IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is probably the world’s most popular English language test.

You might need to take this exam for various reasons, among which are life abroad, education and work around the world. A lot of companies worldwide accept IELTS, including government, academic and employment institutions. IELTS is the only English language test accepted for immigration purposes by all countries that require one.

In less than three hours, it will help you to assess all of your English skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Today we would like to share with you some writing tips that might be useful, if you decide to prepare for this exam.

• During the exam you can write your answers in pen or pencil.
• Carefully analyse each task and spend some time making notes
• Plan your answers.
• Write using paragraphs; put one idea in each paragraph.
• Try not to repeat ideas using different words.
• Avoid copying whole sentences from the question – you will receive no marks for this.
• Always remember to stick to the topic; do not write about unrelated subjects.
• It is important to manage your time; remember, Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1.
• Spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 and about 40 minutes on Task 2.
• Word count matters; pay attention to the number of words required for each task; you  need to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2.
• Your answers should be written in full; answers written in note form or in bullet points will lose marks.
• It is recommended to avoid informal language.
• Make sure you have time to check your spelling, grammar and punctuation; you will lose marks for mistakes. Spend just several minutes re-reading and correcting your answers.

Follow this link to listen to more tips from IELTS test takers: http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare-your-test/tips-candidates

Have you ever taken IELTS test? What advice can you give to those who plan to take this test soon?