IELTS

Writing guide

By @dasha.english
Table of contents
Types of questions in writing tasks. ................................................................................................ 2

Useful vocabulary for Writing part 1. ............................................................................................. 5

Useful vocabulary for Writing Part 2............................................................................................ 10

Essay types and examples ............................................................................................................. 14

Essay parts .................................................................................................................................... 16

Essays on different topics ............................................................................................................. 17

1
Types of questions in writing tasks
Diagram types

1. Graph (vertical/horizontal
axis, lines)

2. Bar chart (column/bar)

2
 3. Table

4. Multi diagram (2 or
more diagrams about the
same topic)

5. Process or cycle (e.g.

flowchart showing the
greenhouse effect)

3
 6. Illustration (e.g. how two
different cameras work)

7. Map

4
Useful vocabulary for Writing part 1
Talking about graph changes

• There was a (steady/slight)

fall/decline/decrease…

•There was a (rapid/sharp) drop…

• X fell (steadily/slightly) …

• The number … dropped

(significantly/considerably/quickly) …

• X plummeted (big change)/plunged (big change)

…

• We see there was a downward trend…

• There was some (slight/significant) fluctuation

IN…

• There were wild fluctuations in…

• X fluctuated (slightly/significantly) …

• The numbers showed some

fluctuation/variation…

• There was a (steady/sharp) rise…

• There was a (stable) increase…

• There was (significant) growth...

• X rose (quickly/dramatically) …

• The amount of… increased (steadily)

• X doubled/tripled…

• X soared/skyrocketed (big change) …

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• There was an upward trend…

• There was a (two-year) plateau AT…

• The amount of … plateaued…

• They reached a plateau…

• Numbers leveled off…

• There was a (long) period of stability...

• The numbers stabilized…

• The amount remained stable/constant/the same…

• X did not change/remained stable AT/remained

steady AT

X reached/hit a peak OF…

X reached a low OF…

It peaked…

The amount of … reached a peak…

6
Making comparisons

Describing trends

• A downward/descending/sinking trend

• An upward/rising/climbing trend

7
8
Describing illustration

9
Prepositions of place and location

10
Useful vocabulary for Writing Part 2
Introductory phrases

Expressing opinions

11
Avoiding absolute statements

Synonyms for people

12
Making general statements/introduction

• According to the …,

• As shown in the …,

• As can be seen from the …,

• It is clear/apparent from …,

Describing predictions

• It is predicted/expected/anticipated/estimated that something will …

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Essay types and examples
1. Opinion → Discussion

‘Some people think that X is a good thing, while other people disagree. Discuss both sides and
give your own view.’

Write about each side of the discussion, and finally give your opinion at the end of your essay.

Some people think that children should spend all of their free time with their families. Others
believe that this is unnecessary or even negative. Discuss the possible arguments on both sides,
and say which side you personally support.

It is sometimes said that the countryside offers a high quality of life, especially for families. What
are the arguments for and against families choosing to live and work in the countryside, for
example as farmers? What is your own view about this?

Some people believe that a person's intelligence is inherited from the parents, while others believe
that their environment is the main factor. Discuss these views. Which factor do you think is mostly
responsible for intelligence?

2. Opinion → personal viewpoint

‘X is a good thing. To what extent do you agree with this statement?’

You should state your personal viewpoint at the beginning of the essay, and then explain why you
have this opinion.

Some observers say that police officers should be recruited from the communities where they
work, so that they have local knowledge. Other people say that this is unnecessary, or even
undesirable. Where do you stand on this debate? Is local knowledge essential in modern policing?

Playing a musical instrument is one of the most important achievements for any child. To what
extent do you agree with this statement?

3. Ideas → Causes/effects

It does not ask for your opinion about whether something is good or bad. You should introduce
the topic, then describe two or three causes, then two or three effects. There should be a short
summary at the end.

