10 Tips to Ace the IELTS Exam Writing Paper

The writing paper is one of four papers making up the IELTS exam. For more information on what the IELTS exam is, and which one you’ll be likely to take, check out our other blog post here. As the name suggests, this part of the exam tests your written English, as well as your ability to communicate ideas effectively. This paper is made up of two parts, titled Task 1 and Task 2. Task 1 requires you to describe a piece of information, such as a chart, diagram, map, or graph, in words, as well as to identify any notable changes or trends. Task 2 is likely to be a bit more familiar of a task, requiring you to write a short essay in response to a prompt or question. These tasks are weighted equally, and both test your ability to write clearly, organise your ideas in a logical way, and construct arguments, all within the given time limit. Let’s look at some tips that will help you succeed on this portion of the exam. 

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1. Understand the task requirements

Both Task 1 and Task 2 have very specific requirements, and it is essential you understand exactly what is being asked of you. Before you start writing, carefully read the instructions for each task. You should pay attention to the word count and the specific requirements of each task. Word count is very important in this section, and failing to meet the word count will mean a lower band score. 

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2. Plan your writing

As you are marked on your ability to structure your ideas logically, it is important you don’t jump straight into writing. Take a few minutes to gather your ideas and figure out your essay structure so you can avoid wasting any time re-writing sections. This can also help you ensure that you’ve met all the task requirements mentioned in tip 1. 

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3. Focus on task achievement

The goals of Task 1 and 2 are very different, and it is crucial that you understand the individual requirements of each task. For Task 1, make sure that you accurately describe the information that is given, and any changes that may have occurred. You should also remember not to give your opinion. Your goal is just to describe information, not to attribute any meaning. For Task 2, make sure you address each part of the question, and give a clear thesis statement or argument.  You should also support any ideas you give with examples, this is an essay after all!

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4. Have good time management

Taking into account word count and difficulty, try and allocate a specific amount of time for each task. In addition to being longer, Task 2 is also worth twice as much in marking, so be sure to focus more on this task if you are running short on time. As a general guide, try to spend no more than 20 minutes on Task 1, and 40 minutes on Task 2.  

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5. Have clear structure in your writing 

Make sure to organise your writing into paragraphs, including an introduction, around 2 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This also applies to Task 1, where you should have a clear introduction summarising what the information is about, and separate paragraphs explaining the different components and visible trends. 

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6. Show off your vocabulary and grammar 

If vocabulary and writing is your strong suit, this is the most important section to demonstrate your abilities and help boost your overall band score. In any case, using a wide variety of vocabulary, as well as a mix of sentence types and connecting words will help to showcase your ideas. You should also avoid repetitive language (using the same word over and over again).  

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7. Practice writing under timed conditions 

For many students, one area that can be a challenge is completing an essay within the allotted time. It can be incredibly beneficial to practise writing essays and timing yourself to see how much you can write in an hour. With lots of practice, you will feel a lot more confident in completing the task come exam day! 

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8. Read model essays 

By reading sample essays by native English speakers, or by former students who achieved high band scores on their exams, you can begin to understand what makes a good essay. Closely look at the language used, the structure of the essay, and how they approached the question to improve your own essay writing skills. Be sure to use these new ideas in any practice essays you do! 

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9. Seek feedback 

The best way to know what areas you need to improve on is to seek out support from a native speaker, a teacher, or through independent tuition, such as one-on-one IELTS support offered by Lumiary. These individuals will be able to point out any mistakes in your writing, as well as guide you on how to improve your responses. 

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10. Stay calm 

We know it is easier said than done, but trying your best to stay calm during the exam is crucial to make sure you perform your best. Revising can help shake any pre-exam nerves and make sure you feel confident taking the exam. However, it is natural to still feel nervous! A good night’s sleep, box breathing, and meditation are all things you can do to make sure you’re feeling your best and calm you down before you take your exam.

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