Academic IELTS Writing Test Sample

Meaning of IELTS Academic:

It is the type of IELTS test that measures whether you are ready to start studying in English. It is characterised by the fact that it includes familiar vocabulary in an academic setting.

The importance of IELTS Academic for study:

• More than 3.7 million students study abroad each year. Many students study in English-speaking countries, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
• Studying in an English-speaking country offers many opportunities. It can also allow you to specialize in a particular field or get a job once you have completed your education.
• IELTS is recognised by over 11,000 education and training providers worldwide. Some universities in non-English speaking countries also require an IELTS score if the course is taught in English.

Given the importance of the IELTS test, we share with you on the Madrasa.com blog IELTS test models in all its sections. In this article, we share with you the details of the IELTS Academic Writing Test and the test model.

You can follow the IELTS Academic Reading test model here.

You can also learn more details about the IELTI test in general here.

What is the format of the writing test in the IELTS Academic test?

Academic Writing (60 minutes)

Academic writing covers topics of general interest and is suitable for test takers who are entering undergraduate and graduate studies or seeking professional registration. There are two types of tasks :

Task 1: -

You will be given a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event .

Task 2:-

You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. Responses to both tasks must be in a formal style .

Description of the IELTS Academic Writing Test:

Regarding the paper format:

There are two writing tasks and both must be completed .

Regarding timing:

60 minutes

Regarding the number of questions:

2 questions

Regarding the types of tasks:

In mission 1:

• Test takers are asked to describe some visual information (graph/table/chart/diagram) in their own words. They need to write 150 words in about 20 minutes.
• Also in Task 2, they respond to a point of view, argument or problem. They need to write 250 words in about 40 minutes .

Regarding the answer:

• Answers must be given on the answer sheet and must be written in full.
• Notes or points are not accepted as answers.
• Test takers may write on the question paper but it cannot be taken from the testing room and will not be seen by the examiner.

IELTS Academic Writing Test Model in detail:

Regarding Task 1:

Regarding the type and form of the task:

1. In Writing Task 1, test takers may be asked to describe facts or figures shown in one or more graphs, diagrams or tables on a relevant topic; or they may be given a diagram of a machine, apparatus or process and asked to explain how it works. They should write in an academic or semi-formal/neutral style and include the most important and relevant points in the diagram. Some minor points or details may be left out.

2. Test takers should not spend more than 20 minutes on this task. They are required to write at least 150 words and will be penalized if their answer is too short. While test takers will not be penalized for writing more than 150 words, they should remember that a longer answer for Task 1 may mean they have less time to spend on Task 2, contributing to a poor writing bar score.

3. Test takers should also note that they will be penalized for inappropriateness if the response is off-topic or not written as a complete, connected text (e.g., using bullet points in any part of the response, feedback form, etc.). They will be penalized severely for plagiarism (i.e., copying from another source).

4. Test takers must write their answers in the answer booklet.

Regarding the importance of this task:

This task assesses the ability to identify the most important relevant information and trends in a graph, chart, table or diagram, and to give a well-organised overview of it using precise language in an academic style.

For the number of questions:

One question.

Regarding Task 2:

Regarding the type and form of the task:

1. In Writing Task 2, test takers are given a topic to write about in an academic or semi-formal/neutral style. Answers should be a discursive consideration of relevant issues. Test takers should ensure that they read the task carefully and provide a complete and relevant response. For example, if the topic is a particular aspect of computers, they should focus on that aspect in their response, and should not simply write about computers in general.

2. Test takers should not spend more than 40 minutes on this task. They are required to write at least 250 words and will be penalized if their answer is too short. While test takers will not be penalized for writing more than 250 words, if they write an answer that is too long, they may not have time to check and correct at the end and some of the ideas may not be directly relevant to the question.
3. Task 2 contributes twice as much to the final writing band score as Task 1. Therefore, test takers who fail to attempt this task will greatly reduce their chance of achieving a good band.

