IELTS Writing: 7 Essential Tips

7 Amazing IELTS Writing Tips

What should you do in the IELTS Writing Test to get the best possible result? In this post, I will share with you 7 of the most effective IELTS writing tips, which will help you to get a high band score in the IELTS Writing Test. Watch the video or read the summary below.

Tip 1: Timing

Timing is very important. Make sure you spend around 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. Many students spend too long on Task 1, which means they do not have enough time to write a good Task 2 essay. Therefore…

Tip 2: Write Task 2 first

Write IELTS Writing Task 2 first. Task 2 is worth twice the marks of IELTS Writing Task 1. It’s better to write a good Task 2 essay first, and run out of time while writing Task 1 than the other way around!

Tip 3: Spend 5 minutes planning your essay

Planning your IELTS writing is extremely important. For Task 2, spend 5 minutes planning.

Tip 4: Plan your vocabulary

When you plan your writing, think about the vocabulary you will include in your essays.

Tip 5: Write above the minimum word count

You must write the minimum number of words:

  • 150 words for task 1
  • 250 words for task 2

If you go below the minimum, you will lose a lot of marks. Actually, you should aim to write well above the minimum: around 170 words for Task 1 and around 300 words for Task 2.

Tip 6: Answer the Question

Read the question carefully, especially in Task 2. Do not write an opinion essay if asked to discuss two sides of an argument (e.g. discuss the advantages and disadvantages). In the Academic IELTS, Task 1 is a descriptive essay. Do not write your opinion about it! For example, do not say why you think the line graph went up or down. Leave your opinions for Task 2!

Tip 7: Check your Writing

Give yourself time at the end of the exam to check your writing. Check your grammar and spelling. Simple mistakes can mean a lower band score.

Do you have any more IELTS Writing tips? Write about them in the comments section below!

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Charles Cornelius is a former IELTS Examiner with 25 years' teaching experience all over the world. He has worked for some of the major English language schools including International House, IDP and The British Council. He holds a MA in Education from the University of Bath. His courses, for both English language learners and teachers, have been taken by over 80,000 students in over 160 countries around the world.

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