IELTS Writing Overview

The Study Aide Avenue by Roberto G. Balba Jr.
3/F ASIC Building, Ponciano-Bonifacio Streets, Davao City
!
!
IELTS WRITING: AN OVERVIEW
✴ The writing component of the IELTS lasts for one hour. There are two tasks of different lengths,
both of which the writer must completely answer.
✴ Writers are advised to spend 20 minutes in Task 1 and 40 minutes in Task 2.
✴ In Task 1 ACADEMIC writing, examinees develop a REPORT using at least 150 words to
describe some data or a diagram. Writers are always expected to summarize the information by
describing the main features and making comparisons where relevant.
✴ In Task 1 GENERAL TRAINING writing, examinees develop a LETTER using at least 150 words
to respond to a situation, such as making an enquiry, filing a complaint, etc. Writers need to
invent information to add detail and length to their work.
✴ In Task 2, writers develop an essay using at least 250 words on a given topic. Writers will be
presented an opinion, an argument, or a problem and are expected to respond in some way.
Writers are also always expected to give reasons and include any relevant examples from their
own knowledge and experience.
✴ The band score is obtained by getting the average of the scores of both writing tasks. Task 2,
however, carries more marks, so it is strongly advised that writers put extra effort in developing
their essays.  
www.tsaaphilippines.com !18
Task 1: Letter
!
✴ a written communication to make a request, express a complaint, give an advice, seek assistance,
make arrangements, apply for a job, or express an apology
✴ measures the writer’s ability to use effective language to elaborate on details of a certain situation,
effectively convey his message, and warrant action from his letter.
✴ necessary for writers to invent situations or circumstances to better explain and elaborate their
work.
✴ the steps are:
!
!
1. Plan 2. Develop 3. Edit
• What am I supposed • What grammatical
• What should be
to write about?! errors are there?
written in the
• What information • Was I able to fulfill
introductory
can be added to my task?
paragraph? The body
elaborate on the • Am I using the
and my closing?!
backround of my appropriate tone for
topic? my letter?
Sample 1. Offering a Suggestion

A question in Task 1 would typically look like this:
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You eat at your college cafeteria every lunchtime. However, you think it
needs some improvements. Write a letter to the college magazine. In
your letter:
• explain what you like about the cafeteria
• say what is wrong with it
• suggest how it could be improved
Begin your letter as follows: ‘Dear Sir/Madam,’
You should write at least 150 words.

 
Planning the letter. The task tells you to do three things in your letter to be addressed to the
college magazine. Before writing your letter, it is most helpful to plan and organize an outline that may look
like this:
what you like about the

what is wrong with it suggestions
cafeteria
• food reasonably priced! • too few staff during peak • add signs!
• convenient! hours! • tell students to wait
• friendly atmosphere • students do not wait in line! in line!
• too hot esp. in summer • open windows
Developing the letter. The letter should contain three basic elements: (1) the salutation, (2) the
body, and (3) the closing.
The Opening. Most often, you will be instructed to follow a specified opening or salutation such as
‘Dear Sir/Madam,’ or supply your own fictional name such as ‘Dear Ms. Montgomery.’
The Body. To organize your points logically and clearly, it is suggested that you follow the bullet points
in the task as a basic paragraph plan of your letter. Therefore, based on the topic as presented, you
would need to organize a three-paragraph letter that looks this way:
1st paragraph: what you like about the cafeteria

2nd paragraph: what is wrong with it
3rd paragraph: the suggestions
The Closing. Never fail to end you letter with a complimentary close. The most popular are ‘Yours
faithfully,’ ‘ Yours truly,’ ‘ Yours sincerely.’
PARTS SAMPLE
Salutation Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a sophomore in the college and I normally eat lunch at the college

