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How to get a high IELTS writing score

Guía de IELTS Writing Task 1 y 2: lecciones con ejemplos de IELTS Writing de banda 9 para los tests Academic y General Writing

En esta guía aprenderás a redactar ensayos de alta puntuación para la IELTS writing task 1 y la IELTS writing task 2. No importa qué examen vayas a presentar, academic o general training, te tenemos cubierto. Esta guía incluye ejemplos de IELTS Writing, temas y lecciones detalladas para general writing task 1 y 2 y academic writing task 1 y 2.

Obtén ensayos de muestra gratuitos de writing de IELTS después de completar una prueba de práctica de writing de IELTS.

Examen de IELTS General Writing Examen de IELTS Academic Writing

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Índice

Información sobre el test IELTS Writing

El test de writing consta de 2 tareas y dispondrás de un total de 60 minutos para completar ambas. Puedes hacer las tareas en cualquier orden, pero asegúrate de gestionar bien el tiempo y dedicar alrededor de 20 minutos a la IELTS writing task 1 y 40 minutos a la IELTS writing task 2.

IELTS Academic Writing Task VS IELTS General Writing Task

El IELTS ofrece dos versiones de examen. La versión Academic es para personas que buscan educación superior, mientras que la versión General Training es para quienes buscan simplemente migrar o cursar estudios inferiores. Existen más criterios para ambas versiones, así que contacta con el servicio de atención al cliente del IELTS para saber qué test es adecuado para ti.

¿Cuál es más difícil? El test academic, como puedes imaginar, es más difícil que el general training. La diferencia entre los dos está en la dificultad de la IELTS writing task 1. Por suerte, solo la Writing Task 1 es diferente. La IELTS writing task 2 es la misma para ambas versiones. La tabla siguiente resume los dos tipos de tests IELTS writing.

Tipo de test Task 1 Task 2
Academic Writing IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

En la IELTS academic writing task 1, se te presenta una gráfica, tabla, diagrama o esquema y se te pide describir, resumir o explicar la información con tus propias palabras.

IELTS Writing Task 2

En la IELTS writing task 2, tendrás que escribir un ensayo de estilo tradicional en respuesta a una pregunta. Debes escribir al menos 250 palabras.

General Writing IELTS General Writing Task 1

En la IELTS General Writing Task 1, se te pide escribir una carta sobre una situación dada. Esta carta será de uno de los siguientes tipos:

- Formal (las cartas formales se envían a personas que no conocemos o con las que nunca nos hemos encontrado.)
- Semiformal (las cartas semiformales se envían a personas a las que no conocemos bien.)
- Informal (las cartas informales se envían a personas que conocemos bien, como nuestros amigos)

Vídeo de introducción a IELTS Academic Writing


Vídeo de introducción a IELTS General Writing

¡Próximamente!

Cómo se puntúa el test IELTS Writing

En el test IELTS writing, tu puntuación de writing se calculará según cuatro categorías. Estas se conocen como Task Achievement/Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, y Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Consulta los siguientes descriptores de banda que utilizan los examinadores IELTS para puntuar la sección de writing del test:

- IELTS Writing Task 1 Band Descriptors
- IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Descriptors

Ten en cuenta que los criterios de puntuación de ambas tareas incluyen:

  • Task Achievement/Task Response  - ¿Has respondido completamente a la pregunta y has presentado una respuesta plenamente desarrollada?
  • Coherence and Cohesion  - ¿Tiene sentido tu argumentación o análisis? ¿Está bien pensado y presentado de manera completa?
  • Lexical Resource – ¿Has usado un vocabulario amplio con un tono natural y formal?
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy – ¿Tu ensayo está prácticamente libre de errores? ¿Has logrado utilizar una amplia variedad de estructuras gramaticales?

¿La IELTS Writing Task 1 y la IELTS Writing Task 2 valen la misma cantidad de puntos? Bueno, igual que dedicarás el doble de tiempo a escribir la IELTS writing task 2, también vale aproximadamente el doble de puntos. No es exactamente el doble. Otra forma de verlo es sumar la puntuación de writing task 2 dos veces. Así, toma las puntuaciones de banda 7 para task 1 y 4 para task 2 y obtendrás la siguiente fórmula para calcular tu puntuación IELTS writing:

(7 + (4 x 2))/3 = 5.

Por lo tanto, la puntuación de banda total de IELTS writing es de aproximadamente 4,5 - 6. Como ves, no podemos dar un número exacto porque el IELTS no ha hecho pública su fórmula de puntuación, pero la fórmula presentada aquí es bastante exacta con una diferencia de aproximadamente 0,5 puntos.

Lo que revelan 19.000 ensayos de IELTS evaluados

Entre 2020 y 2026, los tutores de BestMyTest evaluaron unas 9.400 tareas de expresión escrita de IELTS y nuestro sistema de revisión con IA corrigió otros 9.614 ensayos. Hay tres aspectos que destacan.

