International English Language Testing System is international standardized test of English language proficiency. Here are IELTS writing module FAQs.

IELTS Writing Module FAQs

• What’s the difference between the General Training Writing module and the Academic Writing module?

In the General Training version of IELTS, Task 1 requires you to write a letter and in the Academic version of IELTS, Task 1 requires you to write a report on a diagram. In both versions of the test, Task 2 is the same: a discursive essay.

• What should I write in the introduction to Task 1 of the Academic Writing module?

The introduction should describe the diagram or data overall. This usually means paraphrasing the question, i.e. restating the question in other words.

• Why is it so important to paraphrase the question?

If you repeat the question word-for-word in your introduction, these words will not be counted as your own and your word count will be lower as a result. You should always change at least a few words in the questions or rewrite them completely.

• How many words and paragraphs should I write?

For Task 1, three or four paragraphs totaling 150 words are sufficient, In Task 2, you should write four to six paragraphs (depending on the number of ideas you have) and at least 250 words.

• What will happen if I don’t write 150 or 250 words?

 You will be given a penalty for this and your overall score in IELTS Writing will be at least half a band lower as a result.

• Should I try to write more than 150 or 250 words?

In IELTS Writing, there is no maximum number of words. However, you will not get a higher score if you write more words than required. For that reason, you should stop writing when you have reached the limit AND written a satisfactory conclusion.

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• Do I need to write a conclusion in Task 1?

It is certainly very helpful to add a one- or two-sentence conclusion that restates the overall topic and main features of the data. This is especially important if there is more than one set of data as you will gain extra marks if you make a direct comparison of the two. However, a conclusion is not an absolute requirement and it may be better to skip it and move quickly on to Task 2 if you have already written 150 words.

• Do I need to write a conclusion in Task 2?

Absolutely, yes. Your conclusion should restate the overall topic and your main idea, briefly summarise the main point of each body paragraph, and end with a comment of some kind. Without a conclusion, your essay may lack coherence and this will bring down your score.

• Should I count the number of words I have written?

No. This is not your responsibility and would be a waste of your time. Before taking the test, you should practice the Writing module enough times to be able to know when you have written a long enough answer without actually counting the words. 

• How are IELTS Writing scores calculated?

 It is calculated on 4 main areas.

1. • Task achievement
   • Coherence and cohesion
   • Lexical resource
   • Grammatical Range and Accuracy

• What IELTS Writing score is required for university entry?

It varies by university and many do not specify a requirement for each module. However, you should be aiming to achieve a score of at least 6 in IELTS Writing if you intend to study at an English-speaking university. A band score of 5 may be sufficient for some foundation and presessional English courses.

• Where do I write my answers?

Write your answers on the Writing answer sheet. You will not get any paper for making notes, but you may write notes on the question paper. The examiner will not see these.

• Can I write in pen or pencil?

You can write in pen or pencil, but you must write clearly. You may erase/cross out and change parts of your writing, but you must make sure that your work is easy to read.

• Should I write my answers in upper case (capitals) or lower case?

You will not automatically be penalized if all your letters are capitals. However, punctuations are assessed in the Writing test and you may be penalized if it is not clear to the examiner where your sentences begin and end.

• Will I be penalized if I don’t write enough words?

Yes. You must write at least 150 words for the Task 1 question and 250 words for the Task 2 question. If you don’t write enough words, you will be penalized.

• If I make notes, will the examiner read them?

No. You will not get any paper for making notes, but you may write notes on the question paper. The examiner will not see this.

• Are the two tasks both worth the same number of marks?

No. Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.