The IELTS Writing Practice Test consists of both Task 1 and Task 2. It is advisable not to spend more than 20 minutes for Task 1 and invest the remaining time in Task 2, as Task 2 makes up 66% of the total writing marks while Task 1 only makes up 33% of the score.
The IELTS Writing Task 1 is different for Academic and General Tests. The Academic Test has a graph, chart, diagram or map that has to be analysed and explained while the General Test has a letter that has to be written according to the question given.
The IELTS Writing Task 2 for both Academic and General consists of essay questions for which the essays have to be written in at least 250 words.
Contents
- 1 Things to keep in mind by the Test Takers
- 2 Checklist for Writing Tasks
- 3 Self – Study activities other than Writing Practice tests
- 4 Practice IELTS Writing
- 5 FAQs
- 5.1 What is the distribution of marks for writing task 1 and writing task 2
- 5.2 How does writing task 1 differ for Academic and General module of IELTS?
- 5.3 How should I practise for writing task 2?
- 5.4 What are the golden rules to be followed while writing an essay?
- 5.5 How long should the essay be?
- 5.6 Related Posts:
Things to keep in mind by the Test Takers
- Understand the prompt of the essay. Both Task 1 and Task 2 have a question to which you would respond to. Make sure you understand the question before you write the essays.
- Plan your essay. Plan your essays according to the question. Each essay should follow a particular structure, follow that structure and jot down the contents you would like to put into each paragraph in the free side of the paper.
- Once each paragraph is planned, begin writing the essay. Remember to use rich vocabulary, complex sentences and proper grammar. Looking through discourse markers, cohesive devices and idioms help in the Writing process.
- After you complete the essay, make sure your essay is more than 250 words. Anything below that will only lower your band score.
- Proofread your essay, Check for spellings and grammar errors.
Checklist for Writing Tasks
- The word count should at least be 250 words. Preferably less than 300 words.
- The essay is well organized.
- The introduction paragraph should contain the paraphrased information from the question, the overview/opinion statement and the thesis statement.
- Each of the body paragraphs should contain one central idea, supporting ideas and examples.
- Don’t branch off. All the information provided in the essay should be relevant to the question given.
- The sentences and paragraphs are coherent with no spelling or grammatical errors.
- The essay should have a rich vocabulary and complex sentences.
If any of the above points are missing from your essay, please rewrite the essay with the points you missed, as they play a significant part in the band score that you obtain.
Self – Study activities other than Writing Practice tests
There are a number of self-study activities that you can do in addition to Writing Practice tests to help you improve your writing skills.
Below is the list of activities:
- Write e-mails to website contacts
- Write a blog
- Read books, newspapers or magazines
- Post messages in a chat room
- Write a daily journal
- Write a letter to an English speaker
- Write descriptions of your family and friends
- Summarise lectures, news, sports events that you have read or heard online.
Practice IELTS Writing
Below are the writing test samples of IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2 to help you practice for the tests.
FAQs
What is the distribution of marks for writing task 1 and writing task 2
Task 2 makes up 66% of the total writing marks while Task 1 makes up 33% of the score.
How does writing task 1 differ for Academic and General module of IELTS?
For writing task 1, the academic test has a graph, chart, diagram or map that has to be analysed and explained while the general test has a letter that has to be written according to the question given.
How should I practise for writing task 2?
Learn the possible types of essay questions. Also learn the structure for every type of essay. Learn topic related vocabulary. Check the essay written for possible spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
What are the golden rules to be followed while writing an essay?
The introduction paragraph should contain the paraphrased information from the question, the overview/opinion statement and the thesis statement.
Each of the body paragraphs should contain one central idea, supporting ideas and examples.
How long should the essay be?
The essay should be of 250 words, probably less than 300 words. But any essay less than 250 words will result in poor scores.
