IELTS Academic Writing Test

Overview

If you are going to study abroad in a country where English is a native language, then you should appear in the IELTS Academic Test.

As you know, the Academic test is divided into four skills: listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Here, we are going to discuss the IELTS Academic Writing Test.

What is IELTS Academic Writing Task 1?

The IELTS Academic Writing task is one of the important sections for scoring high on the exam. In the writing task, you are required to complete two tasks in 60 minutes, with task 1 taking almost 20 minutes.

It assesses the candidate's ability to present and organise ideas coherently and effectively and their command of English grammar and vocabulary.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 typically involves interpreting visual information, such as graphs, charts, diagrams, etc., for which you must write at least 150 words.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topics

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, questions will be asked from the following -

  • Tables
  • Bar charts
  • Line graphs
  • Pie charts
  • Maps
  • Process diagrams
  • Combination (Mixed) charts

Let’s check the related topics for each type of question.

Type of Question Topic
MAP
Village of Stokeford in 1930 and 2010
Paradise Island Map – IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Answers
Development of the village of Rye Mouth
The development of cutting tools in the Stone Age
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Example 3: Civic Centre
Table Chart
Changes in Modes of Travel in England Between 1985 and 2000
Main Reasons Why Agricultural Land Becomes Less Productive
Cinema Viewing Figures for Films by Country, in Millions
Number of Medals Won by the Top Ten Countries in the London 2012 Olympic Games
Internet use in six categories by age group
Bar Chart
Annual pay for doctors and other workers
Division of Household Tasks by Gender in Great Britain
Different methods of waste disposal in four cities
Number of Computer and Internet Users in Different Arab Countries
Line Graphs
The Changes In Ownership Of Electrical Appliances And Amount Of Time Spent Doing Housework In Households
The Percentage of Female Members of Parliament in 5 European Countries
The graph below shows different sources of air pollutants in the UK.
Price changes for fresh fruits and vegetables
Demand for Electricity in England- Line Graph and Pie Chart
Pie charts
Average Household Expenditures in a Country in 1950 and 2010
Methods of Transportation for People Traveling to a University
Percentage of Water Used for Different Purposes in Six Areas of the World
Online shopping sales for retail sectors in Canada
Main Reasons Why Agricultural Land Becomes Less Productive
Process diagrams
Consequence of deforestation – Flow Chart
Consequence of deforestation – Flow Chart
Recycling process of wasted glass bottles
Water Cycle Diagram
Combination (Mixed) charts
Demand for Electricity in England
Percentage of Food Budget the Average Family Spent on Restaurant Meals
Amount of Money Per Week Spent on Fast Food in Britain
Water Use Worldwide and Water Consumption

IELTS Writing Task 1 Structure

The IELTS Writing Task 1 on the Academic Test has 3 main steps –

  • Briefly summarise the chart's title, source, and date.
  • In two to three body paragraphs, explain the data's primary trend(s) in a logical sequence.
  • End with a summary of the most important relationships or patterns.

Below is the sample answer to IELTS Academic Writing Task 1.

Sample Question and Answer

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task

The graph below shows the number of enquiries received by the Tourist Information Office in one city over a six-month period in 2011.

academic-writing

Sample Answer -

The line chart illustrates the number of inquiries sent to the Tourist Information Office in a particular city via three means of communication between January and June in 2011.

It is clear that visitors to the city made more inquiries in person and via telephone, while written letters and emails became the least common choices. Additionally, the number of enquiries in person experienced the most dramatic change among the different options.

In January, the Tourist Information Office received 900 telephone enquiries, while just under 800 letters and emails were received. Not many tourists chose to ask for information in person, with just over 400 queries. Over the next three months, the telephone still remained the most popular method of enquiry, with approximately 1000 queries.

Meanwhile, the number of enquiries made in person saw considerable growth to 800, surpassing the figures for emails and postal enquiries. From March to June, in-person enquiries were the most common method of inquiry. By June, the number of in-person enquiries had soared by more than 1,000 to a peak of 1,900. During this period, there was also a significant rise in the figure for telephone enquiries, from 1000 to 1600. By contrast, fewer people sent emails or letters to make enquiries, with slightly less than 400 enquiries in May and June.

Strategies to Score High in IELTS Writing Task 1

Scoring high in IELTS Writing Task 1 requires careful planning and effective strategies. Here are some tips to help you achieve success in task 1.

