How do I improve my IELTS Writing test score?

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Why would you take the IELTS Writing test?

1. It gives a fair and accurate assessment of your proficiency in written English — an important skill for success at school and work.

2. For entrance into higher education or a professional association (Academic stream).

3. To satisfy immigration requirements (General Training stream).

In 1 hour, you need to complete two writing tasks:

• An academic report or general letter for Task 1.

• An essay for Task 2.

The strategies below will power you through both!

This task presents a graph, table, chart, or diagram. You have to describe, summarize or explain the information in your own words.

Planning

• Spend only 20 minutes on the task.

• Write about 150 words.

• Circle key words.

• Leave time to re-check work.

Understanding the Question

• For a chart or graph: What is the main trend?

• For a process: What are the important features?

• Understand how you'll be marked.

Execution

• Vocabulary: Don't repeat words from the question. Use synonyms with a formal style.

• Write an overview in one or two sentences. Cover the main points, don't include every detail.

• Never include your opinion.

• Summarize, select, and make comparisons in your answer.

The two charts show the number of male and female Olympic participants and the number of total participants in 1924, 1954, 1984, and 2014. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting on the main features.

To hear an audio description of the chart above, click the play on the audio player below:

Shown below is a partial answer to the IELTS question. What are the best synonyms for the highlighted words?

In 1924, the disparity between the sexes was significant with just over 100 women and precisely 3000 men.

In terms of the overall totals, the data began at slightly over 3,000 in 1924 and rose consistently for the next 90 years, reaching a final high of greater than 10,000 in 2014.

This task asks you to write a letter in response to a situation to a manager, or to a friend or family member.

Planning

• Write around 150 words.

• Spend only 20 minutes on the task.

• Understand the situation and the kind of response you need — for example, in a letter to a manager, use semi- formal language.

• Understand the topic. The question may ask you to write a complaint, a request, or an explanation.

Execution

• Use everyday vocabulary.

• Provide general information. Write about needs, wants, or opinions.

• Use a standard letter format and salutation.

IELTS Writing test Task 2 is the same for both Academic and General Training streams. You're presented with a problem, point of view, or argument. You need to write a response.

• Write 250 words.

• Spend 40 mins on the task.

• Plan your answer and save time to check your response.

• Vocabulary is less formal and more creative.

• Support your point of view with a personal example from your experience.

Read the question carefully. Address all parts of question and give your opinion:

• Compare and contrast.

• Discuss and offer solution.

• Agree or disagree.

• Give reasons and include personal examples.

Use a standard essay style:

• Introduction with thesis

• Main body with support

• Conclusion with thesis restated

The best way to improve for the IELTS Writing test is to understand the questions, do some practice, and get feedback. You can visit websites run by trusted partners such as the British Council for accurate and current information on the writing tasks and any new changes to the test.

Photo by Alexis Brown on Unsplash

The week/day of strategies:

• Use a mix of long and short sentences in your writing.

• Leave time to check for spelling and grammar checks at the end.

• Make an outline to follow while you write.

• Review tips sites:

Task 1 ACA

Task 2 GT

Task 2

If you have week/months to prepare:

• Read widely to improve your vocabulary range and style.

• Practice writing in different styles. Read good examples of writing in the styles you want to produce.

• Get feedback from a trusted source or read your writing aloud.

• Understand the mechanics of the style of writing you want to produce — for example, report vs essay.

Set aside some time each week to improve your writing. With a little time, effort, and dedication you can see amazing results!