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IELTS Writing Test

IELTS Writing Test Format

Timing

60 minutes.

Writing Skills Assessed

In both tasks, you are assessed on your ability to write a response which is appropriate in terms of: • content
• the organisation of ideas
• the accuracy and range of vocabulary and grammar.

Writing Marking

You are assessed on your performance on each task by certificated IELTS examiners according to the IELTS Writing test assessment criteria (Task Achievement/Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy). The public version of the assessment criteria can be found at www.ielts.org/criteria.

Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.

Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

Writing Tasks

There are 2 tasks. You are required to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2.

Sections of the IELTS Writing Test

There are 2 parts.

Academic Writing

In Task 1, you are presented with a graph, table, chart, or diagram and are asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event. In Task 2, you are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. The issues raised are of general interest to, suitable for and easily understood by test takers entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration. Responses to Task 1 and Task 2 should be written in an academic, semi-formal/neutral style.

General Training Writing

In Task 1, you are presented with a situation and are asked to write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation. The letter may be personal or semi-formal/neutral in style. In Task 2, you are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. The essay can be slightly more personal in style than the Academic Writing Task 2 essay. Topics are of general interest.

Academic Writing

In Task 1, depending on the task type, you are assessed on your ability to organise, present and possibly compare data; to describe the stages of a process or procedure; to describe an object or event or sequence of events; to explain how something works. In Task 2, depending on the task type, you are assessed on your ability to present a solution to a problem; to present and justify an opinion; to compare and contrast evidence, opinions and implications; to evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or an argument.

General Training Writing

In Task 1, depending on the task type, you are assessed on your ability to engage in personal correspondence in order to: elicit and provide general factual information; express needs, wants, likes and dislikes; express opinions (views, complaints etc.). In Task 2, you are assessed on your ability to provide general factual information; to outline a problem and present a solution; to present and possibly justify an opinion; to evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or an argument.

IELTS Writing Tips

Understand the Question
✅ Identify the question type
✅ Locate the keywords
✅ Carefully examine the instruction words

Plan it Out
Take a few minutes and brainstorm different ideas before you start writing. Jot down as many as diverse aspects of the given topic.

This not only saves time but helps organize your thoughts better!

Get Familiar with Common Topics
✅ Read newspapers to increase your vocabulary
✅ Practice plenty of IELTS Writing Practice Tests to familiarize yourself with the pattern and the types of the questions.

Structure is Essential
✅ Introduction: Briefly explain what the essay is about
✅ Main Body: Give more details, include examples
✅ Conclusion: Provide a summary of what has already been said

Additional IELTS Writing Tips

  • You may write your answers in pencil or pen.
  • Pay attention to the number of words required for each task. You will lose marks if you do not write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2.
  • You should spend approximately 20 minutes on Task 1 and approximately 40 minutes on Task 2.
  • You must write your answers in full; answers written in note form or in bullet points will lose marks.
  • Pay attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation; you will lose marks for mistakes.
  • You may write your answers entirely in capitals if you wish.
  • You may make notes on the question paper but nothing you write on the question paper will be marked.

IELTS Writing FAQs

Is there a break between the reading and writing test?
No, there are no breaks between the listening, reading and writing test.

Do I really need to stick to the word limit?
Yes, it is important to stick to the world limit.

Should I use American or British English?
You may choose either. Remember to stick to similar style throughout the test.

Free IELTS Writing Practice Test

In this free practice test, you are given a choice between Academic or General Training writing. Choose the one you need to prepare for. Access free IELTS writing practice test today!