How this test is marked
IELTS Writing is marked by an examiner on four equally weighted criteria. This practice test has no automatic score, so write your answer under timed conditions and then check it against the notes below.
- Task achievement or response. Answer every part of the task, with an overview in Task 1 and a clear position in Task 2.
- Coherence and cohesion. Organise ideas in clear paragraphs and link them with a range of devices, without overusing them.
- Lexical resource. Use precise, natural vocabulary and avoid repeating the same words.
- Grammatical range and accuracy. Use a mix of sentence structures and keep errors under control.
Notes for each question
Question 1: The table shows the average monthly number of visitors (in thousands) to a city museum in 2018, 2019, 2020, 20…
Open with an overview: visitor numbers rose, fell sharply in 2020 and then recovered to a new high in 2023. Describe the stages in order: growth from 120 to 135, the fall to 40, partial recovery to 70, then 110 and 140. Compare the 2020 low with the 2023 peak (a rise of 100 thousand) and avoid guessing at causes that the data does not state.
Question 2: Some people think that museums and art galleries should be free for everyone. Others believe that visitors sho…
Give each view its own paragraph. For free entry: access for all, education and tourism benefits. For fees: funding for care of collections and a better visitor experience. State your opinion in the introduction and conclusion, with a specific example, and consider a middle option such as free entry on some days.