Don't forget!

The Writing test takes 60 minutes. You should spend about 20 minutes on task 1 (at least 150 words) and 40 minutes on Task 2 (at least 250 words). You won't get extra points for writing more than the minimum.

in Task 1 you have to describe some information in your own words, This information is in the form of a table, chart, graph or diagram. In Task 2 you have to discuss a point of view, an argument or a problem.

All answers must be written in full paragraphs. Notes and lists of points are not acceptable.

You can write notes on the examination paper if you want to. It will not be seen by the examiner.

You must write your answers on the answer sheet. If you wish, you can write in pencil first, then write over the pencil in ink and afterwards rub out the pencil. But remember to allow extra time for this.

Top 10 writing tips for IELTS

1. Plan a structure for your composition

The composition should be divided into paragraphs, and each paragraph should contain one main idea. A good structure for a paragraph is to make a point, then give one or two examples to support that point. For Task 2, the first paragraph should clearly be an introduction, and the final paragraph should clearly be a conclusion.

2. Write in a  formal style

You should always use a formal style which is suitable for academic writing. It should be neutral and impersonal. Avoid using contractions: write did not instead of didn't, cannot instead of can't, I will instead of I'll etc. Where there is an informal word and a formal word which mean the same thing, it is a good idea to use the formal word. For example, use inexpensive instead of cheap. Cheap is not wrong, but inexpensive sounds more academic.

3. Don't be too personal

For Task 1, you should not include any personal information or opinions. For Task 2, you can include some personal experiences and opinions, but only if they are directly relevant ot the topic. They should not take up more than about a quarter of the composition. The bulk of the composition should be about the topic in the general sense.

4. Be careful giving strong opinions

You can give a strong opinion if you do it in a calm academic way. You must support your argument with examples and your writing must not seem angry. Your composition must not be racist, sexist or contain any very extreme opinions. This is not because the examiner will disagree with you (the examiner will not be interested in your opinions). It is because expressing opinions of that type is not acceptable in academic writing.

5. Stay on the topic

Every part of your composition must be directly relevant to the question. Anything which is not relevant will lose you marks.

6. Don't address the reader

Ocassionally it may be acceptable to use the impersonal form of you (for example, you get what you pay for) but you should never address the reader personally (for example I'm sure you know what I mean).

7. Don't try to be funny

Write in a serious way. You could perhaps end a Task 2 composition with a mildly humorous sentence if it neatly sums up the composition, but other than that there should be no jokes.

8. Use a variety of grammar to contrast ideas

Here are some ways to contrast two seemingly opposite ideas. These examples are all different ways of expressing the fact that that snakes do not have legs, but many can move quite fast.

9. Use fixed expressions in Task 1

Task 1 often gives information about changes over time. There are lots of academic-sounding phrases you can use. For example:

To rise	enormously
To increase	a great deal
To go up	rapidly
To fall	considerably
To decrease	signifcantly
To decline	a little
To go down	slightly
To fluctuate	barely at all

10. Use fixed epxressions in Task 2

There are hundreds of phrases and expressions associated with formal writing. Here are just a few of the particularly useful ones for starting sentences.