The IELTS, or International English Language Testing System is among the most opted language proficiency tests in the world. The test is a common requirement for top educational institutions across the world and is accepted by over 140 countries and 11, 500 organisations.
The IELTS Writing is among the four modules of the IELTS test. This section assesses your vocabulary and ability to construct sentences with moderation and without repetition.
The IELTS Writing test also analyses your grammar, vocabulary, comprehensiveness, cohesion and accuracy through both of its tasks.
The Writing module consists of two tasks of varying types, which check your comprehension skills and ability to construct meaningful arguments. To help you prepare, you can refer to IELTS writing test samples with answers to understand the expected structure and content better.
IELTS Writing Section: At a Glance
| Number of Questions/Tasks | 2 |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Test Mode | Online/Offline |
| Test Types | Academic and General |
Task 2 is longer than Task 1. So, IELTS experts recommend finishing the first part in the beginning and then ideally utilising any time saved on the second assessment.
Check out the IELTS Writing samples for Task 1 and Task 2 to get a complete idea of how the IELTS Writing test works.
IELTS Writing Test Pattern
The IELTS writing module consists of two tasks. Although the tasks differ between the academic and general tests, the word count and structure remain the same.
IELTS Writing Task 1:
| Minimum Word Limit | 150 words |
| Recommended Time Limit | 20 minutes |
| Content-Type | Graph, bar, diagram, or normal text |
| Parts | – Introduction – Overview – Highlight key features with figures (data) |
| Minimum Word Limit | 250 words |
| Recommended Time Limit | 40 minutes |
| Content-Type | Essay Topic |
| Parts | – Introduction – Body part – Conclusion |
IELTS Writing Tasks Important Points:
- It is important to note that Task 2 carries double the weight of Task 1 in the writing section.
- There is no strict time limit asserted between the tests. Considering the weightage and difference of minimum word limit, divide your one-hour time appropriately between the tasks.
- It is recommended to devote 20-25 minutes to your IELTS Writing Task 1 and reserve the remaining 30-35 minutes for Task 2.
- Set aside 5 minutes at the end to proofread and review your responses and rectify any errors.
IELTS Academic Writing Test
The Academic module is primarily for students who plan to pursue higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking country. It assesses whether you are ready to study or train in an English-speaking academic setting.
The IELTS Academic Writing test comprises two tasks. The topics covered in these tasks are of general areas of interest and are suitable for students planning to enroll in undergraduate or postgraduate studies or those seeking professional registration. The responses to both tasks must be in a formal writing style.
The IELTS Academic Writing assesses your English language capabilities to study and remain in an academic environment. The IELTS Academic Writing module consists of two tasks.
The word count and recommended time limit remain the same for both the academic and general training tests. For more practice, you can refer to IELTS writing test samples with answers to understand the structure and format better.
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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
- For the first task of the IELTS Academic Writing test, you will get a graph, picture or diagram that you need to describe in your own words. You may also get the diagram of a machine or a process, where you will be required to explain how it works.
- The word limit for task 1 is 150 words.
- It is essential to add only relevant information to ensure you complete the task within the allotted time. Maintaining a formal style of writing is of the utmost importance.
- Test-takers can leave minor or less relevant information if there are time constraints. Task 1 aims to assess a candidate’s ability to identify the most relevant information and trends in the given diagrams, charts or graphs.
- For example, the task might provide you with a diagram and ask you to describe it in 150 words.
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IELTS Academic Writing Task 2
- In this task, candidates are required to respond to a problem or to explain a view or an argument.
- You are required to write at least 250 words within the allotted time.
- Answering carefully with a curated response is essential for this task.
- Exceeding the word limit may leave you with little or no time to re-read or check your answers for relevance. Thus, failing to complete this task will reduce the chances of achieving a good band score.
- For example, the question might ask your point of view on deforestation. Here, you can write 250 words on the topic.
Also Read: IELTS Academic Reading 2024
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IELTS General Training Writing Test
The IELTS General Training Writing test is taken by students who plan to move into an English-speaking country for work, migration, or other general reasons.
The IELTS General Writing section is easier and assesses your general English language capabilities, allowing you to sustain yourself in an English-speaking environment. Topics usually revolve around general interests and the assessments are geared more towards general life circumstances.
Like the Academic format, the General Training exam also comprises two tasks. The time limit to complete the two tasks is 60 minutes. To prepare effectively, it is beneficial to practice with IELTS writing test samples with answers. These samples provide a clear understanding of what is expected in your responses and help you familiarise yourself with the test format and question types.
IELTS General Training Writing Task 1
- In the IELTS General Writing Task 1, candidates need to respond to a situation by writing a letter, such as explaining or requesting certain information.
- Test-takers can maintain a formal way of writing, depending on the context.
- The response needs to be at least 150 words.
- Writing incomplete answers can reduce your score. So, plan your answer according to the time limit.