  • La gramática determina la banda de puntuación. La variedad y precisión gramatical obtuvo la puntuación más baja de los cuatro criterios en el 91% de los ensayos de Task 2, el 84% de los informes de Task 1 de la modalidad académica y el 94% de las cartas de la modalidad de formación general. Puntuaciones medias otorgadas por los tutores en Task 2: gramática 5.5, riqueza léxica 6.0, coherencia y cohesión 6.1, respuesta a la tarea 6.1. En Task 1 de la modalidad académica: gramática 5.5, coherencia 5.8, cumplimiento de la tarea 5.8, riqueza léxica 5.8. En Task 1 de la modalidad de formación general: gramática 5.3, riqueza léxica 5.9, coherencia 6.0, cumplimiento de la tarea 6.2.
  • Los ensayos cortos se penalizan. El 17% de los ensayos de Task 2 no alcanzó el mínimo de 250 palabras y obtuvo una media de 4.9 en respuesta a la tarea, frente a 6.1 en los ensayos que alcanzaron las 250 palabras. El 13% de los informes de Task 1 de la modalidad académica y el 16% de las cartas de la modalidad de formación general tenían menos de 150 palabras. Las medias de nuestros estudiantes son de 285 palabras en Task 2 y unas 175 palabras en Task 1.
  • Los errores son pequeños y repetitivos. Un ensayo de Task 2 recibe unas 21 correcciones. La puntuación encabeza la lista (17% de las correcciones), seguida de los artículos (11%), la ortografía (10%), los sustantivos en singular y plural (9%), la concordancia entre sujeto y verbo (7%) y las preposiciones (6%). Dos tercios de los ensayos de Task 2 contenían un error en el uso de artículos y el 58% un error de concordancia entre sujeto y verbo. En Task 1 de la modalidad académica, el vocabulario relacionado con los datos provoca errores adicionales: "male" a "males", "increase" a "increased", "compare" a "compared". En las cartas de la modalidad de formación general, el uso de mayúsculas (9% de las correcciones) y los tiempos verbales (6%) tienen más peso que en las otras tareas.
  • Las correcciones más frecuentes de nuestro sistema de revisión: "this" a "these", "is" a "are", "have" a "has", "in" a "on", "of" a "for", "amount" a "number", "then" a "than", "that" a "who", "goverment" a "government", "belive" a "believe", "accomodation" a "accommodation".

Las cifras proceden de los datos de exámenes de práctica y revisiones de BestMyTest hasta octubre de 2026. Los porcentajes por tipo de pregunta son tasas de respuestas correctas calculadas sobre todos los intentos; las cifras por criterio son puntuaciones de tutores o de IA, según se indica. Última actualización: 5 de octubre de 2026.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

En la IELTS academic writing task 1, se te presenta una gráfica, tabla, diagrama o esquema y se te pide describir, resumir o explicar la información con tus propias palabras. Puede que se te pida describir y explicar datos, describir las fases de un proceso, cómo funciona algo o describir un objeto o evento.

Independientemente de la información visual que se te presente, tu tarea es escribir un resumen de la información visual y describir las principales tendencias, las diferencias generales, los cambios principales o los componentes principales de un sistema, o las fases principales de un proceso. Debes escribir 150 palabras o más y deberías dedicar unos 20 minutos a esta parte del test. La estructura de la redacción puede ser la siguiente:

  1. Introducción: parafrasear la pregunta
  2. Visión general: describir la tendencia global o redactar un resumen general de los principales grupos
  3. Párrafo de desarrollo 1: escribir en detalle sobre el primer grupo de forma lógica
  4. Párrafo de desarrollo 2: escribir en detalle sobre el segundo grupo de forma lógica

Los pasos para escribir el informe de esta tarea son muy sencillos:

  1. Analizar la(s) gráfica(s) y planificar cómo agrupar la información
  2. Escribir un ensayo utilizando la estructura recomendada
  3. Revisar el ensayo

Veamos cada uno de los distintos tipos posibles de gráficas, tablas, diagramas y esquemas visuales con los que podrías encontrarte en tu test IELTS writing:

Gráficas de líneas

En este tipo de tarea, recibirás una o más gráficas de líneas. Cada gráfica de líneas tendrá entre 1 y 8 líneas que muestran cómo cambian los valores a lo largo del tiempo. El periodo de tiempo podría ser el pasado, el presente o el futuro, o una combinación de los tres. Tu tarea es escribir un resumen, cubriendo los puntos más importantes y apoyando tu descripción incluyendo datos.

Pregunta de muestra

The chart illustrates average CO2 emissions per person in four European countries between 1975 and 2015.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

- Write at least 150 words.
- You should spend around 20 minutes on this task.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 line chart sample

Sample Essay

The line graph depicts the average Carbon dioxide emission for each individual residing in four countries, namely France, Norway, Spain, and Greece, over 40 years.

Overall, although CO2 production in France and Norway declined, it increased significantly in Spain and Greece over the period. Norway improved the most to become the most environmentally friendly, whereas Greece had the highest increase of all in that time.

Throughout the period, France produced the most CO2, though production declined overall from 11 tonnes per individual in 1975 to around 8.5 tonnes by 2015. In turn, except for a spike in emissions in 1985, Norway’s production of CO2 fell from 8 to under 6 tonnes forty years later.

On the contrary, CO2 release in Spain and Greece saw a more upward turn. In Spain, production doubled from 4 tonnes in 1975, overtaking Norway by 1995, to a final figure of just under 8 metric tonnes per head of population. Similarly, emissions in Greece, which were the lowest in 1975, increased five times to equal those of Norway in 2015.

Line Chart

Learn how to answer this question in a step-by-step interactive exercise

Para aprender a abordar las gráficas de líneas en IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, consulta nuestra lección IELTS Academic Writing Task - Line Graphs.

Gráficos de barras

En este tipo de tarea, recibirás uno o más gráficos de barras. Los gráficos de barras pueden mostrar cómo cambian los valores a lo largo del tiempo (datos dinámicos), las diferencias entre valores en un momento dado (datos estáticos), o los resultados de una encuesta o cuestionario. La información podría tratar sobre la situación en el pasado, el presente o el futuro, o una combinación de los tres. Tu tarea es escribir un resumen, cubriendo los puntos más importantes y apoyando tu descripción con datos.

Pregunta de muestra

The chart below shows the proportion of males and females in Malaysia who commonly do physical activity in 2010.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where necessary.

- Write at least 150 words.
- You should spend around 20 minutes on this task.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 bar chart sample

Sample Essay

The bar chart compares the proportion of male and females of differing age groups who frequently undertook physical activity in 2010.

Overall, while the Malaysian population keeps fit in general, a higher proportion of women than men exercised in 2010, with some further differences between age groups. Middle-aged females were the most likely to work out, while for men, those aged 15 to 24 tended to do the most physical activity.

In terms of men’s exercise habits, younger men were much more likely to exercise than older men with 52.8% of those aged under 24 exercising as opposed to only around 40% of older age groups

By contrast, around half of all women in all age groups reported keeping fit, especially those aged between 35 and 64 at around 53%. The exception was the youngest age group in which only 47.7 percent of women exercised compared to 52.8% of men. Similarly, for people 65 and over, just approximately 47% of both sexes were recorded regularly working out.

Bar Chart

Learn how to answer this question in a step-by-step interactive exercise

Los gráficos de barras son bastante comunes en IELTS writing task 1 academic. Hay tres escenarios distintos con los que te encontrarás en una tarea de gráfico de barras:

  1. Un gráfico de barras con categorías en el eje x
  2. Un gráfico de barras con fechas o años en el eje (funciona como una gráfica de líneas)
  3. Dos gráficos de barras presentados

Cada escenario requiere que redactes el informe de forma diferente. Regístrate para una prueba gratuita de 7 días para acceder a las siguientes lecciones de gráficos de barras:

- IELTS Academic Writing Task - Bar Charts Part 1 lesson.
- IELTS Academic Writing Task - Bar Charts Part 2 lesson.
- IELTS Academic Writing Task - Bar Charts Part 3 lesson.

Gráficos circulares

En este tipo de tarea, recibirás uno, dos o tres gráficos circulares. Los gráficos circulares pueden mostrar porcentajes de una cifra total. Si tienes un gráfico circular, representará un único momento en el tiempo (datos estáticos). Si tienes dos o más gráficos circulares, pueden representar cómo cambian los porcentajes a lo largo del tiempo o comparar distintos países o grupos. Tu tarea es escribir un resumen, cubriendo los puntos más importantes y apoyando tu descripción con datos.

Pregunta de muestra

The charts below show the percentage of water used for different purposes in six areas of the world. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

- Write at least 150 words.
- You should spend around 20 minutes on this task.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 multiple pie charts sample

Sample Essay

The pie charts provide information regarding the proportions of water used for industrial, agriculture, and domestic use in six regions.

In general, water serves mostly an industrial purpose in North America and Europe, whereas it is predominantly used for agriculture in South America, Africa, Central Asia, and South-East Asia.

Regarding industrial and domestic use, North America and Europe consume an average of approximately 50 percent of water for industrial purposes. However, these two regions report much less water consumption for domestic purposes, utilizing 13 percent and 15 percent, respectively. Out of all six regions, South America dedicates the highest percentage of water consumption for domestic use, but uses only 10 percent for industrial reasons. Both industrial and domestic use remain the least popular choices in Africa, Central Asia, and South-East Asia, where their combined use makes up less than 20 percent of the overall water consumption in each of the three regions.

Agricultural use, on the other hand, accounts for 71 percent of water consumption in South America and over three-fourths of water use in Africa, South-East Asia, and Central Asia, where it is nearly 90 percent. North America and Europe consume less than 40 percent of water for agricultural purposes.

Para aprender a abordar los gráficos circulares en IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, regístrate para una prueba gratuita de 7 días y accede a la lección IELTS Academic Writing Task - Pie Charts.

Tablas

En este tipo de tarea, se te entrega una tabla con datos. Puede mostrar cifras dinámicas que cambian con el tiempo o datos estáticos para un único momento. A menudo hay demasiada información, por lo que no podrás incluir todos los detalles. Tu tarea es escribir un resumen, cubriendo los puntos más importantes y apoyando tu descripción con datos.

