8 tips to ace the "Writing Section" at IELTS
8 tips to ace the "Writing Section" at IELTS
The writing section of IELTS exam is well structured. Also it is of two types: Academic Writing Section and the General Training Section.
Which of these two you need to attempt, depends upon your intention of taking the exam? If you want to study abroad, you need to take the Academic Writing Section and in case you intend to work abroad you need to appear for the General Training Section.
Both these sections involve two tasks: TASK 1 and TASK 2. Task 1 needs to be completed in minimum 150 words and task 2 in minimum 250 words. The general pattern of the writing section is as follows:
- Academic Writing Section :
o Task 1: Describe a table, diagram, chart in 150 words
o Task 2: Write an essay in 250 words
- General Training Section :
o Task 1: Write a letter in 150 words
o Task 2: Write an essay in 250 words
Ideal time distribution: It is suggested that 20 minutes should be spent on task 1 and 40 minutes on task 2 since the total time allotted for this section is 60 minutes.
However, this section can be easily cracked with very little focus, time management and concentration. The following tips should be kept in mind while attempting or preparing for this section:
1. Understand the question properly: A general observation is that students make mistakes in this section since they are not able to understand the question well. Proper understanding of the question is a must. This can be achieved if you read each question slowly by focussing on all the words rather than reading selectively.
2. Properly planned answers: You must ensure that your answers especially, the essays are properly structured. They should have a proper beginning, a body and a conclusive paragraph. Unnecessary repetition and clumsy clauses should be avoided.
3. No jargons please: You should avoid using jargons, abbreviations and short forms completely. The entire text should be written in explicit English. Slangs and informal language has to be completely avoided.
4. Take care of number of words: Minimum words for task 1 and 2 are 150 and 250 respectively. Answers written in lesser number of words are generally not accepted. Also you will not have the time to count the number of words. Hence, you should come with an idea as to how much space 150 words and 250 words occupy in your handwriting.
5. Basic language should be correct: There is absolutely no scope of making grammatical, spelling and punctuation mistakes as it leads to huge deduction in marks.
6. Do not memorise: Lot of students memorise the model answers available on various websites and write the same answers in the test. Avoid this as the examiners are familiar with the model answers and they are not considered while evaluation. You answers should carry your expression, language and understanding.
7.Revision: The writing test is not complete if you have not revised it at least once. While revising, your main focus should be on grammar, vocabulary, spellings and correctness of language.
8. Do not divert from the topic: It is a general observation that students tend to divert from the topic. This leads to huge deduction in marks. Make sure you read the topic twice and understand well before you start drafting your thoughts. Your opinion is important but it should be non- biased and should not depict any sought of regionalism, religionalism or casteism.
