This is the fifth sample report (Task 1) which follows IELTS guidelines for the Writing section of the Academic Module.  The graph in this case deals with where people get their news from.  The sample written is much longer than what a candidate would have time to draft (over 300 words), but the reason for this is to give candidates more words to underline and add to their list of phrases to use in such types of writing tasks.   First, make sure to have read my post 

This is the fourth sample report (Task 1) which follows IELTS guidelines for the Writing section of the Academic Module.  This task does not refer to a graph or table, but deals with a diagram or map. Candidates in this case need to describe a process.  The diagrams in this post refer to the changes the town of Langley underwent by presenting an image of the town in 1910 and a second one in 1950. The sample written is much longer than what a candidate would have time to draft (over 300 words), but the reason for this is to give candidates more words to underline and add to their list of phrases to use in such types of writing tasks.   First, make sure to have read my post 

This is the third sample report (Task 1) which follows IELTS guidelines for the Writing section of the Academic Module.  The graph in this case deals with three categories of gas emissions that contribute to air pollution. It is a longer report than what a candidate would have time to draft (230 words approximately), but the reason for this is to give candidates more words to underline and add to their list of phrases to use in such types of writing tasks.   You can begin by reading my post 

This is the second sample report (Task 1) which follows IELTS guidelines for the Writing section of the Academic Module. 

This, I hope, is the first of several sample reports to come. They follow the guidelines for the IELTS Task 1 writing section which asks candidates to write a summary of data presented in a graph or diagram.  Task 1 can therefore be seen as consisting of two subcategories of tasks:  a graph, chart, table or a diagram, map, image showing a process or object In this series of reports, I'll focus on the first type which deals with graphs so that candidates can see how facts can be grouped together and presented in an orderly manner.  You can begin by reading my post  

What is the IELTS? The IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is a language proficiency test given by millions of candidates the world over. Teens and adults take the test as part of university application procedures at undergraduate or postgraduate level, or to acquire a visa, emigrate, work or train.  Scores are given in bands from 1 to 9 (1 being the lowest, 9 being the highest) with results available two weeks after the written part of the test was taken (13 days to be exact). Scores are awarded for each of the four sections tested and you are also given an overall score as a whole or half band, so for example, you can score a 7.0 in Listening, 6.0 in Reading, 7.5 in writing and a 7.5 in Speaking. Your final score would be a 7.0 overall. What constitutes a passing score depends on why you're taking the IELTS exam and who's asking to see your results.  Which module do I need?

The following are key points to remember about a formal, academic piece of writing, whether it is for an exam or an assignment, an essay or a letter.  There are conventions that need to be followed so here is a short list of things to keep in mind when writing to someone who is not an acquaintance or the finished work counts towards a grade.

Writing at C2 level (Proficient User) on English language examinations is the same no matter the awarding body when it comes to writing essays. If you are a candidate giving an exam in English, make sure you read my earlier post What do I do with the sample writing found on this blog? to get the most out of the sample essays provided on this blog.  If you are not taking an exam but need ideas on teacher responsibilities (academic or social), then read on and note down what you deem useful. If you intend on using this essay as part of an assignment, remember to paraphrase so as not to plagiarize. The following topic was taken from a Michigan State University English Language Examinations publication ( Go For MSU - CELP (C2) , Super Course System). As you will notice, the topic is similar to what candidates would expect in any other C2 level examination in that examiners want to see a well-organized, coherent and cohesive discussion of the issue with argume...

D o You Know the IELTS Marking Criteria for the Writing Sectio n? When I first started working 20 or so years ago, it was teaching high school graduates who were applying through UCAS to attend a university in Britain and whose mother tongue wasn't English . The IELTS, therefore, was a 'must' for them.  Through my experience dealing with both year-long students, with whom ample time preparing was available, and intensive course candidates who needed to sit the exam in a few weeks time, I learned that writing was the area most were having trouble coming to grips with. This, apparently, seems to be the case with the majority of IELTS candidates around the world as well, as I've been seeing a lot of discussion on forums, social media groups and other online communities in general about the writing section on the IELTS exam lately . The overwhelming question is "How do they [the examiners] grade the writing?" and the usual post is one where an essay...

I've often found that students aren't taught how to write about literary texts. They attend a Literature course either in school or university, but their work is devoid of that little extra something that would make it commendable.  The reason for this is because either they haven't been told what work of this nature requires or because they haven't paid close attention to what their teachers or professors have expressly stated they base marks on.  Whatever the case may be, the following pointers should prove useful. If you're a student, make a checklist of the notes hereinafter and check them off when you reread your finished assignment. If you're a teacher, you can make a handout and go over the points in class at the beginning of the academic year.  Knowing what is expected of you will make your writing more to the point, show your knowledge of