IELTS – Graphs and Letters
The IELTS writing section provides you with two independent writing tasks; your allotted time is one hour to complete this section. Dependant on whether you are taking the Academic IELTS or the General IELTS, you will be presented with a graph and an essay or a letter and an essay respectively. During the writing section you are advised to spend 20 minutes for either the graph or the letter and 40 minutes for the essay.
GRAPHS
Under the Academic IELTS exam, you will be required to analyze a graph and create a corresponding report. You’ll be presented with a university style graph(s); there is no way to predict the subject of the graph, but you can prepare for the types of graphs presented. Make sure you become familiar with the following types of graphs: a single line graph, multiple line graph, bar graph, pie chart, table or a process chart. Here are some key tips to follow.
·
Figure out the main points of the graphs, what is being shown and the main trend or pattern.
·
Make sure you structure your answer like an essay. Use the introduction to explain the purpose of the graph and the overall trend.
·
Split the body of the essay into paragraphs; highlight the main points giving details and evidence for each point.
·
Never include your own opinions or views on the graph as this will waste time and you will be penalized for it.
·
Never use bullet points to describe the graph.
·
Write at least 150 words, otherwise you will be penalized.
·
Include a variety of vocabulary.
·
The key is to select the important information; you do not need to list every single detail on the graph.
Some great Graph description vocabulary
·
a sharp increase
·
a steady rise
·
dropped slightly
·
a sudden fall
·
a dramatic climb
LETTERS
If you are taking the General IELTS, instead of reporting on a graph you are required to write a letter. There are several types of letters, the common scenarios you may be asked to address are a complaint, a request for information, a formal business letter, a personal letter or a job application letter. Here are some key tips for letter writing.
·
Firstly, you need to understand what type of letter you are writing. Is it a formal letter of complaint or are you writing to a friend about some good news? From there you can adjust your style and tone with regards to who you are writing for.
·
Identify the main purpose of the letter. What is the main reason you are writing in the first place? What is the particular message you need to relay across to the reader.
·
Make sure you write at least 150 words! If you do not attain this word count you will be penalized as a consequence. I don’t suggest you count word for word once you have finished to double check. The best way to do this is to practice to see exactly what 150 words looks like and feels like in your handwriting. Remember, you will not be marked down for going over the word count, only under.
·
Whatever you do, stay on topic! Don’t wander off on unrelated tangents as this will score you no extra makes. Write in accordance with the issue and nothing else. If you go into too much detail or start creating a story, you are bound to get confused. In IELTS letter writing, keep it simple so that you keep the focus of the reader, sticking to the main argument. This means addressing all three of the bullet point prompts given to you.
·
Remember you do not need to write your full address at the top of the letter.
·
Watch out for incorrect spelling and grammar when proof reading
Some great Letter vocabulary
·
Simply start your letter with ‘Dear… Madam/Sir/Name’
·
When finishing your letter make sure your sign off by writing ‘Sincerely/Best Regards/ Faithfully’
·
‘I am writing in connection with’
·
‘I am writing in regards to’
·
‘I am writing to inform you’