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Writing

Overview of the writing task

The writing component of the IELTS is divided into task 1&2with each having different expectations and structure.Both tasks are marked using the band descriptors, which is the criteria for the band scores. For each of the descriptors, different contents are expected depending on the type of task, whether 1 or 2.

Writing task 1

In this task, you should write not less than 150 words and complete the task in 20 minutes. The task is testing your ability to analyse and explain a given information. Answers are presented in your own words in complete sentences that makes up the paragraphs. There are various question types you will find. These include graphs, bar graphs, pie charts, floor plans, maps, process graphs and tables. I will be discussing each one with tips on how to write an excellent report on them.

Expectations
  • You are expected to write over 150 words in 20 minutes.
  • Answers are presented in your own words in complete sentences that makes up the paragraphs.
  • The skill and ability to paraphrase is very important
  • There are various question types of writing task 1 questions.
  • These include line graphs, bar graphs, pie charts, floor plans, maps, flow charts, process graphs and tables.
  • The task could be a double or single diagram, which affects the data grouping and report.
  • The marking criteria is called band descriptor. There are four band descriptors namely: task completion, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy.
  • There are different expectations for each descriptor.
  • Task completion: having over 150 words, a structure and completely responding to all aspect of the question for example, analyzing and comparing.
  • Coherence and cohesion:writing in a sequential order, presenting the ideas logically,showing a clear progression in the report, avoiding unnecessary repetition of information using a range of cohesive devices and linking words to express accuracy in the entire write-up.
  • Lexical resource:the range of vocabularies to show precision, correct spelling, and avoiding errors, using synonyms, adverbs and adjectives appropriately in analysis.
  • Grammatical range and accuracy: these are concerned with the sentence formation, the use of Simple, compound, and complex sentences. Good grammar formation and appropriate punctuations.
Structure
  • The writing task 1 is made up of two important parts. 1). An introduction and 2). An overview.
  • The introduction comprises of a paraphrased question prompt and an overall statement while the overview is the actual report writing.
  • The content of each (introduction and overview) depends on the type of question per time.
Language

While the task expects good grammar construction, the question type requires the use of some specific vocabularies when writing with consideration for trends, changes, processes and occurrences, locations etc.  Based on the types of tasks given.

Steps to writing task 1
  • Read and understand the task.
  • Identify type of information and task.
  • Underline and paraphrase key words
  • Identify highlights.
  • Work out a summary mentioning key points.
  • Plan the structure by grouping data.
  • Write answer.
  • Proofread and make corrections.
Writing task 2

This is designed to test your ability to write an academic style essay. You must present the information in your own words as complete sentences within paragraphs. You are required to write over 250 words and complete the task in 40 minutes. You are expected to write legibly using all the devices available to you, ensuring that all aspects of the task are completely carried out as instructed.It is advisable to write not too many words, so stay within the word limit as this will help to minimize errors and maximize your time.

Expectations
  • Write at least 250 words in 40 minutes
  • Cover every aspect of the question
  • Develop your points with relevant example
  • Sequence the information and ideas logically using a range of cohesive devices.
  • Appropriate paragraphing to creating a clear progression in the essay.
  • Avoiding unnecessary repetition of information.
  • Use uncommon vocabularies that allows some flexibility and precision.
  • Avoiding wrong spelling
  • Using a mix of simple and complex sentence forms to produce error-free sentences
  • Avoiding grammar and punctuation errors
Structure:

You should have four paragraphs in this task. An introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion.

The introduction is made up of a paraphrased question prompt and a specific statement.

Each body paragraphs should have at least two ideas with a relevant example where necessary.

The conclusion is a summary of the body paragraphs and a reiteration of the opinion where necessary (this is depending on the type of question).

Question topic

There are different topics for essays in the exam, but typical topic areas include: 

  • Education
  • Innovations
  • Crime
  • Media
  • Technology
  • Social issues, like divorce, single parenting, drug abuse etc.
  • Technology and the future, and
  • The environment. For instance, air pollution, global warming.

In this case, It is important and convenient to build up vocabulary in these key areas in order to have sufficient language to write an essay.