  • Understand the Task
  • Analyse the Data
  • Plan Your Response
  • Use Appropriate Language
  • Focus on Key Details
  • Write Clearly and Coherently
  • Practice Time Management
  • Proofread Your Work

IELTS Band Score Standards

Below is the band score standard for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic: Task Achievement and Task Response (Task 1 & Task 2)

Band score Task Achievement
Band 5

No relevant data

No supporting statements

Inappropriate use of vocabulary

Inadequate coverage

Band 6

Main components highlighted

Supporting statements present

Usage of relevant statements

Inaccurate data

Band 7

The main components are highlighted clearly and understandably

Clear supporting statements

No irrelevant data

Some areas need correction.

Band 8

Clear overall composition

No corrections required

IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic: Coherence and Cohesion

Band score Task Achievement
Band 5

Improper organisation of ideas

Incorrect linking of ideas or information

Few paragraphs.

Band 6

Information organised by proper linking

Few faults in linking the information or sentences

Good paragraphing

Wrong referencing

Band 7

Logical organisation of information

Good paragraphing

Good referencing

Appropriate use of linking devices

Underuse and overuse of the linking devices.

Band 8

Logical organisation of ideas and information

No paragraphing issues

Perfect referencing

Error-free usage of linking devices

IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic: Lexical Resource

Band score Task Achievement
Band 5

Grammatical errors

Wrong spellings

Wrong vocabulary

Poor readability

Band 6

Good readability

Few spelling mistakes

Error-free usage of common words

Good vocabulary

Band 7

Good vocabulary

Usage of collocations

Rare spelling mistakes

Band 8

Zero spelling mistakes

Mostly good vocabulary

Efficient use of common words

IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic: Grammar Range and Accuracy

Band Score Task Achievement
Band 5

No sentence structures

Grammatical errors

Improper usage of complex sentences

Incorrect punctuations

Band 6

Average readability

Erroneous grammar and punctuation

Sentence restructuring required

Band 7

Unique sentence structures

Few mistakes in the sentence used

Few errors in grammar and punctuation.

Band 8

Error-free sentences

Good sentence structures

Tips to Improve English for IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic

Here are the tips that you should know to improve your English for IELTS Writing Task 1.

Familiarise Yourself with Task 1 Requirements - Understand the specific requirements of IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, including the types of visual data you may encounter (graphs, charts, diagrams) and the objectives of the task.

Expand Your Vocabulary - Build a strong vocabulary related to describing trends, comparisons, and data interpretation. Learn synonyms for common words and phrases to avoid repetition in your writing.

Practice Describing Visual Data - Regularly practice describing graphs, charts, and diagrams in English. Analyse sample visual data and write descriptions of the key features, trends, and relationships you observe.

Study with Sample Responses - Review Sample responses to IELTS Writing Task 1 to understand how to structure your writing and convey information effectively. Pay attention to the introduction, overview, and main body paragraphs in sample answers.

Stick to Plain English - Keep your language simple and straightforward. Avoid using overly complex or technical terms that may confuse the reviewer.

Use Synonyms - Enhance your vocabulary by incorporating synonyms for common words and phrases. This will add variety to your writing and demonstrate your language proficiency.

Include Units of Measurement - When describing data, be sure to include units of measurement (e.g., percentages, kilograms, litres) to provide context and clarity.

Highlight Obvious Contrasts or Similarities - Identify and emphasise significant differences or similarities in the data you are describing. This will help guide the reader's understanding of the information presented.

Focus on Sentence Structure and Grammar - Practice writing clear, grammatically correct sentences. Pay attention to sentence structure, subject-verb agreement, tense usage, and punctuation to ensure clarity and coherence in your writing.

Use Linking Words and Phrases - Learn and practice using linking words and trendy phrases to connect ideas and create cohesion in your writing. Transition words such as "however," "moreover," and "on the other hand" can help improve the flow of your sentences.

Develop Time Management Skills - Practice completing IELTS Writing Task 1 within the allotted time frame (approximately 20 minutes). Learn to plan your response quickly, outline key points, and allocate time for writing, reviewing, and editing your work.

Seek Feedback - Share your writing with teachers, tutors, or language partners and ask for feedback on your strengths and areas for improvement. Consider joining writing groups or online forums to exchange ideas and receive constructive criticism.

Practice Regularly - Set aside dedicated time daily to practice writing tasks similar to IELTS Writing Task 1. The more you practice, the more confident and proficient you will become in describing visual data and presenting information effectively.

Stay Motivated and Persistent - Improving your English writing skills takes time and effort, so stay motivated and persistent in your practice.

Differences between IELTS General Writing Task 1 and Academic Writing Task 1

Below, you will find the significant differences between IELTS General Writing Task 1 and IELTS Academic Writing Task 1.

