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:
line graph
bar chart
table
map
flow chart
pie chart
IELTS Writing Task 1 sometimes requires you to describe two figures. Before writing your response it is important to ask yourself the following:
- What do both figures relate to?
- What kind of relationship is evident: similarity, difference, cause and effect, etc.?
- Once you have answered these questions, think which aspects of each figure should be highlighted?
- Should the figures be described in separate paragraphs or should different aspects of the figures be compared within a series of paragraphs?
For example:
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
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.
You should write at least 150 words.
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).
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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.
You will increase your chances of getting a high score if you:
- list all the main features of statistics or graphs;
- describe the data accurately;
- paraphrase information from the text of the task;
- avoid repeating the same words and phrases and try to change the structure of your sentences;
- provide an overview of major trends.
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:
- Opinion Essay: Agree or Disagree. In this essay you need to write how much you agree or disagree with a particular idea or statement.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In the modern world, the image (photograph or film) is becoming a more powerful way of communicating than the written word.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
- Discussion. In fact, there are three tasks in this type of essay:
- write why people hold the first point of view;
- write why other people have a different opinion;
- write which position of the two you choose and why.
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.
Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.
- Advantages and disadvantages. This essay should describe the advantages and disadvantages of an idea. Be sure to justify your opinion and give examples.
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.
- Two Question (Mixed) Essay. Typically, such an essay should combine the answers to 2 types of questions.
In some high schools, part of the curriculum requires students to participate in community work such as helping the elderly or disabled.
In what way do children benefit from this?
Do you think it should be part of the curriculum?
- Problem-Solution Essay. Here we write about problems that occur or might occur as a result of a particular situation, and we suggest how to solve them.
Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans face in the 21st Century and sea levels are continuing to rise at alarming rates.
What problems are associated with this and what are some possible solutions.
- Reasons / Causes and Solutions. In such an essay, you should write what could be the cause of this or that situation and suggest possible ways of solving it.
The number of people who are at risk of serious health problems due to being overweight is increasing.
What is the reason for the growth of overweight people in society?
How can this problem be solved?
- Positive or Negative Development. In structure, such an essay will be similar to the first type. It will be necessary to explain why this trend is positive/negative, to illustrate with examples and to come to a certain conclusion.
Some universities now offer their courses on the Internet so that people can study online.
Is this a positive or negative development?
You will increase your chances of getting a high score if you:
- use different words and structures to connect your ideas and avoid repetition;
- use semi-formal or neutral style and avoid inappropriate information;
- write at least 250 words. Aim at 260-280 words. You will not be able to earn more points for a longer essay.
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