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IELTS Test Writing

What to Expect in the IELTS Test Writing Sections

The IELTS test consists of four sections that aim to measure the prowess of an individual in the English language. The IELTS test is a standardised test administered in most parts of the world to assess the English language capabilities of individuals. The IELTS is the abbreviation for the International English Language Testing System. The test has two modules. The first is the Academic module that is taken by students who want to pursue a career in the countries that have English as the first language and the second module is the General Training module that is for the candidates who require a general certificate to assess their prowess in the English language.



The four test sections of the IELTS are:

1. Listening test

2. Writing test

3. Speaking test

4. Reading test

The Meaning of the IELTS Test Writing Section:

The IELTS test Writing section is designed to assess the competence of an individual in the areas of English writing. The Writing section measures the candidate in the areas of grammar, logic of the written matter, flow of the written matter, consistency and structure. More than practice, the IELTS test Writing requires understanding the topics given to write on so that even if they are simple in vocabulary, they are correctly and logically written.

The Structure of the IELTS Test Writing Section:

Both the Academic module and the General Training module of the IELTS have a different requirement from the Writing section.

The Academic Writing Section of the IELTS test Writing section:

  • The Academic Writing Section of the IELTS test Writing is divided into two tasks.

  • The first task of the Academic Writing Section is summarising and writing a brief about the given table or diagram. The illustration that is provided needs to be understood and its structure, order and reasoning needs to be summarised. This is a descriptive section and requires logical writing.

  • The second task of the Academic Writing Section of the IELTS test Writing section requires the candidates to write essays. It is a formally written essay that is a response to a subject pertaining to an issue or statement. The topics are of common interest and are intellectually stimulating. The candidate should be able to write a good and logical essay that does justice to the given topic.

  • Both the tasks of the Academic Writing Section require the candidate to be proper and official in their writing style. Easy-going and casual methods of writing are not acceptable.

The General Training Writing Section:

  • The General Training Writing section is also divided into two tasks.

  • The first task under the General Writing Section of the IELTS test Writing section is letter-writing. This is a letter to seek permission or requesting for something. The topic is presented as a situation or statement and the candidates write a letter to befit its requirement.

  • The second task of the General Training Writing section is the same as the second task of the Academic Writing Section of the IELTS test Writing sections. The only difference between the two tasks is that the first is very formal in its approach while the other allows room for some casual writing. The structure of the essay of the General Training Writing section is not very strict.

For a detailed and illustrative explanation of the different sections of the IELTS test Writing section visit the link: http://www.ielts.org/pdf/Information_for_Candidates_booklet.pdf

Scoring the IELTS Writing Section:

Every section of the IELTS test Writing has two tasks. The second task of every section holds more marks than the first. In terms of scores only, in the Academic Writing Section the formal essay is more important than the summary and in the General Training Writing section the essay is more important than the letter. The official scoring process of the IELTS test Writing section is explained at: www.ielts.org/researchers/score_processing_and_reporting.aspx

Things to remember:

  • The IELTS test Writing is an hour-long section.
  • 150 words for the first task and 250 words for the second task in each section are compulsory. Marks are deducted if a candidate fails to follow this rule.
  • The answers need to be written in complete phrases and sentences. Short notes or pointers are not allowed.
  • Special attention needs to be given to the grammar and punctuation in the IELTS test Writing section.
  • Visit the official website of the IELTS, which is www.ielts.org.



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