IELTS Writing Academic Format
The Academic writing module has two tasks and you are given 1 hour to complete these 2 tasks. In Task 1, you are required to describe a graph, process or image in minimum 150 words and in task 2, you have to write an essay in minimum 250 words on the provided topic. Usually the essays are of general interest and task 2 carry more weightage that task 1. It is advised to spend 20 minutes on task 1 and remaining 40 minutes on task 2. | |
| Total time duration | 60 minutes 20 minutes for task 1 40 minutes for task 2 |
Total no. of Questions | 2 compulsory Questions |
| Nature of the questions | In Task 1, you will be asked to describe some visual information (graph/table/chart/diagram) in your own words. You need to write 150 words in 20 minutes. In Task 2, you will be asked to respond to a point of view or argument or problem and answer in minimum 250 words in 40 minutes. |
| Writing skills | These include questions which test your writing skills in various aspects like Grammar, Content, Vocabulary, graph, table, diagram etc. |
Detailed information about the question type and their purpose of assessment
| Question Sort | Purpose of Assessment |
Task 1 In Writing Task 1, you will be asked to describe facts or figures shown in one or more graphs, charts or tables on a related topic or you will be asked about the functionality of a machine or a device through its diagram. Use semi-formal writing style while answering and include only important and relevant points in the diagram. Given time is 20 minutes and word limit is 150 words, answers with words less than that are penalised. There is no penalty for exceeding word limit, although the only drawback is waste of time which can prove bad for your overall test attempt. Penalties are for:
| Task 1 assesses your ability to identify the most important and relevant information in a graph, chart, table or diagram and give well-organised answer using accurate language with appropriate writing style. |
Task 2 In Writing Task 2, you will have to write an essay on the given topic. Use semi formal or neutral writing style. Make sure to give relevant and accurate answer according to the question instructions. Do not give answers based on your general knowledge and write specific points. Do not take more than 40 minutes to complete this task. Write within the word limit which is 250 words. Remember there is penalty for writing less. Save your time by not exceeding word limit. Do not copy straight up points from the question paper. They will not award you with any points. | Task 2 assesses your ability to give clear and relevant answers with examples and accurate language. |
Assessment and Marking criteria
Each task is analysed independently.Task 2 assessment carries more weightage in marking than Task 1.
Your performance is assessed by British Council and IDP certificated IELTS examiners who are experienced trainers at reputed IELTS test centres and perform unbiased evaluation.
There is an independent assessment of both tasks and IELTS scores are assigned as bands, ranging from 0 to 9. you might get whole or half IELTS bands scores too.
Both task 1 and task 2 are marked based on the following criteria:
Assessment criteria | Task 1 | Task 2 |
Task response | Task achievement criteria evaluates whether you fulfill the requirements set in the questions given in task 1 with appropriate, relevant and accurate responses within the word limit of 150 words. Requirements are having understanding of the main idea and explaining them with related examples. | Your answers should cover all the main points and should be supported by evidence and examples which could be taken from your experiences. It will be instructed to write not less than 250 words as you will be penalised. Though there is no penalty for writing more, doing so will only give you trouble managing your time. |
Coherence and Cohesion | This signifies overall clarity and fluency in your answers and assesses how your responses organise and provide link between the information. Coherence means linking of ideas in a logical sequence and Cohesion is the appropriate use of cohesive aids such as, logical connectors, pronouns and conjunctions to establish clear and conceptual connecting links within the sentences. | Coherence means linking of ideas in a logical sequence and Cohesion is the appropriate use of cohesive aids such as, logical connectors, pronouns and conjunctions to establish clear and conceptual connecting links within the sentences. This signifies overall clarity and fluency in your answers and assesses how your responses organise and provide link between the information. |
Lexical resource | This means the range of vocabulary, accuracy and specificity you used in your answers. | This determines your range of vocabulary and its accurate use while writing answers for task 2. |
Grammatical Range and accuracy | This assesses your accurate grammar usage and range as written in your responses to task 1. | This refers to your accurate and appropriate usage of wide range of grammatical measures. |
Key points to remember
- Use appropriate and accurate grammar while writing answers.
- Maintain content relevancy. Out of context answers are not marked favourably.
- Pay attention to word limit. Both tasks has different word limits. Read instructions carefully. There is penalty for writing less words.
- Use formal language for task 1 and semi-formal for task 2. you can use combination of both for task 2.
- Make proper use of punctuation.
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