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The Writing section appears to be the most difficult for the candidates who choose IELTS Academic, as it is necessary to show not only a high level of proficiency in academic English, but also the ability to analyze information and express their opinions about a particular subject. According to statistics, candidates from Ukraine receive an average of 5.8 band score for this part of the exam, 6.5 for Speaking, and 6.6 for Listening and Reading, respectively. At the same time, the average band score for all four skills at IELTS Academic in Ukraine is 6.5.

There are two tasks in Writing section, and you are given 1 hour to complete these 2 tasks. In the first task, you need to describe a graph, process, or image. You have to write at least 150 words. In the second task, you must write an essay on a given topic of at least 250 words. Task 2 is more important than Task 1. It is recommended that you spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and the remaining 40 minutes on Task 2. Both tasks aim to test your writing skills in various aspects such as grammar, content, vocabulary, line graphs, tables, charts, etc. Let’s talk more about each of the tasks below.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

In the first part of IELTS Academic Writing, you will usually need to describe information that looks like a particular visual object, such as:

IELTS Writing Task 1 sometimes requires you to describe two figures. Before writing your response it is important to ask yourself the following:

The charts below show the percentage of their food budget the average family spent on restaurant meals in different years. The graph shows the number of meals eaten in fast food restaurants and sit-down restaurants.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

When writing the answer to this task, you should follow a certain structure. The answer text should have: an introduction, one or two main paragraphs and a conclusion. Introductory paragraph briefly describes what a graph or figure shows (1-3 sentences). The following paragraphs highlight basic information. The final paragraph summarizes the most important information (1-2 sentences).

Only choose the most important things. For example, after you have paraphrased the information from the task in the introduction, you can write about the first graph. The next paragraph is about the second graph. This way you will not get confused and the examiner will have no problem with reading your response. In conclusion, we can show how two graphs are related.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2

In the second task, there are several types of essays, each with its own structure, questions, twists and turns. The most common essay types and examples of questions are listed below:

In the modern world, the image (photograph or film) is becoming a more powerful way of communicating than the written word.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Computers are being used more and more in education. Some people say that this is a positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative consequences.

In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decided to do this.

In some high schools, part of the curriculum requires students to participate in community work such as helping the elderly or disabled.

Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans face in the 21st Century and sea levels are continuing to rise at alarming rates.

The number of people who are at risk of serious health problems due to being overweight is increasing.

Some universities now offer their courses on the Internet so that people can study online.

IELTS Listening is the shortest section in the test. However, it still makes candidates put a lot of effort and requires great concentration. Even though we can listen to the recording only once during the test, there are certain strategies that could maximize our performance.

There are multiple distractors that may affect the performance during the test, so it’s important to know what exactly to listen for and how to complete the tasks given.

Whether you are a good listener or need more effort in order to tune your ear and improve, join us for the free webinar on IELTS Listening preparation on November 5th and 6th.

We’ll also take a look at IELTS Listening strategies, different task types and format of the test.

By the end of the webinar you will have a clear understanding of the test format, and you’ll get a number of useful strategies and techniques to use during the IELTS Listening test.

Anfisa Kramarenko — a certified IELTS expert, course coordinator, Academic Director and IELTS Grade course author, International speaking examiner, teacher with more than 10 years of experience and international teaching qualifications (CELTA).

IELTS Writing is assessed by specially trained examiners.

There are four criteria using which they assess writing papers — they are given below. Each of them makes up 25 % of the final score.

To find out what each of these criteria mean, click on IELTS Writing criteria.

To understand how they are applied in practice, click on An essay assessed using the criteria. There will be a task, an essay, a general comment on each criterion and some remarks inside the essay.

IELTS Writing criteria
An essay assessed using the criteria

how well your essay answers all parts and questions in the task
whether you write exactly what you are asked to do (relevant ideas)
whether ideas in your essay are fully developed
whether your position is clear
whether you have written a minimum number of words (250 for the essay)

The essay generally focuses on the task and answers both questions. The ideas are mostly relevant (on topic). On the whole, there are enough details to explain the ideas, which makes them supported and developed. However, there are some too general or irrelevant parts, and that’s why the author’s position is not always clear and some ideas could be better explained.