Pregunta de muestra

The table below gives the average time spent and distance traveled by UK commuters in one year. Time and distance are given in minutes and miles accordingly.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Commuting Habits of different regions of the UK in a year

UK Region

Average Commuting Time (minutes)

Average Commuting Distance (miles)

London

54

14

South East

78

20

Scotland

45

19

West Midlands

39

18

North West

36

18

Northern Ireland

36

15

Yorkshire & Humberside

36

14

South West

34

16

East Anglia

33

15

North East

32

19

East Midlands

32

15

Wales

27

14

- Write at least 150 words.
- You should spend around 20 minutes on this task.

Sample Essay

The table shows data on the average commuting time (minutes) and distance (miles) completed by UK citizens in 12 different regions in one year.

Overall, with the exception of London, the further people travel, the more time they need to reach work people. Commuters in the south east region spend the longest time commuting over the greatest distance, whereas people in Wales spend the least.

Regarding the top three UK regions, on average, people in the south east travel both the farthest and longest at 20 miles over 78 minutes. Likewise inhabitants of Scotland journey a similar distance to work, yet spend almost half the time doing so at 45 minutes to get there, while those living in London spend the second-longest time travelling (54 minutes) over just 14 miles.

Of the other regions, people in the West Midlands spent the most time travelling at 39 minutes whereas those in Wales recorded the lowest time at 27 minutes. With regard to distance, residents of the North East, West Midlands and North West recorded the greatest mileage at 19, 18 and 18 miles respectively, while people in Yorkshire and Humberside as well as Wales both travelled the shortest distance to work of all at 14 miles.

Para aprender a abordar las tablas en IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, regístrate para una prueba gratuita de 7 días y accede a las siguientes lecciones:

- IELTS Academic Writing Task - Tables Part 1 lesson.
- IELTS Academic Writing Task - Tables Part 2 lesson.



Diagramas de procesos

Para este tipo de pregunta, recibirás un diagrama que muestra cómo funciona algo. El diagrama puede mostrar una máquina, un sistema o un fenómeno natural.

A menudo no hay datos o se incluyen pocos datos. Tu tarea es resumir la información mostrada en el diagrama.

Pregunta de muestra

The diagram below shows the water cycle, which is the continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of the Earth.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.

- Write at least 150 words.
- You should spend around 20 minutes on this task.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 flow chart sample

Sample Essay

The diagram illustrates the hydrological cycle by which water moves through our natural environment. Overall, there are several stages to the process involving evaporation, precipitation and the final return of water to the ocean where the process begins over.

Since 80% of all water begins in the ocean, most water originates from this source. Initially sea water is warmed by the sun, causing it to evaporate into the air becoming water vapor. This then rises to condense into clouds at a higher elevation, which are then then pushed by the wind over land where it condenses further and precipitation occurs, falling as either snow or rain.

After precipitation on land, water then takes one of three routes. Some of it may fall into lakes or return to the ocean as surface runoff. Still further water percolates underground to an impermeable layer where it again flows back to the sea. Salt water also intrudes from the ocean into the land in coastal areas.

Process Diagram

Learn how to answer this question in a step-by-step interactive exercise

Para aprender a abordar los diagramas de procesos en IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, regístrate para una prueba gratuita de 7 días y accede a la lección IELTS Academic Writing Task - Process Diagrams.



Mapas

Para este tipo de pregunta, recibirás uno, dos o tres mapas. Los mapas pueden mostrar una ciudad, isla u otra zona geográfica. Los mapas suelen mostrar los cambios ocurridos en la zona durante un periodo de tiempo. Los cambios podrían estar relacionados con la construcción (p. ej., desarrollar una zona para el turismo) o la destrucción (p. ej., cómo se vio afectada una zona por un desastre natural como un terremoto)

Tu tarea es escribir un resumen de los cambios que tuvieron lugar y cubrir los puntos más importantes.

Pregunta de muestra

The maps below show the centre of a small town called Islip as it is now, and plans for its development. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

- Write at least 150 words.
- You should spend around 20 minutes on this task.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 map sample

Sample Essay

The diagrams illustrate some proposed changes to the central area of the town of Islip.

Overall, the principal change to the town will be the construction of a ring road around the centre. Various other developments with regard to shops and housing will accompany the building of this road.

As the first map reveals, lslip town center now is relatively small. There is a main road from the west to the east with shops on both sides. The northern area is rarely countryside, while the southern area is filled with houses with a school at the end of the fork road in the southwest corner and a park in the southeast area.

In the future, the main road is expected to reform into a dual carriageway as a round containing all the new buildings. The shops along the north side of the new pedestrian street will be demolished to make way for a bus station, shopping centre, car parks and new housing area. The shops along the south side of the street will remain, but it seems that the town's park will be reduced in size so that more new houses can be built within the ring road.

Map

Learn how to answer this question in a step-by-step interactive exercise

Para aprender a abordar los mapas en IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, regístrate para una prueba gratuita de 7 días y accede a la lección IELTS Academic Writing Task - Maps.



