International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Writing Syllabus

In a question combining two different visuals (e.g., a chart and a table), how should the overview be written?

Summarise the main feature(s) of each visual and, where possible, note any relationship between them, so the overview covers the whole task, not just one chart.

What tense dominates a process diagram description, and why?

The present simple, often in the passive voice (e.g., 'the beans are roasted'), because a process describes general, repeatable steps rather than past events.

List four sequencing connectors essential for describing a process or flow chart.

'First/Firstly', 'Then/Next/After that', 'Subsequently', and 'Finally'. Also 'Once X is done', 'Before/After', 'At this stage'.

How should you handle the start and end points of a cyclical (looping) process diagram?

State that the process is a cycle, choose a logical starting stage, describe each step in order, and note where the final stage feeds back into the beginning to repeat the cycle.

For a map question showing changes between two time periods, which tenses are required?

Past simple and/or present perfect passive for the changes (e.g., 'a hospital was built', 'the forest has been replaced'); present tenses only if comparing two present-day maps.

List four key verbs (often passive) for describing changes on a map over time.

'was built/constructed', 'was demolished/knocked down', 'was replaced by/converted into', 'was extended/expanded'; also 'relocated', 'cleared', 'reclaimed'.

What directional and location language helps organise a map description?

Compass points (to the north/south/east/west, north-east), plus 'in the centre', 'on the outskirts', 'adjacent to', 'opposite', 'alongside', 'in the top-left corner'.

What does 'selecting and grouping key features' mean in Task 1, and why is it scored?

Choosing the most important/significant data points and organising related ones together into paragraphs. It directly affects Task Achievement and Coherence — covering 'key features' is required above Band 5.

What is a reliable two-paragraph structure for grouping the body of a Task 1 report?

Group by logical comparison: e.g., one paragraph for the highest/largest categories or earlier period, and one for the lowest/smallest or later period — keeping similar data together rather than describing each line randomly.

Distinguish formal, semi-formal and informal register in IELTS letters (General Training Task 1).

Formal: writing to a stranger/official, no contractions, full salutations ('Dear Sir/Madam'). Semi-formal: known person in a non-intimate role (a landlord, a manager you know). Informal: a friend/family, contractions and chatty tone acceptable.

Which salutation–closing pairs are correct for formal vs informal IELTS letters?

Formal unknown name: 'Dear Sir or Madam' … 'Yours faithfully'. Formal known name: 'Dear Mr Smith' … 'Yours sincerely'. Informal: 'Dear John' / 'Hi John' … 'Best wishes' / 'Take care' / 'Love'.

In a GT Task 1 letter, what are the three bullet points, and how must they be treated?

They are the three required content points (the prompt's bullets). Each must be addressed and developed (extended with detail/reasons); omitting or under-developing a bullet lowers Task Achievement.

How should you identify the purpose of an IELTS letter, and why does it matter?

Read the scenario to determine its function — to complain, request, apologise, invite, thank, explain or apply. The purpose determines the register, tone, opening sentence and the closing.

What is an effective opening sentence formula for a formal letter stating its purpose?

'I am writing to + infinitive', e.g., 'I am writing to complain about…', 'I am writing to request information regarding…', 'I am writing to apologise for…'.

How should the tone of an effective complaint letter be managed in IELTS?

Firm and assertive but polite and controlled — state the problem clearly, explain the impact, and request specific action; avoid rude, aggressive or threatening language even in a formal complaint.

What functional language suits a request letter, and what closing line reinforces it?

Polite request forms: 'I would be grateful if you could…', 'Could you please…', 'I would appreciate it if…'. Closing: 'I look forward to hearing from you' / 'Thank you in advance for your assistance.'

What three elements make an effective apology letter in IELTS?

A clear apology ('I am writing to apologise for…' / 'Please accept my sincere apologies'), an explanation of what happened, and an offer to make amends ('To make up for this, I would like to…').

Name the five common IELTS Task 2 essay question types.

Opinion (agree/disagree), Discussion (discuss both views and give your opinion), Advantages/Disadvantages, Problem/Cause and Solution, and Two-part/Direct questions.

How does an 'agree or disagree' essay differ in required structure from a 'discuss both views' essay?

Agree/disagree: take and sustain ONE clear position throughout. Discuss both views: present both sides fairly (usually one per body paragraph) AND state your own opinion, which must be clear and consistent.

What is the first analytical step before writing any Task 2 essay, and what must it identify?

Analyse the prompt: identify the topic, the keywords/scope, the question type, and exactly what you are asked to do — so the response stays on-topic and addresses every part of the task.

What does 'forming a position' mean, and where in the essay must it appear?

Deciding your stance/thesis on the question. It must appear clearly in the introduction (thesis statement), be maintained through the body, and be restated in the conclusion.

Describe the standard four/five-paragraph structure of a Task 2 essay.

Introduction (paraphrase + thesis/outline), two (or three) body paragraphs each developing one main idea, and a conclusion that restates the position and summarises. Roughly: intro, 2 bodies, conclusion.

What two components should a strong Task 2 introduction contain?

(1) A paraphrase of the question/background statement, and (2) a thesis statement that directly answers the question and may outline the essay's main points.

What is the recommended internal structure of a Task 2 body paragraph?

Topic sentence (main idea) → explanation/development of that idea → supporting reason → specific example → optional link/result sentence. Often summarised as Point–Explain–Example.

Why are reasons and examples essential to scoring well on Task Response?

They develop and support ideas, showing the position is logically extended rather than asserted. Undeveloped or unsupported points are penalised as the response is then only partially addressed.

What is a topic sentence, and what is 'paragraph unity'?

A topic sentence states the single main idea of a paragraph (usually the first sentence). Paragraph unity means every other sentence in the paragraph supports or develops that one idea — no unrelated points.

What is the official minimum word count for IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2, and what is the penalty for going under?

Task 1: at least 150 words; Task 2: at least 250 words. Writing fewer than the minimum incurs a penalty (lost marks on Task Achievement/Response for under-length answers).

What is the recommended time split between Task 1 and Task 2, and why allocate it that way?

60 minutes total: about 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2. Task 2 carries twice the marks of Task 1, so it gets more time.

Why are memorised, off-topic, or 'template' answers penalised in IELTS Writing?

Examiners discount memorised language and off-topic content; it inflates length without addressing the specific task, lowering Task Response and Lexical Resource because it does not fit the actual question.

Name four common formality/accuracy 'slips' that lower the band, and their fixes.

Contractions in formal writing (write out in full), informal phrasal verbs/slang (use formal synonyms), American/British spelling inconsistency, and missing/incorrect punctuation (comma splices, capital 'I', sentence-final full stops).

What practical proofreading routine should be done in the final minutes of the IELTS Writing test?

Reserve 2–3 minutes per task to check for: subject–verb agreement, verb tenses, articles (a/an/the), plural -s, spelling, punctuation, and that every part of the task and the word count are met.