Introduction cafeteria because it is reasonably priced, convenient and it has a friendly
atmosphere.
There are, however, a number of deficiencies which I think need to be

corrected. Firstly, although the staff tries to keep the tables clean, there
are not enough workers at peak time to do this adequately. Moreover, since
Problem the cafeteria is self-service, students are supposed to clear their tables
themselves when they have finished eating. Unfortunately, some students do
not bother to do this. Finally, I think the cafeteria could have better
ventilation as it gets too hot, especially in the summer.
I think it would be a good idea if more signs were put around the cafeteria
asking students to put their dirty plates and cutlery on the trolleys provided
Course of action
and to throw away their leftovers and rubbish. Finally, could we please have
a few windows open when the place gets too hot?
Final message I hope that you consider these suggestions.
Complimentary close Yours faithfully,
Name Chris McDonald
Sample Letter. Words: 170

Tips: 
! 1. Do away with cliché openings such as ‘Good day’ or ‘Christian greetings.’ Your salutation ‘Dear
Sir/Madam’ serves the purpose. Be straightforward and state your business immediately.
2. Use the bullet points in the task as a basic paragraph plan for your letter. Follow the
order of the bulleted items for the paragraphing. The number of bullets usually determines the
number of paragraphs you need to develop.
3. Develop 2 to 3 main ideas in each paragraph to elaborate key points of your story.
Invent information if possible, but avoid providing too many details.
4. Use expressions to connect ideas effectively within and between paragraphs. Notice the
words in bold letters above. What alternate expressions can you use in lieu of them?
 
Sample 2: Making a Request

!
! You are a freshman in a boarding school. Included in your payment
is the food that you eat in the only cafeteria in the campus.
!
! Write a letter to the cafeteria supervisor informing him of the fact
! that you are a vegetarian. In your letter:
!
! •! mention you who are
! •! inform them that you a vegetarian, and
! •! request for vegetarian dishes.
! Begin your letter as follows: ‘Dear..........,’

!
!
In this task, you need to (a) provide a background of who you are, and, more importantly, (b) a request for a
vegetable dish to be served every meal.
!
Dear Mr. Jones,
I have just been enrolled in your university. Since I live five miles away from the
campus and I am new to the city, I have decided to stay at the university dormitory. I
understand that the payment that I have made upon enrolment includes the food and
accommodation, which are under your supervision.
I am sending you this letter to inform you that I am a vegetarian. Since I heard from
the students who have been eating in your cafeteria that vegetables are not always
included in the menu, I would like to make a simple request which I hope you would not
hesitate to grant. Can you see to it that at least one vegetable dish is served every
meal time? This will truly help not only me but those who observe healthy diets as well.
I hope you will grant my request. Rest assured that I will encourage my newly-found
friends to regularly eat vegetables.
Yours sincerely,
John Smith If your addressee is named, like “Dear Mr. Jones,”

you end with “Yours truly” or “Your sincerely.”
Words: 158 !
! If the addressee is unknown, however, like “Dear
Sir/Madam,” end with “Yours faithfully.”
Sample 3: Giving Advice
An English-speaking friend wants to spend a two-week holiday in

your region and has written asking for information and advice. Write
a letter to your friend. In your letter:
•! offer to find somewhere to stay

•! give advice about what to do
•! give information about what clothes to bring.
Begin your letter as follows: ‘Dear..........,’
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In friendly or informal letters, begin with your addressee’s first
name only, as in “Dear Soo-in.” End with “Kind/Best regards,”

! ! ! ! ! ! ! or Kind/Best
! wishes”
! and
! your first !name
! only.
! Tips: 
1. When developing a letter to a friend or relative, the tone may be informal and the language loose and
casual. Notice the use of contracted words (e.g. I’d, don’t, it’s, you’ll) and the exclamation mark denoting
strong feelings at the end of the letter. Notice also the casual expression ‘lots of things’ and ‘you ought
to.’ These approaches are acceptable in personal letters, but are not in formal letters like those
addressed to managers or supervisors of offices or companies.
2. Notice that the writer added a paragraph to provide additional information on how the two friends can
meet. The writer needs to exercise his judgment whether or not paragraphs need to be added.
 
