Category: IELTS Writing

IELTS Writing Task 1: Question

A map diagram in IELTS Writing Task 1 is likely to be a before/after street plan that requires you to compare past and present. In this case, however, it’s present and future that you need to compare.

The diagram shows proposed changes to Foster Road.

Write a 150-word report describing the proposed changes for a local committee.

IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer

The diagram shows proposals to transform Foster Road between SE 84th and 85th Avenue into a tree-lined avenue that is safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

First of all, the planners propose to widen the sidewalk on both sides of the road and add bicycle lanes. This will mean reducing the number of lanes for cars and other vehicles. A pedestrian crossing will also be installed at the lower end of the street, near the gas station. This crossing will include an island in the middle where people can wait in safety.

In addition to the safety measures above, planners also want to plant trees along both sides of the road. These trees will transform the appearance of the neighbourhood as well as provide vital extra shade for pedestrians.

To summarise, under these proposals, the needs of local residents will be better served by making Foster Road a safer and more pleasant environment.

(152 words, IELTS 9.0)

Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS Band 9 score?

Task achievement: The candidate writes at least 150 words and describes all of the proposed changes. The changes are summarised at the beginning and end, and described in detail in the body of the report. The changes are connected to their function and their location on the map is also clearly described.

Coherence and cohesion: The body of the report is divided into two paragraphs, one describing the changes that will improve safety, and another describing changes that will improve the environment. These paragraphs are clearly linked (“In addition to the safety measures above,…”). There are several uses of reference links such as this and these to refer back to a previous sentence.

Lexical resource: The candidate introduces relevant vocabulary not on the original maps such as pedestrian, cyclist, measures, and tree-lined. The candidate transforms certain words as in proposed > proposal and installation > installed. There are no spelling mistakes.

Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer includes a range of complex sentence structures. Tense is always used correctly to show that the changes will occur in the future. There are no grammatical errors.

Teacher’s Notes

When describing changes to a map in IELTS Writing Task 1, you will usually start by comparing the diagrams, identify four or five changes that seem important, and write about these. But it’s worth taking 1-2 minutes first to reflect on why the changes are significant and if there is a common theme or themes. Being able to identify a common theme or tendency is one way to get a high score for Task Achievement.

IELTS Writing Task 1: Question

Today’s example of a process diagram is just for fun. It’s unlikely that you would be asked to describe a process this difficult in the real test!

The illustration below shows the process of tying a bow tie.

Write a report explaining to a university lecturer how to tie his bow tie.

Write at least 150 words.

IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer

The diagram illustrates how to knot a bow tie in eight stages.

To begin with, the tie should be placed around the neck, with one end slightly longer than the other. Then place the longer end over the other and pass it upwards and behind the point where the two ends cross.

Next, take the other end of the tie and bend it twice to form an ‘S’ shape. Bring the longer end down and in front, so that it holds the ‘S’ curve in place. Now comes the trickiest part of the process. Take the long end of the tie and form a similar ‘S’ shape before passing it through the narrow gap behind the other end. This creates a knot and the bow should now be held securely in place.

Finally, adjust both sides of the bow to make it symmetrical and prepare to be the envy of your friends.

(152 words, IELTS 9.0)

Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS Band 9 score?

Task achievement: The model answer fully satisfies all requirements of the task by describing each stage in the process.

Coherence and cohesion: The model answer uses a range of sequencing expressions to describe the order in which the actions should be carried out. The answer is divided into several paragraphs for ease of understanding, with the inclusion of a general sentence – Now comes the trickiest part of the process – to aid coherence.

Lexical resource: A range of appropriate vocabulary is introduced, including action verbs such as knot, bend, pass and adjust.

Grammatical range and accuracy: The correct forms – imperatives, modals – are used to give instructions. Sentence patterns vary and are always grammatically accurate.

Teacher’s Notes

As I mentioned in my introduction above, this IELTS Writing Task 1 question is not entirely serious. It would be quite shocking to have to describe a process like this one in the real exam. It does illustrate a serious point though. Almost every diagram in IELTS Writing Task 1 contains some vocabulary in the form of labels. The vocabulary is there to help you, not to make the task more complex. So be grateful for all those labels!

Would you like me to check your IELTS writing answers and give you expert feedback based on the official scoring criteria? My online IELTS Writing Practice Test will show you how to improve by a whole band score in just two days. Read more.

IELTS Writing Task 1: Question

A cycle diagram is a variation on the process diagram in which the process repeats itself. So it’s a good idea to make that point in your answer.

The diagram below illustrates the carbon cycle in nature.

Write a 150-word description of this diagram for a university lecturer.

IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer

The diagram shows how carbon moves through various stages to form a complete cycle. This report will give a brief description of the main stages in this cycle.