Many students today prefer to play computer games rather than sports. Why do you think this is the case? What can be done?

Students play computer games around the world. It has become an enormous obsession and there are a lot of problems connected with it. In this essay, I’d like to say why this is happening and how we can change this situation.

There are several reasons for teenagers to play on a computer instead of doing sports. For one thing, virtual reality is obviosly more facinating, especially for young people. Bright colours, special effects, all those interactive glasses are really interesting. Also, unlike sports where you have to work hard to achieve something, in the virtual world everything possible: you can be hero or a monster, destroy city and build new, and there will be no bad situations after that. It’s hard not to play, really.

Even though computer games are so irresistible, they are not really helpful. First of all, young people often hear why games are bad from their parents and teachers, but I think it would be more better if we stress positive sides of sports instead. There should be more youtube videos showing benefits of sport for your body and mind, maybe with some celebrities. Also, it is important to help students to study better and get better marks. And, of course, we need much more free sport events for students.

To sum up, I think, teenagers prefer games over sports, because they are very interesting, and in games you can do things which are impossible in real life. However, I believe sports should be promoted by positive advertisment and free sport events.

291 words

how logically your ideas are organised
how well you organise your essay into paragraphs
how effectively your ideas are linked

On the whole, this essay is well-organised, with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion.

Ideas are, generally, connected effectively, using: — linking words and phrases, such as For one thing, Also, First of all, but, of course, To sum up, However; — grammar structures, such as Even though computer games seem so irresistible, they are not really helpful; and some other ways to connect ideas. However, some parts could be organised more logically, and linking words and phrases could be used more appropriately: Also, And, To sum up, For one thing.

Many students today prefer to play computer games rather than sports. Why do you think this is the case? What can be done?

291 words

whether you use a variety of vocabulary, including less common vocabulary
how appropriately you use vocabulary
whether the style of your language is appropriate

A variety of vocabulary is used, some of which is less common, for example: obviously more fascinating, interactive games special effects, the virtual world, irresistible, stress positive sides, showing benefits of sport. Vocabulary is generally appropriate for the task; however, there are some inappropriate uses: an enormous obsession, there will be no bad situations after that.

The style is mixed. Sometimes, it is formal and impersonal (There are several reasons for teenagers to play …, There should be more youtube videos showing …), but some language is informal: I’d like to say that, it’s hard not to play, really; and there are some examples of personal addressing.

There are some spelling mistakes.

Many students today prefer to play computer games rather than sports. Why do you think this is the case? What can be done?

Even though computer games are so irresistible, they are not really helpful. And there are ways to help students do more sports and play less computer games. First of all, young people often hear why games are bad from their parents and teachers, but I think it would be more better if we stress positive sides of sports instead. There should be more youtube videos showing benefits of sport for your body and mind, maybe with some celebrities. Also, it is important to help students to study better and get better marks. And, of course, we need more free sport events for students.

291 words

whether you use simple or complex structures
how accurately you use simple and complex structures

There is a mix of simple and complex sentences. There are many complex sentences joined by and, but, because, even though, which, unlike, if; and complex grammatical structures that are used correctly (present tenses, passives, -ing forms, infinitives).

At the same time, there are some mistakes (for example, use of articles, verb forms, comparatives and some others), but the reader can still understand the meaning.

Many students today prefer to play computer games rather than sports. Why do you think this is the case? What can be done?

291 words

People take IELTS for various reasons — and they usually know what score they need. Some want to get an IELTS Certificate (this is probably the most common reason for taking the exam), while others plan to immigrate to an English speaking country or to work in an area where one needs a good command of English.

IELTS for education

If you are interested in studying abroad, remember that many universities around the world and almost all UK universities and colleges recognize the results of IELTS tests. You can find out who accepts IELTS here.

The UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia are among the most popular destinations to go studying to after you obtain an IELTS certificate. If you want to become a student in the United Kingdom, you can take a look at opportunities for foreigners on the British Council’s website, and if you are interested in a master’s or doctoral program, then check at UCAS.

More than 3,300 higher education institutions and programs in the United States (Visiting Programs, Fulbright Scholarships, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D., MBA, etc.) take IELTS scores as confirmation of English proficiency.

IELTS is preferred and recognized by more than 290 educational institutions in Canada. Canada also offers numerous grants for international students and scholars, as well as for Canadians who study and conduct a research abroad. The Government of Canada, foreign governments, non-governmental and international organizations provide these grants and scholarships. For more information, check EduCanada.

Australia has the third largest number of international students in the world after the United Kingdom and the United States, despite the country’s population of only 23 million. This is not surprising considering that Australia has 7 of the top 100 universities in the world! In fact, with more than 22,000 courses in 1,100 educational establishments, Australia ranks above countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan, the eighth in the Universities 2012 U21 national higher education ranking. On the Australian Government’s official website for international students, you can find courses, institutions, and scholarships, read about Australia’s study and life, other students’ stories, and learn about Australian education.

If you are considering a bachelor’s or master’s degree program, it is best for you to take the IELTS academic test. General IELTS test is sufficient for non-degree programs. When choosing a college or university, check out which version of IELTS is right for you.

In order to become a foreign student, you will need to demonstrate that you are qualified and can successfully complete the English program. Therefore, you need to get a higher IELTS score for your master’s or doctoral degree.

To obtain a student visa, you need to get at least 6 out of 9 points in each section. Requirements for the number of IELTS points may vary depending on the institution. For admission to postgraduate or doctoral studies, a minimum score of at least 6.5 is required. This means a minimum of 6 points in all four IELTS sections.

For professional courses such as nursing, medicine, etc., IELTS scores are required to be a minimum of 7 points. A score of 7 means at least 6.5 points in each section: Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking.

Many European universities also accept applicants with IELTS results other than mentioned above. For example, this website has a list of universities in Europe that accept foreign students with IELTS score of 5.0 to 7.0.

Whichever university you choose, bear in mind that in addition to IELTS, each university also has entrance exams that need to be prepared. We recommend visiting the program or the university website for more information on IELTS scores.

IELTS for employment

Proof of your English language skills is an important stage in obtaining a visa so you can work abroad. Language proficiency is a key to career success and is considered a valuable asset in addition to all other requirements in any job. If you are applying for a work visa, you must have an appropriate level of language skills, which means that you need to be able to speak not only basic spoken English.

For the UK, applicants must score at least 6.5 points for each of the four sections of the test (reading, speaking, listening and writing).

To work in Australia, test score 5 is considered to be “professional English”. A score of 6 means that the applicant is a “competent English speaker”.

In New Zealand, applicants must score a total score of 4 or higher in IELTS general or academic. They may also be asked to provide additional evidence of English proficiency, such as information about the countries in which they lived; their country of current residence, or knowledge of English in their family.

In Canada, applicants should contact the organization to which they wish to apply directly to clarify the requirements for IELTS scores. Employers and educational institutions usually set their own language requirements.

For all these countries, keep in mind that the minimum score requirements vary depending on the profession you choose. For some professions, candidates must score a minimum of 6 points in each of the sections of the test, whereas for teachers, for example, a minimum score of 7 is required.

Remember that IELTS is the first step to achieving your dream. If you decide to leave your home to study abroad, build a career or move to another country, IELTS certification will help you to open new horizons and other opportunities.

Many candidates ask the question about which IELTS to take. Therefore, it has already become “an age-old question.” The answer, in fact, is quite simple – it depends on what one needs an IELTS certificate for.

The easiest way to find out which test format is right for you is to ask directly where it is required, for example, at a university, at a visa center or at a place of future work. If the institution does not provide such information, take the other way round.