Sample 4: Applying for a Job
You are looking for a part-time job. Write a letter to an employment

agency. In your letter:
• introduce yourself
• explain what sort of job and would like
• say what experience and skills you have.
Begin your letter as follows: ‘Dear Sir/Madam,’
!
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a Polish national from Warsaw and at present I am studying for a Master’s Degree
in Business Administration here at the University of Hobart where I have been for the
last two months.
I am looking for a part-time job and I am wondering if you can help me. Preferably, I
would like an office job, perhaps working as a secretary, office administrator or typist.
I can only work during the afternoons and at the weekends as my university study
occupies most of my days. I would be ready to start immediately.
As you can see from my curriculum vitae, I have a degree in Marketing from the
University of Warsaw. I am a competent typist and I am computer literate. Also, I
speak Polish and German fluently and I have been learning English for the past three
years. While I am studying for my degree I worked as a part-time officer manager for
an import-export firm in Warsaw. In recent years I have also had temporary summer
jobs as a hotel receptionist in Kiel, Germany.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Aniela Kwasniewski!
Words: 188
!
!
!
Sample 5: Making a complaint
One of your local park goers leave their dogs unleashed. This
has been causing concern to you and other regular park goers.
Write a letter to the park management, and in your letter:
• state the problem

• cite what you have done to solve the problem
• suggest what the management can do.
Begin your letter as follows: ‘Dear Sir,’
!
1
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! Text from Objective IELTS (Intermediate) by M. Black & W. Sharp,

Cambridge University Press, 2006
LETTER TYPES & FORMAT!

The tone and expressions you use in the letter depends on the addressee.
! Formal 1 Formal 2 Informal/Friendly
!
  anyone whom you do not
anyone whom you know
TO: personally know a friend
(e.g. landlord, neighbor)
(e.g. office manager)
Start Dear Sir or Madam, Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms _________, Dear Bob,
Best/kind regards,
Yours faithfully, Yours sincerely/truly,
End Best/kind wishes,
Jim Croce Jim Croce Jim
1 Formal 1!
Last year you attended an intensive English course at the Darwin Formal 2!
Informal
College of English. Your new employer has asked you to provide
copies of your reports and assignments as quickly as possible.!
Write to the director of the language school and!
• request these documents!

• state when you ned it, and!
• volunteer payment of the postage
2 Formal 1!
A friend has asked you to babysit on Saturday. Unfortunately, you Formal 2!
already have a commitment this weekend and cannot help. However, Informal
you are free the following weekend.
!Write a letter to your friend and
!
• explain that you are not able to help this time but could help later!
• explain the features and fees of your service !
• leave your contact details
Formal 1!
3 Formal 2!
You recently lost something that is important to you. You want to try Informal
to get it back by asking people for help.
!Write a letter to the local newspaper. In the letter,
!
• describe the object that you lost!
• say where you think you lost it! letter is for the editor of a newspaper whom we may not know.
• say why it is important to you The letter is address to a friend. (3) Formal 1. Explanation: The
school director whom you must know. (2) Informal. Explanation:
Answer key: (1) Formal 2. Explanation: The letter is for the
!
!
Supplement 1: Vocabulary to facilitate cohesion
!
Function Linking words
again, also, and, besides, further, furthermore, in

1. To indicate addition
addition, moreover, next, too
accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason,

2. To exhibit causes and effects
hence, if, since, so, then, therefore, thus
also, by comparison, in the same manner, likewise,

3. To indicate similarities
similarly
although this may be true, certainly, even though,

4. To acknowledge the validity of
granted, it is true, naturally, of course, to be sure, to tell
another person’s point
the truth, with the exception of
after all, but, however, in contrast, in spite of,

5. To prepare for a contrast nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, still,
unlike, yet
for example, for instance, in fact, to illustrate,

6. To indicate examples
specifically, a case in point would be, like, such as
after, afterward, as, at the same time, before, currently,

