IELTS Writing - Task 1
Writing Tip
Do not write a rough draft, then re-write it. You will waste valuable time. Use time at the end to check for
small errors: verb agreements, plurals, punctuation, verb tense. These things are easily corrected and
effect what mark your work will receive.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The graph below shows the total value of exports and the value of fuel, food and manufactured
goods exported by one country from 2000 to 2005.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
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Model answer
The graph shows the value of fuel, food, manufactured goods and the total value of exports in one
country from 2000 to 2005.
As we can see the total value of exports grows up during last four years. In year 2000; 2001 and 2002 the
total export was droping down, but after that situation gets better and the total export in year 2005 is
nearly 450,000 million dollars.
We can see that the export of food is almost the same for all years, every year below 10,000 millions
dollars. The export of fuel in year 2000 was about 45.000 million dollars but it was getting down and in
year 2005 was only half this amount, what is mean 20.000 millions dollars. Manufactured food in the year
2000 was a little below 20.000 millions dollers and in the year 2005 a little above 20.000 million dollars.
(145 words)
Task Achievement
The summary is factually accurate, and statements are supported by relevant data. In some respects, the
writer focuses on the less interesting information in the graph and neglects to highlight more significant
features. In particular, although the overall picture is summarised in the second paragraph, the writer fails
to make explicit comparisons between the different export groups in the final paragraph, or summarise
the main trends in those areas.
The first paragraph restates the task rubric with minor modification, so this loses marks in the assessment
and a penalty is given for being underlength (145 words).
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Coherence and Cohesion
Information is organised clearly and logically, and paragraphing is appropriate. Relationships within
sentences are clearly signalled, for example (that) situation in the second paragraph. Phrases are also
reduced as appropriate, for example and in the year 2005 a little above …
The answer may have attracted a higher band in this category if more use had been made of linking
phrases to mark topic shifts, e.g. on the other hand in the third paragraph.
Lexical Resource
The range of vocabulary used in this answer is fairly narrow. To some extent this is probably a reflection
of its shortness, but omissions are evident too. The writer does not always seem to use the most
appropriate lexis for this type of summary, and resorts to phrases such as droping down, grows up, and
gets better. The range of adverbs at the writer’s disposal also seems to be limited: using words such as
sharply or slightly would have made a more accurate and suitable response. There is only one isolated
spelling error: droping.
Despite some of the inadequacies referred to above, the answer is readily understandable.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
In such a short answer there is not much scope for structural range, but the grammar is mainly accurate
and produces an impression of fluency. The main problem is the inconsistent choice of verb forms: the
mixture of present and past tenses is not always appropriate, neither is the mixture of simple and
continuous forms: was droping, was getting down.
Marks
This answer would probably have achieved a Band 5, and may have achieved a Band 6 had it been at
the required length.
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IELTS Writing - Task 2
Checking and editing your essays
Many IELTS candidates often lose marks in the exam because they don’t check their writing after they
finish. Make sure you take two or three minutes to read through each essay, and check it for errors.
Remember the examiner is looking at four things: grammar, vocabulary,organisation and
structure and ideas.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Tests and examinations are a central feature of school systems in many countries.
Do you think the educational benefits of testing outweigh any disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer, and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
You should write at least 250 words.
Model answer
Much could be said about different ways of testing or checking students at schools or universities. The
most popular ones have always caused been causing very exciting discussions and debates around the
world. We all do realise that teachers need to have a system that helps them to test their students
knowledge, so they can see how effective their teaching methods are. The question is do we really need
to put so much pressure on these features? Are they really so effective?
The first thing about tests and exams is, that they do check the level of information the students managed
to learn from the lectures. The questions usually cover the area that has been thought at school, so if
students can answer them correctly it means that the teaching was successful.
The other, equally important aspect is, that due to the tests or exams that students are facing at school
they get motivated to study more, in order to get better marks and to improve their knowledge.
Sometimes it might be just the fact that it is called an exam, that makes students get together and study
harder.
On the other hand, some students might feel discouraged by the same fact that makes the others
motivated what of course results in low marks in the actual exam. They also think that the results are very
often not relevant to their efforts they put into studying. Because the marking system is not fair, they just
do not feel like studying more for the exam.
Furthermore, many students find the exams of different kinds very stressful, especially the school ones.
They often think that there could be another way of testing, less stressful, that should be introduced in
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schools or universities. The supporters of this opinion often bring out the fact, that most of students start
smoking actually because of the stress they are exposed to at school. And that is definitely not beneficial
for you or your health.
