Top 9 FAQs on IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2?

These are the frequently asked questions by the IELTS candidates. If you are taking IELTS you may have some doubts and need answers to some burning questions on IELTS.

These are all related to the writing module. 

How General IELTS Writing Task 1 is going to be different from Academic IELTS Writing 1?

General Training version of IELTS Writing Task 1 will require you to write a letter.

Academic version of IELTS Writing Task 1 will require you to write a report on a diagram.

Are there any differences in General IELTS Writing Task 2 and Academic IELTS Writing Task 2?

No. There are no differences. Both the versions of this test will require you to write a discursive essay.

How to begin Academic Writing Task 1?

You need to begin with a small introduction. It should clearly describe the diagram, graph, table, data, pie chart, etc.

Is it always important to paraphrase the question given in the writing task 1 and 2?

Yes, it is very important. You can’t make use of the same words or the phrases that are given in the question. Doing so may lead to a low score. You need to understand and rewrite in our own words. You don't have to alter the meaning of the sentence. Just try to write as differently as you can by keeping the meaning almost the same. 

Why shall IU not use the same words given in the question?

Let us assume you have written the same sentences given in the question and you have not paragraphed them, then those words will not be counted as unique and this will ultimately affect your band score in IELTS.

When shall I give my opinions, at the start of the introduction of writing task 2?

It is always important that you should try to introduce the given topic in your own words first. The introduction shall be concise. You do not have to talk about your opinions at the start of the essay. To avoid repetition of thoughts it is necessary that you should give your opinions in the middle of the essay.

What is the word count for Task 1 and Task 2?

For IELTS Task 1, you can write 150 words (a maximum of three to four small paragraphs. You do not have to provide sub-headings.

For IELTS Task 2, you will have to write at least 250 words (a maximum of four to six small paragraphs that clearly represent your thoughts on the given topic).

Is adding the conclusion necessary at the end of the Task 1 and Task 2?

Yes, it is always good to add the conclusion at the end. You can summarize everything in simple words. However, it is not compulsory and there is no such rule that you should anyhow add the conclusion at the end of your answer.

Is it compulsory that my word count shall be only 150 for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2?

Yes, it is important that you should stick to this rule. You shall not write less number of words than this word count. If you write fewer words then you will be given a penalty for this. It will affect your score. However, if the word count increases by a few words (let us say, you have added 170 words for Task 1 and 265 words for Task 2), you will not be penalized for this.

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