- Plagiarism is severely penalised by your examiner.
- This task intends to ascertain a candidate’s ability to comprehend and execute an English letter-writing convention.
- It also assesses the ability to appropriately use English to organise information comprehensively and accurately.
IELTS General Training Writing Task 2
- In this assessment, you are required to write a formal essay.
- It needs a minimum of 250 words.
- The task details convey a point of view or a problem, and candidates need to provide factual information, provide a solution, justify an opinion or evaluate an idea or evidence.
- Topics are usually of general interest. For example, why families are not as close anymore as before and how they can become closer, possible solutions to environmental issues, or if smoking should be banned in public places.
- Deviating from the topic and providing irrelevant information can reduce your score and also waste your time.
- This task assesses a candidate’s writing ability in terms of what style to use and how to frame your points. This also checks how you divide information into paragraphs and link them with each other.
Also Read: Book Your IELTS Slot
How is the IELTS Writing Section Scored?
The test score for your IELTS Writing test is determined by certified IELTS examiners. Your score will be marked on a scale of 0-9, with whole and half band scores. Here, 0 denotes the lowest test score and 9 is the highest attainable test score.
Writing task 2 weighs two times more than Writing task 1. So, spare more time to answer the second task.
A band score of 7 and above is considered a good band score.
The examiners mark your answers based on the following parameters:
- Task achievement
- Coherence and cohesion
- Lexical resource
- Grammatical range and accuracy
IELTS Academic Writing: Practise Questions
Check out the IELTS Writing sample questions below to practice your IELTS Academic Writing test. Try answering each of them.
Keep track of your writing time and speed. Try to improve your answers for each attempt.
IELTS Writing Samples: Task 1
Before answering your questions, check out the ideal methods to answer them.
How to answer Writing Task 1:
- Read the question carefully
- Observe the diagram/graph/flowchart given
- Note down the major trends and focus points
- Structure your answer considering the allocated time and minimum word count
- Divide your answer into paragraphs
- Give a proper starting and ending point
- Finish and proofread
Now go try answering the questions.
- The chart given below represents the number of men and women pursuing higher education in Britain in three different periods and whether they were studying part-time or full-time. Give a summary of the information by selecting and reporting the main aspects and making relevant comparisons. Write at least 150 words.
2. The chart given below provides information about the growth in population in three major Australian cities between 1992 and 2016. Summarise the given information, report the main features, and make relevant comparisons.
3. The diagram described below provides information about the recycling of plastic and glass containers. Give a summary of the information by selecting and reporting the main information and presenting relevant comparisons.
Also Read: IELTS Speaking Questions with Answers 2024
IELTS Writing Samples: Task 2
Before starting with your answers, check out some good ways to answer the task.
How to answer Writing Task 2:
- Read the question carefully
- Understand the main theme/problem discussed in the question
- Frame your perspective on the topic
- Gather significant information to support your claim
- Put forth examples and references to support your claim
- Give evidence to oppose to the side
- Structure your answer considering the allocated time and minimum word count
- Divide your answer into paragraphs
- Give a proper starting and ending point
- Finish and proofread
Now go try answering the questions.
1. A portion of the human population believes that criminal behaviour has its roots in genes. Others think that circumstances lead people to commit crimes. Discuss your take on both views and put forward your opinions.
2. Many believe that new houses in an area should be built in the same style as the older houses in the region. Others opine that local authorities should allow people to choose their own style of housing. Discuss both views and put forward your opinion in your own words.
3. Several research studies show that overeating can adversely affect the human body. Therefore, many people believe that advertising of certain foods should be banned, similar to how several countries banned cigarette advertisements. Do you agree or disagree?
IELTS General Training Writing: Practise Questions
Given are IELTS Writing sample questions for the IELTS General Training Writing test.
Check out the IELTS General Writing sample questions for both task 1 and task 2 to get an overview of the question types and structure.
Read the questions carefully and answer them.
IELTS Writing Samples: Task 1
Before answering your questions, check out the ideal methods to answer them.
How to answer Writing Task 1:
- Read the question carefully
- Understand the problem/situation explained by the question
- Understand the intent of the letter
- Note down the important points to include in your letter
- Frame it in the proper letter format
- Finish and proofread
Now go try answering the questions.
1. You are migrating to another country for higher studies and looking to do a part-time job while you are studying. Thus, you are asking your friend who lives there for some help. Write a letter to that friend. Include the following information:
- Provide details of your study plans
- Explain why you are looking to get a part-time job
- Suggestion of how he/she can help you with the job
2. Write a letter to the movie theatre manager regarding a jacket you left behind after watching a film. In your letter:
- Provide an accurate description of your jacket
- Describe the location of your seat
- Explain what you want the manager to do
3. You own an old antique and are looking to sell the same. Write a letter to the owner of an antique shop. Include the following information:
- Inform how you found out about the shop
- Accurately describe the item you want to sell
- Provide an estimated price that you are looking to get from the transaction
IELTS Writing Samples: Task 2
Before starting with your answers, check out some good ways to answer the task.
