ULTIMATE GUIDE TO IELTS ACADEMIC WRITING

INTRODUCTION

For many of you, achieving that magic number in your IELTS Writing test can be a big
challenge. This guide will help you to understand marking criteria for writing, task 1 and task 2
strategies and preparation tips. will help you achieve a

HOW IELTS WRITING ANSWERS ARE SCORED

Understanding the IELTS Writing scoring criteria for both Task 1 and Task 2 is critical to
performing well in the IELTS Writing module. The examiner awards a score of 0 to 9 based on
four criteria:
Task Achievement or Response: Do you answer the question fully: do you write enough
words, cover the main points, and have a clear position?
Coherence and Cohesion: Do you organise your ideas into paragraphs and connect them with
linking words?
Lexical Resource: Do you make good use of vocabulary: is it relevant to the topic and
appropriate to academic writing?
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Do you make good use of grammar and punctuation: do
you attempt complex sentences and avoid too many mistakes?
Each of these four criteria is worth 25% of your IELTS Writing score.

So, if you are getting a 6.5, that means you must not be meeting the standard
required as shown in the table for one or two of them.
For example:
Task achievement = 7
Coherence and cohesion = 7
Lexical resource = 7
Grammatical range and accuracy = 6
Overall writing band = 6.5

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TASK ACHIEVEMENT
Very basically, this is an assessment of whether you have fully answered the question and
provided good support for your ideas.
To address all parts of the task, you must respond to everything that is asked in the
question.
You must also have a clear position throughout. So, if your opinion is not clear and you seem
to change it during the essay, then this could be a problem for achieving an IELTS band 7 in this
criterion.
You also need to fully extend and support your ideas. So, it is not enough just to put lots of
ideas down - fewer ideas are better that are explained properly with reasons and examples.
COHERENCE AND COHESION
Very basically, this is how you organize and present your ideas, and how easy your work is
to read.
So, you will need to know how to organize an essay properly in terms of paragraphing and
having ideas that logically and clearly go from one to the next to get an IELTS band 7.
Another key point here is that you must have a clear central topic within each paragraph.
You also need a mix of cohesive devices. These are the things that join and link your ideas,
sentences, and paragraphs. For example, transitions such as 'however', 'firstly', 'moreover', and
other general linking words within sentences such as 'and' and 'because'.
You will need a variety and mix of these for an IELTS band 7, and you will need to be able
to use them effectively with some flexibility rather than mechanically.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Your lexis is basically your vocabulary, and as it says in the descriptors, you'll need to show that
you know some less common words and be able to use them precisely.
It’s in the accuracy that is needed for your vocabulary that problems can often occur with
regards to getting an IELTS band 7.
This is obviously no easy achievement and so you'll need to be a fairly skilled writer to be making
only occasional errors with your lexis.
GRAMMATICAL RANGE AND ACCURACY
As will be clear from the title, this one is assessing your level of grammar.
You will need to show you can use a wide range of sentence structures and have a high level
of accuracy.
Again, like the lexis, this can often be where students struggle to get an IELTS band 7. You need
to have FREQUENT error-free sentences.
In other words, the majority of your sentences can't have grammar errors. This is not easy, so
like with the lexis, you will need to be a fairly skilled writer.

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TASK 2
The Task 2 involves writing an essay on the given topic.
You have to
• answer the question(s) clearly and completely;
• give reasons for your answer;
• include relevant example
▪ from your knowledge
▪ from your experience
• spend about 40 minutes on the task
• write at least 250 words → 260-265 words
Note: Finish task 2 first before addressing task 1. Task 2 has twice as many marks as task 1 and
is less flexible, so if you do not get around to finishing it, you may lose more marks than when
you leave task 1 unfinished.

TASK TYPES

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

There are 3 different types of advantages and disadvantages essay and they each require a
different approach.
If you answer them in a different way then you risk losing lots of easy marks.
Typical Questions
1. Discuss the advantages (1) and disadvantages (1).
2. Discuss the advantages (1) and disadvantages (1) and give your own opinion.
3. Do the advantages (2) of this outweigh the disadvantages (1).

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The First

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between
finishing high school and starting university studies.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

Here we simply discuss the advantages and disadvantages. It does not ask for our opinion or say
which side is better or worse, so we should not include this information in our answer. Just look
at the advantages in one paragraph and the disadvantages in the other.

