There
are two tasks that test taker can find in writing test. In the first
task, test taker has to write for about 150 words; meanwhile it takes
about 250 words in the second task. So, what is the difference?
In
the first task, test taker has to show his or her ability in describing
some visual information. It can be in the form of graph, table, chart,
or diagram. The time given to complete this task is 20 minutes.
On
the other hand, in the second task, test taker gets 40 minutes as the
allocated time. In the second task, test taker needs to present his or
her ability to give argument and elaborate them based on the “motion”
that has been given.
There
might be a question regarding the number of words that should be
written. What will happen if test taker writes more than 150 or 250
words? Will there any penalty for that? In IELTS, indeed the number of
words should be written has clearly stated. However, that number is not
the maximum number. So, test taker may add the number of words. The
thing that should be stressed by test taker is the number of mistakes
that he or she might have if the essay is longer than it should be.
There will be no problem as long as the test taker is able to make sure
that he or she does not add the mistake in writing.
The
condition will be different when test taker writes less than 150 or 250
words. For sure, there will be score reduction when test taker can not
achieve the expected goal. Therefore, test taker has to give more
attention on the time allocation given in order to fulfill the targeted
words.
To
be safe, test taker should count the number of words that he or she
writes on average per line. Then, test taker should count carefully the
lines that he or she has already got. In the second task for example,
test taker needs to write 25 lines if each line consists of 10 words in
average.
In
this case, the importance of doing exercise at home plays an important
role. By having more exercises at home, test taker will be able to know
the number of line that he or she should complete without re-counting
after finishing the writing itself. Save the time!
References:
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2011/03/ielts-writing-advice-correcting-yourself.html,
http://www.ielts.org/test_takers_information/test_sample/academic_writing_sample.aspx
