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IELTS Writing

IELTS Writing practice

Academic Writing is 60 minutes for two tasks. Task 1 asks you to describe a chart, table, diagram or map in at least 150 words; Task 2 asks for an essay of at least 250 words. Task 2 counts for twice as much, so give it about 40 minutes.

Both tasks are marked on four criteria: Task achievement (Task 1) or Task response (Task 2), Coherence and cohesion, Lexical resource, and Grammatical range and accuracy. The guides below take each task type in turn.

Time
60 minutes
Task 1
150+ words, about 20 minutes
Task 2
250+ words, about 40 minutes
Weighting
Task 2 counts double

IELTS Writing guides

IELTS Writing Task 1
How to write IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
Task 1: line graphs
How to describe an IELTS Writing Task 1 line graph
Task 1: bar charts
How to describe an IELTS Writing Task 1 bar chart
Task 1: pie charts
How to describe IELTS Writing Task 1 pie charts
Task 1: tables
How to describe an IELTS Writing Task 1 table
Task 1: process diagrams
How to describe an IELTS Writing Task 1 process diagram
Task 1: maps
How to describe IELTS Writing Task 1 maps
IELTS Writing Task 2
How to write an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay
Task 2: opinion essays
How to write an IELTS Task 2 opinion essay (to what extent do you agree or disagree)
Task 2: discussion essays
How to write an IELTS Task 2 discussion essay (discuss both views and give your opinion)
Task 2: advantages and disadvantages
How to write an IELTS Task 2 advantages and disadvantages essay, including 'do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?', with a clear plan
Task 2: problem and solution essays
How to write an IELTS Task 2 problem and solution (or causes and effects) essay
Task 2: two-part questions
How to answer IELTS Task 2 two-part questions (two direct questions in one task)
How IELTS Writing is marked
The four IELTS Writing marking criteria explained in plain English
IELTS Writing Task 2 questions
Practice essay questions by topic, in the official wording

Writing test hacks

Task 1 needs an overview
Write a sentence that sums up the main trends or the biggest differences, without numbers. Many writers skip it.
Why it works: An overview is essential for a high Task Achievement score.
Answer every part of Task 2
Underline each question in the prompt. A two-part question needs two clear answers.
Why it works: Missing part of the task limits your Task Response score, however good your English is.
Give Task 2 more time
Spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 (150+ words) and 40 minutes on Task 2 (250+ words).
Why it works: Task 2 counts for twice as much as Task 1 in your Writing score.
Never go under the word minimum
Count your lines early: if you write about 10 words a line, Task 2 needs at least 25 lines.
Why it works: Answers under the minimum lose marks: under Task Achievement in Task 1 and Task Response in Task 2.
Paraphrase the prompt, don't copy it
Rewrite the question in your own words in the introduction. Copied words don't show your vocabulary range.
Why it works: Examiners look for your own language, not the prompt's.
Task 1: describe, don't explain
In Academic Task 1, report what the data shows. Don't give opinions or guess reasons that aren't in the chart.
Why it works: Speculation isn't asked for, and takes words away from the key features.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I write fewer than 150 or 250 words?

Answers under the minimum lose marks in Task achievement or Task response. Aim for 170–190 words in Task 1 and 270–300 in Task 2.

Does Task 2 count more than Task 1?

Yes. Task 2 carries twice the weight of Task 1 in your Writing band.

Should Task 1 include my opinion?

No. Task 1 is a factual report: describe the main features and make comparisons. Save opinions for Task 2.

Can I use bullet points?

No. Both tasks must be written in full sentences and paragraphs; notes or bullet points lose marks.

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