Datos mixtos

En este tipo de tarea, recibirás dos conjuntos de datos. Los datos serán de tipos distintos. Por ejemplo, un conjunto podría ser cambios a lo largo del tiempo, mientras el segundo es estático. Alternativamente, un conjunto de datos podría mostrar porcentajes mientras el segundo conjunto muestra números. También se te puede dar una ilustración (p. ej., un diagrama o mapa) y un conjunto de datos (p. ej., gráfico de barras, gráfica de líneas, gráfico circular o tabla)

Tu tarea es resumir ambos conjuntos de datos.

Pregunta de muestra

The pie graph depicts the main reasons for the productivity loss of agricultural land worldwide. The table shows how these causes influenced three world regions during the 2000s.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Causes of Land Degradation by Region (%)

Region:

Deforestation

Over-cultivation

Over-grazing

Total land degraded

North America

0.3

3.4

1.7

5.4

Asia

9.8

7.8

5.7

23.3

Australia & Oceania

1.6

0.3

11

12.9

- Write at least 150 words.
- You should spend around 20 minutes on this task.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 mix charts sample

Sample Essay

The pie chart shows the four main causes of farmland degradation in the world today, while the table presents the amount of land surface area affected by each one in three separate global regions during the 2000s.

Overall, Asia suffered more from the deterioration of farmland than other regions owing to deforestation and over-cultivation which were also the primary reasons for agricultural land loss worldwide.

Globally, 69% of degraded land is attributed to excessive cultivation and tree clearance, constituting 37% and 32% respectively. A further quarter of global land loss is due to over cultivation of crops. Other causes made up only 7% collectively.

In the 2000s, these causes affected regions of our planet differently. Asia was the worst affected where the top two causes of global land loss, deforestation and over-cultivation, resulted in 9.8% and 7.8% of degraded land there. The impact on Australia and Oceania was less severe though over-grazing was the predominant cause of land deterioration at eleven percent. The least affected of all was North America where only 5.4% of land was diminished, principally because of over-cultivation at 3.4%.

Mixed Charts

Learn how to answer this question in a step-by-step interactive exercise

Para aprender a abordar los datos mixtos en IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, regístrate para una prueba gratuita de 7 días y accede a la lección IELTS Academic Writing Task - Mixed Data.



Vocabulario para IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

Para obtener una puntuación alta en esta tarea, debes aprender a usar palabras y frases adecuadas para presentar los datos dados en una gráfica circular/de barras/de líneas/mixta. Te sugerimos que te registres para una prueba gratuita de 7 días y completes las siguientes lecciones:

  1. IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Lesson - How to write about numbers
  2. IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Lesson - How to write about percentages
  3. IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Lesson - How to write about changes in data

Muestras de IELTS Writing Task 1

Esta sección presenta una lista de muestras de IELTS writing para la IELTS Academic Writing Task 1.

  1. IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Line Chart Questions
  2. IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Bar Chart Questions
  3. IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Pie Chart Questions
  4. IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Map Questions
  5. IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Process Diagram Questions
  6. IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Mixed Data Questions

IELTS General Writing Task 1

En la IELTS general training writing task 1, se te presentará una situación y deberás escribir una respuesta personal en forma de carta informal, semiformal o formal de al menos 150 palabras. Las situaciones sobre las que se te pide escribir son comunes y cotidianas, como:

  • escribir a un encargado de alojamiento universitario sobre problemas con el alojamiento,
  • escribir a un nuevo empleador sobre problemas de gestión del tiempo que estás teniendo,
  • escribir a un periódico local sobre un plan para desarrollar un aeropuerto local,
  • escribir a una agencia de alquiler para resolver problemas con el sistema de calefacción de su casa.

Respecto a la situación, recibirás información en forma de tres puntos clave que debes incluir en tu respuesta. Puede que tengas que solicitar o dar información y/o explicar una situación. Para hacerlo, puede que necesites realizar algunas de las siguientes acciones:

  • solicitar y/o proporcionar información factual general,
  • expresar necesidades, deseos, gustos o aversiones,
  • expresar opiniones o quejas,
  • hacer peticiones o sugerencias/recomendaciones.
Estilo de escritura del IELTS General Writing

El estilo de escritura que usarás depende de a quién se te pide escribir (es decir, el destinatario) y cómo se supone que lo conoces. Necesitas escribir en un estilo apropiado para tu destinatario y que te ayude a alcanzar tu propósito al escribir, p. ej., escribir a un amigo (informal) o escribir a un gerente (semiformal o formal). No necesitas incluir ninguna dirección al inicio de tus cartas.

Cómo evitar perder puntos en IELTS General Writing Task 1

Como se ha mencionado, no dediques más de 20 minutos a esta tarea y asegúrate de escribir al menos 150 palabras o serás penalizado. Aunque no serás penalizado por escribir más de 150 palabras, recuerda que una respuesta más larga en la tarea 1 puede significar que tengas menos tiempo para dedicar a la tarea 2, que contribuye el doble a la puntuación de banda de Writing.

También debes recordar que se te penalizará por irrelevancia, si la respuesta está fuera de tema o no se escribe como texto completo y conectado (p. ej., usando puntos con viñetas en cualquier parte de la respuesta, o en forma de notas, etc.). Serás penalizado severamente por plagio (es decir, copiar de otra fuente).

