IELTS Academic Writing Module – Introduction

 

IELTS Academic Writing Module – Introduction

The IELTS Academic Writing module is designed to assess your ability to write clearly, accurately, and appropriately in an academic context. It lasts 60 minutes and consists of two tasks:

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Task 1: Visual Report Writing (150 words minimum | 20 minutes)

• Purpose: You are required to describe, summarize, or explain the main features of a graph, table, chart, diagram, process, or map.
• Skills tested: Interpreting data, comparing trends, describing stages, identifying key features.
• Tone: Formal and objective.
• Structure:

1.      Introduction – Paraphrase the question.

2.      Overview – Summarize key trends or stages.

3.      Details Paragraphs – Describe data with comparisons and figures.

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Task 2: Essay Writing (250 words minimum | 40 minutes)

• Purpose: You must respond to a viewpoint, argument, or problem in the form of an essay.
• Common question types: Opinion, Discussion, Problem-Solution, Advantages-Disadvantages, and Two-Part Questions.
• Skills tested: Presenting arguments, supporting ideas, organizing information, using appropriate tone and vocabulary.
• Tone: Formal and academic.
• Structure:

1.      Introduction – Paraphrase the question and state your position (if needed).

2.      Body Paragraphs – Present main ideas with examples.

3.      Conclusion – Summarize your opinion or key points.

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Both tasks are marked based on four criteria

1. Task Achievement / Task Response
2. Coherence and Cohesion
3. Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

 

IELTS Academic Writing Module – Detailed Introduction

The IELTS Academic Writing Module assesses your ability to communicate effectively in written English in an academic or higher education context. The total duration of the test is 60 minutes, during which you must complete two tasks.

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Task 1: Academic Report Writing

v Time Recommended: 20 minutes

v Word Limit: At least 150 words

v Task Type: Describe visual information

What You Have to Do

You are presented with one or more visuals—such as a:

1.       Bar chart

2.       Line graph

3.       Pie chart

4.       Table

5.       Process diagram (natural or man-made)

6.       Map (single or comparison of two maps)

7.       Flow Chart

You must write a factual report describing the main features and trends, making comparisons where relevant. No personal opinion or interpretation should be given.

Purpose of the Task

To test your ability to:

·         Analyze visual data

·         Identify significant trends or differences

·         Organize information logically

·         Use precise and formal academic language

Structure

1.      Introduction: Paraphrase the question and describe what the visual shows.

2.      Overview: Summarize the most noticeable trends, patterns, or stages (without figures).

3.      Body Paragraphs: Give detailed descriptions with supporting data (percentages, dates, comparisons, etc.).

Tone and Style

·         Formal and objective

·         Avoid using first-person pronouns (I, we)

·         Avoid giving personal opinions

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Task 2: Academic Essay Writing

v Time Recommended: 40 minutes

v Word Limit: At least 250 words

v Task Type: Argumentative or discursive essay

What You Have to Do:

You are given a question prompt based on a topic of general academic interest. You must write an essay in response to the prompt, clearly expressing your viewpoint and supporting it with reasons, evidence, and examples.

Common Question Types

1.      Opinion Essays – Do you agree or disagree?

2.      Discussion Essays – Discuss both views and give your opinion

3.      Problem-Solution Essays – Identify problems and suggest solutions

4.      Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

5.      Two-Part Questions – Answer two related questions based on a given topic

Purpose of the Task

To assess your ability to:

1.       Develop a clear position or argument

2.       Present ideas logically and coherently

3.       Use academic vocabulary and grammar accurately

4.       Support your views with relevant examples

Structure

1.      Introduction: Paraphrase the question and outline your main idea or position.

2.      Body Paragraph 1: Present the first main point with support.

3.      Body Paragraph 2 (and possibly 3): Present the second idea with examples.

4.      Conclusion: Summarize key points and restate your opinion (if required).

Tone and Style

·         Formal and academic

·         Use linking devices (e.g., however, therefore, in addition)

·         Avoid contractions (e.g., don’t → do not) and slang

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Scoring Criteria (for Both Tasks)

Each task is scored based on four equal-weighted criteria:

1.      Task Achievement (Task 1) / Task Response (Task 2):

§  Have you addressed all parts of the task and provided a clear, well-developed response?

2.      Coherence and Cohesion:

§  Is your writing logically organized? Are ideas connected with appropriate linking words?

3.      Lexical Resource:

§  Are you using a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately?

4.      Grammatical Range and Accuracy:

§  Are your sentences varied and grammatically correct?

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Tips for Success

1.       Plan your writing before you start.

2.       Avoid repetition of words and sentence structures.

3.       Practice writing under timed conditions.

4.       Proofread your work if time allows.

 

IELTS Writing Task 1 – Dos and Don’ts

What You Should Do

1.      Understand the visual(s) – Identify trends, comparisons, and important features.

2.      Paraphrase the question in the introduction.

3.      Write an overview – summarize the main trends or changes.

4.      Use data accurately – include figures, percentages, and time periods.

5.      Group similar information together logically.

6.      Use a formal tone and academic vocabulary.

7.      Use linking words like in contrast, whereas, overall, respectively.

8.      Meet the word count – write at least 150 words.

9.      Practice different visuals – bar chart, pie chart, process, map, etc.

10. Check your grammar and spelling before submitting.

What You Should NOT Do

1.      Do not give your opinion – Task 1 is factual, not argumentative.

2.      Do not describe each detail separately without grouping information.

3.      Do not copy the question – paraphrase instead.

4.      Do not include irrelevant details or outside knowledge.

5.      Do not use informal language or contractions (e.g., “don’t”).

6.      Do not repeat the same sentence structure throughout.

7.      Do not make up data – only use what’s shown in the visuals.

8.      Do not forget the overview – it’s essential for a high band score.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 – Dos and Don’ts

What You Should Do

1.      Analyze the question carefully – identify the type of essay (opinion, discussion, etc.).

2.      Present a clear thesis statement in the introduction.

3.      Support your arguments with examples and explanations.

4.      Plan your essay before writing (outline structure and ideas).

5.      Write in paragraphs – introduction, body (2–3), conclusion.

6.      Use formal, academic language and a variety of sentence types.

7.      Use cohesive devices – furthermore, however, on the other hand.

8.      Write at least 250 words.

9.      Stay on topic – answer all parts of the question.

10. Proofread to correct grammar, vocabulary, or spelling mistakes.

What You Should NOT Do

1.      Do not write informally – avoid slang, contractions, or casual phrases.

2.      Do not express personal opinions in an unclear or disorganized way.

3.      Do not go off-topic – stay focused on the task.

4.      Do not memorize essays – examiners can spot rehearsed content.

5.      Do not repeat ideas – avoid redundancy.

6.      Do not ask questions in your essay (e.g., "So what should we do?").

7.      Do not use bullet points or lists – write in full paragraphs.

8.      Do not include examples that are too personal or emotional.

9.      Do not ignore part of the question – address every aspect.

10. Do not end abruptly – always write a clear conclusion.