STRUCTURE

Introduction
Sentence 1- Paraphrase question
Sentence 2- Outline sentence

Supporting Paragraph 1 (1 Advantage)

Sentence 3- Topic sentence (Advantage 1)
Sentence 4- Explain how this is an advantage
Sentence 5- Example

Supporting Paragraph 2 (1 Disadvantage)

Sentence 6- Topic sentence (Disadvantage 1)
Sentence 7- Explain how this is a disadvantage
Sentence 8- Example

Conclusion
Sentence 9- Summary of main points

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Model answer

Before embarking on college many young people are advised that a year working or travelling may
be a good option. This essay will suggest that saving money is the biggest advantage of this and a
reduced motivation to study is the primary disadvantage.
Third level education is very expensive and lots of students decide to work for 12 months and save
up money before they begin their studies. This allows them to pay for their living costs, tuition
fees and accommodation and focus on their studies, rather than struggle financially or have to get
a part time job on top of their academic work. The Times recently reported that the average student
at a UK university requires over $12,000 per annum just to survive and many drop out because
they cannot afford to stay.
Despite this, many students often get used to working or travelling and do not want to return to a
life of study after a year off. This short-term view can cause some to bypass university altogether
and go straight into a job that is beneath their capabilities or may not offer the same prospects
their future career might have done. For instance, a recent survey by the British Government found
that 26% of students who take a gap-year never enter tertiary education.
In conclusion, taking a break from studies can be advantageous if it allows people to gather up
savings, however, they should also be careful that it does not lead to the abandonment of education
altogether.

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The Second

Computers are becoming an essential part of school lessons.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion.

This is different again because it is more like an opinion essay and a discussion essay at the same
time. Your structure will reflect this by having a paragraph for advantages and disadvantages, but
also having a clear position on the statement.

STRUCTURE
Introduction
Sentence 1- Paraphrase question
Sentence 2- Thesis statement (your opinion)
Sentence 3- Outline sentence

Main Body Paragraph 1 (Advantages)

Sentence 4- Topic Sentence
Sentence 5- Explain
Sentence 6- Example

Main Body Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages)

Sentence 7- Topic Sentence
Sentence 8- Explain
Sentence 9- Example

Main Body Paragraph 3 (Opinion)

Sentence 10- Explain opinion
Sentence 11- Explain or give example

Conclusion
Sentence 12 – Summary of main points

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MODEL ANSWER

Information technology is becoming a ubiquitous part of learning. This essay will show that this
is a welcome development and can enhance educational practice by first suggesting that the instant
availability of huge amounts of information is the primary advantage, before then discussing how
it can sometimes lead to plagiarism.
The main benefit computers bring to learners is easy access to vast amounts of resources. Learners
who were once limited to the books they had and the knowledge of their teacher, can now learn
about anything they choose at the touch of a button. Google is a prime example, because it allows
people to easily search for whatever they are looking for, both quickly and accurately.
One possible drawback is that using the internet to complete academic work can sometimes lead
to pupils copying articles. As a result, students do not have to think about their tasks and can end
up learning very little. The Sunday Times recently reported that 72% of college graduates in the
UK admitted to copying and pasting Wikipedia articles at least once.
Overall, it is a very positive development because most students will take advantage of the power
of the information superhighway to enhance their studies, rather than using it to cheat. For
example, in 2005 Cambridge University found that students who regularly used a computer were
26% more likely to get a first-class degree than those who did not.
In conclusion, the web has provided a gateway to knowledge unlike anything seen before and
although it can sometimes lead to some taking the easy route and plagiarising, it is a very positive
step in the evolution of education.

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The Third

Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at
primary schools rather than secondary school.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Here we have to say if the advantages are stronger than the disadvantages.
For example, there are a huge number of advantages to travelling by private jet, but there is one
huge disadvantage (the cost) that stops most people from flying that way and therefore the
disadvantages outweigh the advantages. In this example we will have to decide which side
(advantages or disadvantages) is stronger and this will affect our structure.
If you choose advantages, then you will have to say why these are much stronger than the
disadvantages and then explain why the disadvantages are unimportant. You would also have to
make this clear in your thesis statement.

STRUCTURE
Introduction
Sentence 1- Paraphrase question
Sentence 2- Thesis statement (state which one outweighs the other)
Sentence 3- Outline sentence

Main Body Paragraph 1 (Stronger Side) 2 reasons

Sentence 4- Topic Sentence 1
Sentence 5- Explain why it is strong
Sentence 6- Example
Sentence 7- (Stronger Side) Topic Sentence 2
Sentence 8- Explain why it is strong
Sentence 9- Example
Main Body Paragraph 2 (Weaker Side) 1 reason
Sentence 10- Topic Sentence 1
Sentence 11- Explain why it is not strong
Sentence 12- Example

Conclusion
Sentence 13- Summary of main points and restate position.
On balance, the fact that … and … clearly outweighs the flawed argument that it ….
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Model answer
Some authorities think that it is more favorable for pupils to begin studying languages at primary
school instead of secondary school. This essay will argue that the advantages of this outweigh the
drawbacks by first demonstrating that the earlier someone learns an additional language, the more
likely they are to master it and that it can bring added cognitive benefits. This will be followed by
an analysis of how the primary disadvantage, namely confusion with their native tongue, is not
valid.
The main reason to start children off with foreign languages early is that this increases the
likelihood they will achieve fluency in adulthood. That is to say that they will have far more years
to perfect their skills and it will seem perfectly normal to speak bilingually. For example, in
countries such as Holland and Norway where English is taught from a very young age, more than
95% of adults speak it at an advanced level.
Learning a second language also helps to improve overall cognitive abilities. In other words, it
benefits the overall development of a child’s brain. A recent survey by Cambridge University found
that children who studied a new language before the age of 5 were significantly more likely to score
higher in mathematics and science.
Those opposed say that it causes the child to become confused between their native tongue and
the other language. However, there is actually no evidence to support this view and children from
bilingual families do just as well in both languages. My own son was brought up speaking both
Vietnamese and English and outperforms most of his classmates in both.
On balance, the fact that early foreign language learning leads to higher fluency and improved
brain function clearly outweighs the flawed argument that it impairs uptake of native languages.

