Test Overview
Everything you need to know about the IELTS Writing test — task types, marking criteria, common pitfalls — plus a free practice test with instant feedback.
In this guide:
You have 60 minutes to complete two writing tasks in one sitting. 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.
20 min
Write a letter (complaint, request or informational) addressing three bullet points
20 min
Write a report describing a graph, chart, table, map or process diagram
40 min
250-word discursive essay: present and justify an opinion, evaluate arguments, or propose solutions
Your Task 1 and Task 2 responses are graded using the official IELTS Writing Assessment Rubric across four criteria, each worth 25% of your final band score. You must demonstrate all descriptors at a given band level to achieve that rating.
TA/TR
How well you address all requirements of the task
CC
Organisation of ideas and clarity of presentation
LR
Range and accuracy of vocabulary
GRA
Variety and correctness of grammatical structures
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.
The Writing module covers everything you need — from task types to mastering each assessment criterion:
28 lessons • All 4 skills • Expert-led
Learn the exact descriptors examiners look for in high-scoring essays.
One-time payment • Comprehensive materials • Real examiner support
Complete a quick writing exercise & receive detailed criteria feedback. Length: ~ 100 words.
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