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IELTS WRITING
WRITING
OVERVIEW
Writing Test Basics
Writing Task 1
150 words minimum
20 minutes
On a band scale from 0-9 with half band
scores
Writing Task 2
250 words minimum
40 minutes
On a band scale from 0-9 with half band
scores
!!!Note: Task 2 score contributes a little more to the overall score than Task 1.
Q. Where should I write my answers to the Writing tasks?
A. You will be given an Answer booklet in which you should write your Task 1 and Task 2 respnses:
The booklet has about 20 lines per page and 4 pages.
The first page of the Task 1 section has some instructions, leaing only half a ful page for writing on that page,
plus the following page.
The Task 2 section has 2 full pages.
It is clearly indicated where to start your answer to both Task 1 and Task 2.
Remember, too:
You can do the tasks in any order, which means you can decide to do the Task2 first if you prefer, or if you are
worried about how best to use the time
You can ask for additional prefer if you need it.
!!!Note: you may lose marks if you don't write enough words for either answer.
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Q. How do I start organising and planning my answer?
A. You need to read the Task 1 instruction you receive and then give the accompanying visual a quick
overview to identify key features of the data. Practise this quickly now, by overviewing each of these
sample Task 1 visuals:
A map:
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A process diagram:
Buying a house
What are your
needs/ wants?
Assess borrowing
limit with loan
specialist
Research choose
affordable area
View houses for sale
(within budget)
Offer rejected
Offer reject
Increase offer
Choose house
make offer
Offer accepted
Offer accepted
Deposit (10%)
Loan approval
Lawyer for
legal documents
Final inspection
Balance of money to
seller
Keys
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A graph:
A table:
Percentage of Australian households with access to computers/internet 1998-2000
Household
income/year
Below $50,000 per
year
Above $50,000 per
year
1998
Access to computers
1999
2000
1998
Access to internet
1999
2000
34
33
37
10
12
21
69
71
77
34
43
57
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How?
By studying the wording and data
for one to two minutes
Why?
To guarantee relevance of your
plan and clear structure of the
answer
To organise your answer
To make your answer well
structured, clear and easy to
read
To pick up any obvious mistakes
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multiply by number of lines
(e.g. 10 word, x 15 lines = 150)
Either way, you have to decide whether to continue on Task 1 or move on to Task 2. Some options:
Option 1 if the Task 2 topic looks easy, you might give yourself another five minutes to complete
Task 1 before changing to Task 2.
Option 2 the Task 2 topic looks tricky and needs full planning time, try to finish the Task 1
paragraph you are writing, then move on to Task 2 and allow yourself five minutes before the end of
the test to return to complete Task 1. Aim to write 250 words approximately for Task 2.
Q. What if writing about all the details adds up to many more than 150 words?
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A. This usually means that you haven't planned your paragraphs well and haven't selected and
grouped the information well enough. Before writing. you need to look more carefully at the data and
overview it so that you ate aware of main trends before writing. Remember there is not time to
mention everything so you have to find the main trends and summarise them.
Q. What if I make a mistake, how do I fix it?
A. If it is a factual mistake with numbers, cross out the mistake neatly and write in the correct number.
If it is a major misuke, such as misunderstanding the material and then realising your mistake after
writing a paragraph or two, cross out the first attempt with a diagonal line, then miss a line and start
again but with a tighter plan, and summarise the material more effectively to avoid too much
detail.Aim to write at least 140 words in the time remaining.
Q. What if I feel so anxious, my mind goes blank?
A. Stay as calm as you can. This is an opportunity to manage your emotions and become stronger.
Follow this 'calming routine': close your eyes and breathe systematically for one minute. To do this:
count 'one and two and three and four in your head when you breathe in,
then hold your breath counting from one to four again,
and then breathe out counting once more from one to four in your head.
After one minute, return to the question, and make every action systematic and structured.
You have to manage panic and not let it control you. This one-minute 'calming routine' is not time
wasted but time managed!
Your assessor as busy person with perhaps 20 Writing tests to scores. Perhaps yours is the last one so
the assessor could be a little tired. Within the limitations of your English, you need lo create a positive
relationship with the assessor through the quality of your writing.
GOLD STAR ADVICE No. 2: Your writing is YOU
Everything you write and how you present your writing represents 'YOU' in the mind of the
assessor because you wil not meet that assessor in person.
