Source: Adapted from free practice material published by IELTS buddy. Reformatted here; the original lesson pages are worth visiting.
One full Academic Writing paper: 60 minutes, both tasks, no pausing.
Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The diagram shows how electricity is generated by a hydroelectric dam.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
The diagram wasn't reproduced in the source PDF. The stages below describe the same process so the task is still practisable.
The diagram shows a river valley dammed to form a reservoir on the upstream side. The stages, in order:
- Rainfall and river flow collect behind the dam wall, forming a high-level reservoir.
- Water passes through an intake near the top of the dam, controlled by a sluice gate.
- It falls under gravity down a sloping penstock — a large pipe inside the dam wall.
- At the bottom, the falling water strikes and rotates a turbine.
- The turbine shaft drives a generator, which converts the rotation into electricity.
- The electricity passes through a transformer, which steps up the voltage.
- Power lines carry it from the transformer to homes and industry.
- The used water leaves through an outflow and rejoins the river downstream.
Process language, not trend language. No dates, no figures, nothing rose or fell. You need the present simple passive (the water is channelled, electricity is generated) and sequencers (first, once this happens, at this stage, finally). See How to Write a Process Diagram.
Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Young people often have ideas or attitudes that are different to those of their parents or grandparents.
How do ideas and attitudes differ between generations in your society?
Do you think that these differences cause any problems?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.