Top Sample Questions and Answers for the IELTS Writing Task

 


The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the world's most popular English language proficiency tests for non-native English speakers. It is divided into four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Writing section is particularly challenging for many candidates as it requires a high level of language proficiency, organization, and clarity of thought.

Understanding the IELTS Writing Task

The IELTS Writing section is divided into two tasks:

Task 1

For the Academic module:

  • Task: Candidates are required to describe, summarize, or explain the information presented in a graph, table, chart, or diagram. They may also be asked to explain how something works or describe an object or event.
  • Word Limit: At least 150 words.
  • Time Allocation: 20 minutes.

For the General Training module:

  • Task: Candidates are required to write a letter based on a given situation. The letter can be formal, semi-formal, or informal.
  • Word Limit: At least 150 words.
  • Time Allocation: 20 minutes.

Task 2

  • Task: Candidates are required to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. The essay should be well-structured, present a clear argument, and support points with relevant examples.
  • Word Limit: At least 250 words.
  • Time Allocation: 40 minutes.

Assessment Criteria

Both tasks are assessed based on four criteria:

  • Task Achievement/Response: How well the candidate addresses the task requirements.
  • Coherence and Cohesion: How logically the information and ideas are organized and how well they are linked.
  • Lexical Resource: The range and accuracy of vocabulary used.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The range and accuracy of grammatical structures used.

IELTS Writing Sample Questions and Answers

For Academic Task 1

Question:

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The bar chart below shows the number of students who chose different university subjects in 2005.

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

Answer:

The bar chart illustrates the number of students who selected various university subjects in 2005. Overall, it is clear that Social Sciences were the most popular subject, while the Arts were the least popular among students.

In detail, approximately 23,000 students opted for Social Sciences, making it the most chosen subject. This was followed by Business with about 20,000 students, and Science with just under 20,000 students. Engineering attracted around 18,000 students, while Humanities had about 12,000 students enrolled.

In contrast, the Arts were the least preferred, with only about 5,000 students choosing this subject. Law and Medicine were slightly more popular, with around 10,000 and 15,000 students respectively.

The data indicates a significant preference for Social Sciences and Business over subjects like Arts and Humanities. This could be attributed to the perception of better career prospects in fields such as Social Sciences and Business.

For General Training Task 1

Question:

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You recently moved to a new city and are looking for a place to live. Write a letter to a real estate agent. In your letter:

Describe the type of accommodation you are looking for.

Give your preferred location.

State any other requirements you have.

Answer:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to inquire about rental accommodation in your city. I recently moved here for work and am currently seeking a suitable place to live.

I am looking for a two-bedroom apartment that is spacious and well-lit. It would be preferable if the apartment is fully furnished, including essential appliances such as a refrigerator, washing machine, and microwave. Additionally, having a balcony would be an added advantage.

In terms of location, I would like the accommodation to be within close proximity to the downtown area, as my workplace is situated there. Being near public transportation and essential amenities like grocery stores, gyms, and parks would also be highly convenient.

Another important requirement is that the building should have good security measures in place. A parking space would be ideal, as I own a car. I am also looking for a pet-friendly apartment as I have a small dog.

Please let me know if you have any suitable properties available that meet my criteria. I am looking forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

For Task 2 (Academic and General Training)

Question:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people believe that it is important to protect the environment, while others think that we should prioritize economic development.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Answer:

The debate between environmental protection and economic development is a complex issue that has garnered significant attention worldwide. While some argue that safeguarding the environment should be a priority, others contend that economic growth is essential for improving living standards and reducing poverty. Both perspectives have their merits, and a balanced approach is necessary to achieve sustainable development.

Proponents of environmental protection emphasize the need to preserve natural resources and biodiversity. They argue that environmental degradation, such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change, poses a significant threat to the planet and human health. For instance, deforestation leads to the loss of habitats and species, while pollution contributes to respiratory diseases and other health problems. Moreover, climate change has resulted in extreme weather events, affecting millions of people globally. Protecting the environment is crucial to ensure the well-being of current and future generations.

On the other hand, advocates of economic development argue that it is essential for alleviating poverty and improving living standards. Economic growth can create jobs, enhance infrastructure, and provide better access to education and healthcare. For example, countries like China and India have lifted millions out of poverty through rapid economic development. Furthermore, economic growth generates the resources needed to invest in clean technologies and sustainable practices. Without a strong economy, it would be challenging to fund environmental initiatives and transition to renewable energy sources.

In my opinion, a balanced approach that integrates both environmental protection and economic development is the most viable solution. Sustainable development aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Governments and businesses should invest in green technologies, such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, which can drive economic growth while minimizing environmental impact. Policies that promote eco-friendly practices and enforce regulations on pollution and resource management are also essential.

In conclusion, while both environmental protection and economic development are important, they should not be viewed as mutually exclusive. A sustainable approach that considers the long-term impacts on the environment and society is crucial for achieving lasting prosperity and environmental health.

Additional Tips for IELTS Writing Tasks

  • Understand the Task: Make sure you fully understand the task requirements and plan your response accordingly.
  • Plan Your Answer: Spend a few minutes planning your answer. For Task 1, identify the key features and comparisons. For Task 2, outline your main points and examples.
  • Clear and Logical Structure: Organize your writing into clear paragraphs. For Task 2, use an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
  • Varied Vocabulary: Use a wide range of vocabulary and avoid repetition. Ensure your word choice is accurate and appropriate for the context.
  • Grammar and Spelling: Pay attention to grammar and spelling. Use a variety of sentence structures and ensure your writing is grammatically correct.
  • Time Management: Allocate your time wisely. Spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2.
  • Practice: Regular practice with sample questions can help you become familiar with the format and improve your writing skills.

By following these tips and practicing with sample questions, you can enhance your performance in the IELTS Writing section and achieve a higher score.

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Source: Top Sample Questions and Answers for the IELTS Writing Task

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