IELTS Writing Module

WRITING TASK 1
WRITING TASK II
Writing Task 1

 IELTS Academic Writing

Task 1 is based on some graphical or pictorial information. You are expected to write a descriptive report of
at lest 150 words on the information provided. Task 2 is more demanding you are expected to produce a
written argument on a given topic and to organize your answer clearly , giving some examples to support
your points . You have to write 250 words and, as task 2 is longer than task 1 you are advised to spend 40
mins out of total 60 on this task and 20 mins on task 1.

 IELTS General Writing

GT writing is different from IELTS academic writing as in this task 1 is always a letter, whereas task 2 is an essay
based on a given topic.
• Academic Writing task 1

 Task here is to describe a graph in a report. The report is intended for

university lecturer so, the language you use should be appropriate.

 Types of Graphs:
 Single Line Graph
 Double Line Graph
 Bar chart(single, double, triple bar graph)
 Pie chart
 Process
Some Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s Don’t
 Task must have150 words at least.  In report you should not write your
 Plan your task before writing. opinion.
 Task must have a structure.  You must not copy words from graph –
rephrase and use synonyms instead.
 Introduction
 Never use bullets, write as if you are
 Body
writing an essay.
 Conclusion
 Make sure you use figures and data
 Task should be completed in 20 accurately from the paper.
minutes.
Pie Chart

 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The pie charts below show the average household expenditures in Japan and Malaysia in the year 2010.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Average Household Expenditures by Major Category

Sample answer

 Model answer
The pie charts show the proportion of money spent on various household expenses in
Malaysia and Japan in 2010.
It can be seen that in Malaysia the greatest proportion of expenditure (34%) was on
housing, while in Japan housing accounted for just 21% of the total. In contrast, in
Japan the greatest single expense was other goods and services at 29%, compared
with 26% in Malaysia. Food came in second place in Japan, at 24%, while in Malaysia
the actual proportion was higher (27%). In Japan another major expense was transport,
at 20%, but this was much lower In Malaysia (10%). In both countries
the smallest percentage of expenditure was on health care.
Overall, the data indicates that in both cases food, housing and other goods and
services were the main expenses, but that in Japan, transport and other goods and
services took up a higher proportion of total expenditure than in Malaysia
 Bar Chart

The bar chart below shows the percentage of students who passed their high school competency exams, by subject and gender, during the period 2010-2011.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Students passing high school competency exams, by subject and gender, 2010-2011

*includes French, German and Spanish

*includes French, German and Spanish

Sample answer

 Model answer
The graph shows the percentages of boys and girls who were successful in their high school
competency exams in the period from 2010 to 2011, by subject.
Overall, students of both sexes did/performed best in Computer Science, Mathematics, and
Foreign Languages, including French, German and Spanish. Results for boys and girls were
roughly comparable/equivalent/equal/the same in Computer Science and Mathematics. In
other subjects, however, there were some significant differences.
Girls achieved by far their best results in Computer Science, with a pass rate of 56.3%, which
was considerably/much/around 14% higher than the boys. The difference was
even greater/more marked in Chemistry, where over/more than 16% more girls passed. The
(only/one/single)subject where boys’ results were better than girls was Geography where
they achieved a pass rate of 30.4%, which was 10% higher than that/the figure/the
percentage/the pass rate/the result for girls.
In general, we can (say/see)/the statistics show that during the period in question girls
performed better in most subjects in the competency exams than boys.
Table

 The table below shows the worldwide market share of the notebook computer market for manufacturers in the years 2006 and 2007.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Company 2006 % Market Share 2007 % Market Share

