IELTS Writing: Dr. Paul Hudson American University of Sharjah 30 October 2022

IELTS Writing
Dr. Paul Hudson

American University of Sharjah
30 October 2022
What is the IELTS Writing Test?
• The Writing test takes 60 minutes. There are two tasks
to complete.
to complete.
• Task 1: It is suggested that about 20 minutes is spent on
Task 1, which requires candidates to write at least 150
words.
to complete.
• Task 1: It is suggested that about 20 minutes is spent on
Task 1, which requires candidates to write at least 150
words.
• Task 2: This task requires at least 250 words and should
take about 40 minutes. Task 2 contributes twice as much
as Task 1 to the Writing score.
• The Writing test takes 60 minutes. There are two tasks to complete.
• Task 1: It is suggested that about 20 minutes is spent on Task 1, which
requires candidates to write at least 150 words.
• Task 2: This task requires at least 250 words and should take about 40
minutes. Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.
• Responses must be given on the Writing Answer Sheet and must be
written in full. Notes are not acceptable as answers. Responses to
both tasks must be written in an academic or semi-formal/neutral
style.
• The Writing test takes 60 minutes. There are two tasks to complete.
• Task 1: It is suggested that about 20 minutes is spent on Task 1, which
requires candidates to write at least 150 words.
• Task 2: This task requires at least 250 words and should take about 40
minutes. Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.
• Responses must be given on the Writing Answer Sheet and must be
written in full. Notes are not acceptable as answers. Responses to
both tasks must be written in an academic or semi-formal/neutral
style.
• Test takers may write on the Question Paper but this cannot be taken
from the test room and will not be seen by the examiner.
What is IELTS Writing Task 1?
• In Task 1, test takers are asked to describe some information (graph/
table/ chart/ diagram) and to present a summary of this information
in their own words.
in their own words.
• Depending on the type of input and the task suggested, test takers
are assessed on their ability to:
• organise, present and possibly compare data
in their own words.
• describe the stages of a process or procedure
in their own words.
• describe an object or event or sequence of events
in their own words.
• describe an object or event or sequence of events
• explain how something works.
IELTS Writing Task 1
How is my writing assessed?
A trained IELTS Examiner will read your answer and give you a band based on the following criteria:
Criteria What do these criteria mean?

• Did you answer the question fully and write 150 words?
• Did you write an initial description in your own words?
Task Achievement
• Did you write an overview statement?

Task Achievement
• Is your writing easy to understand?

Coherence and • Are your ideas well organised and clearly linked?
Cohesion • Did you use linking words and referencing appropriately?

Task Achievement

Lexical Resource Did you use a wide range of vocabulary accurately and effectively?

Task Achievement

Lexical Resource Did you use a wide range of vocabulary accurately and effectively?
Grammatical Range Did you use a wide range of grammatical structures accurately and
and Accuracy effectively?
How can I improve my writing score?
• You can improve your score by making sure you
answer each question fully.
• Before the test, practice writing quickly and neatly
and make sure you do not use bullet points, notes,
abbreviations or prepared answers.
• Before the test, practice writing quickly and neatly
and make sure you do not use bullet points, notes,
abbreviations or prepared answers.
• Studying all aspects of English, including vocabulary
and grammar, will also help improve your score.
IELTS Task 1 Writing
Check your writing carefully for basic
spelling / grammar / factual errors before
you hand it in.
TA – Did you answer the question fully

and accurately? 25%
CC – Does your answer make sense and

are your ideas linked properly? 25%
LR – Did you use high-level vocabulary

and are your words all spelled correctly?
25%
GRA – Did you use a wide range of

grammatical structures and did you make
any basic grammatical errors? 25%
How can I improve my Task Achievement Score?
• Give an overview of the main information in the graph
(summarise the information).
• Describe all the most relevant and significant information
(select and report the main features).
• Point out the key differences and similarities in the data
(make comparisons where relevant).
• Only include information that is represented in the data.
• Produce an answer that is at least 150 words.
• Produce an answer that is at least 150 words.
• It is very important to give a one-sentence overview or
summary of the main trends in the chart or graph. You
cannot achieve more than a Band 5 on Task Achievement
score if your answer does not include an overview sentence.
You will lose marks on Task Achievement if you …
• Leave out data that is important.
• Speculate on reasons for the data.
• Add information not included in the data.
• Write less than 150 words.
• Write less than 150 words.
• Don't do these things.

How can I improve my Coherence & Cohesion score?
• Your Writing Task answer will be assessed based on its

coherence (is it easy to understand?) and its cohesion
(are the ideas connected well?).

• For every Writing Task answer, your ideas must be
organised in a logical way and be connected together.

• Your answer must not be a list of individual sentences.

• The examiner will assess the Coherence and Cohesion of
your answer. They will judge how your ideas are
organised and how you link information.