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DISCUSS BOTH VIEWS (DISCUSSION ESSAY)

Typical Question Words

Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.
Example Question

Computers are being used more and more in education.

Some people say that this is a positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to
negative consequences.
Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.

STRUCTURE
Introduction
Sentence 1- Paraphrase Question and/or state both viewpoints.
Sentence 2- Thesis Statement
Sentence 3- Outline Sentence

Main Body Paragraph 1

Sentence 1- State first viewpoint
Sentence 2- Discuss first viewpoint
Sentence 3- Reason why you agree or disagree with viewpoint
Sentence 4- Example to support your view

Main Body Paragraph 2

Sentence 1- State second viewpoint
Sentence 2- Discuss second viewpoint
Sentence 3- Reason why you agree or disagree with viewpoint
Sentence 4- Example to support your view

Conclusion
Sentence 1- Summary
Sentence 2- State which one is better or more important

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Model Answer

There is an ever-increasing use of technology, such as tablets and laptops, in the classroom. It is
often argued that this is a positive development, whilst others disagree and think it will lead to
adverse ramifications. This essay agrees that an increase in technology is beneficial to students and
teachers. This essay will discuss both points of view.

First of all, it is clear that the Internet has provided students with access to more information than
ever before. Moreover, learners have the ability to research and learn about any subject at the touch
of a button. It is therefore agreed that technology is a very worthwhile tool for education.
Wikipedia is a prime example, where students can simply type in any keyword and gain access to
in-depth knowledge quickly and easily.

However, many disagree and feel that technology deprives people of real human interaction.
Human interaction teaches people valuable skills such as discourse, debate and empathy. Despite
this, human interaction is still possible through the internet and this essay disagrees technology
should be dismissed for this reason. For instance, Skype and Facebook make it possible for people
to interact in ways that were never before possible.

While the benefits of technology, particularly the internet, allow students to tap into limitless
sources of information, some still feel that people should be wary of this new phenomenon and
not allow it to curb face to face interaction. However, as long as we are careful to keep in mind the
importance of human interaction in education, the educational benefits are clearly positive.

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OPINION (AGREE OR DISAGREE)

Typical Question Words – What is your opinion? Do you agree or disagree? To what extent do
you agree or disagree?

Example Question

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high
school programmes (for example, working for a charity, improving the neighborhood or teaching
sports to younger children). To what extent do you agree or disagree?

STRUCTURE
Introduction
Sentence 1a introduce the idea
Sentence 1b- Paraphrase Question
Sentence 2- Thesis Statement (It is agreed…/It is disagreed…/This essay agrees/disagrees…)
Sentence 3- Outline Sentence (This essay will discuss….)

Main Body Paragraph 1

Sentence 1- Topic Sentence
Sentence 2- Explain Topic Sentence
Sentence 3- Elaborate Example
Sentence 4 – Mini conclusion

Main Body Paragraph 2

Sentence 1- Topic Sentence
Sentence 2- Explain Topic Sentence
Sentence 3- Elaborate Example
Sentence 4 – Mini conclusion

Conclusion
Sentence 1- Summary and opinion

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Sample Answer

It is argued that volunteering should be made part of the school curriculum. This essay agrees
with that suggestion completely because of the benefits it brings to pupils. The essay will first
look at how voluntary work can help students develop soft skills and then discuss how these
extracurricular activities are valued by universities and employers.

First of all, education should not be limited to strictly academic pursuits and those in education
should also develop life skills, such as teamwork, empathy and self-discipline, and one of the best
ways to develop these aptitudes is through community service. Serving those less fortunate than
ourselves teaches us many lessons including how to work with people from other backgrounds
and the value of hard work. For example, I personally volunteered to spend 6 weeks in Africa
teaching disadvantaged children and this led to a much higher work ethic when I returned to my
studies.

Many colleges and companies are also increasingly looking for this type of experience. Most school
leavers have the same grades and charitable works can help set you apart from the herd. For
instance, Cambridge and Oxford receive thousands of applications from straight-A students
every year and can only accept a small percentage of applicants. What you have done outside the
classroom is often the thing that differentiates you from everyone else and gets you that coveted
spot.