HP 31.4 34

Dell 16.6 20.2

Acer 11.6 10.7

Toshiba 6.2 7.3

Lenovo 6.6 6.2

Fujitsu-Siemens 4.8 2.3

Others 22.8 19.3

Total 100 100

Sample answer

The table gives information on the market share of notebook computer manufacturers for
two consecutive years, 2006 and 2007.
In both years, HP was clearly the market leader, selling 31.4% of all notebook computers in
2006, and slightly more (34%) in 2007. This is a greater market share than its two closest
competitors, Dell and Acer, added together.
Dell increased its market share from 16.6% in 2006 to 20.2% in 2007. In contrast, Acer saw its
share of the market decline slightly from 11.6% to 10.7%.
The other companies listed each had a much smaller share of the market. Toshiba’s share
increased from 6.2% in 2006 to 7.3% in 2007, whereas Lenovo’s decreased slightly from 6.6% to
6.2%. Fujitsu-Siemens’ share more than halved from 2006 to 2007: from 4.8% of the market to
only 2.3%.
Other notebook computer manufacturers accounted for 22.8% of the market in 2006 – more
than all the companies mentioned except HP. However, in 2007 the other companies only
made 19.3% of notebook computer sales – less than both HP and Dell.
 Process

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The diagram illustrates the process that is used to manufacture bricks for the building industry.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

The Brick Manufacturing Process

Sample answer

The diagram explains the way in which bricks are made for the building industry. Overall,
there are seven stages in the process, beginning with the digging up of clay and culminating
in delivery.
To begin, the clay used to make the bricks is dug up from the ground by a large digger. This
clay is then placed onto a metal grid, which is used to break up the clay into smaller pieces.
A roller assists in this process.
this, sand and water are added to the clay, and this mixture is turned into bricks by either
placing it into a mould or using a wire cutter. Next, these bricks are placed in an oven to dry
for 24 – 48 hours.
In the subsequent stage, the bricks go through a heating and cooling process. They are
heated in a kiln at a moderate and then a high temperature (ranging from 200c to 1300c),
followed by a cooling process in a chamber for 2 – 3 days. Finally, the bricks are packed and
delivered to their destinations.
Words 173
General Writing Task 1
LETTER WRITING
 Letter writing

General Writing Sample Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You are studying a short course in another country. Your accommodation was arranged by the course provider.
There is a major problem with the accommodation.
Write a letter to the course provider. In your letter:

•Say what the problem is.

•Describe the accommodation you thought you were getting.
•Ask the provider to solve the problem.

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.
 Sample answer
 IELTS Tip
A common problem in GT Task 1 is that candidates use a strange mix of formal and informal language. In formal letters, they may
include inappropriate informalities; in informal letters they may suddenly be too formal, usually including a memorized chunk. This mix
confuses the reader and affects the candidate’s score in Task Fulfilment.
 Model answer
Dear Mr. Watterson,
My name is Andrew Fish, and I am taking an eight-week intensive English course at Oxford House College. My company is paying for my
tuition, and I am using my summer vacation to study. It is expected I will pass an English Proficiency Test as a result, and be transferred
abroad. Therefore, it is rather important to me that I am able to study in the best environment.
I am staying in Phoenix Hostel on campus. While my room is pleasant and the facilities are very good, the hostel is extremely noisy. When I
organized my accommodation, I was assured I would be staying only with post-graduate or intensive-course students. However, most of
the people in this hostel are doing summer-school courses due to academic failure, and they are all under 22. It seems to me they are
enjoying one long party: certainly no one observes light out or turns down music despite being asked to.
I wonder if I may be moved to a hostel which is more conducive to serious study, or I may use the remainder of my accommodation fee
to go towards payment for a hotel.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew Fish
(204 words)
Writing Task 2
FOCUS ON STRUCTURE
Writing Task 2

 You are given a statement about an issue and you are required to write an
essay giving your opinion.
 Skills like planning and structuring a composition are required.
 For producing a well organized task you must focus on five areas.
1. Brainstorming
2. Writing an introduction
3. Paragraph planning
4. Topic sentences
5. Using linking words
6. conclusion
Structure Development

In Task 2 examiner is looking primarily for:

 Argument: your overall point that you want to make.
 Ideas: that support your Argument.
 Evidence: that support your Ideas.
5 Major Steps

