IELTS ACADEMIC WRITING

Candidates who sit the Academic module are the ones who are applying for admission for higher education or for professionals who are looking to get further training in English speaking countries. Academic version of the IELTS Test is also required by the government and private institutions be it ministeries, banks or companies.

The writing section forms an important part of the exam as it judges the candidate’s ability to communicate in the written form. It evaluates how well the candidate is able to structure and frame his thoughts and how clearly he is able to express them.

IELTS Writing Test  consists of two tasks named Task 1 and Task 2. Experts recommend the candidates devote 20 minutes to Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2. Word count should be as follows: 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2.

TASK 1

For the first task of the academic module you are asked to write a report based on information presented by means of a visual. This visual can a bar chart, line graph, pie chart or table which provide numbers and statistics for you to compare and elaborate on the changes in the direction of the data. This visual can be a diagram asking you to explain the various stages in a particular process or to explain how a particular object works. This visual can also be a map where you are asked to  elaborate on the changes or compare the information for the best option.

You should show your knowledge of academic vocabulary & synonyms, paraphrasing & paragraphing skills. You should also show how well you decipher & organize the data while giving the utmost importance to cohesion & coherence.

TASK 2

The question asks you to express your views on a particular subject or respond to a given point of view or argument. You are advised to complete this task in 40 minutes. The length of the essay has to be at least 250 words. Generally speaking, you are to outline a logical discussion and put forward your views on the given subject. A well supported discussion with ample details and examples will win you marks.

A good use of your vocabulary is a must. Make sure you show your knowledge of synonyms and paraphrasing skills to the markers. Another important criterion of a well written essay is your spellings and grammar; make sure they are accurate. You will also be judged on the organisation of your thoughts and the amount of coherence and cohesion in your essay. There should be an order to your essay. In other words, sentences and paragraphs should be well linked. Above all, examiners look for task response; meaning, they want to see how well you answer the question and whether you cover all main points of discussion. With this in mind, you should divide your essay into four paragraphs: 1 introduction, 2 body paragraphs and 1 conclusion paragraph.