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Everything You Need to Know About IELTS Writing Section.

Boost your IELTS Writing score with our 30-day plan. This guide focuses on task comprehension, timed practices, and insightful feedback. Follow this roadmap for a higher score.

Everything You Need to Know About IELTS Writing Section.
Photo by Bram Naus / Unsplash

Welcome to part two of our ongoing series on how to ace the IELTS exam.
Here’s where we’re at:

I got a 7 on Writing section of the IELTS. 

Writing section is tough. I got carried away and wrote too much than was required - I believe the examiner did not like it. Better sticking to the instructions.

Anyways, here’s everything you need to know about the IELTS Writing Section.

Let's get started!

Fundamentals:

Basics of the Test:
The IELTS writing section consists of two tasks.

Task 1:

      • You are required to write a minimum of 150 words.
      • The task involves describing, summarizing, or explaining information presented in a graph, chart, diagram, or a set of data.
      • For General Training candidates, Task 1 is letter writing, where you might need to write a formal, semi-formal, or informal letter based on a given scenario​.

        Time Allocation:
        The total time allotted for the writing section is 60 minutes, with recommended 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2.

Task 2:

      • You are required to write a minimum of 250 words.
      • This task involves writing an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or a specific social problem.
      • The format for Task 2 remains the same whether you are taking the IELTS Academic or General Training test​1​​3​.

Timing:
The total time allocated for the writing section is 60 minutes.
It's ideal to spend around 20 minutes on T1 and 40 minutes on T2

Scoring:
Your performance in the writing section is assessed based on four criteria:

Basic Strategy:

    • Understanding the Question:
      Thoroughly understand the question prompt. Look for keywords that guide your response and ensure you stay on topic.
    • Planning Your Answer:
      Allocate a few minutes to plan your answer. Outline your main points and supporting ideas.
    • Practice Writing Prompts:
      Work through past IELTS writing questions to become familiar with the types of questions you may encounter.

30 Days Plan:

Improving your writing, particularly for a stringent examination like the IELTS, requires a disciplined and structured approach. Here’s a detailed 30-day plan to enhance your writing skills specifically for the IELTS writing section:

Week 1: Foundation Building

  • Day 1-3: Understanding the Basics
    • Familiarize yourself with the IELTS writing section format, rules, and expectations.
    • Review the different types of questions and topics that are commonly encountered.
  • Day 4-7: Practice and Feedback
    • Start practicing Task 1 and Task 2 writing independently.
    • Seek feedback from a mentor or use online platforms to get your writing evaluated.

Week 2: Strategy Formulation

  • Day 8-10: Analyzing Common Mistakes
    • Look for common mistakes in your writing such as grammatical errors, repetitive vocabulary, or going off-topic.
  • Day 11-14: Organizing Ideas
    • Practice organizing your ideas coherently, ensuring that each paragraph flows logically from one to the next.

Week 3: Intensive Practice

  • Day 15-18: Timed Practice
    • Start practicing under exam conditions. This will help you manage your time effectively.
  • Day 19-21: Vocabulary Building
    • Work on expanding your vocabulary. Learn synonyms and antonyms for commonly used words.

Week 4: Refinement and Review

  • Day 22-25: Advanced Practice
    • Continue with timed practice but now with a focus on avoiding the mistakes identified in earlier weeks.
  • Day 26-28: Peer Review
    • Engage in peer review sessions to gain different perspectives on your writing.
  • Day 29-30: Final Review
    • Review all the feedback received over the month, and work on final improvements.
    • Take a full-length IELTS practice test to gauge your readiness.

Additional Tips:

  • Reading Widely: Read a variety of texts including newspapers, academic journals, and books to expose yourself to different writing styles and vocabularies.
  • Utilizing Online Resources: Use online resources like Grammarly to check your grammar, or Hemingway Editor to analyze the readability of your texts.
  • Joining Writing Groups: Join IELTS preparation groups online to share your essays and receive feedback.
  • Consulting with a Mentor: Regular consultations with a mentor or a tutor who can provide professional feedback is invaluable.
  • Mindfulness Practices: Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help manage anxiety which in turn can improve your writing clarity and coherence.
  • Online Tools: Use tools like Grammarly to improve your writing skills.

This 30-day plan is designed to be intensive and requires a solid commitment. With consistent effort, feedback, and refinement, you can significantly improve your writing skills for the IELTS writing section.

Conclusion:
A structured approach, understanding of the IELTS writing section format, and consistent practice are key to achieving a high band score. Following the provided 30-day plan and utilizing the shared strategies can significantly enhance your writing skills and confidence, paving the way for IELTS success.