Master the entire IELTS writing test format and the 4 scoring criteria

The IELTS exam will assess your knowledge and usage of the 4 specific skills: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. In this exam, you will simultaneously take the IELTS Writing, Reading, and Listening tests. These three skills will be continuously tested one after another, without any break between each test. In addition, the Speaking skill will be tested separately based on the requirements of the test location where candidates register. So let's explore in detail the IELTS writing test format with prepedu.com to "know yourself, know your enemy, and win a hundred battles"

I. IELTS writing test format

1. Test format

• IELTS writing test format 1: IELTS Academic, also known as IELTS for academic purposes. The purpose of IELTS Academic is for individuals who intend to study abroad or pursue academic goals. IELTS Academic assesses whether candidates are ready and have sufficient knowledge for studying or conducting research in English, especially at higher education levels such as undergraduate or postgraduate.
• IELTS writing test format 2: IELTS General, also known as IELTS for general purposes. This test format is suitable for individuals who intend to immigrate or work in foreign countries. IELTS General is appropriate for candidates who are preparing to move to English-speaking countries, aiming to complete secondary education, vocational training programs, or participate in non-degree university-level courses. It can also serve the purpose of immigration.

2. The format of IELTS writing test

Test duration: 60 minutes

IELTS Writing - Academic format: The IELTS Academic Writing test consists of two parts. The writing topics are designed for individuals at the undergraduate, and postgraduate levels, or those with specific academic interests.

• Part 1: For IELTS Writing Task 1, candidates are provided with a graph, table, chart, or diagram. The task requires the candidate to describe, summarize, or explain the information in their own words. The task may also involve describing and explaining data, describing stages of a process, or describing how something works an object, or an event.
• Part 2: In IELTS Writing Task 2, candidates are required to write an essay. The essay should respond to a viewpoint, argument, or issue mentioned in the task. Candidates need to complete both Part 1 and Part 2 with a formal writing style.

Writing - General format: The IELTS General Writing test consists of 2 parts, based on commonly interested topics.

• Part 1: The structure of IELTS Writing Task 1 presents a situation. Candidates are required to write a letter proposing information or explaining the situation. Unlike IELTS Academic, the letter can be written in an informal, neutral, or formal style.
• Part 2: In the structure of IELTS Writing Task 2, you will be asked to write an essay. The essay should respond to a viewpoint, argument, or issue. This test tends to have a more informal style compared to IELTS Writing Task 2 of the Academic format.

II. 4 Scoring Criteria of IELTS Writing You Should Know

To effectively prepare for the IELTS Writing test, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of the following 4 scoring criteria of IELTS Writing. Additionally, you can refer to an article about the IELTS Writing band descriptors to gain a clear understanding of the scoring levels in this skill!

1. Task Achievement

This criterion is used to assess whether you have written according to the given topic. Task Achievement evaluates the content of your response in Writing Task 2 and examines the logical reasoning of your main ideas. Therefore, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Address the question fully as presented in Task 2.
• Structure your essay based on the main focus of the topic.
• Have a clear outline and coherent development of ideas. Avoid being disorganized or going off-topic.
• Write a minimum of 250 words in the test.

2. Coherence and cohesion

For this criterion, the examiner will examine the grammatical structure of your entire essay as well as each paragraph. They will assess the connectivity and coherence throughout the essay and between its parts. To achieve a high score, you should take note of the following:

• Your essay should consist of 4-5 paragraphs.
• The arguments should be organized in a logical and orderly manner.
• The use of transitional words and phrases should be appropriate.
• Avoid any errors in the use of transitional words.

3. Lexical Resource

For Lexical Resource, the examiner will evaluate your use of vocabulary and paraphrasing. To score well in this criterion, you need to

• Use vocabulary flexibly and appropriately.
• Avoid vocabulary errors when paraphrasing.
• Pay attention to spelling.
• Avoid using informal words.

4. Grammatical Range and accuracy

In this criterion, the examiner pays attention to sentence structure and the tenses used by the candidate. Therefore, to achieve a high score in this part of the IELTS test, candidates need to use grammar structures and tenses correctly and flexibly. Keep the following points in mind during the test to achieve a high score:

• Use English tenses flexibly, ensuring their correct usage.
• Maintain word order within a sentence.
• Vary sentence structures.
• Avoid basic grammar errors, especially common ones such as articles, plural nouns, uncountable nouns, etc.

III. Master IELTS Skills for a High Band Score

These are helpful insights from PREP regarding the IELTS writing test format and important points to consider during the test to achieve a high band score. If your goal is to achieve a Band 7 or higher, these IELTS resources below are for you:

• IELTS online course: Score Big in IELTS With Our Expert Tips!