The IELTS test consists of four divisions or four parts. These are,
1. The IELTS listening test.
2. The IELTS reading test.
3. The IELTS writing test.
4. The IELTS speaking test.
Each of the four parts will assess the language abilities of yours in a different and defined way. The overall score is given by taking the band scores that you get in the individual parts and later, all the scores are added and their mean value is take. This is the final overall score that you will have attained.
Types of questions in the academic writing test The IELTS writing test consists of two tasks, and both these tasks must be answered fully in order to get a high score. Even if one task is partially answered, then it may drastically lower your overall score. To avoid this, you should be aware of the various types of questions.
Task 1 : The first task in the IELTS academic writing test is writing a report. You should remember these points while writing the report.
1. Write at least 150 words.
2. There is no upper limit on the number of words you have to write.
3. All the sentences must be connected well with each other.
4. Proper vocabulary and grammar should be used.
Types of reports in the IELTS academic writing test There are various types of reports which have to be written depending on the graph or the table that you get to see.
1. Bar chart / bar graph.
2. Pie chart / pie diagram.
3. Line graph.
4. Table.
5. Map.
6. Process.
7. Life cycle.
These graphs and tables may be given as one single question. Sometimes, you may also see some combinations. These combinations. may be either with the same kind of graph or with a different type of graph.
1. Bar chart : This is also called a bar diagram. A bar graph can either be a horizontal one or a vertical one. There are typically two axes in this. The first one is called the x axis, and the other is known as the y axis. Generally, you can see various things represented along the x axis, such as years, months, names of countries, etc. Similarly, some essential data is represented along the y axis too, such as percentages, Centimeters, grams, etc. The bars may show an increase, decrease or a steadiness. All these must be explained using the appropriate vocabulary and collocations.
2. Pie chart : A pie chart is usually circular in shape, and the information is represented in the form of lines or divisions. The value of the different sectors of the pie are given to you, and you need to describe the various proportions that you see. The figures may be approximated to the nearest whole numbers. Either one or two pie charts can be given.
3. Line graph : In this graph, you will see many lines , either belonging to one feature or several ones. You can get straight lines, zig zag ones or curved ones. You should interpret the data as you see in your own words. The data should be accurately represented.
4. Table : In a table, ther information is represented in rows and columns. Rows are the horizontal lines, and columns are the vertical lines. While describing the information, you should carefully decide what to write and what to avoid. The explanation should be understood in a clear way.
5. Maps : Maps represent the layout of a region. As a part of writing a report, you should describe the map by using the different landmarks that you see. Sometimes, two maps may be given, of which the same area may be shown before and after developments. Here, you have to explain what developments have taken place.
6. Process : This is commonly called as Flow chart. It shows a series of steps which sequentially represent a process or a method. By taking hints from what you see, you should explain the process clearly in your own words.
7. Life cycle : A life cycle is defined as a representation of various stages in the development of a living being. This diagram should be understood and described in the report. You should complete this task in approximately 20 minutes. The report should not be very elaborate. It has to be short yet informative. Take proper care to include all the main features such as the highest and the lowest values. Any significant fluctuations have to be explained in the report. Avoid repeating the sentences and the same words.
Task 2 : This is an essay. Task two is common for both the academic and the general writing tests. However, the essay prompts are different. The facts that you should understand before attempting the writing task two are:
1. You should write at least 250 words. Anything less than 250 words is considered to be under length. This is one of the negative factors that might reduce your score.
2. Avoid memorizing the essay, as the score can be zero for such essays which are memorized.
3. For some essays, you need to give your opinion. But for some essays, your opinion is not required.
4. Do not deviate from the main idea given in the question. This is called off topic.
5. Explain the main points and your opinion clearly with the supporting statements.
6. Avoid spending too much of time on this task.
The different types of essays in IELTS academic writing test
1. Argumentative essays – in these essays, you need to argue whether the given statement is acceptable or not, and you need to justify the same.
2. Advantages and disadvantages – clearly explain both the advantages as well as the disadvantages
3. Agree or disagree – This question type can be of two types – do you agree or disagree and to what extent do you agree or disagree. Understand the question properly and answer accordingly.
4. Problems and solutions – A situation is given, and you need to discuss the problems and the solutions for solving the problems.
5. Discussion essays – Here, you can see teo opposite views about a given topic. You should discuss both of them. If the question says that your opinion should be given, then discuss both views and give your opinion on the topic.
