Learn the five (5) criteria for maximizing your writing score on the IELTS test. Make sure you read this document before taking the exam!

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5 Criteria for IELTS Writing Success
Students often request private classes to improve their English writing skills
in preparation for the IELTS exam.
Unfortunately, writing is an often neglected skill in ESL curricula and
classes around the world.
However, for the IELTS, you need to not only know how to write well, but
the exact criteria the IELTS graders seek in order to maximize your
writing score.
Plus, you need to mix in the features of your basic essay.
Together you will have the five criteria for IELTS Writing success. So, let’s
get started!
Four Criteria for IELTS Writing
First, to be clear, just because the IELTS graders look for these four (4)
elements in your writing, that does not mean you should not use them
beyond exam day.
Certainly, you should strive to blend all of these ingredients into your all of
your writing.
However, it is vitally important to make sure you include each of these four
components in your IELTS Writing to maximize your points.
Implement the following four (4) criteria in your IELTS Writing:
1. Answer the Question – In test parlance, it is called “task achievement.”
Admit it. If the question is about apples, and you write about oranges, what
do you believe the test grader is going to think?

2. Show that you understand the question by paraphrasing certain parts and
building out the essay with your own thoughts.
Leave no doubt in the IELTS grader’s mind that your English is top-notch
and you fully understand the task at hand
2. Coherence and Cohesion – While these 2 C’s of writing are
fundamental, don’t forget all of the 5 C’s of good writing. Incorporate these
C’s to produce crisp, effective documents.
3. Strong Vocabulary – What is writing without the right words or le mot
juste (a little French lingo)?
As part of your IELTS preparation, and certainly your growth as an English-
speaking professional, you need to make growing your word power an
integral part of your strategy.
So, take time between practicing your speaking, reading, listening, and
writing to make building your vocabulary a part of your plan.
Write with strong nouns and verbs to fortify your IELTS Writing.
Get the words you need to not only impress the graders, but build your
word wealth for lifetime achievement.
4. Good grammar – You don’t need to be an English grammar whiz. (see
Madonna’s Grammar Lesson).
Check out this excellent Engvid video on The Sentence for a review.

3. Now you have the four (4) basic elements the IELTS graders want to spot
in your writing.
Below you get an extra component to include to maximize your IELTS
Writing score.
Basic Essay Features
The essay – Task 2 – counts double the score of Task 1.
So, given its weight, concentrate your greatest effort on conquering the
IELTS essay.
The English essay has a particular form and contains certain elements.
For the IELTS, the four-paragraph essay is suggested (remember, you
have only 40 minutes for Task 2). You are not trying to write the next
bestseller!
Start with solid paragraphs to convey ONE idea.
Inside your paragraph, you need a variety of sentences. Use short ones
and longer and more complex sentences to again show your command of
English. Your stronger vocabulary helps here!

4. Save your contractions (don’t, doesn’t, etc.) for emails or chats with friends
on your smartphone or tablet. Don’t use contractions in formal writing.
Lastly, psst…use transitions and signposting to spice up your essay and
surprise the IELTS grader.
Conclusion
Now you are super-charged to get a higher score on the IELTS Writing
section.
Plus, these writing tips are good for candidates taking the TOEFL exam as
well!
Above all, practice with a native English speaker instructor (visit the English
Writing Clinic) so you can work out any other kinks in your writing before
the big test day.
Depending on your reason for taking the IELTS, a lot of your future rides on
a high score.
Make the most of your preparation and be ready!
Happy IELTS Preparation!
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