IELTS Writing

Task 1 – Task 2
 CONTENTS
In this lesson you will…
· learn about different types of charts.
· practise getting information from charts.
· learn to recognise static and dynamic charts.
· review simple verb tenses for describing charts.
· learn how to organise a balanced discussion.
· become more aware of formal language for essays.
Understanding charts
 Understanding charts
Inflow of foreign workers into Australia 1992-2001
50

45

40

35

30
Thousands

25

20

15

10

0
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Permanent settlers Temporary Settlers
 Understanding charts
Immigrant labour force in Australia by region or country of
birth, 1991
5
3
4

17
62

Europe Asia New Zealand North Africa and the Middle East America Other
 Immigrant labour force in Australia by region or country of
birth (1991-2001)
2500

172.5

101.6 99.9
2000 75.6 119.6
94.4
251.1
187.3

1500 378
582.1

1000

1332.1
1142.1
500

0
1991 2001

Europe Asia New Zealand North Africa America Other

 Task 2

Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no special knowledge of the following
topic.

Relying on fossil fuels such as oil and coal for our energy needs is becoming increasingly
impractical. The rising cost and decreasing supply of these fuels, along with concerns about the
global warming they cause, means we must find an alternative. The only realistic alternative is
nuclear energy.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with
examples and relevant evidence.
 Organising a balanced
discussion
4
Analysing the question 2 3
formal style

Getting ideas
1
 Analysing

Before starting writing, one should spend a few

minutes thinking about what the question asks,
and what the best way to answer is.
 Idea

The example question you saw in the previous

activity invites you to express your opinion about
nuclear energy.

One way to do this is to discuss arguments for and

against this energy source.

Take a few minutes to jot down arguments for and

against the use of nuclear power.
 Balanced Writing

One way to organise a balanced discussion is simply

to divide the arguments for and the arguments
against into two separate central paragraphs.

You would need to connect ideas using words and

expressions
 Connecting
What are the factors in favour of nuclear power as an energy source? [1]…………., it is an

economical source of energy. The power generated by nuclear power stations costs much less

to produce than from coal or oil fired stations. [2]…………., unlike traditional power stations,

nuclear power plants do not pollute the atmosphere with their waste. [3]…………., the waste is

stored in safe containers deep underground. [4]…………., a move to nuclear power will reduce

greenhouses gases that are responsible for global warming in the atmosphere. [5]………….,

statistics show that power stations are actually safer places for people to work than coalfired

power stations. [6]…………., nuclear power can potentially supply all our energy needs for many

centuries to come.
 Connecting

The claims made by those in favour of nuclear power do not stand up to close examination. It is
often said, [1]…………., that nuclear power does not damage the environment. [2]…………. it is
true that greenhouse gases are not produced, mining for uranium causes real damage to the
environment. [3]…………., many reactors use rivers for cooling. This raises temperatures in the
river water, [4]…………. harm to life in and around those rivers. It is also argued that the
technology of modern reactors makes accidents almost impossible. [5]…………. these claims,
accidents have happened most famously at Chernobyl. No amount of technology can prevent
human error, carelessness or laziness. All of these can cause deadly accidents. [6]………….,
nuclear power plants could become the target of terrorist attacks. Technology could do very little
to prevent such an attack, and the consequences are unthinkable.
 Formal Style
This is one way to give your writing a more formal style.

Rewrite each of these sentences by putting the main verb in the passive.

1 People say that wind power turbines are completely harmless.

It is said that wind power turbines are completely harmless.

2 There are people who argue that solar power will never replace fossil fuels.

3 Experts predict that very soon China will be the world’s leading economic and political power.

4 Many people regard the Internet as a great force for democracy and freedom of speech.

5 Researchers hope that they will soon find a vaccine for avian flu.

6 Everyone knows that heart disease is the highest cause of death.

 Formal Style

There are a number of other ways to make your writing more formal
in style.

As a general rule, remember that formal writing is different from

spoken language, and your composition shouldn’t
sound too chatty.

Here a number of things you should avoid.

 Formal Style

1 Do not use contractions a Of course, we all know what big nature lovers
car manufactures are.

2 Avoid using phrasal verbs b Nobody wants war, do they?

3 Avoid using idioms c It isn’t only the government who are to blame.

4 Do not use tag questions d If you ask me, what we should do is…

5 Do not use irony or sarcasm e If we keep on like this, we will have used up all our
resources.

6 Avoid conversational style f There are loads and loads of reasons why this will not
work
7 Avoid exaggeration g That idea is just a pipe dream.

Now rewrite the sentences in a more formal style

 Formal Style

1 Do not use contractions a Of course, we all know what big nature lovers
car manufactures are.

2 Avoid using phrasal verbs b Nobody wants war, do they?

3 Avoid using idioms c It isn’t only the government who are to blame.

4 Do not use tag questions d If you ask me, what we should do is…

5 Do not use irony or sarcasm e If we keep on like this, we will have used up all our
resources.

6 Avoid conversational style f There are loads and loads of reasons why this will not
work
7 Avoid exaggeration g That idea is just a pipe dream.

Now rewrite the sentences in a more formal style

 Practice Task

Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no special knowledge of the
following topic.

The teaching of Information Technology (computers) has become a standard part of the
curriculum in most secondary schools. The same is now happening in primary schools,
where children as young as six are learning how to use computers. However, there is a
danger that IT skills are being taught at the expense of more basic skills.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with
examples and relevant evidence.
THANK YOU