• The examiner will assess the Coherence and Cohesion of
your answer. They will judge how your ideas are
organised and how you link information.
• Planning before you write is the best way to make sure
your ideas are organised in a logical way.
How can I improve my Lexical Resource score?
• To get a good score, you need to use a wide range of
vocabulary (not repeating the same common words) and
use vocabulary accurately (without mistakes).
• To achieve a high band score in the IELTS Writing paper,
you need to show a wide variety of vocabulary and
sentence structure.
• To achieve a high band score in the IELTS Writing paper,
you need to show a wide variety of vocabulary and
sentence structure.
• You can avoid repeating words by using synonyms, using
pronouns (this/these etc.) to refer back to an idea and
using group nouns.
How can I improve my Grammatical Range & Accuracy score?
• The examiner will assess the Grammatical Accuracy of

your answer.

your answer.
• They will judge how accurate your sentence structures
are, and also whether you have shown a range of
structures and not limited yourself to basic ones.

your answer.
• Make sure you vary your sentences in the exam.

your answer.
• Students often repeat the same mistakes.

your answer.
• Get to know your own common mistakes and make sure
you deliberately practice these - especially if the mistakes
are grammatical mistakes you repeatedly make.

your answer.
• Get to know your own common mistakes and make sure
you deliberately practice these - especially if the mistakes
are grammatical mistakes you repeatedly make.
• Become better noticers!
How to do IELTS Writing Task 1
– Tips & Techniques
• Read the instructions and study the
diagram/graph/table/chart/map
carefully
carefully
• Highlight the main points
carefully
• Think of synonyms / paraphrases for
the main words in the question and
the graph
• Tourists: visitors / holidaymakers /
travelers / vacationers / people on
vacation/holiday
• Number: quantity / total / sum
• Visiting: staying / spending their
vacation / holidaying
• On cruise ships: at sea / off the coast
/ in boats
• On the island: on land / in hotels or
guesthouses
carefully
the graph – this will help your
writing be less repetitive
carefully
the graph – this will help your
writing be less repetitive
• Make sure you understand exactly
what the diagram/graph/chart/map
is showing before you start writing
• First sentence – paraphrase the
question
question
• “The line graph illustrates how many
people visited a Caribbean island
from 2010 to 2017, also showing
whether they stayed on the island or
on a cruise ship.”
question
• Second sentence – the overview.
(You cannot score more than a Band
5 in Task Response without this)
question
• Second sentence – the overview.
“Overall, it can be seen that the
number of visitors to the island grew
steadily over the seven years, going
from 1 million to 3.5 million.”
• Body paragraph – write about the main
points in the graph.
• “In 2010, three times as many
holidaymakers stayed on the island as
were on cruise ships. By 2011, the gap
between them narrowed, with half a
million on cruise ships and around 750,000
in hotels and guest houses on the island.
Over the next two years, the number of
people on vacation went up rapidly to
reach 2 million, although there was a dip
in the number staying off shore in 2012.
However, from 2013 the number of visitors
on cruise ships increased steadily until it
reached 2 million in 2017. Meanwhile, the
total of visitors staying on the island itself
leveled off in 2013 at 1.5 million, where it
remained for 2 years, followed by a small
fall in numbers to 1.25 million, after which
it returned to 1.5 million in 2017.”
– Remember
• Count – The word limit is 150 words.
If you write 139 you lose 1 Band on
Task Response, 119 you lose 2 Bands
etc.) This example is 187 words.
– Remember
• Count
• Describe only – Just describe what is
shown in the graph/diagram/chart
etc. Do NOT comment, interpret or
declare. You will lose marks if you
include language such as:
– Remember
• Count
• “The number of tourists went up, which
is good for the island’s economy.”
• The number of people staying on the
island leveled off, probably because
there were not enough hotel rooms for
more.”
• “In this essay I will discuss the number
of tourists visiting a Caribbean island
from 2010 to 2017.”
– Remember
• Count
• “The number of tourists went up, which
is good for the island’s economy.”
• The number of people staying on the
island leveled off, probably because
there were not enough hotel rooms for
more.”
• “In this essay I will discuss the number
of tourists visiting a Caribbean island
from 2010 to 2017.”
– Remember
• Count
• Describe only
• Check the verb tenses needed – It is
important that your essay uses the
correct verb tenses throughout. For
this graph, what verb tense should
be used?
– Remember
• Count
• Describe only
• Check the verb tenses needed – It is
important that your essay uses the
correct verb tenses throughout. For
this graph, what verb tense should
be used?
• The Past Simple – It is describing the
past, and so should only use the past
simple.
– Remember
• Count
• Describe only
• Check the verb tenses needed –
What verb tenses would this graph
need?
– Remember
• Count
• Describe only
What verb tenses would this graph
need?
• Past Simple & Future:
• “In Asia, the proportion of people
living in cities in 1950 was only 15%,
but this grew rapidly to 41% in 2007. By
2050, it is expected that 66% of Asia’s
population will be living in urban
areas.”
– Remember
• Count
• Describe only
What verb tenses would these
tables need?
– Remember
• Count
• Describe only
tables need?
• Present Simple, Past Simple,
Future
• “Overall, the most popular color
for new cars in North America is
white, whereas drivers in Brazil
and South Korea prefer silver
cars, while those in Europe favor
black.”
– Remember
• Count
• Describe only
tables need?
• Present Simple, Past Simple, Future
• “In 1994, green was the least
favored color for new cars, and this
lack of preference for green
continued over the next 20 years,
when the proportion of green new
cars halved. By 2024, it is estimated
that only 1% of all new cars will be
green.”
– Remember
• Count
• Describe only
What verb tense would these charts
need?
– Remember
• Count
• Describe only
What verb tense would these charts
need?
• Present Simple only
• “Although lecturers work the fewest
hours per week, they have the
largest percentage of stress related
illness among the 8 occupations.”
– Remember
• Count
• Describe only
What verb tenses would this
diagram need?
– Remember
• Count
• Describe only
What verb tenses would this
diagram need?
• Present Simple (passive form) and
Present Perfect (passive form).
• “The limestone and clay are fed
through a crusher, and the resulting
powder is blended in a mixer.”
• “Once the final cement has been
passed through a grinder, it is
bagged.”
– Remember
• Count
• Describe only
• Check the verb tenses needed
• Use synonyms and referencing
– Remember
• Count
• Describe only
• Use synonyms and referencing – This
will increase your Cohesion &
Coherence and Lexical Resource
Bands
– Remember
• Count
• Describe only
• Plan before you start, Check after
you finish
– Remember
• Count
• Describe only
you finish
• For Task 1 and for Task 2, it is
important to make a short plan before
you start writing.
– Remember
• Count
• Describe only
you finish
• For Task 1 and for Task 2, it is
important to make a short plan before
you start writing.
• You should also leave time at the end
to proofread what you have written
and fix any basic errors. This is
especially true for the first sentence.
First impressions count!
Example IELTS Task 2 Essay
IELTS Task 2 Essay
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist
knowledge of the following topic:
Some people regard video games as harmless fun, or even as a useful