In conclusion, teenagers should be made to partake in unpaid work as part of their schooling
because it will help them learn things they would not ordinarily learn from their teachers and it will
also boost their chances of getting into third level education.

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PROBLEM AND SOLUTION

Typical Question Words
Problem and solution. Cause and solution.

Example Question:

Students are becoming more and more reliant on computers. What are some of the problems
associated with reliance on computers, and what are some of the possible solutions?

STRUCTURE
Introduction
Sentence 1- Paraphrase Question
Sentence 2- Outline Sentence

Main Body Paragraph 1

Sentence 1- State one Problem
Sentence 2- Explain this one problem
Sentence 3- Result
Sentence 4- Example

Main Body Paragraph 2

Sentence 1- State Solution
Sentence 2- Explain Solution
Sentence 3- Example

Conclusion
Sentence 1- Summary
Sentence 2- Recommendation or Prediction

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Sample Answer

Learners are becoming ever more dependent on technology, such as the Internet and mobile
devices. This essay will discuss one of the main problems associated with a dependence on
computers and suggest a viable solution.

The principal problem with an over-reliance on technology, such as tablets and computers, is
plagiarism. Students often use search engines to answer a question and simply copy the text from
a website, rather than thinking about the question. This practice is not only prohibited in schools
and universities but also stunts a student’s intellectual development. For example, many teachers
complain that students copy web pages straight from Wikipedia word for word rather than giving
a reasoned answer to their questions.

A solution to this worrying problem is asking students to email their answers to teachers and then
their teachers use an anti-plagiarism software to detect copying. Moreover, students would be made
aware of this practice and this might inspire them to answer questions using their own words,
rather than someone else’s. For instance, many universities already use this kind software to scan
course work for plagiarism and it could be extended to include all homework, by learners in both
secondary and tertiary education.

In summary, one of the main problems with the over-use of technology in education is presenting
the work of others as one’s own and this can be solved through the use of plagiarisation detection
software. It is predicted that more and more students’ will email their work to their teacher and
this work will be scrutinised for plagiarism.

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TWO-PART QUESTIONS
Typical Question Words
There will normally be a statement and they will then ask you to answer to separate questions.

Example Question

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important
element of individual well-being.
What factors contribute to job satisfaction?
How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers? YES, NO, MAYBE.

STRUCTURE
Introduction
Sentence 1- Paraphrase Question
Sentence 2- Outline Sentence (mention both questions)

Main Body Paragraph 1

Sentence 1- Answer first question directly
Sentence 2- Explain why
Sentence 3- Further explain
Sentence 4- Example

Main Body Paragraph 2

Sentence 1- Answer second question directly
Sentence 2- Explain why
Sentence 3- Further explain
Sentence 4- Example

Conclusion
Sentence 1- Summary

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Sample Answer

As the majority of adults spend most of their time at work, being content with your career is a
crucial part of a person’s health and happiness. This essay will first discuss which elements lead to
job satisfaction before then addressing the question of how likely it might be that everyone can be
happy with their job.

First of all, two of the most important things that might lead to someone being satisfied at work
are being treated with respect by managers and being compensated fairly. If those more senior than
you respect you as a person and the job you are doing, then you feel like you are valued. A fair
salary and benefits are also important considerations because if you feel you are being underpaid,
you will either resent your bosses or look for another job. These two factors came top of a recent
job satisfaction survey conducted by www.monster.com, which found that 72% of people were
pleased with their current role when their superiors regularly told them they were appreciated.

Secondly, with regards to the question of happiness for all workers, it is generally believed that this
is, and always will be, highly unlikely. The vast majority of people fail to reach their goals and end
up working in a job they do not really care about in return for a salary. This money is often just
enough to pay their living expenses which often means they can become trapped in a cycle of
disenchantment. For example, The Times recently reported that 89% of office workers would
leave their jobs if they did not need the money.

In conclusion, being satisfied with your trade or profession is an important part of one’s well-
being and respect from one’s colleagues and fair pay can improve your level of happiness, however,
job satisfaction for all workers is probably an unrealistic prospect.

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HOW TO EXPRESS AN OPINION: A FEW

EXAMPLES
A. GIVING AN OPINION
I believe/think that…
In my view...
I feel strongly that...
I would argue that...

B. AGREEING WITH AN IDEA

I am convinced that…
I am certain that…
I partially/to some extent support…
I generally agree that…

C. DISAGREEING WITH AN IDEA

I totally disagree that…
There is no justification for...
I am completely against...
I do not agree with the idea that...
I do not think/believe…

D. DESCRIBING OTHER PEOPLE’S OPINIONS

Many consider/argue/claim that…
It is widely believed that…
It is often said/claimed that…
Some people hold/believe/think/insist/argue/claim that…

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HOW TO AVOID ABSOLUTE STATEMENTS

MAKING PREDICTIONS
The use of modern technology would probably/certainly/definitely lead to the development
of better products.
Children who watch a lot of television in their spare time are more/highly likely/unlikely to
score low on the school exams.
A university degree could/may/might possibly help him find a job at a better company.
It is highly/very/quite likely/possible/unlikely that this can improve the situation.

