The IELTS test has four components: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. There are also two types of IELTS assessments: academic (for those applying for higher education or professional registration) and general (more those migrating to Australia, Canada, and the UK, or applying for secondary school, or work in an English-speaking environment).
Many of our clients feel anxious about the written component of the exam and they contact us for more information about what to expect. Today, we will explain the requirements of both writing tasks and we will provide some IELTS writing test samples.
Academic Test
Task 1
For the first task, you will be presented with a graph, table, chart, or diagram and you must describe, summarize, or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe the data, describe the stages of a process, explain how something works, or describe an object or event. The instructor will grade your work based on your ability to organize, present, and compare data.
IELTS Task 1 Example: The table below gives information about UK independent films.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Task 2
For the second task, you must write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The issues raised are of general interest to test takers entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration. Your work will be assessed based on your ability to present a solution to a problem, present an opinion, compare evidence, evaluate ideas, and formulate an argument.
IELTS Task 2 Example: A person’s worth nowadays seems to be judged according to social status and material possessions. Old-fashioned values, such as honour, kindness and trust, no longer seem important.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Responses to Task 1 and Task 2 should be written in an academic, semi-formal/neutral style.
General Test
Task 1
You will be presented with a situation and you must write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation. The letter can be personal or semi-formal/neutral in style. You will be assessed on your ability to engage in personal correspondence to elicit and provide information and express wants, needs, and opinions.
IELTS Task 1 Example: A restaurant has placed an advertisement for waiters and waitresses in your local newspaper.
Write a letter to the restaurant, applying for the job. In your letter:
explain what you are currently doing
describe your suitability for this area of work
say when you can attend an interview
Task 2
You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. You will be assessed based on your ability to provide general information, outline an issue, and present a solution. Be sure to demonstrate your ability to justify an opinion and challenge ideas.
IELTS Task 2 Example: Some people believe that teaching children at home is best for a child’s development while others think that it is important for children to go to school.
Discuss the advantages of both methods and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Frequently Asked Questions: The IELTS Test
How long do you have to write the IELTS essay?
You will have 60 minutes to complete both tasks of the IELTS essay. Although you are required to write only 400 words in total, it is important that you keep this time limit in mind. Be sure to read the questions thoroughly and allocate your time appropriately for each task. We recommend spending no more than 20 minutes on Task 1. This allows you 40 minutes to complete Task 2, which requires a lengthier, more in-depth response.
How is the IELTS writing test evaluated?
You will be marked based on task achievement, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammar.
How do I prepare for the IELTS writing test?
You should practice writing beforehand. The more you practice reading and writing, the more confident you will feel going into the test and the better you will do. You can find IELTS practice tests online to help you prepare. Scroll below to find some of our recommendations.
IELTS Practice Guides and Tests:
Our Services
Calver and Associates is a leading provider of Canadian Immigration services in Durham Region. We serve clients in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, and beyond. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in the Oshawa area.
We can provide assistance with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
