The IELTS writing test is one hour long and is divided into 2 parts. In the first part of the test, you will be asked to write a letter or summarize the data given to you in any form i.e. charts, tables, or a diagram. You will have to complete this task within 20 minutes and write at least 150 words. The task varies whether you are attempting the Academic Test or the General Training Test.
While the first task is not easy by any means, the second task is what most people are concerned about. In this part, you are given a topic that you will have to write an essay on in the next 40 minutes. Same as the first task, the essay topic for Academic and General Training tests will be different.
The topics for the Academic Test will be chosen from books or other academic sources. You will have to write an essay of at least 250 words. You will have to adapt an academic writing style. For the General Training Test, the topic will be selected from other sources than Academia such as magazines, company brochures, or any other that you are aware of. You can adapt a casual writing style to write a 250-word essay in 40 minutes.
Here are some important tips to help you attempt the IELTS writing test and score good marks.
- When applying for the test, take an IELTS writing course in Sri Lanka comprising 10 lessons. The course is affordable and can teach you everything you need to score a higher band in your IELTS exam.
- When attempting the test, be aware of the time limitations in the word count. You will not be given any extra time than 20 minutes for task 1 and 40 minutes for task 2. Manage your time efficiently to write compelling and complete answers.
- As for the word count, you need to write at least 150 and 250 words for task 1 and task 2, respectively. Failure to do so will harm your final marks.
- Before you start to write, take some time to understand the topics completely. Build a general idea of what you are asked to do and revolve your essay or letter around it.
- Keep in mind that you are only asked about your opinion on the topic. There are no right or wrong answers as long as it is written in good English grammatically and otherwise.
- Use your own words to write both the letter and the essay. Copying words from the questions will cause deduction of the marks.
- For task 1, present the answers in a way to make sense of the numbers, charts, or tables in the question.
- For task 2 or the essay, you need to plan an appropriate structure. You need to know how to write an essay. Write an introduction first that is compelling and gets the reader’s attention. Write two paragraphs after explaining the topic of the essay in the introduction.
- The final part of the essay should always be a conclusion where you conclude everything that you have written before, in different words of course.
Note: Be sure to maintain good handwriting and spell every word correctly throughout the writing test.
