Overview
The IELTS Writing section assesses your ability to present clear ideas, respond fully to tasks, and use accurate grammar and vocabulary. It also evaluates coherence and appropriate tone for the given task. In short, it tests your writing organization and communication skills.
🕒 Duration
- Total time: 60 minutes
- 2 writing tasks to complete
- Recommended:
- Task 1: ~20 minutes
- Task 2: ~40 minutes (worth more marks)
📋 Format
- Two tasks (Task 1 and Task 2)
- Task 2 is the same for both Academic and General Training
- You must write in full sentences and formal tone (especially for Task 2)
- Word limits:
- Task 1: Minimum 150 words
- Task 2: Minimum 250 words
- No penalty for writing more, but writing less lowers your score
- Paper-based or computer-based format (writing method depends on test type)
💻 Test on Computer :
- Total : 60 mins (typed responses)
- You will type your answers in text boxes on the computer screen.
- Basic editing tools are available: Cut, copy, paste ,Highlight text, Automatic word count(no need to count manually)
- You can start writing from any task. While there are questions in the left corner of the screen, the right corner is reserved for you to write your answers.
- Since the answers are saved automatically, you do not need to think about if your answers are saved or not.
- You can also see the number of words you typed in the lower-left corner.
- When there is a section you do not understand, you can access the instructions by using the “Help” button on the screen. You can check how you need to answer questions using the Help button.
- A visual example of sample :
📌 Task Details
Task 1
Academic
- Describe visual data (graph, chart, table, diagram, process, or map)
- Summarize trends, compare data, explain a process or describe changes
- Must be factual and objective (no personal opinion)
General Training
- Write a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal)
- Common situations: making requests, giving information, complaining, or apologizing
- Tone and structure must suit the purpose and audience
Task 2 (same for both versions)
- Write an essay in response to a question or argument
- Topics include education, environment, health, society, etc.
- You must present your opinion, support it with examples, and develop a clear argument
- Formal writing style required
📊 Scoring
- Band score from 0 to 9
- Four criteria (each worth 25% of your score):
- Task Achievement / Task Response
- Coherence and Cohesion
- Lexical Resource (vocabulary)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
- Academic and General Training are scored with the same criteria
📚 Academic vs General Training – Key Differences
Academic
- Task 1: Analyze visual data (graphs, charts, diagrams)
- Task 2: Formal essay writing on academic or societal topics
- Suitable for university or professional registration
General Training
- Task 1: Letter writing for everyday purposes
- Task 2: Essay on general interest topics (may allow a slightly more personal tone)
- Suitable for immigration, job, or secondary education applications
🧠 Skills Assessed
- Organizing ideas clearly
- Responding fully to the task
- Using appropriate grammar and vocabulary
- Coherence and cohesion (logical flow and paragraphing)
- Task achievement (for Task 1) or Task response (for Task 2)
- Formal or semi-formal tone depending on task type