IELTS Writing
Writing is two tasks in 60 minutes. Task 1 differs between Academic and General Training; Task 2 is an essay for both and counts for more.
You complete two writing tasks in 60 minutes. Aim for about 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2, because Task 2 is worth roughly twice as much.
In Academic Writing, Task 1 asks you to describe a graph, table, chart or diagram in at least 150 words. In General Training, Task 1 is a letter of at least 150 words. Task 2 is an essay of at least 250 words for both.
At a glance
- Duration: 60 minutes for both tasks.
- Task 1: at least 150 words (about 20 minutes).
- Task 2: at least 250 words (about 40 minutes), and weighted more heavily.
- Academic Task 1: describe visual data (graph, table, chart, process or map).
- General Training Task 1: write a letter (formal, semi-formal or informal).
- Task 2 (both): a discursive essay responding to a point of view, argument or problem.
The four marking criteria
Each task is scored on these four, equally weighted:
- Task Achievement (Task 1) / Task Response (Task 2): how fully and accurately you answer.
- Coherence and Cohesion: how logically the writing is organised and linked.
- Lexical Resource: the range and accuracy of your vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: the range and correctness of your grammar.
Write enough: going under the word count (150 / 250) is penalised under Task Achievement. There is no upper limit, but quality matters more than length.
How Writing is scored
An examiner gives a band from 0 to 9 on each of the four criteria for each task. Those are averaged, and Task 2 carries about twice the weight of Task 1, to produce your overall Writing band. Writing is marked by trained human examiners — not by a machine.
Tips to raise your band
- Spend the first few minutes planning your Task 2 essay before you write.
- Answer every part of the question — partial answers cap Task Response.
- Use paragraphs with one clear idea each, and link them with cohesive devices.
- Show a range of structures and vocabulary, but keep them accurate.
- Leave a few minutes to check grammar, spelling and word count.
Writing FAQs
Is Writing the same for Academic and General Training?
Task 2 (the essay) is the same style for both. Task 1 differs: Academic describes visual data, General Training is a letter.
Is computer-delivered Writing marked by a computer?
No. You type your answers, but a trained human examiner marks them against the four criteria.