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Pollution of rivers, lakes and seas is a major concern for people who seek to protect the
environment. What are the possible causes of water pollution, and what effects does this have on
animal life and human society?

It is generally agreed that fewer people today write letters (through the mail or post? compared
with the twentieth century. What factors have led to this situation? What will the impact be on
the lives of future generations?

4. Ideas → problem/solution

You should introduce the topic, describe two or three problems, then offer two or three solutions,
and then summarize in the final paragraph.

Many doctors are concerned about the high use of computer games by children and young people.
What mental and physical problems may arise from excessive use of these games? How could
these problems be reduced?

Analysts tell us that many people today feel stressed and think that they have insufficient control
over their lives. What problems do such feelings cause for people? What remedies could you
suggest?

5. Ideas → mixed → causes/solutions type

Transport delays and long journey times are a widespread phenomenon in many cities today. What
are the causes of this problem, and how could the situation be improved?

6. Ideas → Evaluate

Governments in many countries are urgently seeking ways to reduce unemployment in rural areas.
What are the most effective ways to do this? Which measure do you think would be the single
most effective step that government could take?

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Essay word count

Here’s what a 300-word essay looks like.

Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of
sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and
that other measures are required.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

A problem of modern societies is the declining level of health in the general population,
with conflicting views on how to tackle this worrying trend. One possible solution is to provide
more sports facilities to encourage a more active lifestyle.

Advocates of this believe that today's sedentary lifestyle and stressful working conditions
mean that physical activity is no longer part of either our work or our leisure time. If there were
easy-to-reach local sports centers, we would be more likely to make exercise a regular part of our
lives, rather than just collapsing in front of a screen every evening. The variety of sports that could
be offered would cater for all ages, levels of fitness and interests: those with painful memories of
PE at school might be happier in the swimming pool than on the football pitch.

However, there may be better ways of tackling this problem. Interest in sport is not
universal, and additional facilities might simply attract the already fit, not those who most need
them. Physical activity could be encouraged relatively cheaply, for example by installing exercise
equipment in parks as my local council has done. This has the added benefit that parents and
children often use them together just for fun, which develops a positive attitude to exercise at an
early age.

As well as physical activity, high tax penalties could be imposed on high-fat food products,
tobacco and alcohol, as excessive consumption of any of these contributes to poor health. Even
improving public transport would help: it takes longer to walk to the bus stop than to the car.

In my opinion, focusing on sports facilities is too narrow an approach and would not have
the desired results. People should be encouraged not only to be more physically active but also to
adopt a healthier lifestyle in general. (305 words)

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Essays on different topics

1. Education

 Some people think that school graduates should travel or work for a period of time instead
of going directly to study at university. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both
approaches. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience.

 Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others
believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future,
such as those related to science and technology.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

 Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at
primary school rather than secondary school. Do the advantages of this outweigh the
disadvantages?

 Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high
school programs (e.g. working for charity, improving the neighborhood or teachings sports
to younger children). To what extent do you agree or disagree?

 A course of study that has no direct employment opportunities serves no purpose. To what
extent do you agree?

2. Tourism

 Some people think that tourism is the only way for some countries to develop. Others argue
that it can do more harm than good. Discuss both views.

3. Science & Technology (computerization)

 Some people believe that computers are more a hindrance than a help in today’s world.
Others feel that they are such indispensable tools that they would not be able to live or
work without them. In what way are computers a hindrance? What is your opinion?

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  Modern technology has made it easier for individuals to download copyrighted music and
books from the internet for no charge. To what extent is this a positive or a negative
development?

 Advances in technology and automation have reduced the need for manual labor.
Therefore, working hours should be reduced. To what extent do you agree?
Modern appliances in the home have become more common, leaving no doubt that
advances in technology have improved our lifestyle. Do you agree or disagree?

4. Art & Culture

 Many museums charge for admission while others are free.

Do you think the advantages of charging people for admission to museums outweigh the
disadvantages?