Aspect IELTS General Writing Task 1 IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
Topic Topics are mostly related to personal, everyday situations Topics are mostly related to academics, graphs, charts, diagrams
Purpose To communicate information, make requests, or express needs To analyse and interpret visual information, describe trends, and make comparisons
Tone Informal, conversational Formal, objective
Language Simple, everyday language Varied vocabulary, academic language

We hope you now understand IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. Let’s now understand IELTS Academic Writing Task 2.

What is IELTS Writing Task 2?

IELTS Writing Task 2 plays a crucial role in the IELTS Exam. By performing well in task 2, you can get a good band score in writing and overall. In this task, you must write an essay responding to a specific question or prompt.

Moreover, IELTS Writing Task 2 assesses the candidate's ability to present and support an argument, express ideas coherently, and use appropriate language and vocabulary. You are expected to write at least 250 words in 40 minutes.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics

Below, you will find the topics on which you can expect the task 2 topic.

  • Family
  • Press, news on internet & newspapers
  • Families
  • Environment
  • Invention
  • Ageing Population
  • Art & Technology
  • Career
  • Dangerous Sports
  • Technology
  • Travel & Tourism
  • International Car-free Days & Sample Essay
  • Traffic
  • Transportation
  • TV or Radio
  • Communication Technology
  • Living in Campus
  • Crime
  • Collocations - The Environment
  • Useful Collocations - Government
  • Ageing Population
  • Architecture & History
  • Digital Communication
  • Economic Development and Growth
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Food & Transport
  • Government
  • Newspapers
  • Sports
  • Smoking

Trending Essay Topics

  • Every year, several languages die out
  • Some People Think That Parents Should Teach Children How to be Good Members of Society
  • Happiness is considered very important in life
  • In some countries, the average weight of people is increasing
  • Young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school
  • Research Indicates That the Characteristics We Are Born With Have Much More Influence On Our Personality
  • Women and men are commonly seen as having different strengths and weaknesses
  • Concerned about the number of children who are overweight
  • Freedom of Speech
  • Eating Fish
  • Children today play very violent games
  • The birth rate in most developed countries
  • Many families find it necessary for both parents to go out to work
  • Increase in violent crime among youngsters

Evaluation Criteria of IELTS Writing Task 2

To evaluate IELTS Writing Task 2, four primary factors are used, which are as follows –

  • Task Response
  • Lexical Resource
  • Coherence and Cohesion
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Each of these factors has an equal weight in the final result. To optimise their success, you must comprehend these requirements.

Task Response - In IELTS Writing Task 2, your essay must address the topic or question directly. For instance, if the question asks about the advantages and disadvantages of technology, make sure your response discusses these points and doesn't turn into unrelated topics. Staying focused and addressing all aspects of the prompt is essential for a good Task Response score.

Lexical Resource - Your choice of words and vocabulary usage are crucial in IELTS Writing Task 2. Aim to demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary and avoid repeating the same words or phrases. Instead of using basic terms, try to incorporate more advanced vocabulary relevant to the topic. This shows your ability to express ideas effectively and adds depth to your writing.

Coherence and Cohesion - Coherence refers to your essay's logical flow and organisation, while cohesion deals with how well your ideas are connected through transitions and linking words. To achieve a high score, ensure your essay has a clear structure, well-developed paragraphs, and smooth transitions between ideas. Each paragraph should focus on one central point, and cohesive devices such as 'furthermore,' 'however,' and 'in conclusion' can help guide the reader through your essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy - Grammar plays a significant role in the Task 2 assessment. Make sure to use a variety of sentence structures, including simple, compound, and complex sentences. Additionally, pay attention to subject-verb agreement, verb tense consistency, and proper punctuation. Minimise grammatical errors to demonstrate your language proficiency and enhance the clarity of your writing.

Sample Question and Answer

Write about the following topic:

Some people think that instead of preventing climate change, we need to find a way to live with it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task and write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer -

Climate change represents a major threat to life on Earth, but some people argue that we need to accept it rather than try to stop it. I completely disagree with this opinion because I believe that we still have time to tackle this issue and reduce the human impact on the Earth’s climate.

There are various measures that governments and individuals could take to prevent or at least mitigate climate change. Governments could introduce laws to limit the carbon dioxide emissions that lead to global warming. They could impose “green taxes” on drivers, airline companies and other polluters, and they could invest in renewable energy production from solar, wind or water power. As individuals, we should also try to limit our contribution to climate change by becoming more energy efficient, by flying less, and by using bicycles and public transport. Furthermore, the public can affect the actions of governments by voting for politicians who propose to tackle climate change rather than for those who would prefer to ignore it.