educational tool. Others, however, believe that videos games are
having an adverse effect on the people who play them.
In your opinion, do the drawbacks of video games outweigh the
benefits?
You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your
arguments with examples and relevant experience.
Many people, and children in particular, enjoy playing computer games. While I accept that these games can
sometimes have a positive effect on the user, I believe that they are more likely to have a harmful impact.
On the one hand, video games can be both entertaining and educational. Nobody can deny that they can
enormous fun, and this explains their popularity. Users, or gamers, are transported into virtual worlds which are
often more exciting and engaging than real-life pastimes. From an educational perspective, these games
encourage imagination and creativity, as well as concentration, logical thinking and problem solving, all of which
are useful skills outside the gaming context. Furthermore, it has been shown that computer simulation games
can improve users’ motor skills and help to prepare them for real-world tasks, such as flying a plane.
However, I would argue that these benefits are outweighed by the drawbacks. Gaming can be highly addictive
because users are constantly given scores, new targets and frequent rewards to keep them playing. Many
children now spend hours each day trying to progress through the levels of a game or to get a higher score than
their friends. This type of addiction can have effects ranging from lack of sleep to problems at school, when
homework is sacrificed for a few more hours on the computer or console. The rise in obesity in recent years has
also been linked in part to the sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise that often accompany gaming addiction.
In the past children used to spend hours playing outside with their friend, but nowadays they spend much more
time hunched over a screen.
In conclusion, it seems to me that the potential dangers of video games are more significant than the possible
benefits. I would advise people to be aware of the negative consequences of addiction to video games.
• Short introduction with a clear thesis statement.
• You do not need to write a long introduction in IELTS – most of
the Band comes from the body paragraphs
Many people, and children in particular, enjoy playing computer games.

While I accept that these games can sometimes have a positive effect on
the user, I believe that they are more likely to have a harmful impact.
• Body Paragraph 1 – The Benefits of Video Games
• Each body paragraph should have a topic sentence (that tells the
reader what the paragraph will be about), a couple of clearly signaled
main points, and some supporting sentences.
On the one hand, video games can be both entertaining and educational. Nobody
can deny that they can enormous fun, and this explains their popularity. Users, or
gamers, are transported into virtual worlds which are often more exciting and
engaging than real-life pastimes. From an educational perspective, these games
encourage imagination and creativity, as well as concentration, logical thinking
and problem solving, all of which are useful skills outside the gaming context.
Furthermore, it has been shown that computer simulation games can improve
users’ motor skills and help to prepare them for real-world tasks, such as flying a
plane.
• Body Paragraph 2 – The Drawbacks of Video Games
• Each body paragraph should have a topic sentence (that tells the
reader what the paragraph will be about), a couple of clearly signaled
main points, and some supporting sentences.
However, I would argue that these benefits are outweighed by the drawbacks.
Gaming can be highly addictive because users are constantly given scores, new
targets and frequent rewards to keep them playing. Many children now spend
hours each day trying to progress through the levels of a game or to get a higher
score than their friends. This type of addiction can have effects ranging from lack
of sleep to problems at school, when homework is sacrificed for a few more hours
on the computer or console. The rise in obesity in recent years has also been
linked in part to the sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise that often accompany
gaming addiction. In the past children used to spend hours playing outside with
their friend, but nowadays they spend much more time hunched over a screen.
• Short conclusion with clear concluding sentence and some strong
final thoughts.
• You do not need to write a long introduction in IELTS – most of
the Band comes from the body paragraphs
In conclusion, it seems to me that the potential dangers of video games

are more significant than the possible benefits. I would advise people to
be aware of the negative consequences of addiction to video games.
• In Task 2, test takers are presented with a point of view or argument
or problem. Test takers are assessed on their ability to:
• present the solution to a problem
• present and justify an opinion
• compare and contrast evidence, opinions and implications
• evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or an argument.
• Topics are of general interest and suitable for test takers entering
undergraduate or postgraduate studies or seeking professional
registration.
• Topics are of general interest and suitable for test takers entering
undergraduate or postgraduate studies or seeking professional
registration.
• Test takers should support their ideas with evidence based on their
own knowledge or experience.
An enjoyable job or a high salary? What is more important?
Quickly think of synonyms
or paraphrases for the main
ideas in the question.
Quickly think about how you are
going to plan your essay. How
many body paragraphs will you
write and what will you put in
each one? Where will you write
your own opinion?
Structure – 4 paragraphs
Introduction
Body para 1 – Enjoyable job
Body para 2 – High-paying job
Conclusion – My opinion
Quickly think which of these two
views you agree with and why you
feel that way. Do you know of any
relevant examples from your own
experience? What are they?
Example Essay – Introduction
What are the 3 parts?
They say that money cannot buy you