Let’s say, Natalia is preparing to enter a university in Australia. She wants to obtain a Master of Business Degree from Melbourne University. Although she graduated from a Ukrainian university, the University of Melbourne has requested an IELTS test. To apply for this Master’s program, she will need to take an Academic IELTS.

Helen was on a trip to Ontario last year and met the love of her life. Now she is thinking of immigrating to Canada to be with him. As a part of her immigration application, Helen must submit an IELTS General certificate.

Many will argue that Academic IELTS is appropriate for (prospective) university students applying for university admission and programs in which English is the language of study. However, that’s not all. Many professionals and job seekers may find that they also need an Academic IELTS certificate. One of the most common examples is working in the medical field. If you have a desire to become a healthcare professional in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand or Canada, you should provide an Academic IELTS certificate.

For a wide variety of medical professions, such as a physician, nurse, pharmacist, and even a laboratory assistant, this version of the test is required. That is because unlike General IELTS, the academic exam allows candidates to demonstrate reading and writing skills that are not necessarily a part of the everyday communicative experience with native speakers of English. These skills are different from writing and reading for general purposes.

Therefore, Oleh, a dentist who wants to apply for registration with the Dental Council of Australia, will need to submit an IELTS Academic certificate. Another example: Oleh, who is temporarily in England with a work holiday visa, which allows him to get a job to secure himself while traveling, found a new job at an IT company in London. After the interview, the company asked Oleh to prove his proficiency in English. Now he needs to pass IELTS Academic.

The main reason for taking IELTS Academic is that university students and professional staff must have strong English language skills sufficient to understand texts in professional and scholarly journals, textbooks, and relevant periodicals. Academic IELTS uses texts taken directly from such sources to test comprehension skills. Similarly, the Writing section of this version uses topics that will be relevant in academic and professional settings. Writing skills are tested to ensure that candidates have sufficient skills to write an essay at a college or university.

On the other hand, those who take General IELTS come across the language found in advertisements, guides, magazines, messages, or topics that employees may encounter in employee manuals. The Writing section examines candidates’ ability to perform basic tasks: writing letters or simple essays, etc.

This version of the test is suitable for all types of employment and emigration, if you want to go to Canada, USA, Ireland, UK, New Zealand, Australia, and other English-speaking countries. For example, if you decide to obtain a residence permit in Australia to stay with your grandchildren when you retire, you will need to pass General IELTS. The General IELTS certificate is used not only for emigration. International corporations sometimes use General IELTS results to assess their employees’ level of English. Therefore, in some cases, you can use your certificate to get a job.

IELTS is an international English exam. The abbreviation ‘IELTS’ is decrypted as International English Language Testing System. The test measures proficiency in English of those who would like to move to the English-speaking environment and are not native speakers of the English language.

IELTS is recognised and accepted in more than 10,000 organizations all over the world, including employers, professional organizations, universities, immigration services and other public institutions. In order to have a look at the full list of the organizations that accept IELTS results, go to www.ielts.org/recognition.

The first IELTS test was conducted in 1989. It was developed and administered by the British Council, Cambridge English Language Assessment, and the International Development Program of Australian Universities and Colleges. The last one propelled the test to the international level. IELTS consisted of four sections (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening) in two versions (academic and general), and since those times it has been based on such a structure.

At different times, IELTS offered the choice of six modules that cover five of the main field in higher education of Great Britain, plus one non-specific field:

IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training check the entire range of proficiency in English – from starter to experienced user. The academic version is appropriate for those who want to have a professional registration or obtain a degree from an English-speaking country. IELTS General Training is aimed at those who want to be employed or trained, study at a secondary school, or simply move to an English-speaking country.

The difference between Academic and General versions lies in the content, context, and aims of the tasks. Everything else, for example, timing, number of words in Writing and records of the results, is the same.

The main features of the test are:

In Ukraine, the IELTS exam has been conducted by the British Council (since 1992) and the Students International IELTS test center, Ukraine (since 2010).

You can prepare for the exam both independently and in specialized centers. Among the advantages of the latter:

PROGRESS

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2

IELTS for education

IELTS for employment

The main features of the test are: