The Ultimate Guide to the IELTS Writing Test (A Plan for Band 7+)

You sit down for the IELTS Writing test. You have 60 minutes to complete two very different tasks. A clock is ticking, and the pressure is on to organize your thoughts, find the right vocabulary, use correct grammar, and write two complete, coherent responses before that time runs out.

For many test-takers, the Writing section is the most challenging part of the entire IELTS exam. It’s not just a test of your English; it’s a test of your time management, your analytical skills, and your ability to structure a clear and convincing argument under pressure.

But it is not an impossible task. The IELTS Writing test follows a very predictable and consistent format. Once you understand the “rules of the game”—what the examiners are looking for and how the tasks are structured—you can build a powerful strategy to achieve a high score.

This is not just a list of tips. This is your ultimate guide to mastering the IELTS Writing test. We will break down the entire 60-minute section, provide a deep dive into Task 1 and Task 2 for both the Academic and General Training modules, and explain the four crucial assessment criteria that will determine your final band score.

IELTS Writing Test Format

Before we get into strategy, you must know the fundamentals.

• Duration: 60 minutes in total.
• Number of Tasks: Two tasks, known as Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2.
• Task Weighting: Writing Task 2 is worth twice as much as Writing Task 1. This is a critical piece of information for your time management strategy.
• Test Modules: The Writing test is different for the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests. While Task 2 is similar, Task 1 is completely different.

The Big Difference on the Computer-Based Test:

The computer-based test offers huge advantages for the Writing section. You get an automatic word counter (so you don’t have to waste time counting) and the ability to easily edit your text by cutting, copying, and pasting. For most people, this makes producing a well-organized and error-free response much easier.

Time Management is Everything: The 40/20 Rule

This is the most important strategy for the entire Writing test. Because Task 2 is worth twice as many marks as Task 1, you must allocate your time accordingly.

You should follow the 40/20 Rule:

• Spend approximately 20 minutes on Writing Task 1.
• Spend approximately 40 minutes on Writing Task 2.

It is a very common and disastrous mistake for students to spend 30 minutes on Task 1, leaving them with only 30 minutes to complete the much more important Task 2. You must be disciplined. Always start with Task 2 first, and when you have finished it, use your remaining time for Task 1.

A Deep Dive into Writing Task 1

Your task here will be completely different depending on whether you are taking the Academic or General Training test.

Academic Writing Task 1: Describing Visual Information

• The Task: You will be presented with a piece of visual information and asked to describe and summarize it in your own words. You must write at least 150 words.
• The Visuals: You could be given a:
  1. Line graph
  2. Bar chart
  3. Pie chart
  4. Table
  5. Map (showing changes over time)
  6. Process diagram (showing how something works or is made)
• Your Job: Your task is to write a formal, factual report. You should:
  1. Introduce the visual in your own words.
  2. Write an overview that summarizes the main trends or key features. This is the most important sentence in your report.
  3. Describe the specific details in a logical order, using data from the visual to support your points.
• What You Are NOT Asked to Do: You should not give your personal opinion. Your job is to report the facts, not to interpret why they might have happened.

General Training Writing Task 1: Writing a Letter

• The Task: You will be given a common, real-life situation and asked to write a letter in response. You must write at least 150 words.
• The Situation: The prompt will give you the context and three clear bullet points that you must cover in your letter.
• The Tone: The letter can be formal, semi-formal, or informal (personal). You must be able to identify the correct tone and use the appropriate language.
  • Formal: Writing to a company you don’t know (e.g., a job application).
  • Semi-Formal: Writing to someone you know in a formal context (e.g., your landlord or your manager).
  • Informal: Writing to a friend.
• Your Job: Your task is to write a letter that achieves its purpose and covers all three bullet points clearly and logically.

👉 Learn More: How to Write Formal, Semi-Formal, and Informal Letters in GT Task 1.

A Deep Dive into Writing Task 2: The Essay

This task is similar for both Academic and General Training students. It is a formal or semi-formal essay that requires you to present and support an argument.

• The Task: You will be given a topic or a statement and asked to write an essay in response. You must write at least 250 words and should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
• Common Question Types:
  1. Opinion Essay: “To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
  2. Discussion Essay: “Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.”
  3. Problem and Solution Essay: “What are the causes of this problem, and what solutions can be suggested?”
  4. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay: “Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?”
• Your Job: Your task is to write a well-structured and well-supported academic essay. A high-scoring essay will always have:
  1. A clear introduction that introduces the topic and states your main point (your thesis).
  2. Two or three body paragraphs, each with a clear main idea, explanations, and specific examples.
  3. A logical conclusion that summarizes your argument.

The 4 Assessment Criteria: What the Examiner is Looking For

The examiner does not just give you a single score. They grade your writing against four specific criteria, with each one being worth 25% of your final mark for that task.

1. Task Achievement (for Task 1) / Task Response (for Task 2): Did you answer the question fully? Did you cover all the requirements of the prompt?
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Is your writing easy to follow? Is it well-organized into logical paragraphs? Have you used linking words (like however, therefore, in addition) effectively?
3. Lexical Resource (Vocabulary): Have you used a good range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately? Have you avoided repeating the same simple words?
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Have you used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures? How many grammatical errors are there in your writing?

To get a high score, you must perform well in all four of these areas.

The IELTS Writing test is a challenge of both language and strategy. By understanding the format, managing your time, and knowing exactly what the examiner is looking for, you can build the skills and confidence you need to achieve your target band score.

Ready to put your writing skills to the test?
👉 Take a full, computer-based IELTS Writing Mock Test and get a feel for the 60-minute challenge.