IELTS Preparatory Tips: The writing section

While taking the IELTS academic exam, you need a different approach for each of the four sections. For the writing section, in particular, you need to know the rules of writing and the structure of writing. How you write reflects how you process your thoughts. To develop your writing style you need to stick to the rules and practice writing a lot. Here we explain the IELTS Writing section tips in detail.

First, learn about the IELTS Writing Section 20201 in detail

IELTS Academic writing test includes topics that are suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students. These IELTS Writing tips and tricks will help you in solving this section better.

Total Duration: 60 Minutes

The Writing section of the IELTS Academic exam includes two tasks. Topics are of general interest and can range among varied topics. The topics are suitable for candidates entering undergraduate and postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration.

Task 1

Students are presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and are asked to describe, summarize or explain the information in their own words. They may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event. The main purpose of this task is to see how well a student assimilates information and is able to put that understanding in his own words.

Time allotted: 20 minutes

Word Limit: 150 words

Task 2

Students are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. Responses to both tasks must be in a formal style. The standpoint of the student should ideally be neutral, as this is an exercise where there are no correct or wrong answers, but rather the focus is on the correct style of writing.

Time allotted: 40 minutes

Word Limit: 250 words

IELTS Writing Exam Tips

1. You have 40 minutes to complete 2 tasks. Keep an eye on the time. Do not spend more than 20 minutes on Task 1

2. Write more than 150 words for task 1 and more than 250 words for task 2

3. Do not count the number of words instead count the lines and get an estimate of the word count

4. You can make notes about the essay on the question paper. No extra paper will be given to make notes

5. Write a clear overview for task 1

6. Write a conclusion for task 2. You can use the last few minutes for writing a conclusion

7. Divide writing tasks into paragraphs, and check spellings while you write

8. Make sure to use either British or American English and follow it in the complete section

9. Make sure what you are writing is relevant, lengthy does not make it better

10. You can use more papers if required

Remember one thing, there is no right or wrong answer, you will be judged on your expression.

Learn how to write an essay?

It is not just about writing, it is about expressing your thoughts perfectly. The complete section is devoted to writing, so, you should be well versed with the rules of the language. Here, some of the points to help you in tackling the IELTS Speaking section better.

• Introduction: Start with the introduction directly and move ahead with the other paragraphs.
• Paragraphs: Concisely break your ideas. Describe your ideas with relevant examples. Try to explain one idea in one paragraph, make sure it should be relevant. Moving on to the next paragraph should be done logically. The individual paragraphs should be connected.
• Conclusion: A strong conclusion is a must! It is important to give points and back them whatever you expressed.

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Things to keep in mind:

• Before writing an essay, you must know its basic structure. A book about essay writing will help you understand the structure and format of essays better.
• Attempt Task 2 first, because it is worth more marks and is comparatively easier.
• Don’t waste a lot of time on Task 1. Learn all the specific writing structure for each type of task 1. In the real test, you just have to apply that structure with new data and suitable verb tenses. Read sample essays and take note of the ones with good structure to have a wide range of academic structures for task 1. Some structures might be used in task 2 as well.
• Writing requires good vocabulary. Consult a dictionary to look up the meaning and usage of new words to enrich your vocabulary.
• Avoid informal writing. There are some rules of writing you should follow.
• Each body paragraph has to include: the topic sentence, supporting sentences (2-3 sentences), and development sentences (including example, experience, and data).
• Understand the test rules and format.
• Practice Sample Questions. Do both 2 tasks in one hour. You can focus only on task 1 or task 2, but before the test, you should practice writing both tasks to get familiar with time limits.

Understand the questions carefully

The first and foremost task is to understand the question and identify the type it belongs to. Identify whether you have to give an opinion or a solution. Learn whether you have to criticize the argument or have to write in its favour. If you identify this accurately then a major task is complete.

Add relevant examples

It is always good to add relevant examples with your opinions. The examiner is going to assess the essay based on a lot of factors and if you elaborate your ideas along with the examples (if the prompt allows) shows that you have understood what has been asked and you are explaining it in a structured manner.