AVOIDING “ALL”: WAYS OF SAYING “SOME”

many/a lot of/lots of/a large number of products
the majority of/most students
some people
certain groups in the society
a minority of employers
a few/a small number of cities

AVOIDING “NO” AND “NONE”: WAYS OF SAYING “ONLY A VERY

INSIGNIFICANT NUMBER”:
few people
only an insignificant number of products
almost no evidence

AVOIDING “ALWAYS”
Governments almost always/usually/normally/mostly/generally support local businesses.
People sometimes/occasionally/often try to hide their feelings.
People try to hide their feelings at certain times.
Avoiding “never”
Tourists seldom/almost never/rarely realise how important local cultures are.

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A QUICK GUIDE TO PUNCTUATION

Basically, the two punctuation marks you will need to use in IELTS reports, letters and essays are
the full stop and comma. Exclamation (!) and question marks (?) might also be used in General
Training letters, while parentheses could be used in Academic reports as well as in letters. You are
advised to avoid using the colon (:), semi-colon (;) and dashes (–) if you do not know where they
need to be used, since they are unnecessary.

FULL STOP (.)

Full stops are generally used to mark the end of a sentence:
There has been a dramatic increase in the population of urban regions.
COMMA (,)
Commas are used in longer sentences to separate information into readable units. They also often
separate clauses in a sentence and sometimes come before a coordinator (e.g. “and”, “but”, etc.)
- A single comma ensures correct reading of a sentence which starts with a long
introductory element:
Following efforts by pioneering scientists in the field of ecology, it has now been generally
accepted that the world is gradually becoming warmer.
- A single comma is used after many starting linkers like “however”, moreover”, “basically”
and such:
In contrast, water levels in Africa and Australia declined to reach an all-time low.
- Pairs of commas help in the middle of a sentence to set off any string of words which
is either a parenthesis, or in contrast, to whatever went before:
A student, whether at school or university, needs to receive guidance and instructions on how
to use resources effectively and efficiently.
- Sets of comma act as a means of separating items in a list:
Workplaces like business offices, banks and schools would certainly require a more formal
dress code.
- Use a comma at the end of a subordinate clause that precedes its main clause:
Although the government has invested heavily in preparing students for higher education, many
university graduates still lack some basic academic skills.
- Non-restrictive relative clauses (relative clauses which provide information that can be
left out without affecting the meaning or structure of the sentence) should be separated from the
rest of the sentence by a comma or commas:
A list of contents would have made it easier to steer through the book, which also lacks a map.

Note: do not add a comma after “that” at the beginning of a clause: It has been known for some
time that many flaws in children’s behavior have roots in their genes.

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PUNCTUATION IN COMPOUND AND COMPLEX

SENTENCES: A SHORT NOTE

COMPOUND SENTENCES

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses:
- There are many problems with this approach, and many of its supporters have already voiced
their concern.
Note that the comma is not used when both clauses share the same subject:
- Many people are trying to move to larger cities and look for better prospects.
Use a period or semicolon before a transition that connects two independent clauses:
- The problem has become more pressing over the years. However, the government seems to be
ignoring it for the moment.
- Companies need younger workforce to replace retiring staff members; nevertheless, some
believe that old experienced workforce should be kept in their jobs for as long as they can work.

COMPLEX SENTENCES

Use a comma after an introductory subordinate clause to separate it from the main:
- Although education seems to play a more important role in the development of a country, the
role of art should not be overlooked.
Note that the comma is not used when the main clause precedes the subordinate clause
unless the clause expresses contrast or exception (although, while, whereas):
-Mobile phones are very useful because they provide their users with a variety of entertainment
and communication options.
-Many people think this is the right thing to do, whereas others completely reject it.

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SYNONYMS FOR ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

benefits and drawbacks
upsides and downsides
pros and cons
strengths and weaknesses/shortcomings
SYNONYMS FOR CAUSES
the factors/issues responsible for …
the reasons behind/for …
the factors/issues which have contributed to …
the causes of …
the issues which have resulted in/led to …
SYNONYMS FOR EFFECTS
a. Real consequences
consequences/effects/impacts the issues it has resulted in /which have resulted from …
the problems which follow /have followed …
b. Possible consequences
the problems/issues that … could/may/might/is likely to result in/lead to
the problems/issues which could/may/might/are likely to result from/follow/ensue … …’s
possible/potential/probable/prospective consequences/effects/impacts
SYNONYMS FOR SOLUTIONS
Solutions for …
means/ways to solve …
means/ways to resolve/deal with/tackle/improve …

The Academic Word List

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TASK 1
This task tests your ability to select and report the main features, to describe and
compare data, identify significance and trends in factual information, or describe a
process.