 Understand
 Brainstorm
 Plan
 Write
 Check
Understand Background
information

 Present a written argument or case to an educated non-specialist

audience on the following topic:
 When people visit other countries they often find the customs of dressing
and behavior are different than in their home country. Should visitors
adopt the customs of the country they visit or should they follow the
customs of their own country?
 You should write at least 250 words. You should use your own ideas,
knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples
and relevant evidence
The question.
Notice there are 2
parts to the
question.
 Argument

Brainstorm key: Ideas

Evidence

Drinking If they
think it’s
immoral If it
doesn’t
hurt
Revealing others
clothing Adopt customs or
yes not? no

If people
understand
foreigners
If it are
helps different
to show
respect
Plan

We can use the famous 5-paragraph essay format:

 Introduction
 Body paragraph 1 –Yes –adopt – does not hurt
 Body paragraph 2 –Yes –adopt – respect
 Body paragraph 3 – No – do not adopt - immoral
 Conclusion
 Write –Introduction (STRATEGY ONE)

 THERE ARE 3 WAYS TO WRITE THE INTRODUCTION:

 ONE –Find new words to describe the task: Tourists and business travelers
often visit countries that are different than their own. There may be
different customs and practices. Is it best for them to adopt the practices
of the country they visit or is it acceptable for them to follow the customs
of their own country?

TASK: When people visit other countries they often find the customs of dressing
and behavior are different than in their home country. Should visitors adopt the
customs of the country they visit or should they follow the customs of their own
country?
Write –Introduction (STRATEGY TWO)

 TWO –Use a ‘stock paragraph that can be adapted to any task:

Many people wonder / are talking about / debate what should be done
about ___. Some people think that it is best ___. However, other people think
that ___. This is not a an easy question to answer but in this essay we will look
at this issue.

Example: Many people wonder what to do when they visit other countries.
Some people think it is best for them to adopt the local customs. However,
other people think it is best to follow the customs of their own countries. This
is not a an easy question to answer but in this essay we will look at this issue.
Write –Introduction (STRATEGY THREE)

 THREE –Copy the words from the Task: When people visit other countries
they often find the customs of dressing and behavior are different than in
their home country. Should visitors adopt the customs of the country they
visit or should they follow the customs of their own country?
 TASK: When people visit other countries they often find the customs of
dressing and behavior are different than in their home country. Should
visitors adopt the customs of the country they visit or should they follow the
customs of their own country?
 Note: This strategy is least recommended as What will the examiner do? He is instructed
to count the number of words you have
it shows the incapability of the students to write copied and subtract that from the total no
efficiently giving their own ideas. of words you have written if it is still more
than 250 you are ok. Count the words you
copied and make sure you have written
more.
Write –Body paragraph 1

Let’s look at our Plan and write the first paragraph of the body:
 Body paragraph 1 –Yes –adopt –immoral
 We start with a topic sentence which explains our Idea but does not give
any specific details:
Essay sample

Many people wonder what to do when they visit other countries. Some
people think it is best for them to adopt the local customs. However, other
people think it is best to follow the customs of their own countries. This is not a
an easy question to answer but in this essay we will look at this issue.

Some things that visitors may do are immoral or even illegal according to the
customs of the local country.
Write –Body paragraph 1

Now let’s write the rest of the paragraph. Each sentence must be directly
related to the Topic sentence we just wrote. Don’t get off topic!
Essay sample

Many people wonder what to do when they visit other countries. Some
people think it is best for them to adopt the local customs. However, other
people think it is best to follow the customs of their own countries. This is not a
an easy question to answer but in this essay we will look at this issue.
Some things that visitors may do are immoral or even illegal according to the
customs of the local country. For example, in certain countries it is considered
bad to show affection in public like men and women kissing or holding hands.
It may also be very bad for women to wear revealing clothing such as a short
skirt or see through blouse. In these countries it may also be illegal to drink
alcohol.
Write –Body paragraph 2

Let’s look at our Plan and write the second paragraph of the body:
Body paragraph 2 –Yes –adopt –respect

We start with a topic sentence which explains our Idea but does not give any
specific details:
Essay sample

