IELTS Writing

Two tasks. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1.

Format
60 minutes · Task 1 (150 words, 20 min) + Task 2 (250 words, 40 min)
Scoring
Each task is marked on four criteria: Task Achievement / Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range & Accuracy.

Task 1 · Academic report

Describe a chart, table, graph, process or map in at least 150 words.

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Format

  • At least 150 words · about 20 minutes
  • No opinion — report what the data shows

Question types

Bar chartLine graphPie chartTableProcessMap

Tips

  • Paraphrase the task in your first sentence, then write an overview of the main trends.
  • The overview is essential: without it you cannot get above band 5 for Task Achievement.
  • Compare figures instead of listing every number.
  • Vary trend language: rose sharply, remained stable, a slight decline.

Task 1 · General Training letter

Write a letter of at least 150 words — formal, semi-formal or informal.

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Format

  • At least 150 words · about 20 minutes
  • Cover all three bullet points

Question types

ComplaintRequestApologyInvitationThank-you letter

Tips

  • Decide the tone from who you are writing to: a manager (formal) or a friend (informal).
  • Give each bullet point its own paragraph.
  • Open and close the letter in the matching style (Dear Sir or Madam… Yours faithfully).

Task 2 · Essay

Write an essay of at least 250 words giving your position on an issue.

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Format

  • At least 250 words · about 40 minutes
  • Worth two thirds of the Writing band

Question types

Opinion (agree / disagree)Discuss both viewsAdvantages & disadvantagesProblem & solutionTwo-part question

Tips

  • Answer every part of the question — two-part questions need two answers.
  • State your position clearly in the introduction and keep it to the end.
  • One main idea per body paragraph, explained and supported with an example.
  • Use linking words for logic, not decoration: however, as a result, for instance.