IELTS Writing Test

Acing the IELTS Writing Test: Your Guide to Structure, Scoring, and Success

Welcome to your ultimate guide to the IELTS Writing test. Many candidates find this the most challenging module, as it requires not only a strong command of English but also the ability to organize ideas logically and under strict time pressure. This page provides a comprehensive overview of the test format, scoring criteria, and essential strategies for both the Academic and General Training versions.

IELTS Writing: At a Glance

  • Total Time: 60 Minutes
  • Total Tasks: You must complete two tasks (Task 1 and Task 2).
  • Weighting: Task 2 is worth twice as many marks as Task 1. It is crucial to manage your time accordingly.
  • Word Count: You must write a minimum of 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2. Writing less will result in a penalty.
  • Formal Style: Answers should be written in a full, formal style (no bullet points or note form).

The Difference Between Academic and General Training

The key difference lies in Task 1:
  • IELTS Academic Writing 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.
  • IELTS General Training Writing Task 1: You are presented with a situation and asked to write a letter (personal, semi-formal, or formal) requesting information or explaining the situation.

Task 2 is similar for both versions: you write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. The topics are general and suitable for anyone entering university or seeking professional registration.

How You Are Marked: The 4 Band Descriptors

Your writing is assessed by a certified examiner based on four criteria, each worth 25% of your score for the task:

  1. Task Achievement (Task 1) / Task Response (Task 2):
  2. Coherence and Cohesion:
    • Is your writing well-organized and logical? Do you use paragraphs correctly? Do you use linking words effectively to connect ideas?
  3. Lexical Resource:
    • Do you use a wide range of vocabulary accurately? Do you use less common words and spell them correctly?
  4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy:

Top Tips for IELTS Writing Success

  1. Analyse the Question Carefully: Underline key words in the prompt. For Task 1, what is the main trend? For Task 2, what is the specific question asking you to do (discuss, agree/disagree, give your opinion)?
  2. Plan Before You Write: Spend 5 minutes planning your answer. A clear plan leads to a coherent and cohesive essay or report. For Task 2, this means brainstorming ideas and structuring your paragraphs.
  3. Manage Your Time Wisely: We recommend spending 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. Do not let yourself run over time on Task 1.
  4. Use Paragraphs Correctly: Always separate your ideas into paragraphs. This is fundamental for a high Coherence and Cohesion score.
  5. Review and Edit: Reserve 2-3 minutes at the end to proofread your work. Check for common errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. This can make a significant difference to your score.

Ready to dive deeper? Master each task with our specialized guides:

  • [Link] IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Describing Graphs & Charts
  • [Link] IELTS Writing Task 2: The Ultimate Essay Guide
  • [Link] IELTS General Training Task 1: How to Write a Letter]

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

Task 1 of the IELTS Academic Writing test requires you to describe visual data objectively. Your goal is not to give opinions, but to report the main features, make comparisons, and highlight key information.

What You’ll See: The 7 Visual Types

  1. Line Graphs: Show trends over time.
  2. Bar Charts: Compare categories or trends over time.
  3. Pie Charts: Show proportions of a whole.
  4. Tables: Present exact figures and data sets for comparison.
  5. Diagrams (Processes): Describe a natural or industrial process.
  6. Diagrams (Maps): Describe changes to a location over time or compare two maps.
  7. Multiple Sources: A combination of two different charts (e.g., a line graph and a table).

The Perfect Task 1 Structure (4 Paragraphs)

A clear structure is non-negotiable for a high score.

  1. Introduction (Paragraph 1): Paraphrase the question. State what the visual shows, including the time period and units of measurement (e.g., kilograms, millions of people, percentages).
  2. Overview (Paragraph 2): This is the most important paragraph. Summarise the main trend or most significant feature without citing specific data. What is the overall story the graph tells?
  3. Details Paragraph 1 (Paragraph 3): Support your overview with specific data. Select key figures, make comparisons, and group similar data together.
  4. Details Paragraph 2 (Paragraph 4): Provide a second set of detailed data to further support your overview.

Essential Vocabulary for Task 1

  • Trend Language:
    • Upward Trend: Increase, rise, grow, climb, surge.
    • Downward Trend: Decrease, fall, drop, decline, plunge.
    • Stability: Remain stable, level off, stabilize, plateau.
    • Fluctuation: Fluctuate, oscillate, vary.
  • Adverbs & Adjectives: Sharp/sharply, significant/significantly, steady/steadily, slight/slightly, gradual/gradually.
  • Approximation: Approximately, about, around, just over, just under.
  • Comparison Language: Similarly, likewise, in contrast, whereas, while.

Task 1 Dos and Don’ts

  • DO write an overview. Without it, you cannot score above Band 5 for Task Achievement.
  • DO use the passive voice for describing processes (e.g., “The grapes are harvested…”).
  • DO use the correct tense based on the dates in the visual.
  • DON’T list every single data point. You must select and group information.
  • DON’T give your opinion or reasons for the trends (e.g., “Sales increased because of a successful marketing campaign”).
  • DON’T copy phrases from the question verbatim. You must paraphrase.

