IELTS

The questions are the same, whether it's CBT or PBT. You need to be comfortable with typing if you're attempting Computer-based IELTS or if you're going for paper based IELTS, your handwriting should be understandable.

If the question requires your opinion, then state them otherwise not. For this you have to read the question carefully, note what you want to write and then attempt.

In IELTS writing marking for task 1 and task 2 is done separately. The examiner first marks you and gives you a band on task 1 and then on task 2. Then the bands are calculated on an average for a total individual score.

There are four basic parameters based on which the marking is handled in writing. These include:

• Task responses/ Task completion

• Lexical resources

• Grammatical range and accuracy

• Coherence and cohesion

In IELTS writing there are various essays which one has to prepare for the exam. There are 5 different kinds of essays namely:

1. Opinion based

2. Descriptive

3. Merit/demerits

4. Problem /solution

5. Two- part question

Every essay has its own approach, hence it's really important that the candidate is aware of all the techniques behind each and every essay. The exam may carry any one of the five.

Do not write less than the limit. If your IELTS answer is too short, you will receive a penalty. Because you have not developed your main points well or provided enough detail to satisfy examiners.

Aim to write over count

For Task 1 use:

• Past tense for historical data

• Present tense for processes/diagrams

• Future tense if predictions are shown

For Task 2 use:

• Mix of tenses depending on the topic

• Present tense for general statements

• Past tense for examples or historical references

Writing under the limit is penalized. You will lose marks because your ideas won't be developed enough to score well. Especially in Task 2. Examiners are looking for fully extended arguments. Always aim slightly over the required count.

No, bullet points are not acceptable. You must write in complete paragraphs using proper transitions. Visual information should be described in full sentences.

One can check the IELTS scoring pattern for IELTS writing test from below.

• Each task is scored on 4 criteria:

• Task Achievement/Response

• Coherence and Cohesion

• Lexical Resource

• Grammatical Range and Accuracy

• Each criterion is scored from 0-9

• The final writing score is an average of both tasks, with Task 2 weighted more heavily