Q. How can I make a good impression on she IELTS Writing assessor?
A. There are certain way to write a report that always create a good impression.
Follow these detailed suggestions and your work will be appreciated by your assessor:
1. Take care of the accuracy of information
Explanation
Whatever material and data are presented to you in Task 1, you need to study it carefully and look at
each category or number carefully so that you report on them accurately.
Why is this important?
Accuracy creates a good impression of you as a professional report writer.
2. Write about the important patterns and trends - not everything
Explanation
The Task 1 question usually asks you to summarise and report main trends. This building all overview
of the data and then selecting the key information
Why is this important?
You don't have time to write about everything; a skilful report writer knows how to identify, organise,
compare, contrast and synthesise the Isev information
3. Avoid 'shopping lists', i.e. listing statistics one after another repetitively.
Explanation
Some candidates see information on a graph or table and me repeat it without any selection,
comparison or synthesis.
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Example
Report 1
In Belonia in 2001 unemployment was 20%;
in 2002 it was 30%, in 200 it increased to
40%, in 2004 it was steady at 40%. In Celonia
in 2001 it was 20%, in 2002 it was 10%, in
2003 it decreased to 5% and in 2004 it rose
to 20%.
Report 2
Unemployment in Bclonta increased steadily from
20 to 40% between 2001 and 2003, at which point it
remained steady. In Celonia, however, the
percentage without work halved each year from
20% in 2001 down to 5% in 2003, then rose again to
20%.
Comment: Report 2 has the better style of reporting as it evaluates the changes, it doesn't
simply list them.
Why is this important?
If you identify trends and patterns in statical data instead of just making mechanical lists, it shows you
can interpret information and can evaluate information in terms of what is more/less important. This
is not strictly a language skill but it is a sign of mature, critical thinking.
4. Don't make personal comments about the statistical material
Explanation
Some candidates start to give their own explanations for why the data has changed, even though this
is not in the graph and not part of the task
Example
Watthing TV probably increased more for you, people in the period 2005-2010 because parents were
too busy to do other things with their children.
Why is this important?
You have very little time for Task 1 so every word has to count. Bringing in new information that is
not in the diagram or graph is considered irrelevant to the task because your task is reporting data
not speculating about the causes of it
5. Use a systematic layout
Explanation
Use an Introduction/body paragraphsi/conclusion format, with each body paragraph dealing with a
clear and distinct area of information.
Why is this important?
A well-organised and logically structured report seems more professional and makes the task of
reading your report much easier for the assessor. This has a strong and positive psychological impact
on the assessor.
6.Use a professional writing style and formal tone
Explanation
A professional writing is formal in tone and economical in style. It maximises clarity of information
and brings together key information effectively by effective use of appropriate formal vocabulary and
sentence links.
Why is this important?
The use of an appropriate tone and style adds to the assessors belief in your professionalism, even if
there are still a few grammatical errors. This builds a positive impression. So compare these
expressions:
Expression 1
Expression 2
big increase
went up quickly
signifcant/substantial increase
rose rapidly
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increased dramatically
decreased dramtically
insrease marginally
remained unchanged/stable
a substantial number of students
broadly similar
Comment: The second expression in each case is more formal and establishes a professional
tone for reporting information. The first expression sounds too 'babyish' in this writing
context; it seems more like spoken English
7. Reduce simple grammar mistakes
Explanation
Simple grammar mistakes may seem little 'babyish'.
Why is this important?
The assessor may think that you should have learnt basic grammar when you first learnt English. Too
many basic errors reduce the professional 'feel' of your report and leave a negative impression, even if
the assessor can understand what your report says.
Reduce Weaknesses to Maintain a Good Impression
To maintain the good impression you've already created you need to reduce the kinds of weaknesses
illustrated in these examples:
Weakness Type 1 Word Forms (Adjective/Noun Adverb)
Explanation
In simple terms, errors that relate to basic rules of English grammar leave a more negative
impression than other kinds of mistakes because the assessor that you learnt about these basic
rules when you were younger and have had plenty of time to learn to use them correctly since that
time.
Examples of mistakes that create a had impression
Mistake
What's wrong?
So, if you still make these basic errors you may give the impression of being like an immature
schoolchild, even if your own native language causes you to make the errors because its verb system
is much simple than the English verb system, or its translated word forms are less varied than those
in English. The assessor forms an impression of you from your writing and isnt influenced by such
complexities as first language interference. The IELTS test, remember, is based ultimately on
comparing performance with a native English speaker equivalent.
