7 Best IELTS Writing Tips for 2018

The biggest challenge faced by students while taking up the IELTS test is - tackling the writing section. It can be quite an intimidating task to get all your thoughts organised within 60 minutes and write them down, but we can help you with these 7 IELTS writing tips listed out. Getting that band score of 8 might not be challenging if you know about these tips.

What is the IELTS writing section?

• The IELTS Writing test is designed to assess one’s writing skills.
• It tests the candidate's ability to write a response appropriately.
• How well a candidate can organise ideas and write them in the given amount of time
• A range of vocabulary and use of grammar accurately is tested.

The total time duration of IELTS Writing Exam:1 hour The question pattern of IELTS Academic Writing section differs entirely from IELTS General.

IELTS Academic Writing Test

Task 1 Develop a short report based on graphics, pie chart, a line graph, a table, a bar chart, a representation, or an image. (Word limit -- 150 words) Task 2

• You are required to write an essay in response to the point of view, argument or problem. Reactions to both tasks must be in a formal style.

• Writing on a topic of general interest

• In response to a point of view, argument or problem. (Word limit -- 250 words)

IELTS General Training Writing Test

Task 1 A letter writing assignment based on a topic of general interest (Word limit -- 150 words)

• You can write the letter in a personal, semi-formal or formal style.

Task 2 Essay Writing on a topic of general interest. (Word limit -- 250 words)

• You can use a fairly personal style.

Marking : All the tasks specified are always examined by an IELTS examiner and it is noted that Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1 in the IELTS Writing test.

7 BEST IELTS WRITING TIPS

1. Analyse - There is a dire need to understand the basic structure of writing an essay or letter, it is best to be structured and formal so that there is no room for any error.
2. Accuracy - Pay attention to details such as spelling and punctuation as this ensures accuracy, and you stand a higher chance of clearing the IELTS writing section.
3. Time management - This is extremely crucial since the writing section is only for 60 minutes. You can spend 10 minutes brainstorming about the topics given, and this ensures you have a fair idea about what the structure of your write is going to be.
4. Better your vocabulary - READ more! Reading any blog or book will help you get a better command over your vocabulary, and this is important! Being repetitive in your write up can create the negative impression to the examiner.
5. Practice writing - Choose a topic of your choice and start with simple essay and time yourself. Also, the best way to improve is to get your work evaluated by someone who is experienced or has already taken the IELTS.
6. Re-read - It is always better to re-read your write up before moving onto the next section to avoid any grammatical errors.
7. Highlight -The key words in the task to make sure that you focus on what you have to do.

Hopefully, these best-shared practices will help you while taking up the IELTS exam and improve your overall writing skills.