IELTS Writing Tips to Manage the Time and Word Limit in Exam

The IELTS Writing exam has two compulsory tasks; IELTS Writing Task 1 and IELTS Writing Task 2. For an IELTS Academic student in task 1 needs to summarise information from a given question.

On the other hand, IELTS Writing Task 2 is all about writing an essay on a given topic that is mentioned in the question.

Comparing both the tasks, you will get to know that both the tasks are different in their way. Moreover, the time and word limit for both the tasks are also different.

In task 1, the minimum word limit is 150 words, and you have to do this task within 20 minutes. For writing task 2, the minimum word limit is 250 words, and you will get 40 minutes to finish it.

It has also been observed that the candidates exceed the word limit by an extensive margin and create an unnecessary problem for themselves. It is always advised to write 150 – 180 words for writing task 1 and 250 – 280 words for writing task 2.

If you exceed the limit, you may lose scores. With continuous practice, make a habit of counting words per line. This is how you will get to know how many lines you need for 150/250 words.

However, writing beyond what is necessary, you should focus on writing an excellent productive essay. Task 1 tests your ability to analyse data and information by writing in your own words, whereas task 2 requires your thoughts and ideas for a general topic.

It is not a test of your knowledge on a particular topic. The examiner is more interested to know your proficiency in the English language.

One more important advice for students is to spare some time to check what they have written. Spend initial 5-6 minutes to analyse the question and last 4-5 minutes checking for any grammar or sentence mistake.

Many times it is also seen that students get confused whether they should attempt the task 1 first or task 2. It depends on your comfort, whether you should attempt task 1 or task 2. Generally, people attempt the task 1 because it takes lesser time and also gives you a sense of accomplishment when you finished it.

Note: You will get a combined score from 1 to 9 for both the task 1 and task 2.

For practice with the sample questions, you can also download the IELTS Writing App. It offers a variety of questions that will help you to focus on maintaining the required word limit and even help you to finish your tasks on time.

Apart from questions, you can benefit yourself with their model answers to check the format of the answers. With the IELTS Writing app, know how well you need to perform to get the desired score in the IELTS exam.

IELTS General Training aspirants can also download the IELTS Writing App. It is a free and self-preparation guide for everyone who wants to score high in the IELTS Writing exam. Download the app to continue preparation.

IELTS Exam | Write a Perfect Essay with the Perfect Tips

Essay writing is Task – 2 of the IELTS exam. It takes 40 minutes to write a minimum of 250 words. The task is time-bound and you have to present the essay skillfully without any mistakes. Often people are afraid of getting a topic for the essay and having nothing to say about it. Also, people believe that there is no right or wrong idea, as long as they are writing on a topic. But, they have no idea that this can harm their ideal scores. Therefore, you must focus on writing a perfect essay. Practice builds up your confidence and teaches you how to face such situations even if challenging.

Your essay will be scored on these 4 scoring criteria:

1. Task Response
2. Coherence & Cohesion
3. Lexical Resource
4. Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Each criterion is important and weighs 25% of the total writing score; That means you cannot miss any criterion. Beware! You may lose your score because of this.

Don’t worry, IELTS Exam Preparation will help you to save these scores.

Structure of the essay

Introduction	Paraphrase
	Opinion
Supporting Paragraph 1	Main Idea 1
	Supporting Idea
Supporting Paragraph 2	Main Idea 2
	Supporting Idea
	Example
Conclusion	Concluding Linked
	Summarize
	Restate Opinion

IELTS exam has a different structure, and you have to understand it first. The structure is classified into different categories so that the examiner can see how well your words help you to express your thoughts. Generate your thoughts and break down them into different paragraphs.

TIPS:

▪          Your ideas should be logical enough to get your desired score.

▪          The connection should be visible to the examiner.

▪          Add paragraphs, if needed.

▪          Don’t add unnecessary words in the essay.

Step 1: INTRODUCTION

● Paraphrase: In the essay introduction, you have to rewrite the question. The opening sentence should be impressive and catchy enough to retain the original meaning of the question. The examiner will judge your essay based on the original meaning and range of vocabulary you will use to write the introduction. Don’t forget; the first impression is the last impression.

TIPS:

▪          Don’t copy the entire question.

▪          Use synonyms, if the meaning is the same.

▪          Try to retain the original flavour of the question.

▪          Be prepared to face different topics to write an essay. 

● Give Your Opinion: Once the introduction gets completed, give your opinion on the subject. It doesn’t matter what your opinion is, please note that there is no right or wrong answer to an IELTS essay question. Your examiner will not judge you on your opinion, for them the only thing matters is the level of your English. Don’t overthink and just write down what your first instinct says.

TIPS:

▪          Don’t waste time to overthink.

▪          Stick with your opinion till the end.

▪          Don’t think about the examiner’s perspective on the answer.

▪          Always believe your first instinct.

Step 2: SUPPORT YOUR OPINION

Finally, you have decided and given your opinion. Now, this is the time to take a stand and support your opinion. It will be important for the examiner to see how well you have supported your opinion through your writing skills. A few examples that can help you to start the paragraph:

●        I personally believe that….

