IELTS Writing
Test Overview
An expert guide to the IELTS Writing test, covering task types, timing, band descriptors, examiner expectations, and the assessment criteria that determine your final score.
In this guide:
- • Official task formats for Academic & General Training
- • Task 1 & Task 2 strategies
- • Official IELTS Assessment descriptors explained
- • Writing diagnostic test with criteria analysis
Writing Test Format & Make-up
You have 60 minutes to complete two writing tasks.
Task 1 is worth one-third of the total marks, and Task 2 is worth two-thirds, so you should spend approximately 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. The two tasks are taken in one sitting, so you must manage your time appropriately.
Task 1 (GT) Question Types
The Task 1 writing exercise for the General Training module is a letter. The topics are centered around everyday situations and usually require you to request or convey information, express thanks, or make a suggestion or complaint in writing.
The question will ask you to "Write a letter to...", and then give you three bullet points that you must cover in your letter.
Complaint Letter
Write a letter to complain about a service or product
Letter to Inform
Write a letter to inform someone about a situation
Request Letter
Write a letter to request information or assistance
Task 1 is worth one-third of the available marks for the writing section, so you should aim to spend around 20 minutes on this task.
Task 1 (Ac) Question Types
The Task 1 Academic writing exercise is in the form of a report. You may be asked to report on a line graph, bar chart, table, pie chart, map or process diagram. Sometimes the question may combine these elements.
The question will ask you to: "Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant."
Line Graph
Describe trends and changes over time
Bar Chart
Analyse comparative data
Table
Analyse numerical information in tables
Pie Chart
Describe proportions and percentages
Map
Describe changes in location over time
Process Diagram
Explain how something works or is made
The Task 1 is worth one-third of the available marks for the writing section, so you should aim to spend around 20 minutes on this task.
Task 2 Question Types
The Task 2 general and academic writing exercise is a 250 word discursive essay. The question will be in the form of a topic statement followed by a question.
You will be assessed on your ability to present and justify an opinion; present a solution to a problem; compare and contrast evidence and opinions; and evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence and arguments.
The task will give you a direct instruction relating to the topic and then ask you to: "Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience."
Agree/Disagree
Present your opinion on a statement
Discuss
Examine both sides of an issue
Evaluate
Assess advantages and disadvantages
You should aim to spend around 40 minutes on Task 2.
Assessment Criteria
Your Task 1 & Task 2 responses are graded using the official IELTS Writing Assessment Rubric which enables examiners to evaluate your writing under 4 distinct assessment criteria.
These are the official IELTS Writing assessment descriptors for Band 7.
You must demonstrate all descriptors at a particular band level to achieve that rating.
Four Assessment Criteria
How well you address the requirements of the task
Organization of ideas and clarity of presentation
Range and accuracy of vocabulary
Variety and correctness of grammatical structures
Key Criteria Descriptors
- • Address all parts of the task completely (TR/TA)
- • Maintain appropriate tone and register (TR/TA)
- • Organise ideas logically with clear paragraphs (CC)
- • Support ideas with relevant examples (CC)
- • Use a wide range of vocabulary accurately (LR)
- • Demonstrate varied sentence structures (GRA)
Insider Knowledge
Task 1 and Task 2 use different rubrics only for the first criterion (TA vs TR) — the other three criteria are assessed identically.
Every Task 2 question has a mandatory three-part structure (topic, task, closing direction) — you must address all three.
Coherence & Cohesion paragraphing is assessed only in Task 2, not Task 1 — this changes how you should structure an Academic report vs an essay.
Task Response requires a clear position "throughout" the essay — establishing one in the introduction then hedging in body paragraphs damages your score.
Ready to Test Your Writing Skills?
Complete a quick writing exercise & receive detailed criteria feedback. Length: ~ 100 words.
Take Diagnostic Test NowNo account required • Get instant results
Unmatched Expertise with top-level AI tech
Our winning strategy combines the best resources available and has already helped hundreds of candidates achieve their Band 7+ targets.
Start NowFind your Weakness - Develop your Skills - Achieve your Dreams