to communicate ideas consistently through essays, reports, and research papers.

Also read: How to Crack IELTS

IELTS Writing Overview

The IELTS writing section is a crucial part of the IELTS exam that assesses the ability to write in response to any given situation, where the applicant can think about a solution and draft it in a sensible way with correct usage of words and grammatical accuracy. The writing section of the IELTS exam is conducted for 60 minutes (1 hour), where they have to write two essays. At least 20 minutes is designated for the 150-word essay in Task 1 and 40 minutes for the 250-word essay in Task 2. The IELTS writing test is scored on a band scale of 0-9 in increasing order of 0.5 based on the marking measures. Applicants who wish to score well in their IELTS writing test should step towards their academic and professional criteria and improve their proficiency in the English language.

IELTS Academic Writing: Task 1

The IELTS Writing Task 1 is precisely an information-transfer task where the applicants have to describe what they see in the visual before them, including an overview. The Writing Task 1 section of the IELTS Academic test necessitates that the candidates produce a summary of their answer in at least 150 words concerning any specific graph (bar, line, or pie graph), table, chart, or process (how something operates, how something is completed). The IELTS writing practice tests the applicant's ability to identify and report the main features, describe and compare the data, identify any significance and trends in inaccurate information, or explain a process. Maintaining the IELTS writing format and structure while keeping the crucial factors in mind helps applicants clear the vital part of the report writing.

Common IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topics

The IELTS writing essay topics cover a vast spectrum of ideas and thoughts that are used in our day-to-day lives. These topics cover a wide range of topics, from random or everyday issues such as shopping and leisure activities to more complex and educational topics such as healthcare, economics, and technology. The IELTS writing task 1 topics are chosen from previous IELTS exams, and applicants can get an idea about the kinds of issues that may be asked to write about in their upcoming IELTS exam. The compilation of the past IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic topics can be easily found via the internet or those that have been used in any recent IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Test.

Here are some of the sample topics provided for data description:

• Line graphs: Showcasing trends, like population growth or temperature changes over time.
• Bar Charts: Analysing different categories, like exam scores or internet usage.
• Pie Charts: Demonstrating proportions, like energy resources or household expenses.
• Table: Presenting numerical information such as visitor counts or crime statistics.
• Maps and diagrams: Showcasing geographical relationships, like city layouts or production processes.

Here are some of the most common topics covered in the data description of the IELTS exam:

Tips for Success in Task 1

Applicants who wish to score well in their IELTS writing task 1 must remember some critical aspects and use a range of words to paraphrase when possible. The applicants must create a clear plan before writing, assigning enough time to examine the data, organise their thoughts, and proofread the essay. To write a successful IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, interested applicants have to provide precisely what the examiner demands from their answer. Here are some critical IELTS writing tips to ace the academic writing task 1 and avoid drawbacks.

1. Read Instructions Carefully.
2. Use Appropriate Language.
3. Paraphrasing is Essential.
4. Focus on Tenses.
5. Regular Practice is Key.
6. Expand Your Vocabulary.
7. Plan Your Structure.
8. Understand the Question Type.

Also read: Advantages and Disadvantages IELTS Essay

IELTS Academic Writing: Task 2

The second part of the IELTS writing test, or IELTS Writing Task 2, requires the applicant to write an essay responding to a point of view, an argument, or a problem. In Task 2, the applicants must offer their point of view, argument, or problem to discuss. Interested candidates must write at least 250 words in at least 40 minutes. The Task 2 responses should develop an argument for the given task, providing evidence and examples from the applicant's experience. The IELTS writing task 2 academic exam assesses candidates' ability to articulate a clear stance, logically construct an argument, and organise their thoughts. To gain a high score, the applicant must understand the task format and question types, as well as the structure of the essay.

Common IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics

The IELTS Writing Task 2 section digs deep into the applicant's essay writing skills, thought-provoking ideas, clear and concise arguments, and insightful analysis. The task 2 essays can be categorised into five broad categories, such as :-

• Opinion essays
• Discursive essays
• Problem-Solution essays
• Two-part question-type essays
• Advantage and Disadvantage type essays

Let's have a look at some of the most common IELTS writing task 2 topics that are covered:

Tips for Success in Task 2

Writing task 2 for an essay in both the IELTS General and IELTS Academic exams requires some basic tips and tricks. Task 2 IELTS Writing is the second part of the IELTS writing tasks and is one of the most challenging parts of the test. This task encompasses the applicant's opinion, arguments, problem-solving skills, experience, and illustrative examples. Here are some basic tips and tricks for the IELTS writing task 2 topics.

• Understand the Task/Essay
• Plan Before Writing
• Follow a Structured Essay Format
• Provide Supportive Examples
• Express your Opinions/Experience
• Use Linking Words and Phrases
• Revise and Proofread the Written Essay
• Write Under Time Assigned Time Limit
• Seek Feedback

IELTS General Training Writing Section

IELTS Writing for General Training is the primary IELTS test that applicants take if they plan to go to any English-speaking country for work experience, training programs, or higher education. The IELTS exam is divided into four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Writing section of the IELTS exam lasts one hour, and in the IELTS General Writing Task 1, applicants have to write a letter to someone based on the situation they are provided in the question. For IELTS Writing Task 2, the applicants are asked to write an essay in response to an argument, problem, or opinion. IELTS Task 2 is the same for both academic and general writing. Applicants get 60 minutes to complete both tasks in the IELTS general training writing section.