WRITING INTRODUCTIONS

The first thing to note is that writing about Tables, Graphs and Diagrams is not the same as
writing an essay in IELTS writing task 2:
• You are NOT asked to give your opinion on the information, but generally to write a
report describing the information factually.
• It is NOT necessary to write an introduction like in an essay for this writing task. You
are writing a report, which means that you do NOT begin with a broad general
statement about the topic.
• You do NOT need to write a conclusion which gives any kind of opinion about the
significance of the information.
THREE STEPS TO KEEP UP

1. Identify the main idea behind the graph or table. This will be the focus of your first sentence.

2. Consider the details of what is being shown - the units of measurement and the time frame -
and decide how much you need to include.

3. Consider the language to use - the introductory expressions, the tenses of the verbs, the
correct expressions of time and I or measurement etc.
THREE POSSIBLE WAYS TO START

1. Refer to the visual directly (e.g. This graph shows the population of Canada in from 1867
up to 2007.) However, this method is not advisable, since the instructions in the IELTS test
will normally give you just this information. If you copy directly from the paper you are
wasting time, since the examiner cannot assess your English from a copied sentence.
2. Refer directly to the main message conveyed by the visual (e.g. There was a sharp increase
in the population of Canada from 1867 up to 2007.) This way is perfectly acceptable, and
shows that you are able to recognise the main concept or message that the graph or table
shows.
3. Combine the two (e.g. The graph shows that there was a sharp increase in the population of
Canada from 1867 up to 2007.) This is also acceptable, and is often used as a convenient
way to start. In order to use this method, it is necessary to use a few fixed expressions,
which refer to the text itself, like those below.

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Warnings
1. Avoid using the phrase: ACCORDING TO THE GRAPH. This is because the
phrase according to generally means that the information comes from another person or
source, and not from our own knowledge. (For example, ACCORDING TO HANDBOOK,
THE ARCHAIC PERIOD STARTED AROUND 7000 BCE AND ENDED AROUND
1200 BCE.)
In the case of a graph or table that is shown, the information is there right in front of you, the
writer, and also the reader, and so you know it does not come from another source.

2. The expressions AS CAN BE SEEN FROM THE GRAPH OR AS IS

SHOWN/ILLUSTRATED BY THE TABLE do NOT contain the dummy subject IT. Avoid
these expressions if you think you are going to forget this unusual grammar.

3. Avoid using the word PRESENTS. It requires a sophisticated summarising noun to follow.
(For example: THE GRAPH PRESENTS AN OVERVIEW OF THE POPULATION
GROWTH OF CANADA BETWEEN 1867 AND 2007.)

THE OVERVIEW IS PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT PARAGRAPH IN THE

WHOLE ESSAY.

THE OVERVIEW IS A GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

IT NEEDS NO MORE THAN 2 SENTENCES.
THERE SHOULD NEVER BE ANY SPECIFIC NUMBERS IN THE OVERVIEW.
IT SHOULD ALLOW THE READER TO PICTURE WHAT THE GRAPH IS ABOUT.
ALWAYS BEGIN WITH “OVERALL,”
EXAMPLE 1:

Overall, it is clear that each age group has a clear favourite which varies depending on age. However,
vegetables are consistently amongst the least popular, regardless of age.

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EXAMPLE 2:

Overall, the total amount of income was sufficient to cover expenditure. Moreover, donated food
accounted for the most significant share in total income while the maximum amount of money
was spent on program services.

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STRUCTURE

INTRODUCTION

PARAPHRASING THE QUESTION 1 OR 2 SENTENCES

Change as many of the original words as is possible
You don’t have to change all the words.

OVERVIEW
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
2 SENTENCES.
NO NUMBERS
should allow the reader to picture in their mind what the graph is about
ALWAYS BEGIN WITH “OVERALL,”

PARAGRAPH 1
ONE IDEA
Accurate number/figures are compulsory
Don’t make any suppositions or give reasons why
Just present the bare information
Use linking expressions like moreover, however etc
Avoid repetition of words
Try not use basic adjectives and verbs like good, bad, up, down, etc use formal expressions like
positive, negative, increase, decrease instead
Be selective. Don’t write about everything.

PARAGRAPH 2
ANOTHER IDEA
Numbers/figures are compulsory
Don’t make any suppositions or give reasons why
Just present the bare information
Use linking expressions

The conclusion is not necessary because you have already written an overview.

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TYPES OF TASKS

LINE GRAPH

The graph shows average annual expenditures on cell phone and residential phone
services between 2001 and 2010.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

How to answer this task?

1. Introduce the line graph.
2. Write what it illustrates.
3. Give an overview.
4. Briefly summarize what happens on the graph.
5. Apart from obvious trends, see some less noticeable features.
6. Where did the graph rise/decline sharply and where slowly? What is the difference between
initial and final figures? Where did the records meet?
7. Describe each change on the graph in a separate paragraph.
8. This graph is a good example of a situation when students get confused, thinking there is
not enough information to write 150 words. In this case, make a lot of comparisons,
support your assertions with data and paraphrase the written information. Use vocabulary
to describe graphs, linking structures and words from academic wordlist.