IELTS Writing Task 2 (Academic & General Training)

Title: IELTS Writing Task 2: The Definitive Guide to Writing High-Scoring Essays

Task 2 is the most important part of the Writing test. You are asked to write a formal essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. You must present a clear position and support your arguments with relevant examples.

The 5 Main Essay Question Types

  1. Opinion (Agree or Disagree): “To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
  2. Discussion: “Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
  3. Advantages and Disadvantages: “Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.”
  4. Problem and Solution: “What are the problems? What are the solutions?”
  5. Double Question (Direct Question): “Why is this? What can be done about it?”

The Classic Essay Structure (4 or 5 Paragraphs)

  1. Introduction (2-3 sentences):
    • Sentence 1: Paraphrase the question (general statement about the topic).
    • Sentence 2: State your thesis—this is your overall answer to the question. It must clearly state your opinion or what you will discuss.
  2. Body Paragraph 1 (5-7 sentences):
    • Topic Sentence: State the main idea of the paragraph.
    • Explain: Explain what you mean in more detail.
    • Example: Provide a relevant example to support your point. This can be from history, current events, or even personal experience (though keep it brief).
    • Conclude: Link the paragraph’s idea back to your main thesis.
  3. Body Paragraph 2 (5-7 sentences): Follow the same structure as Body Paragraph 1, presenting a new main idea.
  4. Conclusion (1-2 sentences):
    • Summarise the main points you have made.
    • Restate your overall opinion or answer in different words. DO NOT introduce new ideas here.

How to Generate Ideas and Examples

Struggling for ideas? Brainstorm using these categories:

  • Economic: cost, money, employment, industry, business
  • Social: community, family, lifestyle, equality, public health
  • Technological: internet, automation, innovation, communication
  • Environmental: pollution, climate, conservation, sustainability
  • Educational: schools, universities, skills, training

Task 2 Dos and Don’ts

  • DO make your opinion clear throughout the essay, especially in your thesis and conclusion.
  • DO use a range of linking words to connect ideas between and within sentences (e.g., Furthermore, However, Consequently, For instance).
  • DO develop your ideas fully. Ask yourself “Why?” and “How?” to add explanation.
  • DON’T use memorised essays. Examiners are trained to spot them.
  • DON’T use informal language (e.g., contractions like don’t, slang, clichés).
  • DON’T forget to leave time to proofread.

IELTS General Training Writing Task 1

IELTS General Training Task 1: How to Write a Winning Letter

For General Training test-takers, Task 1 involves writing a letter in response to a given situation. You are assessed on your ability to engage in personal written communication, using the correct tone and format.

Understanding Tone & Register

The first step is to identify who you are writing to, as this determines your tone:

  • Formal Letter: To someone you don’t know (e.g., a bank manager, a company, a newspaper editor). Use Mr./Ms., formal language, and avoid contractions.
  • Semi-Formal Letter: To someone you know but not well (e.g., a landlord, a colleague). Tone is polite and respectful but can be slightly less rigid than a formal letter.
  • Informal (Personal) Letter: To a friend or family member. Use informal language, contractions, and idiomatic expressions.

The Letter Prompt

The prompt will give you three bullet points you must address in your letter. They will tell you what information to include.

The Letter Structure (4 Paragraphs)

  1. Purpose & Opening (Paragraph 1): State why you are writing the letter. (“I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…” / “I’m writing to thank you for…”).
  2. Body Paragraph 1 (Paragraph 2): Address the first bullet point from the prompt. Explain the situation in detail.
  3. Body Paragraph 2 (Paragraph 3): Address the second bullet point. This is often where you request action, provide suggestions, or give more context.
  4. Closing (Paragraph 4): Address the third bullet point and a polite closing. (“I look forward to your reply.” / “Please let me know if you require any further information.”). Finish with a closing like Yours sincerely, (if you know the name) or Yours faithfully, (if you don’t) for formal letters, or Best regards, / All the best, for informal ones. Sign your name underneath.

Essential Vocabulary for GT Task 1

  • Formal Openings: I am writing to inquire about… / I am writing to complain about…
  • Making Requests: I would be grateful if you could… / Would you please…?
  • Expressing Thanks: I truly appreciate… / Thank you kindly for…
  • Offering Suggestions: I strongly recommend that… / Perhaps you could consider…
  • Formal Closings: I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

GT Task 1 Dos and Don’ts

  • DO cover all three bullet points completely. This is crucial for Task Achievement.
  • DO use the correct tone from start to finish.
  • DO include a clear purpose statement in your opening line.
  • DON’T use bullet points or note form in your answer. Write in full paragraphs.
  • DON’T forget to invent realistic details to fully explain the situation described in the prompt.
  • DON’T memorise entire letters, but do practice useful phrases for different situations.