1. IELTS Writing Task 1: Letter

• Time: 20 Minutes
• Length: 150 words (minimum)
  • The letter could be:
  • Informal (e.g. writing to a friend or family member)
  • Semi-formal (e.g. your landlord or local newspaper)
  • Formal (e.g. your bank)

2. IELTS Writing Task 2: Essay

• Time: 40 minutes
• Length: 250 words (minimum)
  • You usually have to do one of these things about the essay:
• Present your opinion
• Discuss problems and solutions
• Discuss causes and solutions
• Compare and contrast

IELTS General Training Writing: Task 1

In the IELTS general writing Task 1, candidates are given a scenario and must compose a letter as a reply. The test includes multiple situations that arise in daily life. Still, it often includes some kind of problem they must resolve—for example, writing to a university's accommodation department about the issues with the housing, writing to a shop about a faulty item you have purchased, or reaching out to a friend to check if you could stay with them while on a trip. The applicants are offered some background details of the situation, and then three points must be addressed in the letter. The IELTS general writing Task 1 letter requires the applicants to use their imagination to the fullest and discuss the three points.

Sample Questions for General Writing Task 1

Let’s have a look at some of the IELTS writing samples for the general task 1 category.

1. Informal Example Question: A friend of yours is coming to stay at your house for a week while you are away on holiday. They have never stayed at your home before.

Compose a letter to your friend to help prepare them for their visit. In your letter:

• Remind him/her about your holiday dates.
• Inform him/her of the tasks that need to be completed in your home. Describe what activities he/she can engage in during the day in your town.

2. Semi-formal Example Question: You are leasing an apartment, and recently, a new neighbour has moved in above you. They are generating excessive noise, which is bothering you.

Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter:

• Explain what the problem is
• Clarify why it is bothering you so significantly. Request your landlord to take specific action regarding the situation.

3. Formal Example Question: You have recently acquired an internet package for your home, but you believe the speed is considerably slower than it should be. You have raised the issue twice with customer service over the phone, yet no action has been taken.

Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter:

• Explain the Internet problem
• Articulate why you are dissatisfied with how the matter has been addressed. Specify what action you now expect the manager to undertake.

IELTS General Training Writing: Task 2

In the IELTS General Writing Task 2, applicants must write a short essay on basic and general interest topics. For task 2, applicants have to write an essay responding to an argument, opinion, or discussion topic given in the question. In the IELTS general test, the essay will be less formal and more about expressing personal opinion or point of view on the given argument, and satisfy the requirements for the grading criteria. The IELTS General Writing Task 2 is assessed based on the applicant's ability to provide factual information, justify the solution, and analyse the details and ideas. The essay has to be at least 250 words in 40 minutes of allotted time, where task 2 has twice the weightage of marks compared to task 1.

Sample Questions for General Writing Task 2

Let’s have a look at some of the IELTS writing samples for the general task 2 category.

• Sample Question 1: Some people believe that it is better to educate children at home rather than send them to school. Other individuals think that every child must receive a formal school education.

Discuss both opinions and give your own opinion.

• Sample Question 2: Many cities around the world these days are becoming more and more polluted. Why is this happening?

What solutions can you suggest?

• Sample Question 3: These days many people are choosing to have fewer children and so smaller families.

Is having a small family preferable to having a large family?

Also read: IELTS Tips and Tricks

IELTS Writing Task: Frequently Asked Questions

Q.- What are the IELTS writing modules?

A.- Any applicant willing to study or work abroad must appear for the IELTS exam. The IELTS Writing test is curated to assess the applicant's writing skills and techniques. There are two IELTS Writing modules, one being the Academic module and the other being the General module.

Q.- What are some of the IELTS writing preparations?

A.- Before appearing for the IELTS exam, applicants must prepare, as they can use some tips and tricks to do the same. Understand the task and give a detailed answer, try to insert all the essential information from a given chart, table, graph, and more. There are no extra scores for writing more words, so try to avoid writing too long essays.

Q.- How can the candidates prepare for IELTS writing tasks?

A.- To repare for the IELTS Writing exam, the candidates have to follow specific instructions such as:

• First, Complete the Writing Task 2.
• Avoid Informal Writing.
• Watch Your Word Count!
• Understand the Marking Criteria.
• Practice, Practice, Practice!
• Paraphrase, Don't Copy.
• Make Sure You're Answering the Question.

Q.- What type of questions are asked in the IELTS writing task?

A.- The IELTS writing examination tasks 1 and 2 include different types of questions. Applicants may be asked to describe and present data, the stages of a process, how something works, or describe an object, plan or design.

Q.- What is the IELTS test format, and what will its duration be?

A.- The IELTS exam consists of 4 different sections. The IELTS Listening section consists of 40 questions with an approximate time of 30 minutes. The Reading section consists of 40 questions that must be completed in 60 minutes. The Writing section is allotted 60 minutes with two tasks, and the Speaking section is divided into three parts for 11 to 14 minutes.