IELTS – Information & Worksheets

IELTS ∞ Correction codes ∞ Account details ∞ Writing blog ∞ Answer-keys

IELTS-header

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assesses the four skills — reading, writing, listening and speaking — and is designed to reflect real life use of English in higher education environments such as universities.

 IELTS (Official) “information for candidates” brochure
 Sample IELTS writing answer booklet

The IELTS academic writing test

There are two tasks in the IELTS Writing test.

In Task 1you will be presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram. You will be asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. This might involve describing and explaining data, describing the stages of a process or how something works, or describing an object or event.

In Task 2you will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem.

  1. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1
  2. The IELTS writing test lasts for 60 minutes
  3. For Task 1 you need to write at least 150 words
    (Spend around 20 minutes on this task)
  4. For Task 2 you need to write at least 250 words
    (Spend around 40 minutes on this task)
  5. In both tasks, you will need to write in a formal style

 Assessment of writing

Skills assessed: In both Task 1 and Task 2 you will be assessed on your ability to write a response which is appropriate in terms of content, the organisation of ideas, and the accuracy and range of vocabulary and grammar.

In Task 1, depending on the task type, you will be assessed on your ability to organise, present and possibly compare data; to describe the stages of a process or procedure; to describe an object or event or sequence of events; to explain how something works.

In Task 2, depending on the task type, you will be assessed on your ability to present a solution to a problem; to present and justify an opinion; to compare and contrast evidence, opinions and implications; to evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or an argument.

Overall, the test assesses a wide range of writing skills, including how well you:

 Write a response appropriately (Task Fulfilment)
 Organise ideas (Cohesion and Coherence)
 Use a range of vocabulary and grammar accurately (Vocabulary and Grammar)

 Sample IELTS exams

 Sample IELTS writing test (01)
 Sample IELTS writing test (02)