This document provides information and tips for completing the two writing tasks in the General Training IELTS exam. Task 1 involves writing a 150-word letter, which can be formal or informal depending on the recipient. Task 2 requires a 250-word essay responding to a point of view or argument. Suggestions are given for structuring the essay response, such as using a four-paragraph structure comparing advantages and disadvantages. Examiners will assess task achievement, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and accuracy. Regular writing practice is recommended to improve exam performance.

1. GENERAL TRAINING
WRITING

2. General training writing:
Timing: 60 minutes
No of questions: 2
Task types: Task 1: To write a letter
Task 2: To write an essay

3. TASK 1
Timing: 20 minutes
 You have to write a letter asking for information
or explaining a situation.
 You might have to write a letter to a friend
explaining what you want them to do for you.
 Yo have to write at least 150 words for task one.

4. TASK 2
Timing: 40 minutes
 You write an essay in response to a point of
view, an argument or problem.
 Give your opinion about something, explain
the advantages and disadvantages of
whatever the topic is.
 You have to write at least 250 words for task 2

5. TIPS FOR WRITING TEST TASK 1
 Make sure your answer the question completely.
 Depending on who you are writing to, you need to
decide if you write in a more formal or a more informal
style.
 We use a more formal style when we are writing for
professional reasons or to people we don´t know.
 We use a more informal style with people we know well:
family menbers, relatives, friends.
 In formal writing, sentences are generally longer and
complex.
 Sometimes using passive voice, we do not use
contractions.

6. FORMAL IMFORMAL
Dear Sir or Madam Dear Mala / Hi Mala
I am writing with regard to… I’m writing about…
I would like to invite you… Why don’t you come to …
I would like to request… Do you have…?
Therefore / However So / Anyway
I look forward to hearing from you. Hope to hear from you soon!
Yours faithfully Best wishes / See you soon

7. TIPS FOR THE WRITING TEST 2
PLANNING AND ORGANISING
1.Readthe question carefully and underline the key words.
2. Decide what structure to use. Most task 2 questions will ask you to
discuss or analyse an issue in terms of advantages/ disadvantages
and / or take a position by agreeing or disagreeing.

8. You can almost always use a four
paragraph structure:
ADVANTAGES / DISADVANTAGES
QUESTIONIntroduction Paraphrase the question and give
a general answer.
Main Paragraph 1 What are the advantages
Main Paragraph 2 What are the disadventages
Conclusion Paraphrase your argument

9. Agree / disagree question
Introduction Paraphrase the question and give a
general answer that will summarise
your opinion.
Main Paragraph 1 Agree / disagree because … +
supporting reasons.
Main Paragraph 2 Another reason I agree / disagree is …
Conclusion Paraphrase your argument and sum
up.

10.  Spend time thinking of good vocabulary related
to your topic.
 Develop your ideas in ecah paragraph by giving
reasons for your answer and include examples
from your own knowledge or experience.
 Try using linking words like: firstly, secondly, finally
to connect your ideas withon each your main
paragraph.

11. When your writing is marked, the
examiners are looking for four things…
 Fisrt is task achievement for task one, or task response for task
two.
 In task one, do you successfully do everything the question
asked?
In task two, do you give a full answer to the question with well-
supported ideas?
 You are judged on coherence and cohesion.
 Lexical resource, grammatical range, accuracy, different tenses.

15. What can I do to improve my
writing?
Reading a lot will definitely help you with
writing.
Time spent thinking about what you want
to say and how you want to organise it is
always time well spent.
Practice is the key.