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5 Modest user – Has partial command of the language, coping with overall
meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be
able to handle basic communication in own field. 4 Limited user
– Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent
problems in understanding and expressions. Is not able to use complex language. 3 Extremely limited user
– Conveys and understands only general meaning in
very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur. 2 Intermittent user
– No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and
to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1 Non-user – Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a
few isolated word.
Did not attempt the test – No assessable information provided.
2.8 Writing of IELTS Academic Module
The Academic Writing Module consists of two different writings and whole paper takes one hour. Candidates do not have any choice of tasks. Task 1,
descriptive essay, must be a minimum 150 words and it is recommended that candidates spend no longer than 20 minutes on this. Task 2, argumentative essay,
must be at least 250 words and carries two third of the marks, so it is recommended that candidates spend 40 minutes on this. Under length answers
lose marks.
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The Task 1, prompt is always type of diagram. Candidates have to write about the information shown, describing the main features, trends, or differences.
They have to refer closely to the diagram, where relevant; illustrate their main point with figures. Candidates are not required to give any explanation for the data
or opinion Jakeman and McDowell: 59, but have to describe only the information given in the task Terry and Wilson, 2007: 7.
Task types may involve describing information from a graph, chart, or table, a flow chart or process diagram, a plan or a map, a diagram showing how
something works, a diagram showing or comparing objects, or a set of small diagrams Terry and Wilson, 2005:6; McCarter: 2008:6; McCarter and Ash, 2003:
7. Task 1 is assessed in terms of task fulfillment – how well candidates have
reported illustrated the main points of the information, coherence and cohesion – how well candidates have organized the information across their answer and how
they have linked the ideas within and between sentences, vocabulary and sentence structure – how appropriately and accurately candidates have used a range of
language. In Task 2 candidates are require to discuss an issue, question or opinion of
general interest, and to give their own point of view. The topics do not require them to have special knowledge, but they have to be able to present ideas on
general issues. The prompt is usually a background statement introducing the topic, followed by an instruction to the candidates. This instruction tells them how
they should approach the topic and it is very important that they spend time
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analyzing exactly what they are expected to write about Terry and Wilson, 2007: 7.
Instruction types include giving and justifying opinion, comparing opposing opinion, evaluating advantages and disadvantages, comparing arguments for and
against, analyzing problems and suggesting solutions, and answering direct questions on an issue. For Task 2 candidates are expected to write in a formal
style, appropriate for an academic exam. Task 2 is assessed in terms of argument, ideas and evidence – how well
candidates have been able to present relevant ideas and opinions and develop these into a well-supported argument or point of view, communicative quality –
how well candidates well candidates have organized and linked their points and ideas, vocabulary and sentence structure – how appropriately candidates have
used a range of language. The scores on the criteria are combined to give candidates a Task Band for
each task. These are then combined to give them Final Band for Writing. There is no half band for this module.
2.9 Writing Task 1 of IELTS Academic Module
