IELTS Writing 1 hour for two tasks Task 1: at least 150 words about an NVD (non-verbal device) Task 2: at least 250 words in an essay Arguments (both sides, end with a position) Opinions (reasons and whether positive or negative) Problem solution

How Is It Graded? Task 1  40%, Task 2  60% Task fulfillment Coherence and cohesion Vocabulary Grammar

Task 1 Task Fulfillment Provide an OVERVIEW Identify MAIN FEATURES Note SURPRISING/INTERESTING features Make interesting comparisons—do NOT mechanically report all info! Give enough detail, but not too much. No bullets!

Task 2 Task Fulfillment Answer the SPECIFIC question in the prompt Introduce the topic—without a rhetorical question Have a clear thesis and adequate examples Draw a conclusion Remember, better organized essays may have FEWER words!

Coherence and Cohesion Logical organization, most important ideas first Task 1 = 3 paragraphs, Task 2 = 5 paragraphs Information is well-linked, using a VARIETY of transition words Write neatly!

Vocabulary Use a wide range of vocabulary Use PRECISE vocabulary Use appropriate collocations, idioms, phrasal verbs, etc. Use correct WORD FORMS SPELL correctly, especially common words

Grammar Use a wide range of grammatical structures (active/passive, complex verb and nouns phrases, adverbial modifiers) Mix simple, complex, compound sentences Use grammar accurately -s on end of 3rd person singular present verbs Articles before singular count nouns Past tense for events in the past Punctuate correctly