Pregunta de muestra de IELTS Writing Task 1 General Training

Last weekend, your cousin celebrated her 50th birthday, but you couldn't attend and you forgot to cancel.

Write a letter to your cousin. In your letter:

  • Apologize for missing the birthday celebration
  • Explain why you missed it and why you hadn't let her know
  • Describe how you will make it up to her

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,

- Write at least 150 words.
- You should spend around 20 minutes on this task.

IELTS Writing Sample Essay

Dear Marnie,

Happy belated birthday! I hope you're doing well and that you had a great 50th birthday party.

I'm so sorry that I wasn't at your party to celebrate with you. It's been such a long time since we've been able to catch up and see each other.

To be completely honest, I've been swamped with work lately, and I was asked to go on a last-minute business trip a few days before your birthday. I was so busy that I had completely forgotten about your party, and it didn't occur to me to call you and cancel.

My busy schedule is absolutely not an excuse for missing your 50th birthday, though, and I would love to make it up to you. I've reserved a table for two next Friday night at the new sushi restaurant in town. Can I please treat you to a luxurious birthday dinner?

I hope we can celebrate together next Friday!

Speak to you soon,

Jessica

Total Word Count: 162 words

Task Achievement — Letter

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Para más información sobre IELTS General Writing Task 1, consulta The Ultimate Guide for the IELTS General Writing Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 2

En la IELTS writing task 2, tendrás que escribir un ensayo de estilo tradicional en respuesta a una pregunta. Debes escribir al menos 250 palabras. Si no escribes suficientes palabras, serás penalizado. Hay 6 tipos diferentes de preguntas en la task 2. Veamos preguntas de muestra y ensayos modelo para cada tipo de ensayo.

Causas y efectos

En este tipo de pregunta, se te presentará un problema o situación. Tu tarea es describir las causas de la situación y algunos de los efectos de la situación.

Pregunta de muestra

It is observed that in many countries not enough students are choosing to study science at university. What are the causes? And what will be the effects on society?

- Write at least 250 words.
- You should spend around 40 minutes on this task.

Sample Essay

It is a fact that many students globally are avoiding science in favor of other subjects at university. Such a trend is largely due to how science is perceived, which may be having a detrimental effect on a nation’s development.

The primary reason for the drop in enrollment in science-based courses is that many undergraduates are put off by their difficulty. While many high school students enjoy science, they soon find themselves facing a lot of theory and research based courses once in college. For example according to a recent poll of UK universities, many students stated that while science was interesting in high school, there was too much theory learnt in classes, and not enough application in the lab to make it interesting. Furthermore, there are plenty of easier alternatives such as humanities for students to choose from these days. As a result, most choose a more appealing humanities degree over a science one.

Countries with the lowest science enrollment rates are affected the most competitively and economically. Fewer science graduates mean a shortage of skilled researchers in science-related fields like bio-engineering which reduces a countries competitiveness in attracting foreign investment. In other words foreign companies are usually unwilling to invest in nations with a low pool of skilled workers. In addition, a low number of skilled workers mean fewer technological developments for such countries, which may cause their economies to suffer from lost business in being the first to market with new products. For example, evidence shows that the number of patents filed by Chinese corporations is beginning to threaten the number credited to American ones.

In conclusion, there is a direct correlation between the perceived difficulty of science degrees and limited economic growth. Only by changing this attitude will countries reverse this trend.

Task Achievement — Task 2

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Discute ambas opiniones y da tu propia opinión

En este tipo de pregunta, se te darán dos puntos de vista opuestos relacionados con un asunto. Normalmente, los dos puntos de vista estarán en oraciones separadas conectadas por una palabra de transición como "however" para indicar que las dos opiniones contrastan. Tu tarea es escribir un ensayo discursivo, contrastando ambos lados del asunto y presentando tu propia opinión.

Pregunta de muestra

Some people argue that the public should be allowed to have guns. Others do not agree. Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.

- Write at least 250 words.
- You should spend around 40 minutes on this task.

Sample Essay

Gun ownership is a controversial topic with some people arguing that the public should have the choice to own them, while others disagree wholeheartedly with the idea. In my opinion, I believe that the public should only be entitled to own guns after having proper training.

The benefits of gun ownership are touted in some countries more than others. In countries where owning one is a civic right, like the United States, it is legal to use one in self-defense is legal. With muggings, murder and burglary rising in many countries, there may be some truth to the claim that owing a gun gives the owner increased security. Furthermore, in remote or dangerous areas, guns may be a necessity rather than an option. Without police nearby, properly stored, guns may be a great asset in deterring criminals from breaking and entering a remote property.

However, rather than deter violence, guns tend to escalate it in areas where they are widely available. Research shows that violent crime increases dramatically when guns are prevalent in society. When the public is armed, criminals and the police become so too, creating a situation in which guns beget more guns and eventually death. Additionally, greater ease of access is dangerous for children. Having a gun easily accessible may tempt children to abuse them as evidenced by the almost weekly school shootings in the US. There is further a proven link between increased suicide rates when guns are present.

