Everything You Must Know About IELTS Writing Exam PART 1

Essay writing is a challenging task. It requires a person to become analytical of questions, come up with logical arguments and counterarguments and produce compelling conclusions. Moreover, it requires individuals to construct sentences concisely and to choose their words correctly. Those who would like to take the IELTS exam are required to write essays for its Writing component. To prepare for the exam, some test takers opt to enroll in an IELTS online review, which provides and conducts practice exercises and mock exams. These review centers analyze test takers’ works and offer tips to improve their writing.

The IELTS Writing exam evaluates the test takers’ English proficiency based on the following criteria:

• Task Achievement and Response examine the degree to which the requirement of the exam has been fulfilled, such as the minimum word count and the appropriateness of the answer to the given questions. In particular, Task Achievement focuses on the accuracy of the test taker’s answer to the essay question, while Task Response assesses how the test taker develops and supports his/her claims.

• Coherence and Cohesion evaluate the logical flow of ideas. Coherence refers to the clear progression of points or arguments in the essay as a whole, while cohesion examines the use of linking words and phrases (e.g., moreover, for example, in particular, etc.) to establish connection or relationship among statements.

• Lexical Resources determine the vocabulary range and language precision.

• Grammar Range and Accuracy assesses the test taker’s correct use of grammatical resources in the essay.

There are two types of IELTS Writing exam: Academic and General Training. Individuals who wish to study in an undergraduate or a postgraduate level or to apply for professional registration are required to take the IELTS Academic Writing exam. It requires a formal and academic style of writing, and the tasks include describing diagrams (e.g., charts, tables, graphs, etc.) and giving an in-depth analysis on a specific issue.

Meanwhile, individuals who wish to study vocational courses or enroll in training programs, to work or to migrate are required to take the IELTS General Training Writing exam. It may be formal or informal in style, and the tasks involve general topics of interest, such as writing a letter or discussing an argument, point of view or problem. Both tests are composed of two parts: Task 1 and Task 2.

The first part of this article discusses the scope of the IELTS Academic Writing exam.

IELTS Academic Writing Exam

The IELTS Academic Writing exam is divided into two parts: Task 1 and Task 2. It takes test takers’ 60 minutes to complete both tasks.

TASK 1

Task 1 requires test takers to interpret visual information with at least 150 words. It assesses their ability to identify essential information and to provide a concise and well-thought-out summary in a formal writing style. In addition, test takers are given 20 minutes to finish the task.

Example:
The diagram below shows the process of making cheese. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Sample Answer:

The diagram shows how cheese is made. First, raw milk undergoes pasteurization to kill all bacteria. It is then filtered and standardized. It can be noted that, in the traditional way of making cheese, raw milk is directly mixed with rennet and fermenting microorganisms. It does not involve pasteurization, filtration and standardization.

Next, it is inoculated with fermenting microorganisms. Rennet is added for curdling or coagulation. Then curds and whey are formed. Afterward, the curd is cut.

The curd undergoes stirring and cooking, and whey is drained. After the milling procedure, it is then salted. From this stage, fresh cheese is produced (cottage and cream cheese). Next, salted curds are poured into molds or containers to take shape. They are pressed to remove or drain excess whey. Finally, salted curds are removed from containers and stored to age or ripe. When these blocks of cheese reach a certain “age,” they are then packaged and distributed.

TIPS:

• Take note of all the key features in the diagram. In the given example, take note of all the processes and important terms mentioned. These are pasteurization, standardization, filtration, coagulation, rennet, fermenting microorganisms, curds and whey, among others.
• Be accurate in interpreting the diagram. Classify which detail to include and exclude. Make sure that when you interpret a diagram, all pertinent details are included and explained accurately.
• Provide an overview of the diagram. Write one to two sentences consolidating the given information. (e.g., The diagram shows how cheese is made.)
• Be conscious of the word count. Keep in mind that you have to produce an essay with at least 150 words. It is okay to exceed but never to go below this limit as you can be penalized.

TASK 2

Task 2 requires test takers to produce a well-developed and supported claim about a given topic with at least 250 words. It assesses their ability to discuss an argument in a clear, formal and logical manner, providing examples when necessary to elaborate a point. Test takers are given 40 minutes to complete the exam. (Note: This task weighs twice as much as Task 1.)

Sample Question:

Write about the following topic:

Globalization and rapid modernization are important issues in modern society; some people believe that these will lead to the dissolution of cultural identity and ethnic diversity, whereas others disagree.

Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples. Write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer:

I am one with the people who disagree. Contrary to the concept of cultural identity and ethnic diversity’s dissolution, globalization, in fact, strengthen and bind these two ideologies.

Globalization—which has rapidly developed due mainly to the aid of information technology, thus promoting a global community—has in fact allowed people to become acquainted with various cultures, ethnicities and race. It has not only educated us in so many ways about the world outside of our own but has also taught us the nature of coexistence.

Nowadays, people all over the world are informed about different situations experienced by those considered as “minorities” in the society. Globalization allows us to know about and to share with their plight; it provokes us to action—to make a stand and fight for their rights and causes. Consider the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States. Had it not been of globalization, through social media and international media platforms, we will not be fully aware of the discriminations and atrocities toward the African Americans in the United States. Another example is the LGBT community. Though it has existed since the ‘80s, some people, especially the conservatives, are still adamant to accept those who identified themselves as “the other” and consider them as “abnormal.” These people have difficulties “coming out” due to discrimination and hate crimes. However, through globalization, a gay, lesbian, transsexual—anybody for that matter—has found comfort and courage through the experiences of others.

Of course, any issue comes with pros and cons. Then again, the pros that globalization and modernization bring to cultural identity and ethnic diversity are worth noting. They do more help than harm.

TIPS:

• Pay attention to the issues presented in the question. Doing so can help you avoid providing answers that are irrelevant to the question. The issue discussed in the sample question above is:

Globalization and rapid modernization are important issues in modern society; some people believe that these will lead to the dissolution of cultural identity and ethnic diversity, whereas others disagree.

• Take note of the primary requirement of the question. Analyze what kind of answer the question requires. Is it asking you to justify given data?

Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples.

• Develop your ideas and support them using examples. You can elaborate ideas by including examples, factual information or anecdotes. Look at this passage:

Nowadays, people all over the world are informed about different situations experienced by those considered as “minorities” in the society. Globalization allows us to know about and share with their plight; it provokes us to action—to make a stand and fight for their rights and causes. Consider the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States. Had it not been of globalization, through social media and international media platforms, we will not be fully aware of the discriminations and atrocities toward the African Americans in the United States.

Overall, The IELTS Academic Writing exam is designed not only to test the English proficiency of individuals, but also their ability to interpret visual information and to discuss issues and develop arguments. In accomplishing Task 1 and Task 2, analyze the problem or situation carefully. Cite examples or include supporting statements to make your essay more substantial. More so, take note of the minimum required number of words and the relevance of your response to avoid being penalized.

If you are planning to take an IELTS exam, you can enroll in an IELTS online review. Have your skills assessed first before facing one of your life’s biggest challenges!

The second part of this article will focus on the IELTS General Writing exam.