To put things together, is there really such a big need for exams at schools? Is there really no other way
to check how students effective are the teaching methods? That is of course not that easy, but still, I am
deeply convinced that things can be changed. It requires all the involved sides to think and come up with
new ideas that could later be put into schools and that wouldn’t be that stressful anymore, so students
can actually start enjoying them.
(411 words)
Task Achievement
The writer responds to the task appropriately, and generally remains focused on the question to be
addressed. Benefits and disadvantages are considered, and the writer finally adopts a position, as
required.
Despite the overall relevance of this answer, some improvements could be achieved. The first paragraph
approaches the topic rather indirectly, and lacks a clearly defined focus, which weakens the impact of the
introduction. Some of its content is, perhaps, not strictly relevant. The final paragraph suffers from the
same problem, though to a slightly lesser extent. The crux of the piece, the writer’s own conclusion, is in
the middle of the paragraph ( … I am deeply convinced that …), rather than being positioned prominently.
Perhaps the writing would benefit from adopting a more assertive tone.
At 411 words the piece is over the length required.
Coherence and Cohesion
This writer uses her linguistic knowledge to the full to guide the reader successfully through the answer.
The organisation of information is commendably clear and progresses from introduction, through benefits
and disadvantages, to conclusion. Appropriate paragraphing supports this structure.
Pronouns and articles are generally used to good effect to signal relationships within and between
sentences, and paragraphs are linked with a well-chosen linking device.
Lexical Resource
A wide range of lexis is used, with a high degree of accuracy. The writer shows knowledge of idiomatic
phrasing, such as The other, equally important aspect is … . Occasionally it is evident that the writer has
some limitations, for example supporters … often bring out the fact that … or To put things together ... .
However, in these cases the writer successfully paraphrases, and these infrequent lapses barely affect
the reader’s progress. Spelling is almost flawless.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
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The writer’s command of grammar, as with lexis, conveys the impression of fluency. A wide range of
structures is attempted, with a good degree of accuracy.
For example, The first good thing about tests or exams is that they do check the level of … , is a difficult
structure used perfectly accurately here. Occasionally there are errors with complex structures, such as
… some students might feel discouraged by the same fact that makes the others motivated … , but there
is no interference with comprehension whatsoever. Simpler and more frequent structures rarely exhibit
errors, and punctuation is practically error-free.
Marks
This answer would probably receive a Band 7 or Band 8.
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IELTS Writing - Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The graph below shows the proportion of the population aged 65 and over between 1940 and 2040
in three different countries.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
IELTS Writing Tip
Study the data carefully before you start writing. The instructions ask you to report the main features,
and make comparisons where relevant so you have to select the most
important/striking/obvious similarities and differences within the data. Note these down before you start
writing, and decide in which order you’re going to present them. Remember that you are not expected to
write down all the data you are given. For each point you make, mention only the relevant data that
supports your point. Use phrases such as On the other hand to introduce contrast, and phrases such
as Likewise to introduce similarities.
The model answer below has been prepared by an examiner as an example of a very good answer.
However, please note that this is just one example out of many possible approaches.
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Model answer
The graph shows the increase in the ageing population in Japan, Sweden and the USA. It indicates that
the percentage of elderly people in all three countries is expected to increase to almost 25% of the
respective populations by the year 2040.
In 1940 the proportion of people aged 65 or more stood at only 5% in Japan, approximately 7% in
Sweden and 9% in the US. However, while the figures for the Western countries grew to about 15°o in
around 199C, the figure for Japan dipped to only 25% for much of this period, before rising to almost 5%
again at the present time.
In spite of some fluctuation in the expected percentages, the proportion of older people will probably
continue to increase m the next two decades in the three countries. A more dramatic rise is predicted
between 2030 and 2040 in Japan, by which time it is thought that the proportion of elderly people will be
similar in the three countries.
(164 words)
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IELTS Writing - Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Write at least 250 words.
Model answer
According to unlversities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject.
Therefore, this essay will show some reasons of argument for and argument against.
Firstly, I will discuss about two reasons of argument for to begin with universities should accept equal
numbers of male and female students in every subject because it will be balance of idea while studying.
In general, there usually are different ideas between man and woman. These lead to, new ideas from
different vision will happen. Another reason is it display that have equal of society not eccept in each side.
In addition, nowadays, the most societies become to accept ability of both in any way.
Secondly, I will discuss about one reason of argument against that s some subjects not suitable for each
other. For example, some subject of sports such as weight putting. It is not suitable for female because
there are different of body between male and female.