7. To provide indication of time or during earlier, finally, formerly, immediately, in the
sequence meantime, lately, later, meanwhile, next, shortly,
simultaneously, soon, subsequently, this time, until now
above, around, below, beyond, close, elsewhere, farther

8. To indicate place or direction
on, here, nearby, opposite, there, to the left (right)
!
!
!
Supplement 2: Sentence Structures

1. COMPOUND SENTENCE: Has two ideas written in simple sentences combined using and, (;), but and yet
Pattern: S –V – 0 + S –V – 0 A sentence’s basic

Examples:
a. The IELTS is an English proficiency test, and it covers four components.
b. Children are in their impressionable stages; they need their parents’ guidance.
!S = Subject
components are:
c. IELTS is administered for 3 hours only, but examinees prepare for it for months. V = Verb
d. Davao City is in war-stricken Mindanao, yet it is commendably peaceful. O = Object
!
2. COMPLEX SENTENCE: Presents two ideas, one of which is a subordinate idea. The subordinate idea often
just adds information about the subject of the sentence. See phrases in boldface below.
!
Pattern 1: S, ____________ , - V – O or _______________ , S – V – O
Examples:
a. The Pearl Farm Beach Resort, possibly the most famous resort in Mindanao, is my favorite vacation spot.
b. Our ancestral house, standing tall amidst the newly constructed buildings, is now considered a
landmark in our province.
c. With arms up to the elbows, children while their time by watching their favorite TV shows.
d. The father, who is the head of the family, has to work doubly hard for his family.
!
Pattern 2: S – V – O, __________________
An appositive, highlighted below, serves as alternate information, and they are written to specify.
Examples:
a. I saw Mrs. Helena, the bank manager.
b. I look forward to spending my free time at SM City Mall, the biggest mall in Davao.
c. Leaders should aim for a peace treaty, a necessary ingredient to stop the war against terror.
!
Pattern 3: S – V – O + dependent clause or dependent clause, + S – V – O
A dependent clause is one that starts with any of these dependent words: because,
although, even though, while, when, after, before, as, if, so, etc.
Examples:
a. Her parents are very proud of her because she takes her studies seriously.
b. Although the Philippines is a beautiful country, its poor economy forces Filipinos to work abroad.
!
3. COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE: A combination of the first two types. This sentence calls for the
! ! inclusion of three ideas.
Patterns: Examples:
! The Pearl Farm Beach Resort, possibly the most famous resort
S, ________, - V - O + S - V - O in Mindanao, is my favorite vacation spot, but its remote
location makes it difficult for me to frequent the place.
I saw Mrs. Helena, the bank manager, but she never looked at
S - V - O, ______________ + S - V - O me.
Her parents are very proud of her because she takes her
S - V - 0 + dependent clause + S - V - O studies seriously, and she is also her classmates’ favorite.
Supplement 3: Subject-Verb Agreement (SVA) rules

!
! RULES EXAMPLES
!1. Do not mistake the of-phrase as the subject. Make a. The bundle of bank notes attracts the driver’s
the verb agree with the subject, not with the of- attention.!
phrase. b. The owner of the three cars manages to
surpass the obstacles.
2. Sentences in the inverted order where the subject is a. Down that fearsome desert is a kind person.!
not in the beginning position but comes after the verb b. There are at least three ways of solving the
must be properly identified. problem.
3. On Compound Subjects (those joined by and):
General Rule: The subjects are considered PLURAL a. My mother and my best friend were at the
and they take the simple form of the verb. party last night.
EXCEPTION: They are considered singular and they

a. My mother and best friend is my inspiration.!
take the s-form of the verb if:!
b. Every man and woman helps in this
a. They refer to the same person or thing.!
community.
b. They involve the use of each or every.
FURTHER EXCEPTION: !
Compound Subjects joined by OR, EITHER-OR, a. My mother or my cousins prepare the drinks.!
NEITHER-NOR, NOT ONLY-BUT ALSO are either b. Neither my classmates nor my neighbor is
singular or plural depending on the subject that is nearer guilty.
the verb.
4. !
a. Nouns plural in form (ending in -s) but singular in
meaning take the s-form of the verb. ! a. Mathematics is a challenging subject.!
! Examples: Physics, Economics, Mathematics,
b. Measles has become an epidemic recently.
Measles, Civics, News
b. Nouns plural in form (ending in -s) and plural in