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Sample answer
The line graph illustrates the average cost that American customers spent on mobile and landline
phone services annually over a 10-year period.
Overall, spending on residential phone services dramatically declined, while popularity of mobile
services increased sharply throughout a decade. Also, both of services met at the same record in
2006.
In 2001, spending on mobile phone services began by merely $200, while the amount of annual
expenditure on the residential phone services was around $700. Over the following five years,
expenditure on landline phone services gradually dropped below $600, whereas expenditure on
cell phone services rose to just over $500.
In 2006 cell phones overtook landline phones, and the services became equal in popularity with
customers' annual expenditure of about $550. Then, cell phone expenses rose to approximately
$750 in 2010, making nearly a fourfold jump relatively to its initial figure in 2001. Meanwhile,
spending on residential phone services experienced a steep fall in 2007 and went on to steadily
decrease for the rest of the period.
PIE CHART

The two pie charts below show the percentages of industry sectors' contribution to the economy
of Turkey in 2000 and 2016.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons
where relevant.

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1. Paraphrase
The two pie charts illustrate how different industries contributed to the economic situation of
Turkey in two different years, 2000 and 2016. Data is given in percentages.

2. General Overview
• find the biggest and smallest segments of each pie chart or
• find which segments became bigger/smaller or didn't change
Overall, it is evident that construction initially contributed the least and agriculture was the
most significant economic sector. In comparison, by the end of the period healthcare and
education had become the largest economic segment and the lowest contribution was made by
finance, business and other services.

3. Specific details
Group the specific details of your chart in 2 or 3 paragraphs.
You can group data in such way:
• Sectors that had an increase (construction; trade utilities & transportation;
manufacturing; finance, business and other services)
• Sectors that had a decrease or didn't change (agriculture; government; leisure and
hospitality; healthcare and education)
First of all, the construction sector accounted for 3% of Turkey's economy in 2000, and
experienced a more than threefold increase to one-tenth/10% in 2016. Moreover, economic
income from trade, utilities and transportation was 14% in 2000 and experienced a slight
growth of 2% in 2016. At the beginning of the period, manufacturing and finance, business and
other services made up 8% and 5% of Turkey's economy, respectively, and by 2016 these
figures had risen to 12% and 8%.

Secondly, agriculture, which comprised almost a quarter of Turkey's economy in 2000 (24%),
had fallen considerably to 14% by 2016. In 2000, economic outputs from the government and
leisure and hospitality sectors were at 12% and 17%, respectively, and both had decreased by
3% after a 16-year period. In contrast, the contribution from healthcare and education
remained stable in both years at 17%.

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THE KEY LANGUAGE when you write about pie charts is proportions and percentages. So,
you need to be able to manipulate the data by changing percentages to fractions or ratios:
Percentage Fraction

80% By four-fifths

75% three-quarters

70% seven in ten

65% two-thirds

60% three-fifths

55% more than half

50% half

more than two

45%
fifths/less than a half

40% two-fifths

35% more than a third

30% less than a third

25% a quarter

20% a fifth

15% less than a fifth

10% one in ten

5% one in twenty

If they are not exact, use qualifiers to make sure your description remains accurate.
Percentage Qualifier

77% just over three quarters

77% approximately three quarters

49% just under a half

49% nearly a half

32% almost a third

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Here are some other ways to change percentages to other phrases:

proportion / number / amount
Percentage
/ majority / minority

75% - 85% a very large majority

65% - 75% a significant proportion

10% - 15% a minority

5% a very small number

To increase by 100% To double To increase twofold

To increase by 200% To triple To increase threefold
To increase by 300% To quadruple To increase fourfold
To increase by 400% To increase fivefold

To decrease by 50% To halve

To decrease by 33% To fall by a third
To decrease by 66% To fall by two-thirds

PROCESS QUESTIONS
1. Paraphrase the Question

Every process question follows the same format.

The first thing we need to do is to paraphrase the general information.

Question 1: The diagram below shows the process of photosynthesis.

Paraphrased: The illustration demonstrates how plants produce energy from sunlight.

Question 2: The diagram below shows how electricity is produced in a nuclear power station.
Paraphrased: The illustration shows the process of how nuclear power plants make electricity.

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2. Overview of Process

• Is it a man-made or natural process?

• How many stages are there?
• What is produced?
• Where does it start and where does it end?
• Is it cyclical or linear?
• Are any materials added?
3. Detail Each Stage of the Process
Now:
• say what each stage does
• what it produces
• if any materials are added
• what’s the relationship with the previous or subsequent stages.
Don’t forget to use the passive tense!

4. Sequencing the Process

Try to sequence your language and make your details easier to read by using language like:

• Firstly,

• First of all,

• Secondly,

• After that,

• From this

• Where

• Following that

• Subsequently,

• Before that

• In turn

• Then

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Example

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The diagram illustrates the process that is used to manufacture bricks for the building
industry.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make
comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.

