IELTS Academic Writing · Practice test
The salmon's year: IELTS Academic Writing practice test
A life-cycle diagram of the Atlantic salmon, then an essay on free entry to museums and galleries.
- Academic
- Task 1 · Task 2
- 60 minutes
Writing Task 1 · 20 minutes · 150 words
Cycle diagram: Nature
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The diagram below shows the life cycle of the Atlantic salmon.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
The whole cycle takes between three and eight years. Adults return to the river in which they hatched.
Cycle diagram: The life cycle of the Atlantic salmon (6 stages, returning to the first) 1. Eggs — In winter the female lays her eggs in a shallow nest in the gravel of a fast-flowing river. 2. Alevin — The eggs hatch after about three months; the young fish feed on an attached yolk sac. 3. Fry — The yolk is used up and the young fish leave the gravel to feed in the shallows. 4. Parr — The fish stay in the river for one to three years, growing to around 15 cm. 5. Smolt — They turn silver and swim downstream to the sea, where they feed for one to four years. 6. Adult — The mature fish, up to 75 cm long, swim back up the same river to spawn. Note: The whole cycle takes between three and eight years. Adults return to the river in which they hatched.
Writing Task 2 · 40 minutes · 250 words
Opinion essay: Culture
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that museums and art galleries should be free for everyone to enter.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.