IELTS: Writing part 1 INTRODUCTION 

Writing part 1  will ask you to write 150 words in response to a question relating to a graph, table, chart or process (this could be a description of how something functions, or how a task is done).

What is being tested is your ability summarise the key information, showing you can select relevant information that will clearly and precisely answer the question being asked. You will need to be able to analyse the data, select which aspect are important and then apply these to the questions in a clear and logical manner. Part of this will be to show any trends in the data, such as figures effected by date, time, age etc.

Writing part 2 will ask you to write an essay using the topic provided on the exam paper. The essay should be a minimum of 250 words. Spend twice as long on part 2, it is worth twice the points (spend around 40 minutes)

Abilities the examiner wants to see :

• Demonstrate a personal viewpoint, linking to evidence from the paper
• Argue against a viewpoint given on the paper
• Provide a clear answer that does not go off topic
• Write in a clear precise manner that demonstrates your opinion
• Write in English that flows, with few mistakes in grammar and spelling

Timing

You will have only 1 hour to finish 2 parts of the academic IELTS writing test

Part 2 is worth twice as many marks. We recommend spending 20 minutes on part 1 and 40 minutes on part 2.

Writing task 1

Formal style – 150 words minimum. 20 minutes

Writing task 2

Formal style – 250 words minimum. 40 minutes

English lessons by Skype for IELTS writing

English lessons by Skype can be a benefit for the IELTS writing section. It is important when preparing for the IELTS writing to know exactly the best strategy for answer the questions. Like in the whole IELTS test, time is always an issue. Your teacher will be able to let you know exactly how to analyse the question and extract the information from the exam paper that will help you answer.

IELTS : Reading part 3 (Academic Training)

Part 3 of the academic reading will consist of one large body of text, followed by questions 27 – 40.

Try these Reading Part 3 questions and answers

Click here >> READING PASSAGE 3

Click here >> READING PASSAGE 3.1

Click here >> READING PASSAGE 3.2

Click here >> READING PASSAGE 3.3

Click here >> READING PASSAGE 3.4

How can my IELTS reading be improved?

IELTS reading can be mastered by learning the tips and trick needed in the exam. Your Skype English teacher will be able to go through each part of the Reading Section and explain how to maximise your score.

How do we teach students IELTS on Skype?

Skype lessons can be a great way to boost your score in IELTS. A professional English teacher will be able to explain where you are making mistakes, where you are not focussing on the correct answer and where you can add more to boost your score. If we look at the reading parts, the main problems students face is time management and not interpreting the question correctly.

Time management

This is something that if you get right can add greatly to your overall mark. With 40 questions in the reading sections and only 1 hour, time is not your friend. When you take your IELTS lesson by Skype your teacher can create timed sessions that replicate the exam. Usually there are 3 parts in the Reading section, so expect to spend 20 minutes on each. This leaves under 2 minutes to answer each question.

Firstly your English teacher will give you part 1. We recommend reading the questions first and marking each question with a different coloured highlight.

Secondly read through the text, you should practice skimming the text and scanning for answers to the questions, when you see an answer highlight it with the correct colour.

Thirdly read the questions again, make sure you fully understand what they are asking. Now go back through the text answering each question.

Remember, if you get stuck on  a question leave it to last, but always complete your paper, never leave a answer blank.

Your Skype English teacher will be able to go through this process with you. They will be able to explain which text to highlight and how to make this a successful strategy.

By practicing this way – for each part of the Reading exam, you will learn how to manage questions and interpret them correctly, how to use you time with maximum efficiency and how to find the correct answers in the text using an effective technique. They will also time you to make sure you are completing the exercise in no longer than 20 minutes.