IELTS writing test is usually treated as a rather hard section. That is because many people miss out on some of the most important skills that have to be tested. Instead, they try to fill in their answers with a lot of information and complicated vocabulary. In this article, all the myths regarding the IELTS writing test will be busted. Let’s start with the writing test format.
IELTS Writing Section Format
The IELTS writing test consists of two tasks,
- Task 1: For the IELTS academic test, you will be given with visual information. It could be pictures, graphs, or other representations of data. You have to write at least 150 words explaining, summarizing, or answering any other prompts that are asked regarding the visuals. However, for general training articles, you will be given a situation and you will have to write a letter in response to this question.
- Task 2: The second task is pretty much the same for both. You will be given a prompt. This prompt can be about anything. Usually, current topics or topics of general interest. You have to write an essay of at least 250 words. In this essay you will have to give your opinions and your ideas regarding the issues and their solutions.
What is being Tested in the IELTS Writing Section?
Before you sit down to practice IELTS writing, you should first understand what the test is testing and what it is not! The IELTS writing tests you for,
- Your understanding of English language
- Your ability to answer prompts in the most accurate way
- Your ability to synthesize ideas and write them clearly
- Your ability to organize your thoughts and opinions
- Your understanding of English Grammer
What the IELTS writing test is not about is,
- Your vocabulary
- Your technical knowledge about a topic or field
- Your intelligence! (This is not an IQ test)
How to Prepare IELTS Writing Test?
Now that we have established what the test actually demands, it is easier for you to understand what steps you need to take in order to score a higher band. Here are some of the most important tips and tricks for you,
- Understand the Prompt
A major difference amongst a 9-band essay, and those with a lower band is the understanding of the prompts. You need to make sure that you are using your word limit to effectively answer what is being asked of you, instead of writing more about the general themes.
For example, if the essay is about how lack of education has plagued the society, it may further comment on your opinion regarding the matter, or solutions etc. If you are asked for solutions, you simply start by outlining the problem in a single sentence and move towards the solutions. Similarly, if you are asked about your opinion, you may give your opinion in favor or against the topic. You can add further about how you think it has affected the society. This is the correct answer to the prompt. If you start elaborating upon the causes of the lack of education, or give too much background on it, your essay will become irrelevant to the question asked.
- Avoid Using Complex Vocabulary
A common misbelief regarding the IELTS is that complexity of words and vocabulary will result to a higher score. This misbelief can backfire in harmful ways. Use of complex sentences and vocabulary is more likely to lose you points than earning them. Many a times, people make mistakes of grammar, or use the wrong vocabulary. It decreases the readability of your text and makes it quite apparent that you are trying to show off.
Instead, you should write simple sentences. Use easier words, and write to the point. If you do use vocabulary, make sure that you use it at the right place and you are fully aware of the usage of words that you write. Even then, make sure that your writing is concise and easy to understand. Using difficult vocabulary too much will decrease the readability of your writing.
- Plan and Structure Your Writing
The key to effective writing is structuring and planning. If you are to write in response to any of the tasks, it is better to at least give 5 mins thinking about what you want to write. In this time, you need to analyze the questions so you can know exactly what is being asked of you and create an outline accordingly.
When it comes to structuring, you already know that you should write in a simple manner. But even simple English language may not save you points if you do not make it well-structured and coherent. From prompts regarding solutions to those asking for you to express your opinions you need to structure your paragraphs to maintain coherence and a good flow of information. A good way to structure paragraphs of intro, body, and conclusion is,
- Intro: Paraphrase the topic in the prompt in one line. Continue the nest one or two lines for the brief context of the problem. And then mention what your article will talk about, giving your opinion or solutions.
- Body: For each paragraph of the body, give a problem or topic statement at first. This sentence should clearly tell the reader what you will be talking about. Then give your discussion in this context. At last, it is always desirable if you can quote any kind of example regarding what you are saying.
- Conclusion: Once you have mentioned all your discussion points, use the concluding paragraph as a short summary of the entire essay. Reiterate the importance of the issue under discussion. If possible, try to make your last sentence positive, motivational, or hopeful.
You can design similar strategies to suite each topic yourself as well.
- Abide by the Time
The writing section has a duration of 60 minutes. In this time you have to respond to tasks. It is suggested that you give 20 minutes to task 1, and the rest of the 40 minutes to task two. Make sure that you start task 2 after 20 minutes. You have to articulate your thoughts, plan, and then present your ideas in written form effectively. Failing to manage your time may cause you problems doing this. So while you practice you should make sure that you give yourself 40 minutes to write at least 300 words, and 20 minutes for 200 words. Count your words, maje sure you have a close to accurate guess of how much you write to complete the word limit of 150 and 300.
- Do Not Fall Short of the Word Limit
The IELTS examiners count your words! Make sure that you write at least 150 and 250 words in each task respectively. If you even fall short of one word, there is a high chance that you will lose points.
A better approach is to write a little over the word limit. Instead of writing 150 and 200 exact words, you may write around 200 and 300 words respectively. This will keep your points safe without costing you too much time.
- Do Not Exceed the Word Limit Too Much
While it is safe to write a little over the word limit, you need to understand the difference between a little and too much! Writing too much will cause you to spend extra time. It may also lead to you mentioning unnecessary or unrelated details. These things will lose you points.
Instead, you should try to practice on the IELTS sheets, and gauge how much space your writing takes, such that you do not go more than 50 words over the limit.
- Do Not Memorize Essays
If you rote learn writings on different topics, it won’t help. The IELTS exams can not be predicted with full accuracy. Even if the main theme is the same to the topic you rote learnt, the prompt may ask you to answer an entirely different question related to it.
You should study about a wide range of topics, and practice writing on different specified angles of those topics. This will increase your general knowledge and you are more likely to understand the prompts better.
- Solve Past IELTS Tests as Samples
Past test questions, are great way for you to understand the variable nature of questions and all the major themes covered by IELTS papers. This way you can tailor your practice according to what the test demands.
- Practice Tenses and Correct Use of Grammer
Your scores depend upon the perfection of the language use. Hence you should practice the correct usage of grammar and tenses. You can also use various self-help tools for this practice. Additionally, getting your writings reviewed by language experts can also be of great use.
- Maintain a Formal Tone
Make sure you do not use slangs and an informal writing style. You will lose significant points if you are careless about your writing style and tone.
We hope this information will help guide your practice sessions. Best of luck!
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