happiness, but I would like the chance
to find out for myself. Some claim that a
high income is better than having work
you like, because it makes your life
better. Others say that a career that is
fun is more important than a big salary.
Although money may make your life
more luxurious, having employment
you enjoy is, in my opinion, much
better.
• Hook – Grabs the reader’s attention. They say that money cannot buy
you happiness, but I would like the chance to find out for myself.
• Background / Transition. Explains the subject and leads to the next part.
Some claim that a high income is better than having work you like,
because it makes your life better. Others say that a career that is fun is
more important than a big salary.
• Background / Transition. Explains the subject and leads to the next part.
Some claim that a high income is better than having work you like,
because it makes your life better. Others say that a career that is fun is
more important than a big salary.
• Thesis Statement. The most important sentence in your essay. States
the topic and explains what the essay will talk about. Although money
may make your life more luxurious, having employment you enjoy is, in
my opinion, much better.
Example Essay – 1st Body Paragraph
What do the 3 different colored sentences do?
There are several reasons why having work you like is

important. Firstly, doing a job you enjoy can make you
do a better job. If you love the job you are doing, you
will probably achieve a lot more than if you are doing
something you hate. For instance, one of my nieces is
an excellent pediatric nurse and this is because she
really enjoys her work. Indeed, she has saved many
children’s lives and each one has been special to her.
In addition, for many people the most important thing
is job satisfaction. This means that at the end of every
day they leave work happy and pleased with the work
that they have done. To illustrate, there is a saying
that says “If you do what you love, you will never have
to work a day in your life”, that shows that for these
people work is something positive.
• Topic sentence. Introduces the Main Idea of the Paragraph.
• There are several reasons why having work you like is important.
• Introducing Supporting points. You need to signal clearly what your main
points are.
• Firstly, doing a job you enjoy make you do a better job.
• In addition, for many people the most important thing is job satisfaction.
• Introducing Supporting points. You need to signal clearly what your main
points are.
• Firstly, doing a job you enjoy make you do a better job.
• In addition, for many people the most important thing is job satisfaction.
• Supporting Details. Each main point needs to be well supported.
(EEE – Explain / Expand / give Examples)
• If you love the job you are doing, you will probably achieve a lot more than if you
are doing something you hate. For instance, one of my nieces is an excellent
pediatric nurse and this is because she really enjoys her work. Indeed, she has saved
many children’s lives and each one has been special to her.
• This means that at the end of every day they leave work happy and pleased with the
work that they have done. To illustrate, there is a saying that says “If you do what
you love, you will never have to work a day in your life”, that shows that for these
people work is something positive.
However, for many people the only reason to
work is to make money. To start with, this
enables them to have an enhanced quality of
life. For example, they will be able to afford a
luxurious home, a fancy car and beautiful
clothes. People also believe that with money
you get the power to do whatever you want.
Another advantage of wealth is that it can be
seen as providing security in life. With money
you will not have to worry about having
enough to support your family and you will
be free to buy them whatever they want. On
the other hand, although money may offer
you lots of nice things and freedom from
financial worries, it does not necessarily
guarantee you happiness.
However, for many people the only reason to
work is to make money. To start with, this
enables them to have an enhanced quality of
life. For example, they will be able to afford a
luxurious home, a fancy car and beautiful
clothes. People also believe that with money
you get the power to do whatever you want.
Another advantage of wealth is that it can be
seen as providing security in life. With money
you will not have to worry about having
enough to support your family and you will
be free to buy them whatever they want. On
the other hand, although money may offer
you lots of nice things and freedom from
financial worries, it does not necessarily
guarantee you happiness.
Example Essay – Conclusion
What do these 2 sentences do?
In conclusion, although a good salary can

make you secure in life, it may not
necessarily make you content. I believe
that if you are lucky enough to find a job
that you love and that pays you well, then
you are truly blessed.
Example Essay – Conclusion
What do these 2 sentences do?
• Concluding sentence. Sums up the

whole essay.
• In conclusion, although a good salary can
make you secure in life, it may not
necessarily make you content.
• Final thoughts. Gives my opinion.
• I believe that if you are lucky enough to find
a job that you love and that pays you well,
then you are truly blessed.
Essay Structure • Introduction
Use this in IELTS, and all future • Hook
academic writing you do • Background / Bridge / Transition
• Thesis Statement
• First Body Paragraph
• Topic Sentence
• Introduce Main Supporting Points
• Supporting Details (EEE)
• Second Body Paragraph
• Topic Sentence
• Introduce Main Supporting Points
• Supporting Details (EEE)
• Conclusion
• Concluding Sentence
• Final thoughts / Opinion
IELTS Writing
Task 2
The Agree/Disagree Essay
• In Task 2 you are asked to give your opinion about a contemporary

issue, and to support your opinion with reasons and examples.

• You do not need any specialist knowledge to do IELTS Writing Task 2
and you are marked on your use of language rather than your
opinions.

