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35 IELTS Writing Q&A: word counts, paraphrasing, conclusion requirements, British vs American spelling, contractions, paragraph structure, grammar tips. Band 7 essentials per question.
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35 IELTS Writing Q&A: word counts, paraphrasing, conclusion requirements, British vs American spelling, contractions, paragraph structure, grammar tips. Band 7 essentials per question.
Minimum 250 words. Target 280-320 for Band 9. Below 250 = Task Achievement penalty (up to -1.5 bands).
Minimum 150 words. Target 170-190 for Band 9.
Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1 in overall Writing band calculation. Prioritize Task 2 if time is limited.
20 minutes for Task 1, 40 minutes for Task 2. Total Writing section: 60 minutes.
Yes — many high-scorers write Task 2 first because it''s worth more. If you rush, at least Task 2 is fully completed.
Writing too few words (<250 Task 2 or <150 Task 1). Auto-penalty regardless of quality.
Hit all 4 criteria at Band 7: clear task response with position, logical coherence with good cohesive devices, less-common vocabulary (2-3 per sentence), and complex grammar with frequent error-free sentences.
Both equally accepted. Be consistent — don''t mix "realize" (American) with "organisation" (British).
Avoid in Task 2 (formal essay). Contractions are fine in Task 1 letters for General Training.
No — Task 1 does not require a conclusion. Only Task 2.
No — continuous prose only in both tasks.
Past simple for historical data; present simple passive for current processes; past simple passive for map comparisons.
4 paragraphs: intro, body 1, body 2, conclusion. Occasionally 5 if you need a 3rd body paragraph, but 4 is standard for Band 7+.
Structural template (4-paragraph outline) — YES, and recommended. Memorized sentences — NO, examiners detect them.
Paraphrase the question in different words. Example: Question says "Many believe X"; you write "It is often argued that X."
Change verbs (believe → argue), swap synonyms (many → numerous), alter sentence structure (active to passive).
Depends on prompt. Agree/Disagree: yes, clear position. Discussion: both views + your opinion. Problem/Solution: diagnose + prescribe, no opinion needed.
Words that link ideas: however, therefore, nevertheless, furthermore, in contrast. Use 2-3 per essay, not 10.
Start conclusion paragraph with variations: "In conclusion," "In summary," "To sum up," "Ultimately." Don''t repeat the same phrase.
In Task 2 opinion essays: yes, save for your position ("I strongly agree"). In Task 1: no — describe objectively.
No direct penalty but more errors appear. Over 350 Task 2 = time-wasting. Sweet spot: 280-320.
3 sentences: restate thesis in different words, briefly summarize main points, add a final thought/implication. 40-50 words.
No — plausible fake examples are fine. Real examples (cited studies, specific companies) boost credibility but aren''t required.
Specific: "Stanford 2024 study, 3,500 teens, 35% anxiety increase" beats "many young people."
No — no conclusion caps Task Response at Band 5. Better a short conclusion than none.
Use movement vocabulary (soared, plummeted, plateaued), comparisons (twice as many, more than), and specific figures. Focus on trends + key features, not every data point.
Intro (paraphrase + thesis + outline) → Body 1 (main point + explanation + example) → Body 2 (second point + explanation + example) → Conclusion (restate thesis + final thought).
Use 2-3 less-common words per sentence (not 10), precise collocations ("pivotal role" not "important role"), and occasional idiomatic phrases.
Once in intro or conclusion is enough. Repeated use signals lack of vocabulary range.
Write 3-4 essays per week → get AI or human feedback → fix top 3 recurring errors → retest on similar prompts.
Examiners follow Band Descriptors strictly but aren''t adversarial. Marginal cases (6.5 vs 7.0) get a second look.
No — not allowed in the real exam. In practice, limit dictionary use so you develop vocabulary instinct.
Persistent errors (5+ per essay) drop Lexical Resource by 0.5-1 band. Occasional slips don''t hurt.
Keep an error log. Track your recurring mistakes (articles, tenses, subject-verb agreement) and drill those specifically.
Band 7 Writing + Band 7 each in other 3 sections = Band 7 overall. Writing is usually the lowest for most candidates.
Four criteria scored simultaneously (TR, CC, LR, GRA). Weakness in any one caps overall Writing band. Unlike multiple-choice sections, there''s no luck factor.