Improve Your Writing skill-IELTS
Improve Your Writing skill-IELTS
Improve Your Writing skill-IELTS
Contents
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Details of the writing test Task 1 Bar and line graphs, pie charts & tables Process or flow charts Objects/how something works How to prepare for Task 1 Task 2 Questions How to prepare for Task 2 General tips for writing
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Make sure you have a copy of the How to prepare for IELTS FAQs booklet in addition to this booklet.
The Tasks
Task 1
This task tests your ability to perform one or more of the following functions in English: describe and interpret graphic data describe the stages of a process or procedure describe an object or event or sequence of events explain how something works
The question
You are given graphic or pictorial information and you have to write a description of this information. Bar charts, line graphs, pie charts and tables are most frequently given for this task. However, you could also be given an object or series of pictures or diagrams or a flow chart to describe. If graphs are used there may be just one usually a line graph or a bar chart. However, there could also be more than one of the same type of graph or a combination of graphs and charts. For example, you could get a bar chart and a pie chart together (see Cambridge IELTS 1, p.31) or a line graph and a table.
Marking
Your performance in Task 1 will be assessed on the criteria below: Task Achievement Being able to follow the instructions properly. Being able to write a clear, accurate and relevant description of the information. Being able to focus on the important trends presented as graphic information. Coherence and Cohesion Being able to organize your writing using a suitable structure. Using connective words to link sentences and paragraphs logically. Lexical Resources Being able to use a wide range of vocabulary naturally. Being able to spell accurately and using the appropriate word formation. Grammatical Range and Accuracy Using the appropriate grammatical structures accurately Using a variety of sentence structures.
70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Watching TV Homework
47%
32%
11% 33%
At public displays
28%
28%
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The Question
You are given a discussion topic. The question will either present you with an opinion or an argument. You have to discuss the question with two or three main points and supporting detail for each point. Length & Timing You have to write at least 250 words. You are advised to spend 40 minutes on this task.
Marking
Your performance in Task 2 will be assessed on the criteria below: Task Response Being able to present a clear position with a logical, well-supported argument. Being able to support your argument with personal experience and reasons. Being able to focus on the topic and not include anything irrelevant. Coherence and Cohesion Being able to write fluently enough to make your message clear to the reader. Being able to write cohesive sentences and paragraphs. Lexical Resource Being able to use a wide range of vocabulary naturally. Being able to spell accurately and using the appropriate word formation. Grammatical Range and Accuracy Using the appropriate grammatical structures accurately Using a variety of sentence structures. This task carries more weight in marking than Task 1. If, for example, you get a 5 in Task 1 and a 6 in this task, you will get a 6 overall.
Task 2 Questions
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How to do Task 2
Study the question carefully. The instructions will always start with the sentence Write about the following topic and include the sentence beginning Give reasons for your answer . Underline key points in the question. Make sure you read all parts of the question, so you include everything required. Quickly brainstorm the topic. Think about your point of view. Think about any personal experience you can add. Write a plan. Decide which points are your main points or topic sentences. Decide what supporting details you have for each main point. You should have at least two main points. Make sure you organise your points logically. You will need an introductory statement, body and conclusion. The structure for your essay will depend on the type of question. There are two types of argumentative structures. For example:
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* REMEMBER
Your scope tells your reader the main points you will make. Your thesis statement tells the reader your opinion.
CONCLUSION
Restatement of your opinion. Summary of your main points.
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B Disagree
INTRODUCTION
Opening general statement introducing the topic. Background information. * Scope and thesis statement of disagreement.
C Neutral
INTRODUCTION
Opening general statement introducing the topic. Background information. * Scope and thesis statement of neutrality.
Topic sentence/main point Supporting sentence 1 Supporting sentence 2 Supporting sentence 3 Restatement of your opinion. Summary of your main points.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
* REMEMBER Your scope tells your reader the main points you will make. Your thesis statement tells the reader your opinion.
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Before the exam Practise writing answers to the tasks in the time allowed, especially if you haven t written at speed by hand for a while. Keep up-to-date with current affairs. During the exam Use a pen. It should be easier to write faster with a pen. Make sure you have a checklist in mind for editing your writing at the end. Make one up now with the errors you know you make. For example,
Have I . written enough words? dealt with all parts of the question? added s to all the 3rd person singular verbs in the present simple?
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