• You do not need any specialist knowledge to do IELTS Writing Task 2
and you are marked on your use of language rather than your
opinions.
• You should spend 40 minutes on Task 2 and you need to write a
minimum of 250 words.
• In Task 2 you are asked to give your opinion about a contemporary issue,
and to support your opinion with reasons and examples.
• You do not need any specialist knowledge to do IELTS Writing Task 2 and
you are marked on your use of language rather than your opinions.
• You should spend 40 minutes on Task 2 and you need to write a minimum
of 250 words.
• You are marked according to Task Response (Did you answer all the points
in the question? Are your ideas supported by examples and reasons? Did
you stay on topic? Did you write 250 Words?) as well as Coherence &
Cohesion, Lexical Resource (Vocabulary) and Grammatical Range &
Accuracy.
IELTS Writing Task 2 – The Agree/Disagree Essay
• The Agree/Disagree task tests your ability to write an essay in
response to a question that asks to what extent you agree or disagree
with an opinion.
with an opinion.
• On the question paper you see a task which presents a proposition (a
statement that expresses an opinion about a topic) and a question: To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
with an opinion.
• On the question paper you see a task which presents a proposition (a
statement that expresses an opinion about a topic) and a question: To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
• The propositions are quite general and do not require you to have any
specialized knowledge about the topic.
Here are the basic rules for writing agree/disagree essays:
• Read and analyze the proposition and the question carefully – do not
rush at this stage.
rush at this stage.
• Decide whether you agree or disagree with the proposition.
rush at this stage.
• Quickly brainstorm and plan what your main ideas will be.
rush at this stage.
• Write a brief, well organized introduction, at least two main body
paragraphs, and a short conclusion.
rush at this stage.
• Be sure to state your opinion clearly in the introduction and
conclusion.
rush at this stage.
conclusion.
• Provide support for your ideas by giving details and examples (EEE).
rush at this stage.
conclusion.
• Write in paragraphs – Never use bullet points or notes.
rush at this stage.
conclusion.
• Use an academic style of written English
• Read and analyze the proposition and the question carefully – do not rush
at this stage.
• Be sure to state your opinion clearly in the introduction and conclusion.
• Use an academic style of written English
• Write at least 250 words and complete the task in 40 minutes
• Remember – there is no correct answer. You can agree, disagree or partially
agree.
Look at the IELTS question below Work with another student and discuss how you
would answer it. Make a brief plan of your essay below.
Write about the following topic.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Children all over the world should learn to speak a single,
universal language fluently in addition to their native
language.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from
your own knowledge and experience.
Write at least 250 words.
IELTS Writing Task 2 – The Agree/Disagree Essay – Universal Language
Example Student Essay
Globalization is increasing all the time and there are many good reasons why young people need to
speak a second language so that we can all communicate together and understand other people.
However, there may also be some problems with this idea that we should consider.
These days many children will end up doing a job which means they have contact with people all
around the world, maybe on the telephone or on the internet. Whichever one it is, they need to speak
a universal language so they can do business together and understand other people’s thinking and
culture. As a result, the world will have better prosperity and perhaps we can achieve global peace as
well. In addition, there is scientific evidence that learning a second language is good for the brain’s
development. Finally, in my school in China, everybody learns English and most of them enjoy it and
want to learn, so this is a positive activity.
However, it is not a good thing to force children to learn just one language. There are many different
languages in this world and this shows the variety of human life. The best universal language in my
region, Asia, may not be the best one in a different region of the world, so we need to be flexible.
In conclusion, it is inevitable that English has become the universal language. Children get many
benefits from learning a second language at school, but maybe they should be able to choose which
language they learn, and this might depend on which culture they come from.
Example Student Essay – Band 8 – Coherence & Cohesion
around the world, maybe on the telephone or on the internet. Whichever one it is, they need to
speak a universal language so they can do business together and understand other people’s thinking
and culture. As a result, the world will have better prosperity and perhaps we can achieve global
peace as well. In addition, there is scientific evidence that learning a second language is good for the
brain’s development. Finally, in my school in China, everybody learns English and most of them enjoy
it and want to learn, so this is a positive activity.
Example Student Essay – Band 7 – Lexical Resource
around the world, maybe on the telephone or on the internet. Whichever one it is, they need to
speak a universal language so they can do business together and understand other people’s thinking
and culture. As a result, the world will have better prosperity and perhaps we can achieve global
peace as well. In addition, there is scientific evidence that learning a second language is good for the
brain’s development. Finally, in my school in China, everybody learns English and most of them enjoy
it and want to learn, so this is a positive activity.
IELTS Writing Task 2 – The Agree/Disagree Essay – Tips & Tactics
1. Spend a few minutes reading and thinking about the task. Make sure you understand the
two options and the question. Underline the key words in the question.
2. You don’t have a lot of time, but you should make a brief plan. Write several reasons why
you might agree with the first opinion and several reasons why you might agree with the
second opinion. Is it easier to think of ideas to agree with the first or second opinion?
This can help you to decide which position to take.
second opinion. Is it easier to think of ideas to agree with the first or second opinion? This
can help you to decide which position to take.
3. Your essay should include an introduction, two main body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
4. Your introduction can be brief. You should restate the two main opinions in your own
words, and, if possible, provide a little background on the issues. For example, you can
explain why the issue is an important one, or why it has become more important in
recent times.
4. Your introduction can be brief. You should restate the two main opinions in your own
words, and, if possible, provide a little background on the issues. For example, you can
explain why the issue is an important one, or why it has become more important in recent
times.
5. You don’t have to state your opinion in the introduction in this type of essay. You can
discuss one of the opinion in the first main paragraph, then discuss the opposing opinion
in the second main paragraph, and then give your own opinion in the conclusion.
1. Spend a few minutes reading and thinking about the task. Make sure you understand the two
options and the question. Underline the key words in the question.
2. You don’t have a lot of time, but you should make a brief plan. Write several reasons why you
might agree with the first opinion and several reasons why you might agree with the second
opinion. Is it easier to think of ideas to agree with the first or second opinion? This can help you to
decide which position to take.
4. Your introduction can be brief. You should restate the two main opinions in your own words, and, if
possible, provide a little background on the issues. For example, you can explain why the issue is an
important one, or why it has become more important in recent times.
5. You don’t have to state your opinion in the introduction in this type of essay. You can discuss one of
the opinion in the first main paragraph, then discuss the opposing opinion in the second main
paragraph, and then give your own opinion in the conclusion.
6. Begin each main paragraph with a topic sentence (a sentence that states the main idea of the
paragraph). This sentence can be quite simple. All of the sentences in that paragraph should
support the topic sentence.
1. Spend a few minutes reading and thinking about the task. Make sure you understand the two
options and the question. Underline the key words in the question.
2. You don’t have a lot of time, but you should make a brief plan. Write several reasons why you
might agree with the first opinion and several reasons why you might agree with the second
opinion. Is it easier to think of ideas to agree with the first or second opinion? This can help you to
decide which position to take.
4. Your introduction can be brief. You should restate the two main opinions in your own words, and, if
possible, provide a little background on the issues. For example, you can explain why the issue is an
important one, or why it has become more important in recent times.
5. You don’t have to state your opinion in the introduction in this type of essay. You can discuss one of
the opinion in the first main paragraph, then discuss the opposing opinion in the second main
paragraph, and then give your own opinion in the conclusion.
6. Begin each main paragraph with a topic sentence (a sentence that states the main idea of the
paragraph). This sentence can be quite simple. All of the sentences in that paragraph should
support the topic sentence.
7. In both paragraphs, you should use linking words and phrases to move smoothly from one
reason to another, and to connect the two paragraphs.
8. You should support the reasons that you give in your main paragraphs with specific
details and examples – Remember EEE – Explain, Expand, give Examples – to support
your ideas.
8. You should support the reasons that you give in your main paragraphs with specific details
and examples – Remember EEE – Explain, Expand, give Examples – to support your ideas.
9. The final paragraph can be brief. You should summarize the main points of both opinions
and clearly state your own opinion.
10.The final paragraph should also begin with a word or a phrase to signal that it is a
conclusion.
conclusion.
11.Your paragraphs should be clearly separated. For example, you can leave a blank space
between them, or indent the first line of each new paragraph.
conclusion.
12.Keep track of the time. You have about 40 minutes to do Task 2.
conclusion.
13.Make sure your handwriting is clear and legible enough for the examiners to read.
conclusion.
13.Make sure your handwriting is clear and legible enough for the examiners to read.
14.As you write your essay, keep in mind the criteria that the examiners use to mark your
essay: Task Achievement, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range &
Accuracy.
IELTS Writing
Task 1 – Tables
IELTS Writing Task 1 - Tables
Summarise the information by