 To be labeled a “Work of Art”, a painting, sculpture or other art form should display certain
qualities that are unique. However, over the past century there has been a decline in the
quality of prize-winning artwork and it is now possible for quite ordinary pieces of art to
be labelled “masterpieces” whilst true works of art pass unnoticed.
Do you agree or disagree?

 The difference between popular culture and more traditional culture is vast. Discuss.

 In many countries, government sponsorship of the arts costs millions in taxpayers' money.
There are many more important things to spend money on. Do you agree?

5. About myself/Family

 Some people feel that the legal age at which people can marry should be at least 21. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?

6. Job

 Some say that it would be better if the majority of employees worked from home instead
of travelling to a workplace every day. Do you think the advantages of working from home
outweigh the disadvantages?

 Some people say that because many people are living much longer, the age at which people
retire from work should be raised considerably. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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  Some people argue that it is more important to have an enjoyable job than to earn a lot of
money. Others disagree and think that a good salary leads to a better life.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion

 Some employers reward members of staff for their exceptional contribution to the company
by giving them extra money. This practice can act as an incentive for some but may also
have a negative impact on others.

 To what extent is this style of management effective?

Are there better ways of encouraging employees to work hard?

7. Health

 Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of
sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and
that other measures are required.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

8. Mass media (advertising, TV, radio, the Internet)

 It is generally believed that the Internet is an excellent means of communication but some
people suggest that it may not be the best place to find information.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

 Journalists often claim that people have the right to know everything. Are there any
situations in which the freedom of the press should be limited?

 Some people argue that stronger regulations are required to censor the media from
publishing stories about the private lives of famous people. This raises the question of
whether privacy rules should be different for celebrities compared with members of the
public. What's your opinion?

9. Food (GM food)

 Supermarkets should only sell food produced from within their own country rather than
imports from overseas. What are your opinions on this?

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10.Shopping

 In the past shopping was a routine domestic task. Many people nowadays regard it as a
hobby. To what extent do you think this is a positive trend?

11.Environment (acid rain, air pollution, climate, natural disasters)

 Pollution of rivers, lakes and seas is a major concern for people who seek to protect the
environment. What are the possible causes of water pollution and what effects does this
have on animal life and human society?

 Today's low-cost airlines are able to offer fast and cheap travel. However, some people
believe this is at the cost of the planet. Suggest ways that governments and individuals
could tackle the environmental impact of low-cost flights.

 It is the responsibility of governments to ensure that environmentally friendly policies are

adopted. To what extent do you agree?

 Deforestation caused by human activity is happening in many parts of the world, with
serious results for the environment. What do you think can be done to solve this problem?

12.Global issues

 Some people choose to eat no meat or fish. They believe that this is not only better for their
own health but also benefits the world as a whole. Discuss the view and give your opinion.

13.Law & Crime (bribery, juvenile delinquency)

 Under British and Australian laws, a jury in a criminal case has no access to information
about the defendant’s past criminal record. This protects the person who is being accused
of crime.
Some lawyers have suggested that this practice should be changed and that a jury should
be given all the past facts before they reach their decision about the case.
Do you agree or disagree?

 Individuals should not be allowed to carry guns. Do you agree or disagree?

 Drug addiction is becoming an increasing problem. In order to reduce this problem, anyone
caught using drugs should be automatically sentenced to time in prison. Do you agree?

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14.Sport (doping)

 In many parts of the world there is continuous coverage of sport on television. Some people
believe that this discourages the young from taking part in any sport themselves.
Discuss the view and give your opinion.

 In the past, sporting champions used to be motivated primarily by the desire to win a match
or to break world records. These days, they are more likely to be motivated by prize money
and the opportunity to be famous.

 What message does this send to young people and how does this attitude to sport affect the
sports themselves?

15.Other

 Countries are becoming more and more similar because people are able to buy the same
products anywhere in the world.
Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?

 Many people assume that the goal of every country should be to produce more materials
and goods. To what extent do you agree or disagree that constantly increasing production
is an appropriate goal?

