IELTS::WRITING

Duration and format
The Writing test takes 60 minutes. 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
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 works
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.

General Training Writing
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
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 Accuracy

Task 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.

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.

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.