Many test takers preparing for IELTS test be it Academic or General Training fail to improve their English skills in respect to those required by the test examiners who will mark their test scripts. In fact, a lot of test preparation centers are used to focusing on the wrong aspects of English writing because it is considered as one of the language skills difficult to teach candidates especially when the coaches themselves have no linguistic or English background. Thus, in this article, according to the IELTS Handbook 2007 published by University of Cambridge, ESOL Examinations, British Council, IELTS Australia, I would like to emphasize the major skills you as a candidate must strictly learn and master to successfully obtain 7.0+ band score in your writing test. Also, watch our YouTube video to learn more on these skills…
Many test takers preparing for IELTS test be it Academic or General Training fail to improve their English skills in respect to those required by the test examiners who will mark their test scripts. In fact, a lot of test preparation centers are used to focusing on the wrong aspects of English writing because it is considered as one of the language skills difficult to teach candidates especially when the coaches themselves have no linguistic or English background. Thus, in this article, according to the IELTS Handbook 2007 published by University of Cambridge, ESOL Examinations, British Council, IELTS Australia, I would like to emphasize the major skills you as a candidate must strictly learn and master to successfully obtain 7.0+ band score in your writing test. Also, watch our YouTube video to learn more on these skills.
Academic Writing
However, before we start to talk about these skills in the marking guide of IELTS test, let us take a brief introduction on the various types of writing tests in the IELTS: Academic and General Trainings. The Academic Writing lasts for 60 minutes.The first task requires candidates to write a description of at least 150 words. This is based on material found in a chart, table, graph or diagram and demonstrates their ability to present information and to summarise the main features of the input.For the second task, candidates write a short essay of at least 250 words in response to a statement or question. They are expected to demonstrate an ability to present a position, construct an argument and discuss abstract issues.
General Training Writing
On the other hand, writing test of the General Training lasts for 60 minutes. The first task requires candidates to write a letter of at least 150 words either asking for information, or explaining a situation.For the second task, candidates write a short essay of at least 250 words in response to a statement or question. They are expected to demonstrate an ability to present a position, construct an argument and discuss issues. One of our candidates have this to say about his test.Duration and Format
Thus, in general the Writing test takes 60 minutes for all writing types. And, there are two tasks to complete. It is suggested that about 20 minutes is spent on Task 1 which requires candidates to write at least 150 words.Task 2 requires at least 250 words and should take about 40 minutes. Candidates may write on the question paper but this cannot be taken from the examination room and will not be seen by the examiner. Answers must be given on the answer sheet and must be written in full. Notes or bullet points in whole or in part are not acceptable as answers.
Academic Writing Abilities
In Task 1 candidates are asked to describe some information (graph /table /chart /diagram), and to present the description in their own words. Depending on the type of input and the task suggested, candidates are assessed on their ability to:
organise, present and possibly compare data
describe the stages of a process or procedure
describe an object or event or sequence of events
explain how something worksWriting Task 2
In Task 2 candidates are presented with a point of view or argument or problem. Candidates are assessed on their ability to:
present the solution to a problem
present and justify an opinion
compare and contrast evidence, opinions and implications
evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or an argument
The issues raised are of general interest to, suitable for and easily understood by candidates entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration. For like our student clients who want to further their studies abroad, our handsome candidate talk about our coaching ability and tutors in this video review.
General Training Writing Abilities
In Task 1 candidates are asked to respond to a given problem with a letter requesting information or explaining a situation. Depending on the task suggested, candidates are assessed on their ability to:
engage in personal correspondence
elicit and provide general factual information
express needs, wants, likes and dislikes
express opinions (views, complaints etc.)
In Task 2 candidates are presented with a point of view or argument or problem. Candidates are assessed on their ability to:
provide general factual information
outline a problem and present a solution
present and possibly justify an opinion, assessment or hypothesis
present and possibly evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence and argument
The topics are of general interest and it makes no difference what subjects candidates study.Marking and Assessment
Each task is assessed independently. The assessment of Task 2 carries more weight in marking than Task 1. Writing responses are assessed by certificated IELTS examiners.All IELTS examiners hold relevant teaching qualifications and are recruited as examiners by the test centres and approved by British Council or IDP: IELTS Australia.
Detailed performance descriptors have been developed which describe written performance at the nine IELTS bands. Public versions of these descriptors are available on the IELTS website.
The descriptors apply to both the Academic and General. She gave us 90% in our coaching skills to help prepare you for these writing strategies and more.
The Four Writing Criteria
Training Modules and are based on the following criteria. Task 1 responses are assessed on:
Task Achievement
Coherence and Cohesion
Lexical Resource
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Task 2 responses are assessed on:
Task Response
Coherence and Cohesion
Lexical Resource
Grammatical Range and AccuracyTask 1
Task Achievement
This criterion assesses how appropriately, accurately and relevantly the response fulfils the requirements set out in the task, using the minimum of 150 words.Academic Writing Task 1 is a writing task which has a defined input and a largely predictable output. It is basically an information-transfer task which relates narrowly to the factual content of an input diagram and not to speculated explanations that lie outside the given data.General Training Writing Task 1 is also a writing task with a largely predictable output in that each task sets out the context and purpose of the letter and the functions the candidate should cover in order to achieve this purpose. She was sceptical about her IELTS class but she got the result after all after learning and sticking to these warnings and injunctions for all IELTS skills.
Coherence and Cohesion
This criterion is concerned with the overall clarity and fluency of the message: how the response organises and links information, ideas and language. Coherence refers to the linking of ideas through logical sequencing. Cohesion refers to the varied and appropriate use of cohesive devices (for example, logical connectors, pronouns and conjunctions) to assist in making the conceptual and referential relationships between and within sentences clear.Lexical Resource
This criterion refers to the range of vocabulary the candidate has used and the accuracy and appropriacy of that use in terms of the specific task.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
This criterion refers to the range and accurate use of the candidate’s grammatical resource as manifested in the candidate’s writing at the sentence level. My Advice to IELTS test takers is this video please.
Task 2
Task Response
In both Academic and General Training Modules Task 2 requires the candidates to formulate and develop a position in relation to a given prompt in the form of a question or statement. Ideas should be supported by evidence, and examples may be drawn from the candidates’ own experience. Responses must be at least 250 words in length. Scripts under the required minimum word limit will be penalised. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.Our Trainings
To perfect these writing skills and get prepared for the IELTS test by our qualified coaches, choose any one of our programs via aosacademy.com/courses or contact us +2349091884943 or +2348107714449 today!