 Every year several languages die out. Some people think that this is not important because
life will be easier if there are fewer languages in the world.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

16.Abstract

 “Failure is proof that the desire wasn’t strong enough”. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?

17.Production

 Meat production requires relatively more land than crop production. Some people think
that as land is becoming scarce, the world’s meat consumption should be reduced.
What measures should be taken to reduce the world’s meat consumption? What kinds of
problem might such measures cause?

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IELTS scoring rubric

22
IELTS TASK 1 Writing band descriptors (public version)
Band Task Achievement
9 ƒ fully satisfies all the
requirements of the task
ƒ clearly presents a fully
developed response
8 ƒ covers all requirements of the
task sufficiently
ƒ presents, highlights and
illustrates key features/bullet
points clearly and
appropriately
7 ƒ covers the requirements of the
task
ƒ (Academic) presents a clear
overview of main trends,
differences or stages
ƒ (General Training) presents a
clear purpose, with the tone
consistent and appropriate
ƒ clearly presents and highlights
key features/bullet points but
could be more fully extended
6 ƒ addresses the requirements of
the task
ƒ (Academic) presents an
overview with information
appropriately selected
ƒ (General Training) presents a
purpose that is generally
clear; there may be
inconsistencies in tone
ƒ presents and adequately
highlights key features/bullet
points but details may be
irrelevant, inappropriate or
inaccurate
Page 1 of 2
Coherence and Cohesion
ƒ uses cohesion in such a way that it
attracts no attention
ƒ skilfully manages paragraphing
ƒ sequences information and ideas
logically
ƒ manages all aspects of cohesion well
ƒ uses paragraphing sufficiently and
appropriately
ƒ logically organises information and
ideas; there is clear progression
throughout
ƒ uses a range of cohesive devices
appropriately although there may be
some under-/over-use
ƒ arranges information and ideas
coherently and there is a clear overall
progression
ƒ uses cohesive devices effectively, but
cohesion within and/or between
sentences may be faulty or mechanical
ƒ may not always use referencing clearly
or appropriately
Lexical Resource Grammatical Range and Accuracy
ƒ uses a wide range of vocabulary ƒ uses a wide range of structures with full
with very natural and sophisticated flexibility and accuracy; rare minor
control of lexical features; rare errors occur only as ‘slips’
minor errors occur only as ‘slips’
ƒ uses a wide range of vocabulary ƒ uses a wide range of structures
fluently and flexibly to convey ƒ the majority of sentences are error-free
precise meanings ƒ makes only very occasional errors or
ƒ skilfully uses uncommon lexical inappropriacies
items but there may be occasional
inaccuracies in word choice and
collocation
ƒ produces rare errors in spelling
and/or word formation
ƒ uses a sufficient range of ƒ uses a variety of complex structures
vocabulary to allow some flexibility ƒ produces frequent error-free sentences
and precision ƒ has good control of grammar and
ƒ uses less common lexical items punctuation but may make a few errors
with some awareness of style and
collocation
ƒ may produce occasional errors in
word choice, spelling and/or word