Weakness Type 2 Verb Tenses
Explanation
Accurate use of the verb system shows an awareness of how time is marked in English. This is
important when reporting graphs and tables with information about past or future years.
Example
Mistake
In 2003 there is a maior increase in crime
By 2050 the level of crime has risen
What's wrong?
should be 'was a major increase
should be will rise
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Explanation
It is becoming more common for students to forget that in English grammar the subject of a sentence
often controls the form of the verb. Failure to remember this leads to elementary grammatical errors,
which have a negative effect on the assessors impression of your level.
Examples
Mistake
What's wrong?
Complete sentence
The proportion of people with incomes below
$50,000 with access to computer was 34
percent.
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The bar chart shows percentage coffee consumption during three years for several different age
groups. In 2004, the middle-aged groups drank most coffee at 16%. Younger age groups drank less
than the middle-aged then but almost as much in 2001. The oldest age group (75+) drank he least in
1995, 2001 and 2004. Only 6% of the 55-64 age group were coffee drinkers in 1995 but by 2004 they
were equal top at 16%. Generally speaking more coffee was drunk in 2004 than in 2001 ad in 1995 in
all groups. The oldest group and the 35-44 age group doubled their coffe consumption between 1995
and 2004 but the 55-64 group more than doubled theirs. Younger peoples consumption has not
changed very much between 2001 and 2004. Overall middle-aged people have drunk more coffee
than other groups in all three years.
Compare the above with this better version which has clear paragraphing:
The bar chart shows percentage coffee during three years for different age groups. Generally
speaking more coffee was drunk in 2004 than in 2001 and 1995 in all age groups (Introduction +
overview)
In 1995 between 7 and 9 percent of the four, younger age groups (18-54) were driking coffee, with
older age groups drinking noticeably less. (Summary of 1995)
By 2001, the pattern had changed somewhat with the 55-64 age group more than sumption to
become the second highest consumers at around 13 percent. Increases in the younger age groups
were slower. (Summary of 2001)
In 2004 two of the middle-aged groups (45 to 64) were clearly drinking the most coffee at 16 percent
with the younger age groups increasing less rapidly. There were large in the older age 65+ relative to
previous years. (Summary of 2004)
Overall then, middle-aged people's consumption of coffee has risen more that of other age groups but
consumption in all age groups has increased across the three years for which data were prvided
(Conclusion)
Accurate information
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Example 2 - Misunderstanding of measurement categories
Household
income/year
Below $50,000 per
year
Above $50,000 per
year
1998
Access to computers
1999
2000
1998
Access to internet
1999
2000
34
33
37
10
12
21
69
71
77
34
43
57
Inaccurate information
Accurate information
Whats wrong?
Should
be
'Australian',
not
'Austrian',
'households', not houtholds, 'access', not 'acess
'percent', not per sent'
Less repetition
In 2001, 12 percent drank coffee in both the
18-24 and 25-34 age groups. Among those
aged 35-44, 13 percent were coffee drinkers,
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a) too much detailed information which may leave insufficient time for balanced reporting of major
trends, and important comparisons.
b) personal interpretations which the writer offers but are not included in the data.
Example
Irrelevant Information
a) Too much detail
b) Adding personal interpretations
In 2001 in the 18-24 age group 12
In 2001, younger and middlepercent drank coffee, in the 25-34
aged age groups had similar
age also 12 percent. In the 35-44
coffee drinking patterns at 12
age group 13 percent drank
percent (younger) and 13/14
coffee, and 14% in the 45-54 age
percent (middle-aged) perhaps
group.
because younger people had
In the 65-74 age group, 8 percent
less spend- ing money, while
drank coffee and finally only 4
the two older age the two older
per-cent of the 75+ group drank
age groups drank much less
coffee.
coffee as probably to maintain
their health.
Relevant information
Better version of a) and
h)
In 2001, younger and
middle-aged
age
groupshad similar coffee
drink-age
group
13
percent drank coffee,
(younger) and 13/14
percent
(middle-aged)
while two older age
groups drank much less
coffee at 4-8%.
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Task Question
The maps show changes to the Fountain Gate Shopping Centre between 1980 and 2008
Summarise the information by selecting anf reporting the key features, and make any relevant
comparisons.