meaning take the simple form of the verb.!
! Examples: Scissors, Pants, Jeans, Shoes, Shorts,
a. Scissors are dangerous for kids.!
b. My jeans are new.
Eyeglasses
EXCEPTION: They become singular if preceded by a. A pair of eyeglasses is reported missing.

the expression “a pair of”
5.!
a. Fractions may take the simple form or the s-form of
the verb depending on the of-phrase. If the object of a. Two-thirds of the farm is sold.!
the preposition of is singular, the fraction takes the s- b. One-half of the mangoes are rotten.
form of the verb. If it is plural, the verb takes the
simple form.
Subject-Verb Agreement (SVA) rules 
RULES EXAMPLES
b. Words or phrases that express periods of time,
a. Ten days seems to be extremely long.!
weights, measurements and amounts of money are
b. Two dollars is equivalent to nearly a hundred
taken as a unit; therefore, they make use of the s-
peso.
form of the verb.
c. Expressions of quantity or amount that describe

a. A hundred and ten years have passed since
individual items rather than a whole unit require the
the country gained its independence.
simple verbs.
6. Adjectives used as subjects are taken as plural; a. The hardworking are always rewarded.!
therefore, they use the simple form of the verbs. b. The poor are blamed for their misery.
7. Indefinite pronouns like everyone, anyone, someone, a. Everybody is required to wear an ID.!
somebody, one, each one, everybody, neither, either, all b. All was forgiven when I talked with my father.!
( meaning everything) take the s-form of the verbs. c. Neither of them is present.
a. Many a woman loves to comb her hair before

8. Expressions like many a , more than one, not one, no
going to bed.!
one, and nobody take the s-form of the verb.
b. More than one person supports her views.
9. The expression the number takes the s-form of the a. The number of participants is impressive.!
verb; the expression a number takes the simple form b. A number of protesters were injured when the
of the verb. military took over.
10. Many, others, several, a few, few, both and all

a. A few of the boxes were misplaced.!
(referring to people) require the simple form of the
b. Both of my friends want to join the rally.
verb.
11. Collective nouns are either singular or plural

depending on the context in which they appear.! 1. The committee makes plans for the rites.!
a. When the group is considered as a unit, the s-form of 2. The class is ready for the presentation.
the verb is used.
b. When the members of the group are considered as 1. The committee disagree on some proposals.!
individuals who act separately, the simple form of the 2. Every morning, the family attend to their own
verb is used. particular tasks.
12. A clause used as a subject takes the s-form of the a. What you do reflects your personality.!
verb. b. What you see is what you get.
13. The verbs of adjectival clauses agree with the

a. Trust is a value that helps us grow better.!
antecedents of the relative pronouns which function
b. Persons who learn to forgive the past live
as subjects of the dependent clauses and
peacefully.
conjunctions to link these with the main clauses.
14. Some, most and any are singular or plural depending