If, instead of taking the above measures, we simply try to live with climate change, I believe that the consequences will be disastrous. To give just one example, I am not optimistic that we would be able to cope with even a small rise in sea levels. Millions of people would be displaced by flooding, particularly in countries that do not have the means to safeguard low-lying areas. These people would lose their homes and their jobs, and they would be forced to migrate to nearby cities or perhaps to other countries. The potential for human suffering would be huge, and it is likely that we would see outbreaks of disease and famine, as well as increased homelessness and poverty.

In conclusion, it is clear to me that we must address the problem of climate change, and I disagree with those who argue that we can find ways to live with it.

IELTS Essay Types

Majorly the essay topics are divided into 5 types of essays, which are given below.

  • Opinion Essay - Applicants are required to explain the assigned topic based on their personal opinions.
  • Discussion Essay - Two statements that disagree with the issue are provided. Test takers are expected to address and provide evidence for each of the two conflicting assertions. They ought to hold off on sharing their thoughts unless requested.
  • Advantage or Disadvantage Essays - Candidates will be invited to write both in favour of and against a certain issue. They could occasionally be asked to express their opinions, though. In these situations, they ought to elucidate their viewpoint in a separate body paragraph.
  • Problem/Solution Essays - Test-takers will be required to provide a solution to a topic related to common difficulties or concerns that individuals encounter. Occasionally, kids might also be questioned about why this specific problem occurred and invited to provide their thoughts on the matter.
  • Direct Question Essays - Compared to other essay formats, direct question essays are a little more challenging since test takers are presented with a series of generic questions rather than a specific assignment and must respond to these questions in their essays. Applicants may respond in multiple paragraphs to any of the open-ended questions.

Let’s check how to plan your essay for different types of essays.

IELTS Tips for how to plan?
Opinion Essay
Carefully read the question and select a position or viewpoint.
Examine your reasons for holding that opinion.
Be aware of the rationale for your position and make use of it.
Give a list of your arguments and supporting details.
Discussion Essay
Carefully read the question to see whether you must provide an opinion. If not, consider the basic concepts behind each of the two assertions. If so, consider the viewpoint and the primary concepts that support it.
Consider the instances and arguments that support the primary notion.
Advantage or Disadvantage Essays
Carefully read the question to see whether you must provide an opinion.
Provide the benefits and drawbacks that you wish to discuss in your essay.
Compile a list of arguments for each benefit and drawback.
Make sure you have evidence to back up your opinions if you are required to express them.
Problem/Solution Essays
Identify the issues around the specified topic. You can work on two or three issues.
It is necessary to discuss the solutions to these issues.
Organise your paragraphs so that each one has an issue and a solution.
Direct Question Essays
Read the given questions.
Pay attention to each question in isolation.
Determine the response to each question on its own.
These responses should have an introduction, examples, and a body supporting the introduction.
Before you start drafting the response, make sure all the questions have been addressed.

IELTS Essay Types

Majorly the essay topics are divided into 5 types of essays, which are given below.

  • Opinion Essay - Applicants are required to explain the assigned topic based on their personal opinions.
  • Discussion Essay - Two statements that disagree with the issue are provided. Test takers are expected to address and provide evidence for each of the two conflicting assertions. They ought to hold off on sharing their thoughts unless requested.
  • Advantage or Disadvantage Essays - Candidates will be invited to write both in favour of and against a certain issue. They could occasionally be asked to express their opinions, though. In these situations, they ought to elucidate their viewpoint in a separate body paragraph.
  • Problem/Solution Essays - Test-takers will be required to provide a solution to a topic related to common difficulties or concerns that individuals encounter. Occasionally, kids might also be questioned about why this specific problem occurred and invited to provide their thoughts on the matter.
  • Direct Question Essays - Compared to other essay formats, direct question essays are a little more challenging since test takers are presented with a series of generic questions rather than a specific assignment and must respond to these questions in their essays. Applicants may respond in multiple paragraphs to any of the open-ended questions.

Let’s check how to plan your essay for different types of essays.

IELTS Essay Types Tips for how to plan?
Opinion Essay
Carefully read the question and select a position or viewpoint.
Examine your reasons for holding that opinion.
Be aware of the rationale for your position and make use of it.
Give a list of your arguments and supporting details.
Discussion Essay
Carefully read the question to see whether you must provide an opinion. If not, consider the basic concepts behind each of the two assertions. If so, consider the viewpoint and the primary concepts that support it.
Consider the instances and arguments that support the primary notion.
Advantage or Disadvantage Essays
Carefully read the question to see whether you must provide an opinion.
Provide the benefits and drawbacks that you wish to discuss in your essay.
Compile a list of arguments for each benefit and drawback.
Make sure you have evidence to back up your opinions if you are required to express them.
Problem/Solution Essays
Identify the issues around the specified topic. You can work on two or three issues.
It is necessary to discuss the solutions to these issues.
Organise your paragraphs so that each one has an issue and a solution.
Direct Question Essays
Read the given questions.
Pay attention to each question in isolation.
Determine the response to each question on its own.
These responses should have an introduction, examples, and a body supporting the introduction.
Before you start drafting the response, make sure all the questions have been addressed.

