IELTS Writing Practice Test- The writing section is different for both the academic and general test versions of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This article shares information on IELTS Academic Writing. The duration for this test is 60 minutes. The topics are of general interest. The content is appropriate for test-takers who are planning to start graduate and post-graduate courses/studies. There are two tasks in this section. In task 1, test-takers will be presented with a graph, table, chart or a diagram. Test-takers will then be asked to to explain the information from these diagrams in their own words. Task 2 involves writing an essay in response to a point of view, argument or a problem. The responses in both the cases must be in a formal style.
IELTS Writing Practice Test-Academic
On task 1, the answers must be written in a semi-formal style and important facts must be stated in the answers. Minor points may be left out. Test-takers should not spend more than 20 minutes on this task. This task has one question. The first task requires test-takers to write 150 words and the responses must not be off the topic. It is to be noted that short answers may not be accepted. Test-takers should not spend more time on task 1 as this means spending less time on task 2 which carries higher marks. Plagiarised work will be penalised. All the answers must be written on the answer booklet. The aim of task 1 is to identify vital information and trends in a graph or chart and present the responses in a well-structured style.
Test-takers should not spend more than 40 minutes on task 2. It has one question. A topic will be presented to them and the response must be accurate and related to the topic. A semi-neutral and a discursive writing style is recommended. The answer must be approximately 250 words long. Shorter answers will be penalised. Test-takers must save some time to review their answers after they complete task 2. Since task 2 carries higher marks, it is advisable to attempt it and write the answer clearly to score high. Test-takers will be penalised if the answers are not written in full (e.g. using bullets or note form). The aim of task 2 is to assess the test-takers ability to present an argument in an accurate and well-structured manner. The responses must include examples to support the answer.
IELTS exam papers and IELTS sample papers
In order to score high, test-takers need to practice questions (IELTS Writing practise) from the sample IELTS exam papers. There are several resources available on the internet which has full length IELTS practice tests to help facilitate IELTS writing practise. It is advisable to practice questions from these practice tests. One does not have to pay for these resources. Full length IELTS Writing practice tests are available on IELTS IDP official test center. They have sample questions for all the sections that can be downloaded.
IELTS Exam.net is another resource through which students can practice the sample questions. Sample questions from task 1 and task 2 are provided along with the answers. The answers are explained clearly. IELTS Essentials has sample questions of both task 1 and task 2 along with the sample answers. Careers 360 is another resource that has sample questions of the IELTS academic writing section. All the exam papers can be downloaded. These resources have plenty of practice tests that can help students prepare thoroughly.
Paid resources are also available. IELTS has developed official practice materials which help test-takers understand the test format and the type of test questions. Vol.1 Official IELTS Practice Materials (with CD) and Vol.2 Official IELTS Practice Materials (with DVD). These materials can purchased from Cambridge University or from an IELTS test centre in order to engage in IELTS writing practice thoroughly.