selecting and reporting the main
features, and make comparisons
where relevant.
This version of Task 1 tests your ability to look
at and identify the most important information
in a table, and then report the information in
your own words.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the

main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
This version of Task 1 tests your ability to look
at and identify the most important information
in a table, and then report the information in
your own words.
On the question paper, you see a table with a

title. The instructions for writing your response
appear in a box. There is also a brief description
of the information in the table. Your job is to
look at the table and select, summarize and
describe the most important information.

The columns and rows in the table may
represent different time periods, different
types of people, different countries and so on.
Each box in the table contains numbers. There
may be certain trends (a general direction in
which something is developing or changing),
sharp increases or decreases, or exceptions.
Your task is to identify the most important and
interesting points, and write a well-organized
overview, comparing and contrasting where
appropriate.

Here are the basic rules for writing about a table:
• Look at the table and the description then write
a descriptive sentence in your own words.

• Look at the table and the description then write
a descriptive sentence in your own words.
The table shows challenges in learning encountered

by children in two different primary schools in 2005
and 2015.

• Look at the table carefully and decide what the
most important information and striking features
are, then write a well-organized overview.

• Look at the table carefully and decide what the
most important information and striking features
are, then write a well-organized overview.
Overall, the learning difficulties faced by students in

School A decreased in five out of the seven learning
areas, while the educational problems of children in
School B increased marginally or remained constant
over the ten-year period.

• Write about the main features of the table and
include data to support the key points. Use an
academic style and write at least 150 words.

School A saw a significant decline in learning issues

for most problem areas between 2005 and 2015,
with children showing improvement in five out of
seven learning areas. The learning area with the
highest improvement was ‘following instructions’,
with a 24% decrease from 42% of students having
difficulties in 2005 to only 18% by 2015. There was a
similar decrease in ‘concentration’ problems, which Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the
fell by 22%. main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Meanwhile, School B witnessed a slight increase in

educational problems for students over the ten
years, as the percentage of learning difficulties
increased in five categories. The learning area with
the most significant increase in problems was
‘following instructions’ (6% increase), followed by
‘spelling’ (5% increase). ‘Reading’, ‘listening’ and
‘verbal expression’ all saw a 1% increase between Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the
2005 and 2010. main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
For both schools, the percentage of students facing

difficulty with their handwriting remained
unchanged in 2005 and 2015, standing at 28% for
School A and 7% for School B.

