IELTS Academic Writing Practice Test

IELTS WRITING TEST (Academic)

Sample Test 1

Time: 60 minutes

WRITING TASK 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The graph below shows the percentage of people in different age groups who attended music concerts between 2010 and 2015 in one city. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic.

In the 20th century, contact between many different parts of the world developed rapidly through air travel and telecommunications. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience. Write at least 250 words.

Sample Answers (High Band score)

Task 1 (198 words)

The given line graph depicts, in percentages,  details of residents of varied age groups in a city who attended music recitals from 2010 to 2015. 

It is evident from the graph that the people in the oldest age group were least interested in attending concerts whereas in most of the years, the youngest age group had the highest percentage of concert attendees.

In 2010, approximately 51% of the  45-54 age group members attended concerts which were the highest followed by 40% in the 16-24 age group.   The numbers increased steadily in the 16-24 age group and touched 70%, the highest in 2015. In comparison, the numbers in the  45-54 age group dropped to 40% in 2011, then rose again and finally touched 52% in 2015 which was almost the same as what it was in 2010.         

In 2010, the  25-44 and 55-64 age groups had 40% and approximately  22% concert attendees respectively. But, in 2013, both age groups had only 30% of members attending concerts which subsequently moved in opposite directions to touch around  50% in the 25-44 age group, and 21%  in the 55-64 age group.   

Finally, the oldest age group of 75+ had the lowest percentage of concert attendees in 2010 and 2015 which was 10% and 20% respectively.   

Task 2 ( 307 words)

In today’s age of advanced technology, we can stay connected worldwide due to the innovations in the field of travel and communication. While airplanes and internet access have become crucial in improving connectivity across the globe, it has also caused immense disruption in the state of our environment and culture. In my opinion, even though there are a few drawbacks, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

The rise in pollution is one of the major drawbacks of the increase in the number of flights. For example, the substantial surge in air transport has contributed to global warming, and air pollution and has left a significant carbon footprint. Furthermore, the redefined telecommunication has caused irrecoverable cultural damage. For instance, due to the presence of the internet, the amalgamation of multiple cultures in the western world has led to the loss of the cultural identity of several places.

However, the developments in the aviation industry have unquestionably played a key role in globalization and industrialization. These advancements provide extensive connectivity and ease in terms of travel and networking, which is an essential requirement in today’s world.  For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, air transportation was indispensable for a quick exchange of vaccines, medical equipment, food and other essential resources, worldwide.

In addition to that, sophisticated telecom solutions have created a new dimension in networking by stripping away geographical barriers and sharing information instantaneously. This has given an opportunity to people to stay connected with their loved ones, or for companies to improve businesses. For instance, in COVID-19 pandemic, the internet facilitated easy connection with friends and family, and adaptation to the “work from home” culture.