The Brick Manufacturing Process

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Sample Answer

The diagram explains the way in which bricks are made for the construction industry.
Overall, there are seven stages in the process, beginning with the digging up of clay and
culminating in delivery.
To begin, the clay used to make the bricks is dug up from the ground by a large digger. This clay
is then placed onto a metal grid, which is used to break up the clay into smaller pieces. A roller
assists in this process. Following this, sand and water are added to the clay, and this mixture is
turned into bricks by either placing it into a mould or using a wire cutter. Next, these bricks are
placed in an oven to dry for one or two days.
In the subsequent stage, the bricks go through a heating and cooling process. They are heated
in a kiln at a moderate and then a high temperature (ranging from 200c to 1,300c), followed by a
cooling process in a chamber for 2 – 3 days. Finally, the bricks are packed and delivered to their
destinations.

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MAPS

Paragraph 1

Paraphrase Sentence
Paragraph 2
Overview
Make two general statements about the most noticeable differences between the two maps.
Is the map more or less residential? Is there more or less countryside? Are there more or less
trees? Were the changes dramatic or negligible? Were there any major improvements in
infrastructure? How have the buildings and leisure facilities changed?
Paragraph 3
Main Body 1
Three to four sentences about specific changes that have occurred.
Paragraph 4
Main Body 2
Further three to four sentences about specific changes that have occurred.

TENSES

BEFORE & AFTER – SIMPLE PAST PASSIVE

1986 - TODAY – PRESENT PERFECT or SIMPLE PAST PASSIVE

VOCABULARY
Buildings
demolished, knocked-down, pulled down, torn down, flattened, replaced, renovated, built,
constructed, reconstructed, developed, enlarged, extended, expanded, relocated, converted and
modernized, redeveloped.
Trees and Forests
cleared, cut-down, chopped-down, removed, planted, replanted.
Roads, bridges and railways lines
constructed, built, extended, expanded and removed.

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Leisure facilities
opened, set up, developed, closed.

Group information together in paragraph 3 and 4 by time or location, depending on the question.

Describe where things are and describe where changes have occurred.

You can use ‘to the left’ and ‘to the right’, but a better way is to use ‘north’, ‘south’, ‘east’ and
‘west’.

Use prepositions of place for example, on/next to/near/from north to south/from east to
west/by/across/from/nearby/between/beside/over/along
Example

The two maps below show an island, before and after the construction of some facilities.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

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SAMPLE ANSWER

The maps/drawings/designs compare a small island before and after the developments carried out
for tourism purposes.

Overall, it is clear that accommodation and other facilities for tourists were built and that a pier
was constructed to permit access to the island by boat.

First of all, the island was originally completely undeveloped, with only a small number of trees
occupying the northern and southern parts. In the central part of the island, two separate
accommodation areas were then built, consisting of simple huts arranged round a circular
footpath. In addition, a reception area and restaurant were located in the centre of these two areas.

Another footpath was constructed, leading to the beach on the western edge/side/part of the
island and an area was opened there for tourists to swim. Moreover, access to the island was made
possible by the construction of a pier and a vehicle track then connected the pier to the reception
area. The vehicle track wound round the reception area and continued a very short distance to the
restaurant.

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MIXED CHARTS

For example, in the question above we are asked to summarise both a pie chart and a table. You
could also be given a line graph and a bar chart, a pie chart and a line graph or any other
combination.
Don’t write too much- you have to pick only a few features and report them. So pick 2 of the most
obvious features from each graph and write about these things only.
The first important points should be very visual. By that I mean, look for extremes (highs and
lows), major trends, major changes (from beginning to end) and any obvious comparisons that can
be made between either the two graphs or within the same graph.
Remember that the most obvious things are the ‘main features’.
Organise your ideas into paragraphs. So, 1 paragraph for 1 graph.

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Question– The pie chart below shows the main reasons why agricultural land become lesson
productive. The table shows how these causes affected three regions of the world during the 1990s.
(graphs in picture above).
Answer
While the pie chart displays the principal causes why farming land deteriorates, the table illustrates
how three regions of the planet (Europe, North America and Oceania) were affected by these
factors in the 1990s.
Overall, it is evident that there are three primary causes of farmland degradation, with over-
grazing being the major one. Furthermore, the table shows that Europe had a far higher
percentage of unproductive land compared to the other two regions in this time period.
First of all, the pie chart represents four causes, with over-grazing representing the most
significant proportion at just over a third (35%). In addition, the widespread clearing of trees
and the over-use of crops constitute nearly one third (30%) and just over a quarter (28%),
respectively.
Secondly, the table shows that approximately one quarter (23%) of Europe’s entire surface
had fallen victim to degeneration by the end of the 1990s. Finally, only a small proportion of
North America’s total land had become less productive (5%) and Oceania was marginally
higher, with a value of 13%.

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