●        In my opinion….

●        I am strongly convinced with….

●        My view on this….

●        According to me….

Stick to your opinion, even if you know that many people will not select that opinion.

TIPS:

▪          Go with the flow; don’t support another opinion in the middle of the essay.

▪          Use mentioned examples or you can use such words to support the opinion.

▪          Use a wide range of vocabulary and understand lexical resource.

▪          Try to give some facts to support your answer.

Step 3: ANOTHER SIDE OF THE OPINION

Balance in writing is always outstanding, and this is a good sign of the essay. Think about the question and try to look from the opposite point of view. Your examiner will be impressed to know that you have enough knowledge of the topic, and you know how to justify the answer.

A few examples:

●        In can be argued….

●        There is a different side to this discussion….

●        However, the fact is….

●        In contrast, the view is….

TIPS:

▪          You can argue and share the opposite views.

▪          Mentioned examples will help you get a clear idea.

▪          Understand the opposition perspective.

▪          Justify your answer, don’t get lost while arguing the opposite views.

Step 4: Conclusion

The final part is vital to see your balance and command of English. You will need to summarize your whole argument into a conclusion. This means, again, you have to give your opinion that you stated in the introduction. Yes, you are thinking right! You can’t copy your previous sentence. You have to write your opinion and can use the arguments that you have stated in the paragraphs. It is a good idea to reframe your sentence. The examiner will be impressed, and you will get high scores.

TIPS:

▪          Summarize your opinion with the help of arguments.

▪          Don’t repeat the same words.

▪          Keep a thoughtful and neutral tone.

▪          Complete your answer in the last part.

Must Read - 11 Simple Tips To Ace IELTS Essay Writing Task

Pro Tips To Improve Your IELTS Writing Score

When it comes to proving your English Language proficiency through IELTS Test, especially in the IELTS Writing module, you would definitely slide in a state of dilemma. Thoughts of failing the exam or not achieving the required score might scare you all the time.

“I am weak with IELTS Writing… What if I fail in my IELTS Exam?”
“Will I be able to achieve my target score?”  

These are normal concerns of almost all the IELTS aspirants. And, there are is no magic wand that will fetch you your target score in IELTS Writing until and unless you know the right way.

Well, you don’t need to worry! If you are unaware of the way to achieve your desired score, we have one for you! Our top tips on maximising your IELTS Writing Score will certainly help you succeed.

But before discussing the tips here is a quick look at IELTS Writing module.

IELTS Writing Module varies depending on the type of IELTS Test you are taking – IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training.

IELTS Academic Writing

IELTS Academic Writing test is a 60-minute test wherein you are supposed to complete two tasks.

Task 1: Describe a Graph or Diagram

Task 2: Write an Essay

You need to complete Task 1 in about 150 words while Task 2 in 250 words.

IELTS General Training Writing

Similar to IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training Writing is also a 60-minute test in which you are required to complete two tasks.

Task 1: Write a Letter

Task 2: Write an Essay

You are supposed to write 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2.

Both the tasks of IELTS Academic as well as General Training Writing are assessed on the basis of following four criteria: -

• Task Achievement (for Task 1)
• Task Response (for Task 2)
• Coherence & Cohesion
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy    

You need to keep all these criteria in mind for your IELTS Writing tasks. Missing out any of them can cost your Score. So, to help you avoid committing any mistakes, here are some tips that would guarantee a score of Band 7+ in your Writing Test.

Analyse the Question properly

One of the most common mistakes that aspirants make is reading the question in a hurry and thus end up with an incomplete answer. Remember, if you don’t answer the question fully, you won’t score high. So first off, you must read and understand the question to identify what the examiner will be looking for in your answer.

Planning is Important

Take some time to plan your letter, report or essay before you start writing. Organize your ideas to ensure that each of your ideas is fully explained with well-supported examples.

Structure of your Essay also plays a vital role in bringing you a High Score. You must write your essay in this format – Introduction, Body Paragraphs (2-3), Conclusion.

Never copy the Question in your Answer

This is again one of those common mistakes that candidates usually make in IELTS Writing Tasks. You should never copy the question in your introduction paragraph. Else those words would be deducted from the total word count and your score will lower. Instead, use paraphrasing i.e. write the question in your own words.

Overlooking the Word Count can lower your Score

A number of words you write an Essay, Letter or a Report are taken into consideration while marking your IELTS Writing Test. You must write 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2. Writing fewer words will lower your score.

Quick Tips to practice for IELTS Writing Tasks

• Learn to identify Key Points
• Always write in a Formal Tone
• Do not use Bullet Points
• Use wide range of Vocabulary
• Make correct use of Grammar Structures
• Write your tasks in a format that is easily understandable by the examiners
• Keep a check on Spellings
• Maintain the Word Count

“Practice Makes Perfect”

Practise writing as many essays, letters, and reports as you can before your IELTS Exam. You can even get them marked by certified trainers with the help of Writing Correction Service available on many websites. This will help you identify your mistakes and rectify them. Attempt free IELTS Writing Tests and get them evaluated by experts to ensure that you achieve your desired score in IELTS Test.  

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