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Tag - IELTS general

How to write a Task 1 in the General exam

One of the writing examiners here explains how to write a Task 1 in the General exam.  You only get this advice at upmyielts.com.   First, read the question and see whether it is informal or semi-formal (You will never be expected to use formal English; it is a different language!) Second, check to see whether you have been told how to start, i.e. Dear Sir/Madam etc Third, make sure you understand the purpose of the letter (apology, asking for a recommendation, etc) Fourth, read...

How many words should you write in Task 1?

This is a good question and we get this one a lot. IELTS deems 150 the minimum number of words that you need to write to be able to fulfil the Task i.e. get Band 9.0.  Aim for 150 to 180 words.  If you write more than that then you may run out of time for Task 2.  Remember, and this is key for IELTS writing, the more you write, the more time you will have to spend checking your writing. ...

10 reasons why IELTS writing is so hard

There are a number of reasons why IELTS writing is where most people struggle.  The IELTS examiners that work with us came up with these 10 reasons. People don’t write very much anymore so it is skill we are losing. Teachers avoid teaching writing and set it for homework. They think they should focus on speaking in class and so writing gets neglected. This happens pretty much from school age. Students don’t think they need to practice it. They are...