Of all the sections in an average IELTS exam, students tend to dread the writing section the most. The language-intensive test is among the most difficult modules on the test for many across the globe. Multiple students trying to score in the band of 5-8 often fall short because they are unable to perform well on this particular section! 

Fret not! 

We are here to help you. 

Let’s begin by discussing the fundamentals of the writing section and then move on to discuss how to get a 7+ score! 

Types of tasks

There are two major types of tasks that need to be completed in order for you to succeed in the writing section. 

Task One focuses on your skills to analyze charts, data, and graphs, Task Two focuses requires you to find information and solutions to the problems presented. 

Task one will offer you any one of the following: a diagram, a bar graph, a chart, etc. and you shall be required to describe and explain the whole situation, and how it works in a logical manner. 

Task two, on the other hand, will offer you problems that you are supposed to write about based on the major and minor problems presented to you in the question. Your personal point of view and your arguments will be highly appreciated and valued.

You will be required to write down your answers based on the questions on your answer sheets. You are supposed to write at least 150 words in task one and at least 250 words in task two. Bullet points will not be highly appreciated by your examiner.

Marking criteria

Of the two tasks, task two is worth a higher score and task one. 

Your IELTS examiner will assess your skills based on four major criteria as far as task two is concerned. Every criteria determines 25% of your total score in that section. You will be given a score for every single criteria and then the same will be averaged into a total score for the writing section. 

The criteria are: 

Task response and achievement 

Your score under this criterion will depend on how well you are in terms of paying attention to the requirements of the question. It will also depend on your skills being relevant in terms of the questions. Going off-topic and not making sense will only lead you to a lower score spectrum.  

Cohesion and coherence 

Concisely crafted pieces, written in not more than four paragraphs with a logically central idea is what your examiner is looking for. Your score in this criterion depends on your ability to present your ideas in a structured manner, with the right linking words supporting the body of the written piece and having a central topic flowing in a particular paragraph. 

Vocabulary and lexical resource 

You can score well in this particular section by keeping in mind just three things: 

1. Your ability to use appropriate words 

2. Your ability to use the words in their right collocative manner 

3. And, your ability to spell those words right. 

These three tips will go a long way as far as this particular section is concerned. 

Grammatical accuracy and range

Errors must not be made in the most common grammar rules. You must avoid using the wrong tenses and the wrong verbs as much as possible. Also, you must not forget to focus on the sentence structure and syntax, word order in the sentence, as well as the correct punctuation marks. 

1. Analyze correctly 

Analyzing the requirements of the question correctly will lead you to the path of success in the IELTS exam. Questions pertaining to bar graphs, charts and data need to be analyzed correctly in order to give you a well-described and informative answer. Brainstorm and highlight the correct and valid ideas along with the necessary keywords and present them reasonably. 

2. Do not use informal language 

This tip comes in handy especially when it comes to academic writing questions. However, if you are using formal words in your general test as well, it will pose no harm! Informal writing practices need to be avoided in order to succeed here. Do not abbreviate your words, do not write in the first person or the second person, avoid using colloquial words and contractions, and do not use any slang expression. 

3. Plan and write faster 

Once you read the question, format the basic structure of the answer you are about to frame up correctly in your mind beforehand. Planning roughly 20 minutes for an answer would be great as fast as task one is concerned. This will lead you to have more time for task two. Once you have managed to plan it in your mind with the right points, try and write as fast as you can. Proofread everything you write and correct your errors if any. 

4. Different sentence structures 

Vary your writing section with different types of sentence structures. Try to incorporate not just simple sentences but also compound and complex ones. However you like it, do it correctly in order to have the edge. 

5. Focus on problem-solving 

As far as essay writing questions are concerned, analyze the data in your mind and give informative answers. Be concise with your data but at the same time give your opinions as well. Try and give as much information you know about the topic, penning down the advantages, disadvantages, and the ways to solve the problem. 

6. Use transitional words 

Instead of just going with the flow, try and make your answer more coherent and cohesive by using transitional words wherever possible. Transitional words and phrases like: For example, for instance, etc. will add a breezy flow to your answer, giving you an edge over others. 

7. Focus on correcting 

You might have written the best answer in the world, but it is not worth it if you have made several grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. If you are not sure about the sentence structure, use a simple sentence. If you are not sure about the correct spelling of a fancy word, use a simpler synonym in the place. Use the correct grammatical rules and spellings at all times. This leads you to get a better score than the others.

8. Learn the art of paraphrasing 

Paraphrasing is a necessary part of both task one as well as task two. Try to not copy the same part of the question to your answers in both the tasks. You could use a part to make the examiner understand your point of view but do not use the same words. Always paraphrase your answers in order to excel. 

Follow our YouTube channel “Unlock IELTS with Richa” for more such great tips and tricks to crack your upcoming IELTS exam in an easy way. All the best!