IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 and Task 2 : Structure, Format, Tips

IELTS Academic Writing tests applicants based on two tasks:

Task 1 is Report Writing

1. Applicants have to attempt a report writing task of 20 minutes in task 1. Report will be written based on the given visuals. The visuals can be any type of graph, chart, table, map or diagrams.
2. The task is to describe the visual information in one’s  own words. One must highlight key features, be able to make comparisons and use relevant points wherever necessary.
3. This will be written formally, objectively and concisely. Since this is formal, applicant should avoid giving their personal opinions.

Task 2 is Essay Writing

1. Applicants will have be given a topic to write an essay in about 250 words in 40 minutes. The task can be in form of a statement or question.
2. Essay writing will be analysed on how a well it is structured. Coherence will also be marked here based on introduction, body of essay, paragraphs supporting the main idea and conclusion.
3. This task is also written formally in an academic style. Whatever applicants write should have well presented arguments supported by logical reasoning followed by examples.

IELTS Academic Writing test has two parts that check how well you can write.

Task 1 is of 20 minutes. Here, students need to describe a visual: a chart, table, graph or a diagram in their own words. Minimum words limit is 150 for this part.

Task 2 takes 40 minutes. These tasks require an essay of 250 words or more on a given question or topic. This task gives you double marks than Task 1.

Task 1: Describe Visual Information

• Start with an introduction. Just paraphrase question and tell what visual is about.
• Then write an overview, one or two short lines that tell main trends or key things without going too deep in data.
• After that, write body paragraphs, maybe two or three. Explain key features, changes, or comparisons and put some data from chart to support what you are saying.
• Try to write around 170–200 words and finish it in 20 minutes.

Task 2: Write an Essay

• Keep it simple and write in four parts; an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• In introduction, just say what you think or what written essay will talk about.
• In body paragraphs, each one should talk about one idea and then give examples or reasons for that.
• End with a conclusion, where you summarize main points again in short.
• Spend 40 minutes here because Task 2 has more marks than first one.

General IELTS Writing Tips

• Try to write in full sentences. Avoid using bullets or short notes.
• Write clear and simple. Make sure your ideas properly.
• You must manage your time well; around 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2 so that you finish everything before time ends.

IELTS criterion of writing is important because this criteria indicate precisely what the examiners require. The four criteria hold the same ground in both Task 1 and Task 2, but each warrants 25% of the full score, albeit with slightly differing concentration.

1. Task Achievement/Response

Verifies whether you write about the task entirely and complete all the instructions. In Task 1, you must accurately and clearly define the significant data features. In Task 2 respond to question in clear position with reasonable ideas and appropriate support.

2. Coherence plus Cohesiveness

Assesses how logically and smoothly ideas flow. Use clear paragraphs, linking words and logical progression from one idea to another. Avoid non coherent or repetitive sentences.

3. Lexical Resource

Assesses vocabulary from different angles based on appropriateness of use. Founds topic-related words, synonyms, and collocations naturally. Does not repeat and misapply words.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Assesses your diversity and accuracy in grammar. Make sentences of different types and with appropriate tense and punctuation and construction. Reduce mistakes and duplication.

To write better, do better planning in your writing, ideation clear organization, mixed grammar and vocabulary usage, and also proofread.