4. Test takers will be penalised for inappropriateness if the response is off-topic or not written as a complete and connected text (e.g. using bullet points in any part of the response, or a feedback form, etc.). They will be penalised severely for plagiarism (i.e. copying from another source). Finally, test takers should ensure that they do not copy directly from the question paper as this will not be assessed.

5. They should write their answers in the answer booklet.

Regarding the importance of this task:

This task assesses the ability to present a clear, relevant and well-organised argument, give evidence or examples to support ideas and use language accurately.

For the number of questions:

One question.

How is the marking and assessment process done in the IELTS Academic Writing test?

• Each assignment is evaluated independently. So the assessment of assignment 2 carries more weight in the marking than assignment 1.
• Answers are assessed by IELTS-certified examiners. All IELTS examiners hold relevant educational qualifications and are appointed as examiners by test centres and are accredited by the British Council or IDP: IELTS Australia.
• Scores are reported in whole and half bands. Detailed performance descriptors have been developed describing written performance in the nine IELTS bands. These are available on the How to score IELTS page.

It applies to both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training versions and is based on the following criteria:

Task 1 responses are assessed on the basis of:

• Mission accomplished

• Linguistic coherence and sentence structure

• Dictionary Terms

• Grammatical range and accuracy.

Task 2 responses are assessed on the basis of:

• Task response
• Linguistic coherence and sentence structure
• Dictionary Terms
• Grammatical accuracy.

Performance Description:

Mission accomplished

This assesses the appropriateness, accuracy and relevance of the response to the requirements specified in the task, using at least 150 words. Academic Writing Task 1 is a writing task with specific inputs and largely predictable outputs. It is essentially a task of conveying information that relates narrowly to the factual content of the input scheme and not to speculative interpretations that lie outside the given data.

Sentence coherence and linguistic structure:

This relates to overall clarity and fluency: how a response organizes and connects information, ideas, and language. Coherence refers to the connection of ideas through logical sequence. Coherence refers to the varied and appropriate use of coherent sentences (e.g., logical connectives, pronouns, and conjunctions) to help clarify conceptual and referential relationships between and within sentences.

Dictionary terms:

This refers to the range, accuracy, and appropriateness of the vocabulary used in terms of the specific task.

Grammatical accuracy:

This refers to the range and precise use of grammar as manifested in sentence writing.

For Task 2:

Task response:

• In both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training versions, Task 2 requires test takers to formulate and develop a position in relation to a given prompt in the form of a question or statement.
• Ideas should be supported by evidence, and examples can be drawn from the experience of test takers.
• Responses must be at least 250 words long.
• Scripts that fall below the minimum word count are also penalized.

Sentence coherence and linguistic structure:

• This assesses the overall clarity and fluency of the message: how the response organizes and connects information, ideas, and language.
• Coherence refers to the connection of ideas through logical sequence.
• Cohesion refers to the varied and appropriate use of cohesive devices (e.g., logical connectives, pronouns, and conjunctions) to help clarify conceptual and referential relationships between and within sentences.

Dictionary terms:

This criterion refers to the range, accuracy, and appropriateness of the vocabulary used in terms of the specific task.

Grammatical accuracy:

This assesses the range and accurate use of grammar, as demonstrated by test takers' sentence-level writing.

About IELTS Academic

• IELTS Academic is suitable for those who want to study in an English-speaking environment or university (higher education). You can also take IELTS Academic for professional registration purposes.

• Students can request their IELTS results to be sent to up to five institutions free of charge. There is a charge for sending results to additional organisations. You can ask your centre to send your results as long as your IELTS score is valid.

IELTS test measurement:

IELTS Test Score Scale IELTS score scale is defined as points from 0 to 9.

The points indicate the level of skill in using the English language:

9 Language Expert User:

The test taker has a complete operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate, fluent and demonstrates a full understanding.

8 Very good user:

The test taker has a complete operational command of the language with occasional unsystematic errors and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed arguments well.

7 good user

The test taker has an operational command of the language, although with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.

6 User Intermediate Language:

The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some errors, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

5 Modest Language User:

The test taker has a partial command of the language and can get by with the general meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communications in their field.

