In this section: Task 1 Academic: every chart type · 60 Task 2 practice questions · General Training letters · Writing practice with instant marking
What examiners mark
Each task is marked on four criteria, equally weighted:
| Criterion | What it means |
|---|---|
| Task achievement (Task 1) / Task response (Task 2) | Did you answer every part of the question, with relevant, developed ideas? |
| Coherence and cohesion | Is it logically organised, with clear paragraphs and linking? |
| Lexical resource | Range and accuracy of vocabulary |
| Grammatical range and accuracy | A mix of sentence structures, used correctly |
Free printable: the 40-minute Task 2 plan, with question types and band 7 targets, on one page. ⬇ Download the PDF
Timing plan (60 minutes)
| Minutes | Task |
|---|---|
| 0–20 | Task 1: 3 minutes planning, 15 writing, 2 checking |
| 20–60 | Task 2: 5 minutes planning, 30 writing, 5 checking |
Many people do Task 2 first, because it's worth twice as much.
Task 1 Academic: a report
- Introduction: paraphrase what the visual shows.
- Overview: the two or three most important trends or features, with no numbers. Missing the overview is one of the most common reasons for a low Task 1 score.
- Details 1 and 2: group and compare the key figures.
Describing charts is a skill shared with PTE's Describe Image. The practice images and phrases there work for both tests.
Task 1 General Training: a letter
- Greeting: Dear Ms Chen, (formal) or Hi Sam, (informal).
- Purpose: why you're writing, in one or two sentences.
- Three paragraphs: one for each bullet point in the task.
- Closing: Yours sincerely, (when you know the name) / Kind regards, / Cheers, (informal).
Match your tone to the person. A letter to a landlord shouldn't sound like a message to a friend.
Task 2: the essay
Identify the question type first. It decides your structure:
| Question type | Example wording | Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion | To what extent do you agree or disagree? | Your view in the introduction; two body paragraphs supporting it |
| Discussion | Discuss both views and give your opinion. | One paragraph per view; your opinion in the intro and conclusion |
| Problem / solution | What are the causes? What can be done? | One paragraph for causes, one for solutions |
| Advantages / disadvantages | Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? | One paragraph each, with a clear judgement |
Aim for 270–300 words: an introduction, two body paragraphs of 90–110 words, and a conclusion. Use linking words to guide the reader, without overusing them.
Check your writing
Paste your Task 1 or Task 2 answer into our free IELTS writing checker. You'll get an estimated band for each of the four criteria, with spelling, grammar and linking words highlighted. Or practise with model answers on our IELTS writing practice page, which marks your answer the same way.
Mistakes that cost bands
- Copying sentences from the question instead of paraphrasing.
- Memorised phrases that don't fit ("In this modern era of technology…").
- One huge paragraph. Use clear paragraphs.
- Mixing Australian and American spelling. Pick one, and check with our spelling consistency checker.
Frequently asked questions
How long should IELTS writing answers be?
At least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2.
How much time should I spend on each task?
About 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2, which is worth more.
Can I check my IELTS writing for free?
Yes. Our free IELTS writing checker gives an instant band estimate for all four criteria.