formation
ƒ uses an adequate range of ƒ uses a mix of simple and complex
vocabulary for the task sentence forms
ƒ attempts to use less common ƒ makes some errors in grammar and
vocabulary but with some punctuation but they rarely reduce
inaccuracy communication
ƒ makes some errors in spelling
and/or word formation, but they do
not impede communication
5 ƒ generally addresses the task; ƒ presents information with some ƒ uses a limited range of vocabulary, ƒ uses only a limited range of structures
the format may be organisation but there may be a lack of but this is minimally adequate for ƒ attempts complex sentences but these
inappropriate in places overall progression the task tend to be less accurate than simple
ƒ (Academic) recounts detail ƒ makes inadequate, inaccurate or over- ƒ may make noticeable errors in sentences
mechanically with no clear use of cohesive devices spelling and/or word formation that ƒ may make frequent grammatical errors
overview; there may be no ƒ may be repetitive because of lack of may cause some difficulty for the and punctuation may be faulty; errors
data to support the description referencing and substitution reader can cause some difficulty for the reader
ƒ (General Training) may
present a purpose for the
letter that is unclear at times;
the tone may be variable and
sometimes inappropriate
ƒ presents, but inadequately
covers, key features/bullet
points; there may be a
tendency to focus on detail
4 ƒ attempts to address the task ƒ presents information and ideas but ƒ uses only basic vocabulary which ƒ uses only a very limited range of
but does not cover all key these are not arranged coherently and may be used repetitively or which structures with only rare use of
features/bullet points; the there is no clear progression in the may be inappropriate for the task subordinate clauses
format may be inappropriate response ƒ has limited control of word ƒ some structures are accurate but errors
ƒ (General Training) fails to ƒ uses some basic cohesive devices but formation and/or spelling; predominate, and punctuation is often
clearly explain the purpose of these may be inaccurate or repetitive ƒ errors may cause strain for the faulty
the letter; the tone may be reader
inappropriate
ƒ may confuse key
features/bullet points with
detail; parts may be unclear,
irrelevant, repetitive or
inaccurate
3 ƒ fails to address the task, ƒ does not organise ideas logically ƒ uses only a very limited range of ƒ attempts sentence forms but errors in
which may have been ƒ may use a very limited range of words and expressions with very grammar and punctuation predominate
completely misunderstood cohesive devices, and those used may limited control of word formation and distort the meaning
ƒ presents limited ideas which not indicate a logical relationship and/or spelling
may be largely between ideas ƒ errors may severely distort the
irrelevant/repetitive message
2 ƒ answer is barely related to the ƒ has very little control of organisational ƒ uses an extremely limited range of ƒ cannot use sentence forms except in
task features vocabulary; essentially no control of memorised phrases
word formation and/or spelling
1 ƒ answer is completely ƒ fails to communicate any message ƒ can only use a few isolated words ƒ cannot use sentence forms at all
unrelated to the task
0 ƒ does not attend
ƒ does not attempt the task in any way
ƒ writes a totally memorised response