4 Limited language users:

The test taker's basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They often show problems with understanding and expression. They are unable to use complex language.

3 Very limited language user:

The test taker transmits and understands the general meaning only in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.

2 Intermittent language user:

The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

1 Not used for language.

The test taker has no ability to use the language except for a few isolated words.

0 Test not solved:

The test taker did not answer the questions.

IELTS Academic Writing Practice Test (60 minutes)

The Academic Writing tests consist of two writing tasks of 150 words and 250 words.

In Task 1, test takers are asked to describe some visual information (a graph/table/chart/diagram). They need to write 150 words in about 20 minutes. In Task 2, test takers are presented with a point of view, argument or problem. They need to write their response in 250 words in about 40 minutes.

Here are examples of Task 1 and Task 2:

Please note that IELTS Academic applicants take a different writing test in IELTS General Training .

Downloadable Academic Writing Samples:

Academic Writing Sample 1A ( PDF , 257 KB)

https://www.ielts.org/-/media/pdfs/writing-sample-tests/academic-writing-sample-task-1a.ashx

Academic Writing Sample 1B ( PDF, 411 KB)

https://www.ielts.org/-/media/pdfs/writing-sample-tests/academic-writing-sample-task-1b.ashx

Academic Writing Sample 1C ( PDF , 757 KB)

https://www.ielts.org/-/media/pdfs/writing-sample-tests/academic-writing-sample-task-1c.ashx

Academic Writing Sample 2A ( PDF , 249 KB)

https://www.ielts.org/-/media/pdfs/writing-sample-tests/academic-writing-sample-task-2a.ashx

Academic Writing Task 2B Sample ( PDF 249KB)

https://www.ielts.org/-/media/pdfs/writing-sample-tests/academic-writing-sample-task-2b.ashx

Samples of Academic Writing Materials and Examiner Comments ( PDF , 4 MB)

https://www.ielts.org/-/media/pdfs/writing-sample-tests/ac-writing-sample-materials-and-examiner-comments.ashx

IELTS Academic Writing Test Answer Keys:

IELTS Writing Sample Answer Key, Task 1 (PDF, 700KB)

https://www.ielts.org/-/media/pdfs/academic-writing-answer-sheet-task-1.ashx

IELTS Answer Booklet, Task 2 (PDF, 400KB)

https://www.ielts.org/-/media/pdfs/academic-writing-answer-sheet-task-2.ashx

What do you do if you find a problem with the IELTS test or results?

You can use the IELTS complaints service provided by ielts.org.

What is the IELTS complaints policy provided by ielts.org ?

IELTS Partners are committed to providing clients with services that meet the highest international standards.

Where the site directs the service saying:

• We want to hear from you if you feel we haven't met your needs, as complaints help us improve our products, services, and the test taker experience.
• We strive to resolve any areas of dissatisfaction or complaints you may have in a fair and timely manner.

How can I submit complaints?

If your IELTS experience is not going the way you expected, the first step is to speak to your test centre. In most cases, your test centre will be able to resolve your issue directly. If for any reason you are unable to contact your test centre, you can contact the website via the following contact link:

https://www.ielts.org/info-pages/contact-us/online-enquiry-form

You should contact the site as soon as possible to make your complaint. The sooner they begin investigating your case, the easier it will be to gather all the information needed to provide a full response. Where possible, we encourage you to contact the site to make your complaint on the day of the test or before the results are released.

How are complaints handled?

The Site acknowledges: We are committed to providing you with the best possible service and working to resolve matters quickly and fairly. All complaints received are treated seriously and fairly.

• Your complaint is treated in the strictest confidence, in line with our Privacy Policy.
• Information about you is shared internally, only as necessary to investigate the complaint.
• We will not disclose your information to third parties unless we have your consent, or if we are legally required to do so.

Who can file a complaint?

A complaint may be made by the person affected by the action, or it may be made by a person acting on behalf of the affected person when that person is a child under 18 years of age.

What types of complaints are handled?

