General Training Writing - Task 1 (Types)

Informal
Greeting: Hi Mum
Opening statement: Thanks for the parcel, it just arrived!
Closing statement: I can't wait to see you next week.
Ending: Lots of love

Semi-formal
Greeting: Dear Mike
Opening statement: I'm afraid I won't be able to attend the meeting next week.
Closing statement: I'm looking forward to getting back to work.
Ending: Kind regards

Formal
Greeting: Dear Sir or Madam
Opening statement: I am writing in response to your advertisement.
Closing statement: I look forward to your reply.
Ending: Yours sincerely

The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS for Academic and General Training p.380

Academic Writing - Task 1 (Describing maps - Vocabulary)

Make something bigger - extend / expand

Make something new again - renovate / modernise

Make something modern - modernise / renovate

Take something away and put something else in its place - replace 

Make something better - improve

Make something smaller - reduce

Build several buildings in an area where there was nothing - develop 

Put in something totally new - add

Take something away - remove

Build something again - reconstruct


The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS for Academic and General Training p.111

IELTS Academic Writing - Task 1

The diagram explains how old newspapers can be recycled and reused at home.

Firstly, you should tear some old newspapers and place the pieces into a bowl. Then, add 250 ml of water and leave the paper to soak for an hour. Next, using an electric mixer beat the mixture for about 45 seconds until it forms a pulp. When it is ready, pour the pulp into a shallow tray and add a further 100 ml of water. Mix it together by hand. Then use a piece of mesh to carefully place the pulp mixture inside.  Lift the pulp mixture out of the tray allowing the water to drain. Next, open up an old newspaper and put the pulp mixture inside. Then, using a rolling pin, press the paper down and force out any excess water. Finally, leave your new paper to dry in a warm place for at least 24 hours.

It takes a little over a day to complete the process of recycling paper at home using water and an old newspaper. All that is required in this simple procedure is a mixer, mesh and a rolling pin.

Question taken from The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS for Academic and General Training p.106

Academic Writing - Task 2

The internet allows us to stay connected with each other no matter where we are. On the other hand, it also isolates us and encourages people not to socialise. To what extent do you agree or disagree with these statements?

There is no doubt that the internet has changed the way people communicate with each other. Wifi is available almost everywhere for free and people stay connected via their smart phones and other devices through social network sites such as Facebook, twitter, Wechat etc.

There are multiple benefits to being constantly connected with the family and friends. Many individuals live away from home due to work or studies. This allows them to bridge the distance by reporting their daily news to the people that matter most to them. We also have the opportunity to network, meet new friends from a different country and reconnect with old friends online.

Unfortunately, people have become addicted to the internet and have replaced this form of communication with going out or meeting their friends face-to-face. They prefer to sit at home and chat with many friends online rather than making the effort to meet up with them. In some cases, even when they do go out with their friends, instead of talking to them they chat to others on their phone, send them photos of their drink or even upload pictures of their meal. They are too busy trying to show others they are enjoying themselves rather than experiencing the moment with their friends.

I believe it is important to keep in touch with your family and friends on a daily basis but this should not be at the cost of socialising face-to-face. The internet isolates individuals and gives them the impression that they are being sociable.

Question taken from, The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS for Academic & General Training p.120

Writing Task 2 - Understanding the task

To what extent = how far or how much e.g. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Positive trend = a change for the better e.g. To what extent do you think this is a positive trend?

A factor = an element or condition 

An approach = a means of achieving something

To regard = to view or judge

To outline = to give a summary of

To discuss= to consider different sides e.g. Discuss both statements and give your own opinion.

Relevant = connected to the topic e.g. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience

The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS for Academic & General Training p.119

IELTS Academic Writing - Task 2 (Writing)

Some people get into debt by buying things they don’t need and can’t afford. What are the reasons for this behaviour? What action can be taken to prevent people from having this problem?

We live in a competitive society where people are constantly buying new products in order to keep up with the latest trends. Unfortunately, many people borrow money in order to buy products they can’t afford and perhaps don’t really need, putting themselves in financial difficulty.

There is a lot of pressure in society to keep up. We are bombarded by advertisements on a daily basis and pushy companies trying to sell their products.  Technology is constantly being updated and to stay ahead consumers purchase the latest products even though what they are using functions well. People are also influenced by image and status believing that wealth is something to be displayed so they purchase large houses, expensive cars, yachts etc. without having enough money to pay for these luxuries thus running into debt.

The banks might get involved in this case and only give loans to clients who need the capital to start a new business or finance their first home. They will also need to ensure that a person has enough income to afford a luxury product and to be able to cover the interest rate or repay back their bank loan. What is more, the government can try to limit the amount of wealth someone owns by placing heavy taxes on luxury goods.

However, despite these measures, I believe it is very difficult to control a person’s spending. This is a personal choice and consumers will continue overspending, buying the newest products and seeking luxury goods to display their status in society.

The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS for Academic and General Training p.317

IELTS Academic Writing - Task 1 (Task Achievement)

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.

To achieve a good score for Task Achievement, you need to

1. Give an overview of all the main information in the graph (summarise the information).
2. Describe all the most relevant and significant information (select and report the main features).
3. Point out the key differences and similarities in the data (make comparisons where relevant).
4. Only include information that is represented in the data.
5. Produce an answer that is at least 150 words.

The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS for Academic and General Training p.97

General Training Writing - Task 1

You have been doing some voluntary work to help your local community. However, now you are unable to continue doing this work.
Write a letter to the manager of the organisation where you have been working. In your letter

• describe the work you have been doing
• explain why you can no longer do this work
• recommend another person who is interested in the work.

Dear Mrs. Owens,

I have been working at Holly Oaks Home for the elderly on a voluntary basis for the last five years and I am writing to inform you that unfortunately I will be unable to continue providing my services.

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I was responsible for organising social activities for the elderly. These included ballroom dancing, bingo tournaments and classes on how to use the internet. I was also responsible for arranging day trips to nearby cities, museums and galleries.

Due to the fact that my husband has been offered a job in Malaysia I will no longer be able to carry out these duties. We are moving at the end of this month. 

I would like to recommend a new volunteer to fill my position. Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor is a retired nurse and is available for this post. I have already briefed her about my duties and she will be contacting you shortly to discuss this matter.

It was a pleasure volunteering at Holly Oaks and I feel grateful for the opportunity I was given to offer my services to the elderly.

Yours Sincerely,

Jane Tembo

Question taken from The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS for Academic and General Training p.332