How to prepare for IELTS Writing

Two tasks, 60 minutes, 400 words — marked on four things you can control.

Tasks

2 (Task 1 + Task 2)

Time

60 min (≈20 + 40)

Minimum words

150 (T1) + 250 (T2)

Marked on

4 criteria, Task 2 worth double

IELTS Writing has two tasks in 60 minutes. Task 1 (about 20 minutes, 150+ words) is a data description for Academic candidates — a chart, graph, table, process or map — or a letter for General Training. Task 2 (about 40 minutes, 250+ words) is an essay for everyone, and because it carries twice the weight of Task 1, it deserves twice the time.

The single most useful thing to understand is how Writing is marked. Both tasks are scored on four equally-weighted criteria: Task Achievement/Response (did you answer the whole question), Coherence and Cohesion (is it organised and linked), Lexical Resource (range and accuracy of vocabulary) and Grammatical Range and Accuracy (variety and correctness of structures). Almost every lesson here is really about hitting all four on purpose rather than by accident.

How to approach IELTS Writing

Answer the exact question

The commonest reason for a low band is not fully addressing the task — missing a part of a two-part question, or arguing the wrong thing. Read the prompt twice and underline every element you must cover before you write a word.

Plan before you write

Five minutes of planning saves you from a shapeless essay. Decide your position, your two or three main paragraphs and one example each. A clear plan is what produces the Coherence and Cohesion marks.

Show range, then check accuracy

Deliberately vary your sentence structures and vocabulary — that's how you lift Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range. Then leave two minutes to reread for the small errors (articles, plurals, verb endings) that cap the accuracy score.

IELTS Writing lessons

Each lesson explains one question type with a worked example, interactive practice and a quiz.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Essay Structure

Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion (Agree or Disagree) Essays

Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion Essays

Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2: Problem and Solution Essays

Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2: Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2: Two-Part Question Essays

Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 1: How to Describe Data

Writing Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1: Bar Charts

Writing Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1: Line Graphs

Writing Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1: Pie Charts

Writing Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1: Tables

Writing Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1: Process Diagrams

Writing Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1: Maps

Writing Task 1

IELTS General Writing: Letter Writing

Writing Task 1 (General)

IELTS General Writing: Formal Letters

Writing Task 1 (General)

IELTS General Writing: Informal Letters

Writing Task 1 (General)

IELTS Grammar: The Structures That Raise Your Band

Writing foundations

Put it into practice

Take a free IELTS Writing test with expert evaluation and see the technique working on a real exam.

Take a free Writing test

IELTS Writing — FAQ

How is IELTS Writing scored?

Each task is marked on four equally-weighted criteria: Task Achievement/Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Task 2 counts for two-thirds of your Writing band, so it is worth more of your time.

How many words should I write in IELTS Writing?

At least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 for Task 2. Writing under the minimum is penalised, so aim slightly above — roughly 170 and 270 words — without padding.

What is the difference between Academic and General Training Writing?

Only Task 1 differs. Academic Task 1 asks you to describe a chart, graph, table, process or map; General Training Task 1 asks you to write a letter. Task 2 is an essay for both, with the same marking criteria.