General IELTS - Writing

 

Task 1 

• Write a minimum of 150 words
• Time: 20 minute

You are required to write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation in relation to a specific provided issue or inquiry.

The letter must be in one of the following styles as it fits the situation:
   

•     Formal – to someone you don’t know.
•     Informal – to a friend or close family member.
  

There are 7 common Task 1 letter topics:

•     An Apology
•     Letter of Complaint
•     A Request
•     Letter of Explanation
•     Letters of Application & Resignation
•     Letters to Make an Arrangement
•     An Invitation

 

Your letter will assess your ability to engage in personal correspondence and be assessed in relation to one or more of these skills:

•     Elicit and provide general factual information
•     Express needs, wants, likes and dislikes
•     Express opinions (e.g. views, complaints)

Task 2

• Write a minimum of 250 words
• Time: 40 minute

    

Total Time – 60 minutes   

Task 2 contributes twice as many marks to your overall score as Task 1.

You will be asked to write an essay on a topic of general interest. Your essay will be a response to a specific point of view, problem or argument that will be stated in the question.

You may use a more personal style than would be required in the Academic Writing Task 2 essay.

There are 5 types of Task 2 essay:

•     Opinion Essays
•     Discussion Essays
•     Problem Solution Essays
•     Advantages & Disadvantages Essays
•     Double Question Essays

 

Your essay will be assessed in relation to one or more of the following:

•     Outline a problem and present a solution
•     Present and justify an opinion
•     Evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or an argument

The IELTS General Writing test is marked according to four marking criteria.

These are:

•   Task Achievement – appropriate response to the task
•   Coherence & Cohesion  – the ability to present a well-structured essay
•   Lexical Resource  – the ability to use appropriate vocabulary and to use it correctly
•   Grammatical Range & Accuracy  – the ability to use grammar correctly
  

Each carries 25% of the marks.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR EXAMS!