Writing Test Hints

... write directly on the given topic. Once you have accurately determined what the topic and the topic question is, keep to the topic throughout the entire piece of writing. ... write for the intended reader. This means you should write your answer in a formal academic style. For instance, if you are asked to write for a university lecturer, your answer must be written in the formal style expected. It is inappropriate to write in note form in the IELTS test (unless specifically requested). It is inappropriate to use colloquial or slang words or expressions in formal writing. Also, you should avoid using the word "thing ", or words containing the word "thing ", such as "something" or "anything". Use more descriptive words instead. It is not generally acceptable to use "etc." or "and so on" in formal writing. Instead, make a list of at least 3 examples of what you wish to say, and punctuate as follows: e.g. " ... in the water, air and soil " but " ... they sat for the test, passed, and failed to use their qualifications. "

Note that the comma after the second last item is usually included only if there might otherwise be an unintended confusion of meaning, as in the second example above. ... write what is expected. If the task includes the words "(write from) your own experience", it means from the knowledge you have of a particular topic, and does not usually mean writing about your personal experiences (unless specifically requested). e.g. "Language-learning overseas is an extremely difficult process." not "When I was in England, I found learning a language to be very difficult." ... write all that is requested in the task. For instance, if you are asked to give recommendations or advice, make sure that you do. Also, avoid making statements that are too general, too simple, and too obvious. Your answer should be written in some detail.

The Topic and The Topic Question It is important to know precisely what the topic is, and what the question is concerning that topic. Look at the circled topics of Task 2 in Writing Tests One and Two:
TEST
0NE

(Studying the English language in an English-speaking country) is the best but not the only way to learn the language. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? The world is experiencing a dramatic increase in population. This is causing problems not only for poor, undeveloped countries, but also for industrialised and developing nations. Describe some of the problems that (overpopulation) causes, and suggest at least one possible solution.

TEST
TW0

The Test One topic is "studying the English language in an English-speaking country". The question asks you to consider the alternative: studying English in a non-English-speaking country. Failure to compare the advantages and disadvantages of both ways will most likely mean a lower score. The topic in Test Two is "overpopulation". If you wrote at length about overpopulation not being a problem, it would be irrelevant. In addition, you would score less if you failed to offer a solution. 49