Write at least 150 words.
Without looking at the sample answer, write your own report. Spend no more than 20
minutes and write at least 150 words.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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!!!Note: This sample answer is Not a model answer but only one of many possible responses to the
task. It would probably be awarded Band 9.
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Assess borrowing
limit with loan
specialist
Research choose
affordable area
Offer rejected
Offer reject
Increase offer
Offer accepted
Lawyer for
legal documents
Final inspection
Balance of money to
seller
Keys
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Task Question
The diagram shows the stages in buying a house.
Summarise the information by selecting and reprting the key features, and make any relevant
comparisons.
Write at least 150 words.
!!!Note: This sample answer is not a model answer but only one of many possible response to the
task. It would be awarded Band 9.
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Task Question
The graph shows the perentage occupancy of caravan parks and hotels rooms between June 08 and
September 09.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the key features, and make any relevant
comparisons.
Write at least 150 words
Now, without looking at the sample answer, write your own report.
Spend no more than 20 minutes and write at least 150 words.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________
Now read this complete sample answer:
The graph indicated levels of occupancy of caravan parks and botch between 2008 and 2009. Overall it
seemed that caravan parks has slightly higher occupancy rates and less fluctuation than hotels.
At the beginning of the period, in June '08, the occupancy rate for caravan parks was around 54%. This
figure had increased marginally by September '08 then fell back a little before peaking at around 57%
in March '09. In June '09 it returned to its original level of 54% before recovering to 56% by September
'09. Generally, then, occupancy rates were quite steady across the 15-month period.
Turning to hotels, a little more variation was evident. 40% was the hotel occupancy rate on June '08, but
then this level increased markedly to around 48% by December of the same year before reaching nearly
50% by March '09. Then the rate dipped significantly to 38% by June 09 before recovering to 45% by
September of the same year.
To summarise, caravan parks had higher occupancy and less seasonal variation across the whole period
measured.
!!!Note: This sample answer is not a model answer but only one of many possible responses to the
task. It would probably be awarded Band 9.
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TASK TYPE >> Table
Pecentage of Australian households with access to conputers/internet 1998-2000
Household
income/year
Below $50,000 per
year
Above $50,000 per
year
1998
Access to computers
1999
2000
1998
Access to internet
1999
2000
34
33
37
10
12
21
69
71
77
34
43
57
Task Question
The table shows the percentage of Australian households with access to computers or internet 19982000.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporeting the key features, and make any relevant
comparisons
Now, without looking at the sample answer, write your own report.
Spend no more than 20 minutes and write at least 150 words.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
________________
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To summarise, the upper income group had much higher access to both internet and computers but the
lower income group increased its share of internet access more rapidly.
!!!Note: This sample answer is not a model answer but only one of many possible response to the
task. It would probably be awarded Band 9.
Great work now as a reward, eat something nice!
Task
The
chart shows coffee consumption by age and percentage of population in Australia in three years
Question
1995, 2001 and 2004.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the key features, and make any relevant
comparisons.
Write at least 150 words.
Now, without looking at the sample answer, write your own report. Spend no more than 20
minutes and write at least 150 words.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Now read this complete sample answer:
The chart shows a three-year percentage pattern for coffee consumption among different age gaups in
Australia. In general, coffee consumption increased, especially for those in the order age cohorts.
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Taking 1995 first, it is clear that consumption was fairly similar for those between 18 and 54 ranging
from 7% for the 35-44 group to 9% for the 18,24 and 45-54 age ranges. Older age groups drank less with
6% in the 55-64 group and 3% in the 75+ cohort.
By 2001 increases had occurred. The four younger groups had now been jointed by the 55-64 group so
that rates ranged among these five age cohorts from 12% up to 14%. The older groups showed some
increase but at lower rates 8% for the 65.74 and 4% for the 75+ category.
In 2004 further increases took place. The older, middle age ranges predominated, with 16% of both the
45-54 and 55-64 cohorts drinking coffee, followed by 14% of 35-44 year olds and 13% of 18-24 year
olds. The 65-74-year-old group had accelerated to reach 11+ with the 25-34 group steady at 12% and
the over 75s reaching 6%.
To summarise , coffee consumption increased for all age but more rapidly for the middle and older age
ranges.
!!!Note: This sample answer is not model answer but only one of many responses to the task. It would
probably be awarded Band 9.
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