Many people wonder what to do when they visit other countries. Some
people think it is best for them to adopt the local customs. However, other
people think it is best to follow the customs of their own countries. This is not a
an easy question to answer but in this essay we will look at this issue.
Some things that visitors may do are immoral or even illegal according to the
customs of the local country. For example, in certain countries it is considered
bad to show affection in public like men and women kissing or holding hands.
It may also be very bad for women to wear revealing clothing such as a short
skirt or see through blouse. In these countries it may also be illegal to drink
alcohol.
Adopting to the local customs can show respect.
Write –Body paragraph 2

Now let’s write the rest of the paragraph. Each sentence must be directly
related to the Topic sentence we just wrote. Don’t get off topic!
Essay sample

Many people wonder what to do when they visit other countries. Some people think it is best for
them to adopt the local customs. However, other people think it is best to follow the customs of their
own countries. This is not a an easy question to answer but in this essay we will look at this issue.
Some things that visitors may do are immoral or even illegal according to the customs of the local
country. For example, in certain countries it is considered bad to show affection in public like men
and women kissing or holding hands. It may also be very bad for women to wear revealing clothing
such as a short skirt or see through blouse. In these countries it may also be illegal to drink alcohol.

Adopting to the local customs can show respect. You can ask your friends
who have been to that country what it was like there. It’s also good to carry
some medicine in case you get sick there. No, no, no! We got
off topic! This doesn’t
have anything to do
with the Topic
Let’s try again! sentence!
Essay sample

Many people wonder what to do when they visit other countries. Some people think it is best
for them to adopt the local customs. However, other people think it is best to follow the
customs of their own countries. This is not a an easy question to answer but in this essay we will
look at this issue.
Some things that visitors may do are immoral or even illegal according to the customs of the
local country. For example, in certain countries it is considered bad to show affection in
public like men and women kissing or holding hands. It may also be very bad for women to
wear revealing clothing such as a short skirt or see through blouse. In these countries it may
also be illegal to drink alcohol.
Adopting to the local customs can show respect. Wearing a suit and tie can
show respect if that is what the people of the country wear at a meeting or
formal event. Men will take their hat off or women will cover their heads to
show respect when entering a ‘holy place.
Write –Body paragraph 3

Let’s look at our Plan and write the third paragraph of the body:
Body paragraph 3 –No –don’t adopt

We start with a topic sentence which explains our Idea but does not give any
specific details:
Essay sample

Many people wonder what to do when they visit other countries. Some people think it is best
for them to adopt the local customs. However, other people think it is best to follow the
customs of their own countries. This is not a an easy question to answer but in this essay we will
look at this issue.
Some things that visitors may do are immoral or even illegal according to the customs of the
local country. For example, in certain countries it is considered bad to show affection in
public like men and women kissing or holding hands. It may also be very bad for women to
wear revealing clothing such as a short skirt or see through blouse. In these countries it may
also be illegal to drink alcohol.
Adopting to the local customs can show respect. Wearing a suit and tie can show respect if that is
what the people of the country wear at a meeting or formal event. Men will take their hat off or
women will cover their heads to show respect when entering a ‘holy place. No, no, no! this is too
detailed and specific
If you are American and you forget to take your hat off then it’s alright. for the topic
sentence.
Let’s try again!
Essay sample

Many people wonder what to do when they visit other countries. Some people think it is best for
them to adopt the local customs. However, other people think it is best to follow the customs of their
own countries. This is not a an easy question to answer but in this essay we will look at this issue.
Some things that visitors may do are immoral or even illegal according to the customs of the local
country. For example, in certain countries it is considered bad to show affection in public like men
and women kissing or holding hands. It may also be very bad for women to wear revealing clothing
such as a short skirt or see through blouse. In these countries it may also be illegal to drink alcohol.
Adopting to the local customs can show respect. Wearing a suit and tie can show respect if that is
what the people of the country wear at a meeting or formal event. Men will take their hat off or
women will cover their heads to show respect when entering a ‘holy place.