It is my belief that the general public should be barred from owning guns of any kind. Also, guns should be restricted to specialists with a proven need for a firearm such as soldiers or hunters. While there are certain circumstances where owning a gun is an advantage, in the vast majority of situations there is no place for a gun in modern society.

Task Achievement — Task 2

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Ventajas e inconvenientes

En este tipo de pregunta, se te pedirá discutir los aspectos positivos y negativos de una situación, solución o tendencia. También se te puede pedir dar tu opinión sobre qué lado consideras más importante.

Pregunta de muestra

In some countries, governments are encouraging industries and businesses to move to regional areas outside the big cities. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

- Write at least 250 words.
- You should spend around 40 minutes on this task.

Sample Essay

There is a movement among some countries to promote regional areas away from cities as attractive to business and industry. In my opinion, I consider relocation of business to bring about more drawbacks than benefits over the long term.

There are several attractive benefits to businesses moving to regional areas. For businesses rural locations mean lower land prices. Cheaper land allows large or small business equal prospects to become established cheaply with additional room to expand. As an example, the average size of a business in UK cities is currently 25 square meters while those in the rural locales average around 50m2. Additionally, countries benefits principally from the direct investment in underperforming parts of the country. Having companies operating in less urbanized areas, creates jobs, attracts talent and increases immigration which brings greater wealth.

On the other hand, relocation is not without its drawbacks. For one thing, locations away from population centers may mean a greater distance to market for goods. As a result, cost savings from cheaper land may be mitigated by the increased transportation costs of shipping products to customers. For another thing, there are often fewer skilled workers in regional areas. It may not be easy to attract employees to work in out-of-the-way places, which would mean longer commutes for staff from nearby cities at the expense of the company coffers. Lastly, increased business in country areas, disturbs the life of local residents. Country roads are not built for heavy trucks or traffic which may cause increased noise, congestions and inconvenience to those living nearby.

To sum up, while regional settings may be well suited to certain internet-based businesses, for more traditional companies, the distance from the city presents many challenges to overcome.

Task Achievement — Task 2

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Problemas y soluciones

En este tipo de pregunta, se te dará un problema o situación. Tu tarea es describir las causas de la situación y algunas soluciones al problema. La pregunta puede pedir soluciones generales (p. ej., ¿Cómo podría resolverse este problema?) o preguntar cómo grupos específicos pueden resolver el problema (p. ej., ¿Qué medidas pueden tomar los gobiernos y los individuos para abordar el problema?). No necesitas mencionar los efectos en detalle, solo brevemente.

Pregunta de muestra

More and more wild animals are on the verge of extinction and others are on the endangered list.  What are the reasons for this? What can be done to solve this problem?

- Write at least 250 words.
- You should spend around 40 minutes on this task.

Sample Essay

The number of critically endangered animals is growing significantly, while a disturbing number of other species have become threatened. This worrying trend stems from several causes, though solutions exist where the will to implement them is present.

Regarding species on the critically endangered list, outmoded beliefs in Eastern medicine that endangered animal parts have medicinal qualities is driving demand for them, particularly in China. Animals are needlessly killed to cure ailments from infertility to arthritis, and China’s increasing affluence mean demand is expected to increase even further. Despite this, limited action by governments has proven ineffective at stopping such a trade. Many species threatened with extinction live in national parks, typically in developing countries. However, chronic underfunding means officials there are powerless to catch poachers, and corruption means the ones who are caught, often get away.

Where political will is available, several solutions may help. To begin with, developed countries could help fund budgets to protect endangered species in poorer countries. While this doesn’t solve the issue of corruption, it would increase deterrence and hopefully reduce the number of animals needlessly killed. More meaningfully, in countries where animal parts are bought and sold, laws should be more strictly enforced and punishments massively increased to discourage both sellers and buyers alike. A concerted education campaign should also be effected to stamp out the perception that animal parts have any curative properties to reduce the market for such ‘goods’ once and for all.

In conclusion, removing the market for animal parts, and better protecting the endangered animals that remain may help preserve the world’s natural heritage before it is too late.

Further reasons to consider:

Development destroying their habitat and food sourceGrowing cities and farmland encroach on habitatMany animals cannot find the place to raise their young

Further solutions to consider:

Increase government budgets to protect animalsFor example, the panda is now rebounding in Southern China due to concerted government efforts to protect it.

Task Achievement — Task 2

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Pregunta de dos partes

En este tipo de pregunta, se te darán dos preguntas y deberás responder a ambas. Las dos preguntas serán diferentes. Por ejemplo, podría pedírsete evaluar la importancia de una idea o acción (p. ej., ¿Qué importancia tiene?) y decir si estás de acuerdo o no (p. ej., ¿Estás de acuerdo o en desacuerdo?).

Pregunta de muestra

News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers.  What factors do you think influence these decisions?  Do you think that there is too much emphasis on bad news these days?

- Write at least 250 words.
- You should spend around 40 minutes on this task.

Sample Essay

In the news business, editors have the final say in what makes it to air, or what makes it to print in newspapers. There are a variety of factors that affect their decision making; however, in my opinion, the public is inundated with negative news content, and more positive news would be beneficial to all.