The table shows challenges in learning encountered by children in two different primary
schools in 2005 and 2015.
Overall, the learning difficulties faced by students in School A decreased in five out of the
seven learning areas, while the educational problems of children in School B increased
marginally or remained constant over the ten-year period.
School A saw a significant decline in learning issues for most problem areas between 2005
and 2015, with children showing improvement in five out of seven learning areas. The
learning area with the highest improvement was ‘following instructions’, with a 24%
decrease from 42% of students having difficulties in 2005 to only 18% by 2015. There was
a similar decrease in ‘concentration’ problems, which fell by 22%.
Meanwhile, School B witnessed a slight increase in educational problems for students over
Summarise the information by selecting and
the ten years, as the percentage of learning difficulties increased in five categories. The reporting the main features, and make comparisons
learning area with the most significant increase in problems was ‘following instructions’ where relevant.
(6% increase), followed by ‘spelling’ (5% increase). ‘Reading’, ‘listening’ and ‘verbal
expression’ all saw a 1% increase between 2005 and 2010.
For both schools, the percentage of students facing difficulty with their handwriting
remained unchanged in 2005 and 2015, standing at 28% for School A and 7% for School B.
IELTS Writing
Task 1
The Line Graph
• What are the key words in
this question?
• International tourist arrivals
• Think of different ways of
writing:
• International
• Tourist
• Arrivals
• International tourist arrivals
• Think of different ways of
writing:
• International = global / worldwide
/ from around the world / from
different countries / from other
nations etc.
• Tourists = holidaymakers /
vacationers / travelers / sightseers
/ visitors / people on holiday /
people on vacation / people taking
a trip etc.
• Arrivals = people coming into the
country / people arriving / etc.
• What time period does the
graph show?
• What verb tense should you
use in the essay?
• How are the numbers of
tourists measured?
• What time period does the
graph show?
• From 1990 to 2005
• What verb tense should you
use in the essay?
• The past simple
• How are the numbers of
tourists measured?
• In tens of millions
• What should you do when
writing your essay?
• What should you do when
writing your essay?
• Summarise
• Select & report main features
• Make comparisons
• Make comparisons
• What kind of language should
you use to make
comparisons?
you use to make
comparisons?
• “In 1990 North America
received more than twice as
many tourists as the next
region, Central and Eastern
Europe, with 70 million
visitors compared with only
30 million, respectively.”
you use to make
comparisons?
• “South America consistently
received the lowest number
of holidaymakers, slowly
rising from about 8 million in
1990 to around 18 million in
2005.”
you use to make
comparisons?
• “Three regions, Sub-Saharan
Africa, South-East Asia and
Central and Eastern Europe,
all saw a substantial increase
in the number of people
travelling to their countries
on vacation after the year
2000, while North America
saw a reduction in their
number of tourists and the
growth in South America
remained the same.
• What is the first thing you
should write?
• The introduction
• How do you write the
introduction?
introduction?
• Paraphrase (use your own
words to rewrite) the
question. Include information
from the graph.
introduction?
• Paraphrase (use your own words
to rewrite) the question. Include
information from the graph.
• The line graph shows how many
millions of people travelled on
vacation to five different regions of
the world, North America, Central
and Eastern Europe, South-East
Asia, Sub-Saharan African and
South America, between 1990 and
2005.
• What comes after the
introduction?
introduction?
• The overall statement
introduction?
• Why is the overall statement so
important?
introduction?
• Why is the overall statement so
important?
• Because without a clear overview
you cannot score more than a
Band 5 in Task Achievement
• What overall statement would
you make about this graph?
• Overall, it can be seen that North
America received the most
visitors over the 15 years.
• Overall, tourist numbers rose
everywhere between 1990 and
2005, except in North America
which saw a decrease during the
last five years.
last five years.
• Overall, Central and Eastern
Europe saw the highest increase
in foreign holidaymakers, nearly
tripling over the period shown.
• What overall statement would you
make about this graph?
America received the most visitors
over the 15 years.
last five years.
• Overall, Central and Eastern Europe
saw the highest increase in foreign
holidaymakers, nearly tripling over
the period shown.
• All of these overall statements are
fine – Choose something noticeable
about the graph.
• So you have an introduction and
an overall statement. What
should you decide before you
write the next part?
• You should decide HOW you are
going to write about the
information – do you want to
write by region or by year?
• Whichever way you choose
remember to use paragraphing
and linking words to show when
you move on to a different point.
• Whichever way you choose
remember to use paragraphing
and linking words to show when
you move on to a different point.
• Make sure you have covered the
main features of the graph and
not left anything out.
• Yay! You have finished the essay!
What should you do next?
1. Count! Make sure you have
written enough.
written enough.
2. Read it! Does it make sense?
Can you understand what you
have written?
written enough.
have written?
3. Check spelling and grammar:
“Teh numbre off turists who
thay will travle ti Subasahasan
Afrika is is increeses to twent
millione.”
written enough.
have written?
3. Check spelling and grammar:
“Teh numbre off turists who
thay will travle ti Subasahasan
Afrika is is increeses to twent
millione.”
4. Submit the essay
The Bar Chart
What does the bar chart show?
• Changes in the percentage of the
population living in urban areas in
different parts of the world from
1950 to 2050.
How do you write this in your own

words?
• The bar chart compares the
growth of the proportion of
people living in cities in six regions
of the world over a century.
Use synonyms and paraphrase.