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IELTS TASK 2 Writing band descriptors (public version)
Band Task Achievement
9 ƒ fully addresses all parts of the
task
ƒ presents a fully developed
position in answer to the
question with relevant, fully
extended and well supported
ideas
8 ƒ sufficiently addresses all parts
of the task
ƒ presents a well-developed
response to the question with
relevant, extended and
supported ideas
7 ƒ addresses all parts of the task
ƒ presents a clear position
throughout the response
ƒ presents, extends and
supports main ideas, but there
may be a tendency to
overgeneralise and/or
supporting ideas may lack
focus
6 ƒ addresses all parts of the task
although some parts may be
more fully covered than others
ƒ presents a relevant position
although the conclusions may
become unclear or repetitive
ƒ presents relevant main ideas
but some may be
inadequately
developed/unclear
Page 1 of 2
Coherence and Cohesion
ƒ uses cohesion in such a way that it
attracts no attention
ƒ skilfully manages paragraphing
ƒ sequences information and ideas
ƒ logically
ƒ manages all aspects of cohesion well
ƒ uses paragraphing sufficiently and
appropriately
ƒ logically organises information and
ideas; there is clear progression
throughout
ƒ uses a range of cohesive devices
appropriately although there may be
some under-/over-use
ƒ presents a clear central topic within
each paragraph
ƒ arranges information and ideas
coherently and there is a clear overall
progression
ƒ uses cohesive devices effectively, but
cohesion within and/or between
sentences may be faulty or mechanical
ƒ may not always use referencing clearly
or appropriately
ƒ uses paragraphing, but not always
logically
Lexical Resource Grammatical Range and Accuracy
ƒ uses a wide range of vocabulary ƒ uses a wide range of structures with full
with very natural and flexibility and accuracy; rare minor errors
sophisticated control of lexical occur only as ‘slips’
features; rare minor errors occur
only as ‘slips’
ƒ uses a wide range of vocabulary ƒ uses a wide range of structures
ƒ fluently and flexibly to convey ƒ the majority of sentences are error-free
precise meanings ƒ makes only very occasional errors or
ƒ skilfully uses uncommon lexical inappropriacies
items but there may be
occasional inaccuracies in word
choice and collocation
ƒ produces rare errors in spelling
and/or word formation
ƒ uses a sufficient range of ƒ uses a variety of complex structures
vocabulary to allow some ƒ produces frequent error-free sentences
flexibility and precision ƒ has good control of grammar and
ƒ uses less common lexical items punctuation but may make a few errors
with some awareness of style
and collocation
ƒ may produce occasional errors
in word choice, spelling and/or
word formation
ƒ uses an adequate range of ƒ uses a mix of simple and complex
vocabulary for the task sentence forms
ƒ attempts to use less common ƒ makes some errors in grammar and
vocabulary but with some punctuation but they rarely reduce
inaccuracy communication
ƒ makes some errors in spelling
and/or word formation, but they
do not impede communication
5 ƒ addresses the task only ƒ presents information with some ƒ uses a limited range of ƒ uses only a limited range of structures
partially; the format may be organisation but there may be a lack of vocabulary, but this is minimally ƒ attempts complex sentences but these
inappropriate in places overall progression adequate for the task tend to be less accurate than simple
ƒ expresses a position but the ƒ makes inadequate, inaccurate or over ƒ may make noticeable errors in sentences
development is not always use of cohesive devices spelling and/or word formation ƒ may make frequent grammatical errors
clear and there may be no ƒ may be repetitive because of lack of that may cause some difficulty and punctuation may be faulty; errors can
conclusions drawn referencing and substitution for the reader cause some difficulty for the reader
ƒ presents some main ideas but ƒ may not write in paragraphs, or
these are limited and not paragraphing may be inadequate
sufficiently developed; there
may be irrelevant detail
4 ƒ responds to the task only in a ƒ presents information and ideas but ƒ uses only basic vocabulary ƒ uses only a very limited range of structures
minimal way or the answer is these are not arranged coherently and which may be used repetitively with only rare use of subordinate clauses
tangential; the format may be there is no clear progression in the or which may be inappropriate ƒ some structures are accurate but errors
inappropriate response for the task predominate, and punctuation is often
ƒ presents a position but this is ƒ uses some basic cohesive devices but ƒ has limited control of word faulty
unclear these may be inaccurate or repetitive formation and/or spelling; errors
ƒ presents some main ideas but ƒ may not write in paragraphs or their may cause strain for the reader
these are difficult to identify use may be confusing
and may be repetitive,
irrelevant or not well
supported
3 ƒ does not adequately address ƒ does not organise ideas logically ƒ uses only a very limited range of ƒ attempts sentence forms but errors in
any part of the task ƒ may use a very limited range of words and expressions with grammar and punctuation predominate
ƒ does not express a clear cohesive devices, and those used may very limited control of word and distort the meaning
position not indicate a logical relationship formation and/or spelling
ƒ presents few ideas, which are between ideas ƒ errors may severely distort the
largely undeveloped or message
irrelevant
2 ƒ barely responds to the task ƒ has very little control of organisational ƒ uses an extremely limited range ƒ cannot use sentence forms except in
ƒ does not express a position features of vocabulary; essentially no memorised phrases
ƒ may attempt to present one or control of word formation and/or
two ideas but there is no spelling
development
1 ƒ answer is completely ƒ fails to communicate any message ƒ can only use a few isolated ƒ cannot use sentence forms at all
unrelated to the task words
0 ƒ does not attend
ƒ does not attempt the task in any way
ƒ writes a totally memorised response

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