This may include (but is not limited to):

• Problem or inability to register for the test
• Problem with the way IELTS is conducted on the day of the test
• Inappropriate staff and/or examiner behaviour
• Unjustified delay in announcing results
• Decision as a result of withholding or as a result of misconduct.

Principles for handling complaints:

• Your complaint will be dealt with at the first point of contact. Your complaint will be dealt with as quickly as possible and you will be treated fairly and courteously at all times.
• Some cases may require further investigation and if your complaint is referred to the Complaints Team, you will be notified that your complaint has been received within five working days and a full response will be provided to you within 20 working days.
• Where your complaint cannot be resolved within 20 business days, the Complaints Team will notify you and speak to you about a revised timeline for resolving the issue.

Submit a complaint:

Complaints must be submitted using the specified form (available via the link above) within:

• 12 months from the incident you are complaining about; or
• After 12 months from the date you became aware of the matter you are complaining about.

Security system in IELTS test centers:

There are a number of security measures in place to support genuine test takers and protect the interests of organisations that rely on the integrity of IELTS results.

There is a strict set of protocols in place to protect every aspect of the IELTS test. This includes:

• Strict regulations surrounding test papers
• Test taker registration and verification systems
• Training test center staff to help them recognize scammers, detect fraudulent behavior, and prevent cheating.
• Strict testing conditions
• Routine checking of test results before they are released.
• This multi-layered approach to security testing also includes a vetting process for potential test centers and strict protocols surrounding test center operations and audits.
• IELTS partners also work closely with relevant authorities around the world, including immigration and law enforcement agencies, to detect, prevent and, where appropriate, prosecute any fraud or attempted fraud in accordance with local legislation.

IELTS test formats:

IELTS on paper:

This test requires test takers to sit at a desk with question papers and answer sheets for the Reading, Listening and Writing tests at an official IELTS test centre. Test takers will write their answers either in pencil or HB pencils. The Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with a trained IELTS examiner.

IELTS on computer:

This test requires test takers to take the Reading, Listening and Writing tests in front of a computer with questions displayed on a screen at an official IELTS test centre. Test takers then submit their answers using a keyboard and mouse. The Speaking test is not taken on a computer and is taken face-to-face with a trained IELTS examiner.

About IELTS test:

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System ( IELTS ) and is a standardized international test of English language proficiency for speakers of other languages. The IELTS test was first conducted in 1989 AD, and is now one of the most widely accepted English language tests in the world.

The exam is divided into 4 sections, with a duration of 2:45:00, two hours and forty-five minutes, spread over a period of 3-8 hours. The examinee takes these sections sequentially on the same day.

1. reading for an hour
2. write for an hour
3. Listen for 30 minutes
4. 15 minutes conversation

The exam is graded out of 9, meaning that the highest possible mark is 9 out of 9. The final score is the average of the four tests, each test being graded out of 9, and the final exam score is given in addition to the grade for each part of the exam.

More information about IELTS:

• IELTS has been awarded the prestigious ALTE Q-Mark Award, following a rigorous independent audit by ALTE – the Association of Language Testers in Europe. The Q-Mark Award demonstrates a commitment to consistent standards of quality and excellence that are embedded in every aspect of IELTS.
• To achieve the award, IELTS had to demonstrate that it met all the essential requirements of 17 quality standards covering every stage of the assessment process including test construction, administration and logistics, marking and grading, test analysis, and communication with stakeholders.
• For IELTS, quality in language assessment is about ensuring that we meet the needs of test takers and recognised institutions for reliable and accurate tests that demonstrate their true level of expertise, backed by easy-to-use service and support. We are delighted that IELTS has met the required criteria for the ALTE Q-Mark, demonstrating that we meet the highest international standards.
• ALTE’s Q-Mark is the only quality management system specifically designed for language assessment. It involves in-depth auditing by independent experts who closely monitor the entire testing process to ensure that users of any Q-Marked test can be confident that it is backed by appropriate processes, reliable procedures and standards, and consistent criteria. The audit is then double- and triple-checked by the ALTE Standing Committee. The ALTE Q-Mark is increasingly recognized by national and regional governments as a prerequisite for public sector language testing.

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