IELTS Writing

Understanding IELTS Writing

The IELTS Writing test consists of two tasks with different requirements for Academic and General Training candidates.

Test Format

Feature

Task 1

Task 2

Time

20 minutes

40 minutes

Words

150 minimum

250 minimum

Weight

1/3 of score

2/3 of score

Academic

Describe visual data

Write an essay

General

Write a letter

Write an essay

Academic Task 1

You'll describe information from:

• Graphs: Line, bar, pie charts
• Tables: Data comparison
• Diagrams: Processes, objects
• Maps: Changes over time

General Training Task 1

You'll write a letter that is either:

• Formal: To an employer, official organization
• Semi-formal: To someone you know slightly
• Informal: To a friend or family member

Task 2 (Both Versions)

Essay types include:

• Opinion/Agree-Disagree: State and justify your view
• Discussion: Present both sides
• Problem-Solution: Analyze causes and solutions
• Advantages-Disadvantages: Evaluate both sides
• Two-Part Questions: Address multiple related questions.

Note: Task 2 prompts are now leaning more toward contemporary global issues like sustainability, digital privacy, and AI-driven workplace changes.

Scoring Criteria

Your writing is assessed on four criteria, each worth 25%:

1. Task Achievement/Response

• Address all parts of the task
• Present a clear position (Task 2)
• Develop ideas with relevant support
• Meet the minimum word count

2. Coherence and Cohesion

• Organize information logically
• Use paragraphs effectively
• Use cohesive devices appropriately
• Progress ideas clearly.

Note: Writing significantly over the word count is now more explicitly cautioned against, not because of a penalty, but because it often leads to a loss of Coherence and Cohesion and reduces time for checking.

3. Lexical Resource

• Use a wide range of vocabulary
• Use less common vocabulary accurately
• Show awareness of style and collocation
• Make minimal spelling errors
• British/Australian vs. American: Both spelling systems are accepted, but consistency is key for Lexical Resource.

Note: New digital scoring systems use enhanced automated checks to flag excessive repetition and "copy-pasting" of the prompt, which can lower the Lexical Resource score more severely than in the past.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

• Use a variety of sentence structures
• Use complex sentences accurately
• Few grammatical errors
• Use proper punctuation.

A note on the discouragement of rote memorization:

• The Issue: Examiners and automated checks are increasingly trained to flag and penalize memorized phrases or rigid templates that do not naturally adapt to the specific prompt.
• The Fix: The following "Structure Guides" are helpful for organization, but be sure to prioritize flexibility. You should use these structures as a skeleton/general outline, but ensure the language itself is original and highly specific to the prompt provided.

Task 1 Academic: Visual Data

Structure Guide

Introduction (2-3 sentences)

- Paraphrase the question

- State what the data shows overall

Overview (2-3 sentences)

- Summarize main trends/features

- No specific data here

Body Paragraph 1 (3-4 sentences)

- Describe specific data

- Make comparisons

- Use precise figures

Body Paragraph 2 (3-4 sentences)

- Describe remaining data

- Highlight contrasts or similarities

- Use appropriate language

Key Language for Trends

Upward movement: Increase, rise, grow, climb, surge 

Downward movement: Decrease, fall, drop, decline, plummet 

No change: Remain stable, stay constant, level off, plateau 

Fluctuation: Fluctuate, vary, oscillate

Describing Data

• "The figure rose from X to Y"
• "There was a significant increase of X%"
• "X was twice/three times as high as Y"
• "X accounted for the largest proportion of Y"

Task 1 General: Letters

Formal Letter Structure

Dear Sir/Madam,

Opening: State your purpose clearly

Body: Provide relevant details (2-3 paragraphs)

Closing: Summarize and state any action needed

Yours faithfully,

[Your name]

Informal Letter Structure

Dear [Name],

Opening: Greet and explain why you're writing

Body: Share your news/respond (2-3 paragraphs)

Closing: End warmly and mention future contact

Best wishes/Love,

[Your name]

Task 2: Essay Writing

Opinion Essay Structure

Introduction

- Paraphrase the question

- State your opinion clearly

- Outline your main points

Body Paragraph 1

- Topic sentence (your first main point)

- Explanation

- Example or evidence

- Link to your opinion

Body Paragraph 2

- Topic sentence (your second main point)

- Explanation

- Example or evidence

- Link to your opinion

(Optional: Acknowledge opposing view briefly)

Conclusion

- Summarize your main points

- Restate your opinion

Discussion Essay Structure

Introduction

- Paraphrase the question

- State that you'll discuss both views

- (Optionally state your preference)

Body Paragraph 1

- First viewpoint

- Reasons and examples

Body Paragraph 2

- Second viewpoint

- Reasons and examples

Conclusion

- Summarize both views

- State your opinion/preference

Time Management

Recommended Time Allocation

Task 1 (20 minutes)

• Planning: 3 minutes
• Writing: 15 minutes
• Checking: 2 minutes

Task 2 (40 minutes)

• Planning: 5 minutes
• Writing: 30 minutes
• Checking: 5 minutes

Common Errors to Avoid

Task Achievement/Response

• Not addressing all parts of the question
• Writing under the word count
• Including irrelevant information
• Missing an overview in Task 1

Coherence and Cohesion

• No clear paragraphing
• Overusing linking words
• Poor paragraph organization
• Ideas not logically connected

Lexical Resource

• Repetition of the same words
• Informal language in academic writing
• Spelling errors
• Wrong word choices

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

• Run-on sentences
• Missing articles
• Subject-verb agreement errors
• Incorrect tense usage

Practice Tips

For both tasks, you should practice typing under timed conditions if taking the computer-based test.

For Task 1

1. Practice describing different types of visual data
2. Learn vocabulary for trends and comparisons
3. Time yourself strictly
4. Get feedback on your overview writing

For Task 2

1. Practice all essay types
2. Build a bank of topic-specific vocabulary
3. Write under timed conditions
4. Review and learn from model answers
5. Get expert feedback on your essays

Band Score Expectations

Band

Characteristics

9

Expert user - complete command of the language

8

Very good user - occasional inaccuracies

7

Good user - handles complex language well

6

Competent user - generally effective

5

Modest user - partial command

Test Day Tips

1. Read questions carefully - understand exactly what's required
2. Plan before writing - never skip this step
3. Watch the clock - leave time for checking
4. Write clearly - handwriting must be readable
5. Count your words - ensure you meet minimum requirements without going significantly over
6. Check your work - look for obvious errors
7. Double-check for typos caused by fast typing.