In conclusion, I agree with universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in
every subject. Moreover, it depen on what the subjects that the students want to study, they can choose
by themselve because I believe that if the students like to study their subjects, they will do it well so that I
strongly agree with this topic.
(220 words)
EXAMINER’S EXPLANATION
Band 4
“It is difficult to find the main arguments in this answer. There are long, formulaic introductions, not many
ideas that deal with the actual issues and the writer's point of view is not consistent. The prompt is copied
directly three times in the response and the remainder is underlength at 1 fit. words, so marks are lost for
this.
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The response is organised into sections, but the relationship between ideas is not always clear and the
linking expressions are sometimes inaccurate, as in the opening paragraph, or used in a mechanical way,
as in the second paragraph.
The dependence on formulaic language and the input material indicates a limited range of vocabulary and
there is a lot of repetition and inaccuracy. A range of structures is attempted, but control is weak. Errors in
grammar and punctuation are frequent and cause problems for the reader.”
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IELTS Writing - Task 1
IELTS Tip
• Do NOT copy information from the question paper into your answer, you will lose marks.
• Remember to select and compare, but do NOT challenge the data or introduce new information.
• You don't gain extra marks for writing more than 150 words, but you will lose marks if you write less.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The charts below show the main reasons for study among students of different age groups and
the amount of support they received from employers.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.
You should write at least 150 words.
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Model answer
The first graph shows that there is a gradual decrease in study for career reasons with age. Nearly 80%
of students under 26 years, study for their career. This percentage gradually declines by 10-20% every
decade. Only 40% of 40-49yr olds and 18% of over 49yr olds studying for career reasons in late
adulthood.
Conversely, the first graph also shows that study stemming from interest increases with age. There are
only 10% of under 26yr olds studying out of interest. The percentage increases slowly till the beginning of
the fourth decade, and increases dramatically in late adulthood. Nearly same number of 40-49yr olds
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study for career and interest. However 70% of over 49yr olds study for interest in comparison to 18%
studying for career reasons in that age group.
The second graph shows that employer support is maximum (approximately 60%) for the under 26yr
students. It drops rapidly to 32% up to the third decade of life, and then increases in late adulthood up to
about 44%. It is unclear whether employer support is only for career-focused study, but the highest level
is for those students who mainly study for career purposes.
(192 words)
This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 8 score. Here is the examiner's comment:
This answer summarises the key features of both charts and integrates them well. Clear trends are
identified and supported with appropriately-selected figures. The answer could only be improved by
adding an introduction to the general topic of the charts.
The information is well organised, with a clearly-signalled progression. Linking words are used accurately
and precisely, although there is occasional omission. Paragraphing is used well initially, but lapses in the
later section.
A very good range of vocabulary is used to convey the information concisely and accurately with only
occasional inappropriacy. Words are used precisely and there are no errors in spelling or word form.
A wide range of structures is used and most sentences in this answer are accurate. Errors are rare and
do not affect communication in this answer.
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ELTS Writing - Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing
high school and starting university studies.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.
You should write at least 250 words.
Writing Tip
We use handwriting less and less these days, so make sure that you practise writing quickly and neatly.
Ask you others to read your writing to make sure it is legible. There may not be time in the exam to write
and then rewrite your answer. It is better to spend time planning and then checking at the end.
Model answer
It is quite common these days for young people in many countries to have a break from studying after
graduating from high school. This trend is not restricted to rich students who have the money to travel, but
is also evident among poorer students who choose to work and become economically independent for a
period of time.
The reasons for this trend may involve the recognition that a young adult who passes directly from school
to university is rather restricted in terms of general knowledge and experience of the world. By contrast,
those who have spent some time earning a living or traveling to other places have a broader view of life
and better personal resources to draw on. They tend to be more independent, which is a very important
factor in academic study and research, as well as giving them an advantage in terms of coping with the
challenges of student life.
However, there are certainly dangers in taking time off at that important age. Young adults may end up
never returning to their studies or finding it difficult to readapt to an academic environment. They may
think that it is better to continue in a particular job, or to do something completely different from a
university course. But overall, I think this is less likely today, when academic qualifications are essential
for getting a reasonable career.
My view is that young people should be encouraged to broaden their horizons. That is the best way for
them to get a clear perspective of what they are hoping to do with their lives and why. Students with such
a perspective are usually the most effective and motivated ones and taking a year off may be the best
way to gain this.
(291 words)
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