IELTS Plus 2 - Writing Practice Test 1


Legend:       Academic word (?)           New word


You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The graph below compares figures for the production and consumption of energy in the US from 1950 to 2000. It also predicts figures for 2025.


Write at least 150 words.


Read the question very carefully.

  • The instructions state that you should 'describe' the information in the  graph. You should NOT speculate about the reasons for the data or give reasons for it.
  • Look carefully at the labels. What do the diagrams represent?
  • Take a minute to plan how you will describe the information. Are there any significant features? Can you compare or contrast any of the data?
  • Think of how best to group the information in the diagram.
  • Write one or two paragraphs, making sure that you cover all the important points.
  • Read through your answer when you have finished and check grammar, spelling and punctuation.
  • Check that you have linked your points together well.
  • Make sure you have written enough words. You will not be penalised for writing too much but keep an eye on the time: you will need to leave about 40 minutes for Task 2.


You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic.


To what extent do you agree or disagree?


Write at least 250 words.


  • Read the question very carefully.
  • Underline key points in the question and make sure your answer is relevant to these.
  • Consider your personal view on the topic. Do you agree, disagree or have an impartial view?
  • Take a minute to plan what you are going to say in your answer. Think of the main idea you will include in each paragraph, then think of some supporting points.
  • Before you start writing, think about how you will introduce the topic. DO NOT copy the question.
  • Include some arguments that are relevant to your own society or personal experience.
  • Clearly state your conclusion. Make sure that you address the question.
  • Check that you have linked your points together well.
  • Make sure you have written enough words. You will not be penalised for writing more than 250 words but you will not gain extra marks either.



The graph shows changes in the gap between US energy consumption and production since 1950. It also estimates trends up to 2025.

Between 1950 and 1970 both production and consumption increased from just over 30 units to about 65, and although consumption was consistently higher , the difference was marginal during this period. However , production grew only gradually over the next 30 years to reach 70 units in 2000. In contrast , growth in consumption was steeper and more fluctuating , reaching 95 units by 2000. Energy imports needed to bridge this gap therefore increased from very little in 1970 to a substantial 25 units in 2000.

Projections up to 2025 indicate that this trend is likely to continue, with the gap between production and consumption widening . By 2025 it is expected that consumption will re a ch 140 units, while production will reach only 90, so more than 30% of energy consumed [50 units] will have to be imported.

Overall , the graph indicates that energy production in the US is not keeping up with consumption, so imports will continue to increase.
(177 words, band 9)


It is certainly true that today traffic in cities throughout the world has become a major problem. This is obvious from the number of vehicles on our roads and the amount of pollution they cause. Probably the traffic problem is due to individuals travelling for work, study or shopping purposes, and this is evident in the rush hours we experience every morning and evening.

II is also true that today such daily commuting is not always necessary because people can do these things from home. We can see this in the options information technology gives us today. For instance , on-line work, distance learning and shopping facilities are all available via the Internet.

However , even if everyone had access to the technology and the opportunity to work from home, it is unrealistic to think that everyone would want to. Even though the technology for working, studying or shopping on-line makes this option a possibility, nevertheless it would mean people had less freedom of choice and less social contact in their lives This would have a large impact on society as a whole.

So, in conclusion , I think that while this practice could reduce the traffic problems in our cities, il is most unlikely to be an acceptable solution. In terms of other solutions, perhaps we need to think more carefully about facilitating public transport and limiting private cars in our city centres the development of public transport that is not road based, such as sky trams or subways, would probably be a more acceptable alternative measure to reduce jams on our roads.

(260 words, band 9)

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