Lecture Four Argumentation

Lecture One

(For General & Academic Training)

1, General introduction to IELTS writing

The writing part of the IELTS is a one-hour test consisting of two tasks. Each task is awarded a band score, and the two separate band scores are converted into a final, or overall band score for the writing part.

You are recommended to spend 20 minutes on task one and 40 minutes on task two. However, it is your responsibility to manage your own time. You may, if you wish, attempt task two before task one. They don’t have to be completed in chronological order. It is important to bear in mind, however, that task two is worth more marks than task one. For example, if you were awarded a band 6 for task one, and a band 7 for task two, your overall score for the writing would be band 7. However, if you were awarded a band 7 for task one, and a band 6 for task two, then your overall score would be 6. Therefore, if you spend too much time on task one, thus not allowing yourself time to complete task two adequately, your overall band score may be affected.

You must use a pencil for the writing test. You cannot use a pen. You can use the question paper to make notes if you wish, but test papers cannot be taken out of the room. You are not allowed to use a dictionary in the test.

General Training Test

In the general training test, task one is to write a letter. This may be an informal letter to a friend or a formal letter requesting information or making a formal complaint, for instance. You therefore need to be familiar with different writing styles. The word length is restricted to 150 words. If you write too few words, it will affect your bad score. To leave sufficient time for task two, it is therefore important that you practice writing task one questions in 20 minutes.

Task two is to write a 250-word essay on a topic of general interest. You are expected to present an opinion or point of view in a style appropriate for the purpose. Therefore, you are...