IELTS Writing: Understand the Exam Format, Question Types, and Scoring Criteria

IELTS Writing: Understand the Exam Format, Question Types, and Scoring Criteria

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Shubhankar Das

Content Writer - Study Abroad | Updated On - Jul 9, 2024

What's New?

  • Word Limit: Maintaining the word limit is very important to achieve a higher score. Write within 150 words for task 1, and 250 words for task 2.
  • Time Management: You will be allocated 60 minutes to complete IELTS writing tasks. Allocate 20 minutes for task one, and 40 minutes for task 2 accordingly.
  • Letter Types: In the general writing task 1, you have to write a letter to explain the situation or request information.
  • Essay Types: There are mainly 5 types of essays candidates are asked to write in IELTS writing; opinion, discussion, solution, direct questions, and advantage and disadvantage essay.

IELTS Writing section is divided into two parts, task 1 and task 2. IELTS task one writing topics are different for academic and general modes, and task writing 2 consists of the same exam pattern. You will be allocated 60 minutes to complete the writing section. You are advised to spend 20 minutes on IELTS writing task 1, and 40 minutes on task 2. IELTS writing topics cover a wide range of content like food, animals, art, business, population, activities, communication, technology, etc. Most of the students need a 7+ band score to get admission to some of the top universities worldwide. IELTS writing syllabus consists of descriptive and detailed writing. You have to write over 150 words for IELTS task one writing, and over 250 words for writing task 2.

Writing

IELTS Writing Topics

IELTS writing contains a wide range of topics, and candidates are asked to write an essay based on the topic. Both general and academic writing topics of IELTS syllabus are based on health, culture, crime, technology, art, animal, environment, work, art, and education. You have to write a 150-word for IELTS exam writing task 1 and a 250-word essay for IELTS writing task 2 topics. Here is the list of the common essay types that are asked in IELTS writing test:

Essay Type Description
Discussion based Required to present an explanation about the given topic.
Opinion based Need to discuss their opinions on the given topic.
Advantage and Disadvantages Asked to write about the negative and positive impact of the given topic.
Solution Based Need to provide solutions based on a given situation.
Direct Question Essays Requires to answer the provided direct question based on their thoughts and experiences.

IELTS Writing Question Types

The academic and general training test has different IELTS writing task 1 question types. IELTS writing task 2 question type is the same for both academic and general training, and candidates need 40 minutes to complete this section. Candidates are presented with a graph, table, diagram, or chart on academic IELTS writing task 1. In IELTS general writing task 1, candidates have to write a letter to request information or explain the given situation. You can follow IELTS writing preparation tips and strategies from official and verified resources to answer effectively.

Common IELTS Writing Task 1 Question types

Line Graphs:

Line Graphs

Bar Charts:

Bar Charts

Pie Charts:

Pie Charts

Tables:

Tables

Process:

Process

Maps:

Maps

Combinations:

Combinations

Development:

Development

IELTS Writing Scoring Criteria

IELTS writing exam answers are marked based on four specific criteria. To achieve a high score on IELTS writing task two and task one, your answers must meet the criteria set by the examiners. Practice regularly with task one and IELTS writing task 2 examples to understand the different types of content. Your writing IELTS score ranges on a scale of 0 to 9 band. Here are IELTS writing marking criteria and how it’s evaluated your answers:

Tasks Criteria
Task achievement/response (25%) Language accuracy Relevant responses Meet the required word limit
Coherence and cohesion (25%) Must have clarity in the answers Maintain proper fluency Responses must be organized Perfectly link ideas and information with the topic
Lexical resource (25%) use a good vocabulary range of terms that must be accurate and do not have any spelling errors or sentence formation
Grammatical range and accuracy (25%) Accuracy of grammar Error-free sentences Structured responses

IELTS writing topics cover a wide range of content. Start your writing preparation by reading customized books, and solving sample papers. The exam topic of IELTS writing task one and task two is different for both the academic and general training tests. If you are aiming for the top-ranked universities, focus on achieving a 7.5 band or higher in IELTS writing.

FAQs

Ques: How to prepare for IELTS Writing?

Ans: To prepare for IELTS writing, you need to understand the marking criteria, avoid informal writing, maintain a proper word count, and practice regularly. You can join a coaching centre or online course for structured learning under expert mentorship.

Ques: How can I get IELTS Writing 8?

Ans: To get 8 out of 9 bands in IELTS writing, you can take a course for better guidance and evaluation. Start your preparation by reading model answers, using official practice papers, and improving your grammatical and vocabulary range.

Ques: How can I get 7.0 in IELTS Writing?

Ans: IELTS writing total score ranges on a scale of 0 to 9 band. To achieve 7 bands in IELTS writing, you need to answer all the questions, present a clear position, structure your essay properly, and use a wide range of vocabulary without any grammatical errors.

Ques: How to start writing in IELTS?

Ans: To start writing for IELTS, first, you need to understand the marking criteria. This will help you to customize your writing as per the examiner’s needs. Paraphrase the question, support the main features, and always check your writing before submitting.

Ques: How many hours is IELTS writing?

Ans: IELTS writing section lasts for one hour., and you need to answer two tasks in this allocated time. You need to allocate your time accordingly and allocate 20 minutes for task one, and 40 minutes for task two.

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