When you do the IELTS test, The Writing test takes 60 minutes. Here are the test format that you should know before taking IELTS test.
Task 1: It is suggested that about 20 minutes is spent on Task 1, which requires candidates to write at least 150 – 225 words. In task 1, most of the topic will be about Graphs, Tables, Charts, Diagrams, Processes.
Task 2: This task requires at least 250 – 325 words and should take about 40 minutes. Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score. In task 2, most of the topic will be about Agree/Disagree, Discuss both views, Problem-solution, Opinion.
In the writing test, the responses must be given on the Writing Answer Sheet and must be written in full. Notes are not acceptable as answers. Responses to both tasks must be written in an academic or semi-formal style. Judging by the test format, many people struggle with writing test for IELTS, it’s well-known for being tough, and will test anyone’s language abilities to the limit. It is also proven that the writing test is the most difficult part. With that being said, we provide the best tips and tricks to nail writing test on IELTS Test;
1. Understand the prompt
Make sure you understand exactly what the question is asking you to do, whether you’re writing for the Academic or General Test, Task 1 or Task 2. If you’re writing a letter, be sure you know the appropriate register (formal or casual) and salutations and closings. Make sure you can identify both sides of an issue if you’re writing an opinion essay. If you’re describing graphs or processes, start by determining what the graphs depict, then compare the important trends and features. After you’ve gotten your head around the task, you may start planning your paper’s outline.
2. Always make an outline Before you start writing
You should make an outline. An outline will save you time by ensuring that you stay focused when writing and do not stray from the topic. Before you begin writing, an outline will help you organize your thoughts and put them in the best order possible. Above all, having a decent outline allows you to concentrate on the language you’re using (vocabulary and sentence structure) rather than the concepts you’ll present.
3. Put your best foot forward
Determine the sequence in which you will deliver your ideas when organizing the opinion essay at the outline stage. The strongest body paragraph should come first, as it will make the first and most essential impressions on your reader. If you have three body paragraphs, start with the best one, then the weakest in the middle, then the second-strongest at the end. This will ensure that your reader has a positive impression of your essay.
4. Keep it simple
It’s essential to note that the IELTS writing activities aren’t meant to measure your knowledge of the subject or your intelligence. They evaluate your ability to communicate concepts in English in a clear and coherent manner. As a result, it’s critical to structure paragraphs and phrases so that one thought per sentence and one governing idea per paragraph are presented. Support your arguments with evidence (an example or explanation), then tie the evidence back to your thesis at the end of the paragraph.
5. Focus on language, not length
Although you must aim for the required word count in IELTS writing, it does not have to be long (150 and 250 words). Two good body paragraphs are required for Task 2 essays, while three is a plus if you can accomplish it. You get marks for correctly and organically employing complicated sentence structure and powerful vocabulary. Rather than being concerned about the length of your essay, focus on including interesting vocabulary and avoiding repetition. You should work on expanding your vocabulary for a variety of themes as you prepare for the IELTS exam. Additionally, you might wish to use flashcards to arrange synonyms or related words together. This will assist you in coming up with synonyms to employ in your writing.
6. Proofread
For timed assessments, this can be difficult, but it is critical to set aside a few minutes after each writing activity to proofread. You should look for small spelling and grammar errors. This is not the moment to decide that your argument is weak and draft a fresh paragraph. Read your essay to ensure that it is well-organized, and if necessary, add sentences or phrases to strengthen connections between concepts.
With that being said, those tricks can be useful for you to do the Writing part on the IELTS test.
