Your IELTS writing tasks are assessed on the basis of four criteria. Each of them is explained below.
Task 1 (Both Academic and General Training)
Task Achievement
This criterion evaluates your writing based on its accuracy, relevancy and appropriateness. Keep in mind that you have to write at least 150 words. Academic writing task 1 presents data in the form of a chart, table, diagram or map. You have to describe the information as accurately as possible. This does not mean that you have to discuss each and every detail. Leave out unimportant information. Also, avoid all irrelevant details. For example, you are not supposed to make predictions or speculations based on the given data. Anything that is not given in the table/chart/map should not be mentioned at all.
General training writing task 1 requires you to write a formal, semi-formal or informal letter. Use appropriate tone and language. The letter prompt will typically include three bullet points. Your response should cover all of them.
Coherence and cohesion
This criterion assesses your ability to use cohesive elements like transitions, linking words, discourse markers, conjunctions and pronouns appropriately. Cohesive elements are used to ensure the smooth flow of ideas between sentences and paragraphs. If transitions and connectors are used appropriately, your essay will be easier to understand and more interesting to read. This does not mean that you have to start every sentence with a transitional element. Don’t do it. Use transitions only in situations where you want to establish a logical connection with the previous sentence.
Lexical resource
The range of vocabulary you use can have an impact on your score. If you use vocabulary appropriate for the context, your score will improve. For example, while interpreting a line graph showing trends, you have to use a variety of words expressing trends. Likewise, in a letter requesting help or information, you should not use words that express orders or commands. Some students deliberately use high sounding words nobody has heard with the sole objective of impressing the examiner. This is a mistake. Use vocabulary appropriate for the context. There is no harm in using common vocabulary. As long as it is used correctly and fits the context, you are safe. Feel free to use phrasal verbs and idioms in informal letters. However, you must not use them in formal letters and essays. Also, avoid contracted verb forms in your essays and formal letters. Varied vocabulary improves the score. Instead of repeating the same word, try to use its synonyms when you have to mention it again. Also, try to use other forms of the same word. For example, the word satisfy has other forms like satisfaction, satisfactory, satisfied etc. By using different forms of the same word correctly, you can also demonstrate your grammatical range.
Grammatical range and accuracy
Try to use a variety of sentence patterns. If all of your sentences are simple and short, it shows an inability to use complex sentence patterns and that will affect your score. So, mix simple sentences with complex sentences. A complex sentence has one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. Clauses connected by the conjunctions after, when, while, because, since, as, if, whether, unless, though, although etc., are all complex sentences. Clauses connected by the relative pronouns who, whom, which, that, whose etc., are also complex sentences. Try to include one or two complex sentences in each paragraph. Do not write overly long sentences. Your sentences should not be longer than 15-20 words.
In both Academic and General Training Modules, task 2 requires the test taker to take a stand in relation to a statement or an argument in the given prompt. You have to support your opinion / stand with valid arguments. You can also use examples from your own experience. Include only points relevant to the task. If you write an off-topic essay, you will not get a good task score no matter how good it is in terms of grammar and vocabulary.
Here are the three aspects that examiners consider while evaluating your essay – content, position and organization.
Content
- Are your ideas relevant?
- Have you answered all the questions in the task rubric?
- Were you able to support your opinion with valid points?
Position
- Have you expressed a clear opinion?
- Do the body paragraphs support that opinion?
- Have you presented your arguments convincingly?
Organization
- Have you used structure appropriate for the task?
- Are the tone, language and style appropriate?
