The writing paper can be the scariest part of an English exam for many candidates, but it shouldn’t be. Unlike reading and listening, you are in control of the content - there won’t be any words you don’t know, because you will choose all the words you write! And unlike speaking, you have time to think and prepare at your own pace with nobody watching you.
This post explores the different types of writing that frequently come up in exams and where they might appear. Please be aware that for the latest information on exam format you should always go straight to the source - IELTS or the Cambridge English website where you can also find example questions and texts.
For IELTS test-takers, you can practice free online Academic Writing tests or General Training Writing tests. You can also practice writing your answer by downloading an IELTS Writing Answer Sheet.
Essay
Where does it come up?
Part 1 of First, First for Schools, Advanced and Proficiency as a compulsory question.
What is it and who is it for?
An essay is an academic piece of writing. It is written by a student for their teacher or professor, and the tone should be neutral.
How do I write a good essay?
Read the question carefully. In most exams you will be given some content points that you must include, and perhaps some others that you will need to invent. Make sure you include all of these to answer the question properly.
Once you have decided your content, stay on topic. Your written content should be impersonal, so avoid using personal anecdotes and try to keep any examples general.
Letter or email
Where does it come up?
It may come up in Part 2 of First, First for Schools, Advanced and Proficiency as an optional question.
What is it and who is it for?
An email or letter is effectively the same thing in an exam. Read the question to see who the letter is for to decide on the level of formality required, and how much that person already knows about the content of your letter. Are you writing a reply to a letter from them or are you the one instigating contact?
How do I write a good letter or email?
As with an essay, read the question and make a note of what you need to include. Don’t include irrelevant information. For example, if you are writing a letter to your boss about a problem, don’t introduce yourself - your boss knows you!
Before you start to write, think about your reason for writing. Do you want to complain, ask a favour or offer something? Make sure that your content and tone are both appropriate to your reason for writing.
| Reason for writing (and likely formality) | Useful phrases |
| complain (likely formal) | I feel I must draw… to your attention. I was disappointed to find/see that... |
| ask a favour (likely neutral to informal) | I was wondering if you could… Would it be possible (for me) to…? |
| make an offer or arrangement (likely neutral to informal) | How would you like to…? Would you be interested in ...ing…? You are very welcome to stay at my place/use my office/car/bike. |
| offer advice (likely neutral to informal) | Have you considered … ing…? You shouldn’t …. Try not to worry/overthink it…. |
| share an experience or opinion (likely neutral to formal) (Beware with this one - it sometimes appears at Advanced or Proficiency and is more like an article in the form of a “letter to the editor”. Always read the question to check the reader.) |
I am writing in response to your request for readers’ experiences of/ thoughts on... |
Review
Where does it come up?
It may come up in Part 2 of First, First for Schools, Advanced and Proficiency as an optional question.
What is it and who is it for?
A review helps people decide if they want to see a film, read a book or buy a product of any kind. Reviews appear in magazines and on websites and are read by a wide range of people, some of whom will not have the same tastes as you.
How do I write a good review?
Be balanced. Give your opinion, but bear in mind that not everyone is looking for the same qualities. Personally, I don’t like rom coms much, but even I can see that When Harry Met Sally is a good one - it has real humour, emotional intensity, and it is extremely popular even today. I would have to admit all these things in a review because, above all, a review must be useful.
Article
Where does it come up?
It may come up in Part 2 of First, First for Schools and Proficiency as an optional question.
What is it and who is it for?
In exams, an article is an “opinion piece” - it should entertain and inform people. Like reviews, articles appear in magazines and on websites and are read by a wide range of people, so they should not make too many assumptions about the reader.
How do I write a good article?
Be interesting. If the topic in the question does not engage you, choose another question. If you have passionate feelings about it, great, but be ready to back up your ideas with reasons and/or examples, and if you are doing this at Proficiency, you should acknowledge the opposing point of view too. Again, read articles in English online or in magazines to get an idea of the style.
Report
Where does it come up?
It may come up in Part 2 of First, Advanced and Proficiency as an optional question.
What is it and who is it for?
A report tells the reader about something that has happened, for example an event or the results of a survey. You will need to evaluate the event or summarise the results and write a conclusion, which may include your recommendations.
Reports are often for your boss, or for a teacher.
How do I write a good report?
Use subheadings. Imagine reading this blog post without the subheadings – you would probably feel completely lost! Apart from being helpful to the reader, subheadings…
- help you organise your thoughts
- show the examiner that you understand how a report is written
Read the question and identify the required content (e.g. how the survey was carried out, the findings, your recommendations). This content will form the (usually three) sections of your report, each of which will have a subheading.
Proposal
Where does it come up?
It may come up in Part 2 Advanced and Proficiency as an optional question.
What is it and who is it for?
A proposal makes a suggestion or suggestions based on a current situation or on something that has happened. While this is similar to a report, the difference is that a report focuses mainly on the past or present whereas a proposal focuses mainly on the future.
A proposal could be for your boss, for the local council or another authority.
How do I write a good proposal?
Again, organise your ideas and use subheadings, for all the reasons given in the previous section.
Story
Where does it come up?
It may come up in Part 2 First for Schools as an optional question.
What is it and who is it for?
It’s something we read (and write) for fun. If you don’t read or write stories in your free time, this question might not be for you.
How do I write a good story?
Balance your creative enthusiasm with control, both linguistic control (be sure you know how to express that fantastical idea before you start writing it down!) and creative control (the story must have an end!)
What language can I use?
This is perhaps the question where you will have the most freedom to show off your language. You can let your imagination run wild to include all your best words, phrases and grammar, if you want to.
So, which type of writing is the easiest in Part 2?
If you have an English teacher, and you want to see them explode, ask them this question! ‘’Easy’’ means different things for different people - some enjoy the creative freedom of a review or letter while others are intimidated by it. Moreover, you will need to make your decision on the day because:
a. You don’t know until you see the exam which options you will have for Part 2.
b. You must make your decision based on the topic as much as on the type of writing.
For example, you might decide you don’t want to write a proposal because you find them boring, but you want to write a film review because you love films. On the day of the exam though, there is no review option but there is a proposal option - for a local film festival!
When you look at Part 2, read all the options, and for each one, ask yourself “How can I apply my world knowledge and my wonderful, extensive vocabulary to this question?” Do this with an open mind, before making your decision.
One last thing...
For all the types of writing above, remember to organise your ideas in paragraphs, and to use linkers to signpost the reader through your ideas. For example, use words like moreover, in addition to show that you are reinforcing the same idea (continuing in the same direction) and words and phrases like however, nonetheless, on the other hand to show that you are introducing a contrary idea (change of direction).