However, people in many countries understand if their visitors don’t follow their
local customs or practices.
Write –Body paragraph 3

Now let’s write the rest of the paragraph. Each sentence must be directly
related to the Topic sentence we just wrote. Don’t get off topic!
Essay sample

Many people wonder what to do when they visit other countries. Some people think it is best for
them to adopt the local customs. However, other people think it is best to follow the customs of their
own countries. This is not a an easy question to answer but in this essay we will look at this issue.
Some things that visitors may do are immoral or even illegal according to the customs of the local
country. For example, in certain countries it is considered bad to show affection in public like men
and women kissing or holding hands. It may also be very bad for women to wear revealing clothing
such as a short skirt or see through blouse. In these countries it may also be illegal to drink alcohol.
Adopting to the local customs can show respect. Wearing a suit and tie can show respect if that is
what the people of the country wear at a meeting or formal event. Men will take their hat off or
women will cover their heads to show respect when entering a ‘holy place.
However, people in many countries understand if their visitors don’t follow their
local customs or practices. They know their customs may be strange or difficult for
foreign visitors to follow. They know foreigners may unknowingly break some of
their rules. These people are understanding and forgiving.
Write –Conclusion

Now let’s write the Conclusion. It must only repeat what has already been
stated although it can also give your opinion. Don’t get off topic!
Essay sample

Many people wonder what to do when they visit other countries. Some people think it is best for
them to adopt the local customs. However, other people think it is best to follow the customs of their
own countries. This is not a an easy question to answer but in this essay we will look at this issue.
Some things that visitors may do are immoral or even illegal according to the customs of the local
country. For example, in certain countries it is considered bad to show affection in public like men
and women kissing or holding hands. It may also be very bad for women to wear revealing clothing
such as a short skirt or see through blouse. In these countries it may also be illegal to drink alcohol.
Adopting to the local customs can show respect. Wearing a suit and tie can show respect if that is
what the people of the country wear at a meeting or formal event. Men will take their hat off or
women will cover their heads to show respect when entering a ‘holy place.
However, people in many countries understand if their visitors don’t follow their local customs or
practices. They know their customs may be strange or difficult for foreign visitors to follow. They know
foreigners may unknowingly break some of their rules. These people are understanding and
forgiving.
As we can see, there are many aspects to this question. I feel that visitors should follow the customs
of the country if it shows respect to the local people or is required by law.
Essay sample Let’s check our word count

Many people wonder what to do when they visit other countries. Some people think it is best for
them to adopt the local customs. However, other people think it is best to follow the customs of their 58
own countries. This is not a an easy question to answer but in this essay we will look at this issue.
Some things that visitors may do are immoral or even illegal according to the customs of the local
country. For example, in certain countries it is considered bad to show affection in public like men 72
and women kissing or holding hands. It may also be very bad for women to wear revealing clothing
such as a short skirt or see through blouse. In these countries it may also be illegal to drink alcohol.
Adopting to the local customs can show respect. Wearing a suit and tie can show respect if that is
what the people of the country wear at a meeting or formal event. Men will take their hat off or
52
women will cover their heads to show respect when entering a ‘holy place.
However, people in many countries understand if their visitors don’t follow their local customs or
practices. They know their customs may be strange or difficult for foreign visitors to follow. They know 46
foreigners may unknowingly break some of their rules. These people are understanding and
forgiving.
As we can see, there are many aspects to this question. I feel that visitors should follow the customs 35
of the country if it shows respect to the local people or is required by law.

Total= 263 Perfect!

Words

 Always write between 250-265.

 If you write less you can lose a point.
 If you write more it takes more time to write that and the more you write
the more mistakes you’re likely to make.
 Count your words after every paragraph and make a small note the
number in the margins of your paper.
Now it’s your turn!

Present a written argument or case to an educated non-specialist audience

on the following topic:
Many people think that countries have a moral obligation to help each other,
while others argue that aid money is misspent by the governments that
receive it and therefore international aid should not be given to poor
countries. Discuss these two points of view and give your opinion.
You should write at least 250 words. You should use your own ideas,
knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and
relevant evidence.
You have 40 minutes to complete this task.