The document summarizes the key differences between the IELTS academic writing and general training writing tests. The academic writing test contains two tasks - Task 1 requires describing facts and figures from graphs/charts/tables and explaining a process or diagram. Task 2 involves writing a discursive essay in response to a topic. The general training test also has two tasks - Task 1 involves writing a letter responding to an everyday situation, and Task 2 is a discursive essay on a topic of general interest. Both tests have a 60 minute time limit with specific time allotted and word counts for each task. Task 1 focuses on identifying key information and trends or following letter writing conventions. Task 2 focuses on presenting a clear

1. IELTS writing:
Introduction

2. Academic writing General training writing
Timing 60 minutes 60 minutes
No. of questions 2 2
Task 1 Describe facts/figures in graphs, charts, tables on a related
topic; diagram of a machine; a device or a process and
explain how it works
Write a personal response in the form of an informal, semi-
formal or formal letter to a common/everyday situation.
e.g. writing to a local newspaper about a plan to develop a
local airport
Style of writing Academic or semi-formal/neutral (also for task 2) informal/semi-formal/formal
Time 20 min. 20 min.
Length 150 words 150
Task focus ability to identify the most important and relevant
information and trends in a graph, chart, table or diagram,
and to give a well-organised overview
ability to follow English letter-writing conventions; language
use; organization of information.
Task 2 (++) Write about a given topic
e.g. children from poor families are better prepared to face problems of adult life
than children from rich families. Agree or desage? Reasons, relevant examples of
your own knowledge or experience.
a semi-formal/neutral discursive essay.
Topics of general interest.
e.g. schools should ban/prohibit the use of cell phones on their students.
Reasons & relevant examples.
Time 40 min. 40 min.
Length 250 words 250 words
Task focus ability to present a clear, relevant, well-organised argument,
giving evidence or examples to support ideas and use
language accurately
ability to follow English discursive writing conventions;
language use; organization of information.
Penalties too short; off-topic response; bullet points; note form; plagiarism.

3. When writing ‘under the word count’
Top tips!
1) Write body paragraphs long enough to be considered developed
2) Write body paragraphs containinig sentences that are focused and relevant.
A good band score= right length + right focus
The word limits recommended for paragraphs for essay writing (Task 2 – Ac. / GT IIELTS)
• Introduction: 40-50 words
• Body paragraphs: 2 body paragraphs= 95 words each; 3 body paragraphs=65 words each
• Conclusion: 30-40 words

4. Topics to cover in our class sessions
Task 1
• Describing data and making approximations (task 1 academic)
• Grammar structures and lexis (ielts writing)
• Writing the overview (task 1 academic)
• Grammatical structures for describing diagrams (task 1 academic)
Task 2
• Developing arguments (analysis of cohesive devices)
• Developing paragraphs (building cohesive sentences)
• Essay structure and writing an introduction (two possible essay structures)
• Problems and solutions (language to express purpose)