1. 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

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

3. 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!

4. 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!

5. 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!

6. 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

7. 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