First, we can see that energy from the sun is transformed into organic carbon through a process in plants known as photosynthesis. This organic carbon is then transferred underground when plants, and the animals that feed on them, die and decay. Some of this carbon is trapped underground in the form of fossils and fossil fuels.

Carbon is also released back into the atmosphere, however, through various means. One is when animals and plants respire, and another is when humans burn fossil fuels in cars and factories. All this carbon enters the atmosphere as CO2. It is then reabsorbed by plants, and the cycle begins again.

Overall, we can see that carbon moves in a natural cycle, although human factors may now be affecting the balance.

(154 words, IELTS 8.0)

Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS Band 8 score?

Task achievement: The model answer selects and describes most components of the cycle diagram except for waste products and ocean uptake. There is an overall description of the cycle followed by a clearly sequenced and divided description of the stages. The summary identifies something noteworthy about the diagram. The length is sufficient.

Coherence and cohesion: The model answer is divided into clear paragraphs with a logical separation between the body paragraphs and connective markers first, then, however, and overall. There is a general overview in paragraph 1 and a summary in paragraph 4. Referencing techniques such as ellipsis (one is…) are used to avoid over-repetition of key words.

Lexical resource: The writer makes good use of the language in the cycle diagram and is also able to change forms in the case of respiration > respire. The writer also introduces a range of verbs for describing a process or cycle such as transform, transfer and release.

Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer uses a wide range of forms accurately including countable/uncountable nouns, active/passive structures, and transitive/intransitive verbs.

Teacher’s Notes

Cycle diagrams are almost always natural processes: nature is one big wheel after all. Usually you will find that the labels on the diagram contains lots of unfamiliar scientific nouns. If you think you know the verb forms, then use them as this will definitely contribute to a higher score. Otherwise you’ll have to rely on phrases such as “in a process known as Animal Respiration”.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Question

Try this problem solution essay about the internet. I’m sure you can think of many problems but I suggest you write about only two. You have only 40 minutes in which to write your answer.

The internet has transformed the way information is shared and consumed, but it has also created problems that did not exist before.

What are the most serious problems associated with the internet and what solutions can you suggest?

IELTS Writing Task 2: Model Answer

There is no doubt that the internet has revolutionised communication and information-sharing in the same way that the telegraph and the television did before it. However, societies have had to cope with unanticipated new problems, including crimes which traditional laws are powerless to prevent. This essay will address some of the illegal acts enabled by the internet and propose solutions.

To begin with, the global scale of the internet means that national laws are no longer adequate to control what happens online. Take restrictions on legal reporting, for example. In some countries, the media is prohibited from revealing details of a defendant’s past in case this prejudices a fair trial. However, such restrictions are no longer enforceable now that information may be freely published in other countries and accessed by all. The only solution here, it seems, is to adopt global standards. Since the internet traverses national borders, the flow of information can only be controlled if all nations agree on what can and cannot be shared.

Another problem concerns anonymity, as internet users can easily conceal their identity and even impersonate others. Many crimes such as identity theft and child abuse result from the ease with which criminals can operate anonymously online. Some have proposed a system of online identification, similar to a passport, which would allow all internet users to be verified and traced. I believe this idea should be explored further, though there are clearly concerns about the security of those who use the internet to protest against oppressive regimes.

In conclusion, the only long-term solution to the problem of internet crime is greater international cooperation. Since the problem is global is scale, the solution must also be global. A new agency of the United Nations should be created to tackle the problems described here.

(298 words, IELTS 8.5)

Why does this Task 2 answer get an IELTS Band 8 score?

Task response: The model answer fully answers the question by stating two distinct problems caused by the internet together with relevant solutions to each problem. Each problem is illustrated with examples. The style is appropriate to academic writing and the answer is at least 250 words in length.

Coherence and cohesion: The introduction to this problem solution essay ends with a clear thesis statement. Each body paragraph deals with a different problem and its solution. Examples are signalled with logical connectives like for example and such as. The conclusion contains a clear recommendation which follows from the body.

Lexical resource: There are many instances of higher-level vocabulary such as prohibited, verified and oppressive. Examples of good collocation include prejudices a fair trial and tackle the problems. There are no spelling errors and correct word forms are used throughout.

Grammatical range and accuracy: The candidate uses a wide range of conjunctions to link ideas into more complex sentences. Where necessary, the candidate uses a shorter sentence to emphasise a point more strongly. Verb tenses, including modals, are always accurate. Punctuation is handled skillfully throughout.

Teacher’s Note

An IELTS problem solution essay will usually ask for problems and solutions (note plural), so try to include two of each. This leads logically to an essay with two body paragraphs, like the model answer above. Try to describe each solution together with the problem it solves in order to be as coherent as possible. And remember, your solutions don’t have to be original, or even realistic, in order to get a high score. The IELTS examiner is only interested in your use of language, not in the quality of your ideas.