Tips to Master IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2 requires practice, strategy, and familiarity with the evaluation criteria. Here are some tips to help you write a good essay for IELTS Writing Task 2.

Understand the Task - Read the essay prompt carefully and ensure you understand what is being asked. Identify the main topic, the specific question or instruction, and any requirements for your response.

Plan Your Essay - Before you start writing, Take a few minutes to brainstorm ideas and outline your essay. Organise your thoughts logically and decide on the main points you want to address in each paragraph

Follow the Essay Structure - Structure your essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should introduce the topic and present your thesis statement or main argument. Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea supported by evidence or examples. The conclusion should summarise your main points and restate your thesis.

Use Formal Language - Write in a formal and academic style appropriate for the IELTS exam. Avoid slang, contractions, and overly informal language. Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.

Provide Examples and Evidence - Support your arguments with relevant examples, facts, statistics, or personal experiences. This will strengthen your arguments and make your essay more persuasive.

Manage Your Time - Allocate your time wisely during the exam to ensure you have enough time to plan, write, and revise your essay. Aim to spend about 20 minutes planning and 40 minutes writing.

Practice Writing Essays - Practice writing essays on a variety of topics to improve your writing skills and familiarise yourself with different question types. Review sample essays and analyse how they are structured and supported with evidence.

Proofread Your Essay - Before submitting your essay task, Take some time to review and edit it. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and coherence and cohesion. Ensure your ideas flow logically and your essay is well-organized.

Differences between IELTS General Writing Task 2 and Academic Writing Task 2

Below, you will find the major differences between IELTS General Writing Task 2 and IELTS Academic Writing Task 2.

Aspects Academic Writing Task 2 General Writing Task 2
Topics Academic subjects, research, education, or global issues. Topics can encompass everyday subjects, such as social issues, work, technology, or lifestyle.
Purpose To respond to a topic that relates to a general academic subject, the responses are expected to be more analytical and research-oriented. To assess the candidate's ability to communicate in everyday situations.
Tone More formal tone and arguments or opinions must be well-supported with evidence and examples. semi-formal tone and responses may involve personal opinions and experiences.
Language Expected to demonstrate a high level of language proficiency and an ability to engage with complex ideas. Language should be clear and communicative, suitable for a broad readership.

Where to find practice resources for the IELTS Writing Task?

When preparing for the IELTS Writing Task, it's crucial to practice with high-quality resources to improve your skills and familiarise yourself with the exam format. One excellent source of practice materials for the IELTS Writing Task is PrepareIELTSExam (PIE).

PrepareIELTSExam (PIE) offers a wide range of practice resources specifically tailored to help candidates enhance their writing skills for the IELTS exam. These resources include the following –

  • Sample Essay Questions
  • Writing Task Samples
  • Writing Task Tips and Strategies
  • Practice Exercises
  • Feedback and Correction Services

FAQs

Ans. The British Council and IDP conducted the IELTS Academic Writing test: IELTS and Cambridge Assessment English.

Ans. While there is no strict word limit, writing between 150 to 200 words for Task 1 is recommended.

Ans. Task 2 topics can cover various issues related to education, technology, society, culture, health, or the environment.

Ans. No, Task 1 typically requires you to describe the information presented without giving your opinion. While in task 2, it depends on the question. Some Task 2 prompts may ask for your opinion, while others may require you to discuss both sides of an issue or propose a solution to a problem.

Ans. Organise your response logically, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs highlighting the main trends or features.

Ans. No, all writing materials will be provided at the test centre.

Ans. No, Task 2 essays do not require references or citations. You are expected to express your ideas and arguments in your own words.

Ans. No, Task 1 responses should be written in full sentences and paragraphs, not bullet points or numbered lists.

Ans. If you run out of time, try to write a brief conclusion that summarises your main points and provides a final thought or recommendation. It's better to have a complete essay with a conclusion than to leave it unfinished.

Ans. Yes, candidates have the option to request an Enquiry on Results (EOR) within six weeks of the test date by submitting a fee.Trained examiners will re-mark the test, and the result may go up, down, or remain the same.