Regarding news stories worth focusing on, editors must weigh up a number of aspects. For one thing, timing is a major factor in choosing stories to inform the public, especially ones that affect many people. Stories that happen right away are classified as newsworthy, however, if the same story happens again, it’s no longer interesting. For another, proximity to a story is important. Stories that happen closer to home become more newsworthy than those far away, so domestic news stories become more noteworthy than international ones. Finally, human interest stories always garner attention since they don’t date quickly, and often offer an emotion connection with the audience.

However, to my mind most news shared with the public is of a negative slant. Through TV, print and online media, society is inundated with stories of crime, disasters, and war to the point that the good news becomes exceptional. As a result, people have become accustomed to this trend and become more anxious about the state of the world. For this reason, I believe having a greater proportion of positive news in the media would benefit everyone. Stories of human interest, scientific discovery or human achievement help everyone understand the world around them, and make better decisions. That way, society can better understand the world rather than simply view it as a dangerous place.

In conclusion, although news editors face a lot of challenges in choosing newsworthy stories, I believe a more optimistic approach would add further value to the news profession.

Task Achievement — Task 2

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Opinión

En este tipo de pregunta, se te dará una pregunta que contiene una opinión. Tu tarea es escribir un ensayo en respuesta a la opinión. Este tipo de pregunta a menudo te pide si estás de acuerdo o en desacuerdo con una opinión.

Pregunta de muestra

Some people are concerned that children spend too much time on computers – playing games, chatting and watching videos.  But all this time is actually good preparation for children, who will have to spend many hours working on computers throughout their education and their working lives.To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

- Write at least 250 words.
- You should spend around 40 minutes on this task.

Sample Essay

With all the time that children spend engaged in various activities on computers, some people believe this is good preparation for a future in which many will work on computers full time through school and at work. I completely oppose this belief for several reasons.

To begin with, time on computers learning computer skills cannot be equated with that spent playing games or chatting online. While there may be some truth that videos games increase problem solving and analytical skills, there is no evidence to suggest that they improve other workplace skills. The skills children really need in a future work place are coding, designing, and software skills to name a few. The only way to ensure they learn these is for adults to be on hand to teach and supervise such learning.

Furthermore, spending too much time online may further have negative consequences to a child’s mental health. Unsupervised time on computers can result in children encountering inappropriate content online. Children have an extremely short attention span so are easily distracted by what they see or encounter online. There’s also the very real risk that children become addicted to the video games they play. Video game addiction is a proven disorder and affects many children in the US today. The quick-reward based system of such games is attractive and negatively affects how children learn and are motivated.

In conclusion, unless a child wishes to be a video game designer, increased computer time not only has little value to them beyond entertainment, it may even negatively affect a child’s development in the long term. Children should be supervised by adults when using computers to ensure they learn what they’re supposed to.

Task Achievement — Task 2

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Muestras de IELTS Writing y estrategias para IELTS Writing Task 2

En general, hay 4 pasos para abordar la IELTS Writing Task 2:

1. Leer y comprender - Aunque este paso puede parecer obvio, muchos examinandos dejan que los nervios les superen y no comprenden por completo la pregunta planteada. Por eso, lo primero que necesitarás hacer durante Writing Task 2 es entender completamente la pregunta y subrayar las palabras clave. Además, piensa en estas dos cosas:

  1. ¿Qué tipo de ensayo necesitaré escribir? (Por ejemplo, puede ser Problema y solución).
  2. ¿Cuán familiarizado estoy con este tema? (Esta pregunta es importante, porque puede afectar al esquema que elijas usar.

2. Planifica tu esquema - Ahora que has comprendido lo que pide la pregunta y qué tipo de ensayo tendrás que escribir, estás listo para trazar tu esquema. No te saltes este paso. Esto debería llevar solo 2 o 3 minutos y actuará como referencia a partir de ahora. Además, dependiendo de cómo te formule la pregunta, el esquema será diferente. Para aprender a analizar la pregunta y planificar el esquema para cada tipo de ensayo, consulta nuestras lecciones de IELTS writing task 2

3. Anota tu esquema - Ahora que has elegido y redactado tu esquema, anota notas en él usando palabras clave de las oraciones principales de cada párrafo. Esto te ayudará a "mapear" tu ensayo y darte una visión general de cómo será. En este punto, deberías ser capaz de entender los temas principales de cada párrafo.

4. Empezar a escribir -
Después de planificar tu esquema, empieza a escribir con tu introducción y continúa a partir de ahí. Asegúrate de usar un tono formal (no uses contracciones, escribe los números menores de 10 con palabras, etc.) y sangra después de cada párrafo.

Las siguientes entradas del blog te enseñan cómo abordar cada tipo de pregunta y contienen más de 100 preguntas y ensayos de muestra de IELTS writing task 2. Siéntete libre de utilizarlos para tu preparación IELTS.

  1. How to Answer Opinion Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
  2. How to Answer Discussion Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
  3. How to Answer Advantage & Disadvantage Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
  4. How to Answer Problem and Solution Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
  5. How to Answer Answer Cause and Effect Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
  6. How to Answer Two-part Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2