What is the overall trend?
• Overall, it can be seen that the
percentage of people moving from
rural areas to the cities has risen in
all areas.
What are the main features?
• Asia shows the largest increase in
urban populations worldwide, going
from 17% in 1950 to 66% by 2050 –
an increase of nearly 50%. Africa is
close behind, going from a rural
population of 85% in 1950 to 38% by
2050, a rise of 47%.
• The urban population of the Latin
America / Caribbean region also
rises by 47% over the time period
and by 2050 it is predicted to have
the second largest percentage, at
89%. This means it will have
overtaken Europe which will only
reach 84% by 2050.
• North America will have the largest
urban population by 2050, with 90%
of its citizens living in cities. Oceania,
meanwhile, shows the slowest
growth, going from the second-
highest percentage, 62%, in 1950, to
only the 4th highest by 2050, at 76%.
The Essay
The bar chart compares the growth of the proportion of
people living in cities in six regions of the world over a century.
Overall, it can be seen that the percentage of people moving from
rural areas to the cities has risen in all areas.
Asia shows the largest increase in urban populations
worldwide, going from 17% in 1950 to 66% by 2050 – an increase of
nearly 50%. Africa is close behind, going from a rural population of
85% in 1950 to 38% by 2050, a rise of 47%.
The urban population of the Latin America / Caribbean
region also rises by 47% over the time period and by 2050 it is
predicted to have the second largest percentage, at 89%. This means
it will have overtaken Europe which will only reach 84% by 2050.
North America will have the largest urban population by
2050, with 90% of its citizens living in cities. Oceania, meanwhile,
shows the slowest growth, going from the second-highest percentage,
62%, in 1950, to only the 4th highest by 2050, at 76%.
178 Words
Describing Diagrams
Making a Fish Pie
• Look at the question
• How many diagrams are
there?
there?
• How would you describe
the diagrams in your own
words?
there?
• How would you describe
the diagrams in your own
words?
• What would you say as an
overall statement?
• How many body paragraphs
should you write?
• How many body paragraphs should you
write?
• 3 – 1 for the potato preparation, 1 for the
fish preparation & 1 for the pie assembly
• What verb tense/form should
you use?
• What verb tense/form should
you use? – The present passive
• What linking words should you
use?
• What linking words should you
use? – Sequencing words – First,
then, meanwhile, finally etc.
• Now let’s write the essay
Descriptive first sentence
Descriptive first sentence
The diagrams show a fish pie and the process by which it is made.
Overview sentence
Overview sentence
Overall, it can be seen that the pie contains four main ingredients, and
the production process is quite complex.
Topic Sentence
Topic Sentence
To make a fish pie the following procedure is used.
Procedure 1 – The potatoes
Procedure 1 – The potatoes
To make a fish pie the following procedure is used. Firstly, potatoes are
delivered to the factory, and they can be stored for up to one month.
When they are ready to make the pie, the potatoes are cleaned and
then peeled and the peelings are sent to the waste disposal. After that,
they are sliced, boiled and then chilled before being stored.
Procedure 2 – The salmon
Procedure 2 – The salmon
Meanwhile, fresh salmon is delivered to the factory, but it can only be
stored for up to 12 hours. The salmon is seasoned with lemon juice and
salt and then it is cooked in a steam oven. Next, the skin and bones are
removed by hand and the salmon is inspected before it can proceed.
Procedure 3 – Assembling the Fish Pie
Procedure 3 – Assembling the Fish Pie
Next, the whole pies are assembled. Peas and sauce are added to the
salmon and the pies are then topped with potato slices. The pies are
then wrapped, frozen and then they are ready to dispatch.
The Essay
The diagrams show a fish pie and the process by
which it is made. Overall, it can be seen that the pie
contains four main ingredients, and the production
process is quite complex.
Firstly, potatoes are delivered to the factory, and they
can be stored for up to one month. When they are
ready to make the pie, the potatoes are cleaned and
then peeled and the peelings are sent to the waste
disposal. After that, they are sliced, boiled and then
chilled before being stored.
Meanwhile, fresh salmon is delivered to the factory,
but it can only be stored for up to 12 hours. The
salmon is seasoned with lemon juice and salt and
then it is cooked in a steam oven. Next, the skin and
bones are removed by hand and the salmon is
inspected before it can proceed.
Next, the whole pies are assembled. Peas and sauce
are added to the salmon and the pies are then topped
with potato slices. The pies are then wrapped, frozen
and then they are ready to dispatch. (187 Words)

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IELTS Writing

Dr. Paul Hudson

Criteria What do these criteria mean?

Criteria What do these criteria mean?

• Is your writing easy to understand?

Criteria What do these criteria mean?

• Is your writing easy to understand?

Criteria What do these criteria mean?

• Is your writing easy to understand?

TA – Did you answer the question fully

CC – Does your answer make sense and

LR – Did you use high-level vocabulary

GRA – Did you use a wide range of

• Don't do these things.

• Your Writing Task answer will be assessed based on its

• Your Writing Task answer will be assessed based on its

• Your Writing Task answer will be assessed based on its

• Your Writing Task answer will be assessed based on its

• Your Writing Task answer will be assessed based on its

• The examiner will assess the Grammatical Accuracy of

• The examiner will assess the Grammatical Accuracy of

• The examiner will assess the Grammatical Accuracy of

• The examiner will assess the Grammatical Accuracy of

• The examiner will assess the Grammatical Accuracy of

• The examiner will assess the Grammatical Accuracy of

Some people regard video games as harmless fun, or even as a useful

Many people, and children in particular, enjoy playing computer games.

In conclusion, it seems to me that the potential dangers of video games

They say that money cannot buy you

There are several reasons why having work you like is

In conclusion, although a good salary can

• Concluding sentence. Sums up the

• In Task 2 you are asked to give your opinion about a contemporary

• In Task 2 you are asked to give your opinion about a contemporary

• In Task 2 you are asked to give your opinion about a contemporary

Summarise the information by

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the

On the question paper, you see a table with a

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the

The table shows challenges in learning encountered

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the

Overall, the learning difficulties faced by students in

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the

School A saw a significant decline in learning issues

Meanwhile, School B witnessed a slight increase in

For both schools, the percentage of students facing

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the

How do you write this in your own

Use synonyms and paraphrase.

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