on the subject they modify. If the modified subject is
a. Most of the work was done by women.!
plural, they take the simple form of the verb. If the
b. Some of the baskets were prepared by them.
modified subject is singular, they take the s-form of
the verb.
Subject-Verb Agreement (SVA) rules
RULES EXAMPLES
15. Mass nouns are always singular and cannot Examples of mass nouns:!
be preceded by a, an, or a number. !
information, homework, jewelry, personnel, mail (letters),
baggage, scenery, graft, clothing, paper (unused), poetry,
chalk, blood, help (noun), advice, money, soap, furniture,
equipment!
!
: My aunt’s furniture costs much.!
!
(When a noun listed above is preceded by pieces of,
kinds of, and collections of, it is followed by a plural
verb.)!
!
: My aunt’s rare collections of furniture are expensive.
16. With nouns always singular in form but a. Fifty sheep are grazing in the meadow.!
either plural or singular in meaning, the verb b. One deer, the largest, was saved.
agrees with the meaning intended. (deer,
trout, salmon, cattle, sheep, swine)
17. Nouns that express abstract ideas are Poverty, laughter, pity, compassion, courage, luck, fun,
usually singular in form. They require sadness, honesty, wealth, piety, merriment, education,
singular verbs. presence, love, friendship!
!
: Pity comes naturally from the forgiving heart.!
: Courage makes us survive difficult ordeals.
18. Accompanying modifiers like as well as, with, a. Shirley, along with her friends, is helping the club.!
together with, accompanied by, along with must b. My friends, as well as Shirley, are joining me in the
be disregarded in determining the subject. parade.
the subject that is first mentioned is the one
that will govern the statement.
19. A title of a book or a movie or other work is a. The gangs of New York and Titanic were box office hits.!
singular therefore it makes use of the s-form b. Titanic was a highly-acclaimed movie.
of the verb.

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The Study Aide Avenue by Roberto G. Balba Jr.

3/F ASIC Building, Ponciano-Bonifacio Streets, Davao City

✴ Writers are advised to spend 20 minutes in Task 1 and 40 minutes in Task 2.

✴ the steps are:

Sample 1. Offering a Suggestion

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Begin your letter as follows: ‘Dear Sir/Madam,’

You should write at least 150 words.

what you like about the

1st paragraph: what you like about the cafeteria

Salutation Dear Sir/Madam,

I am a sophomore in the college and I normally eat lunch at the college

There are, however, a number of deficiencies which I think need to be

Final message I hope that you consider these suggestions.

Complimentary close Yours faithfully,

Name Chris McDonald

Sample Letter. Words: 170

Sample 2: Making a Request

! •! inform them that you a vegetarian, and

! •! request for vegetarian dishes.

! Begin your letter as follows: ‘Dear..........,’

John Smith If your addressee is named, like “Dear Mr. Jones,”

Sample 3: Giving Advice

An English-speaking friend wants to spend a two-week holiday in

•! offer to find somewhere to stay

Begin your letter as follows: ‘Dear..........,’

You should write at least 150 words.

Sample 4: Applying for a Job

You are looking for a part-time job. Write a letter to an employment

Begin your letter as follows: ‘Dear Sir/Madam,’

You should write at least 150 words.

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Sample 5: Making a complaint

• state the problem

Begin your letter as follows: ‘Dear Sir,’

You should write at least 150 words.

! Text from Objective IELTS (Intermediate) by M. Black & W. Sharp,

LETTER TYPES & FORMAT!

Start Dear Sir or Madam, Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms _________, Dear Bob,

Jim Croce Jim Croce Jim

Write to the director of the language school and!

• request these documents!

again, also, and, besides, further, furthermore, in

accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason,

also, by comparison, in the same manner, likewise,

although this may be true, certainly, even though,

after all, but, however, in contrast, in spite of,

for example, for instance, in fact, to illustrate,

after, afterward, as, at the same time, before, currently,

above, around, below, beyond, close, elsewhere, farther

Supplement 2: Sentence Structures

Pattern: S –V – 0 + S –V – 0 A sentence’s basic

! ! inclusion of three ideas.

Supplement 3: Subject-Verb Agreement (SVA) rules

3. On Compound Subjects (those joined by and):

EXCEPTION: They are considered singular and they

Measles, Civics, News

b. Nouns plural in form (ending in -s) and plural in

EXCEPTION: They become singular if preceded by a. A pair of eyeglasses is reported missing.

Subject-Verb Agreement (SVA) rules

c. Expressions of quantity or amount that describe

a. Many a woman loves to comb her hair before

Subject-Verb Agreement (SVA) rules 