How to answer Writing Task 2:
- Read the question carefully
- Understand the main theme/problem discussed in the question
- Frame your perspective on the topic
- Gather significant information to support your claim
- Put forth examples and references to support your claim
- Give evidence to oppose to the side
- Structure your answer considering the allocated time and minimum word count
- Divide your answer into paragraphs
- Give a proper starting and ending point
- Finish and proofread
Now go try answering the questions.
1. Film stars and celebrities often share opinions on public matters that do not concern their profession. According to you, is this a positive or negative development?
2. Several people say that it is possible to gauge a person’s character and culture from their choice of clothing. Do you agree or disagree?
3. Governments should make people responsible for taking care of their local environment. Do you agree or disagree?
Also Read: IELTS Listening Test: Best Tips To Begin With
Tips for the IELTS Writing Test
While hard work is crucial for preparing for any entrance exam, incorporating smart strategies can make your preparation more efficient.
Here are some highly recommended tips to score well in the IELTS Writing section:
- Plan Your Time: You should not spend more than 20 minutes on task 1 as you will require 40 minutes at least for task 2. Keep a tab on time to ensure the same.
- Maintain Word Count: Do not spend too much time counting the words in your answers. Instead, count the lines and get an estimated word count.
- Plan Your Answers: Plan and strategise your essay before you start writing.
- Conclude Answers: Never miss out on writing a conclusion for task 2.
- Re-check Answers: Check your spelling, vocabulary and grammar properly.
- Stick to the Language Style: Follow either British or American style. Try not to mix them in your answers.
- Write Concisely: Keep all information relevant and do not exceed the word limit too much. This will ensure you have enough time to re-read your answers in the end.
- Display Your Skills: Showcase your vocabulary and aptitude in grammar.
- Write Your Own Answers: Make sure you are not repeating your points and do not plagiarise your content.
- Check Comprehensiveness: Ensure comprehensiveness and coverage of information. Make sure that you cover all the bullet points mentioned in General Writing Task 2.
- Practice More: Practice as many writing samples as possible. Make sure they are sourced from official websites or legit online platforms. You can get free IELTS Writing resources from Leap Scholar. Ensure you get credible IELTS Books for your preparation. Some common topics you can prepare for your IELTS Writing test include:
- Censorship
- Health and Education
- Globalization and Having One Language in the World
- Paper Books vs. E-books
- Development of Infrastructure
- Culture and Travel
- Work Crisis
- Global Warming
- Investments
- Start-ups and Their Culture
- Covid Crisis
- Healthcare in the Time of Covid
You can take the help of IELTS practice tests to prepare for your writing exam. Get proper IELTS guidance through IELTS classes, mock tests, and IELTS writing test samples with answers from experts.
Take the assistance of experts at Leap Scholar to provide you with the necessary tips, study materials and guidance to write appropriate answers to crack IELTS.
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Is there a negative marking for the IELTS writing section?
A. No, there is no negative marking for the IELTS Writing test. However, your score can be deducted if you write less than the prescribed word limit. Additionally, the test-takers can also be penalised for not using full and connected sentences. Do not overexplain your answers, and be mindful of the time mandates of each section.
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2. What are the main criteria that the examiners consider to evaluate the writing tasks?
A. Examiners use a variety of criteria such as the task achievement, cohesion and coherence of the writing sample, usage as well as knowledge of grammatical structures and syntax. It is important to practise the questions beforehand, which will help prepare the candidates to attempt this section confidently.
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3. What do I need to bring on the IELTS Writing test day?
A. On the day of your IELTS test, you have to bring your passport and identification proof. Make sure your passport is valid. You are not allowed to bring food or electronic devices to the test centre. You can bring a water bottle, but make sure the container is transparent.
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Q. Can I get a band score above 7 in the IELTS Writing Test?
A. Yes, obtaining a band score of above 7 in the IELTS Writing test can be possible with consistent practice and optimal performance in the IELTS Writing test. Familiarise yourself with the test structure and scoring criteria before starting your preparation. Once you get an idea, start your preparation early. Attempt sample questions and mock tests to practice the test.
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Q. Can I take the IELTS Writing test online?
A. Yes, you can take the IELTS Writing test either online or offline. If you are taking the offline test, you will have to write down the answers on the test booklet. For candidates taking an online IELTS Writing test, the test will be conducted through a computer in the IELTS test centre you applied for.
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Q. What is the minimum score for IELTS?
A. There is no minimum score for the IELTS test. The band score for IELTS ranges between 1 and 9. Each of the four modules is marked under a band score of 1-9. The scores from all four sections are combined and calculated in the end.
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Q. Does the IELTS Writing test have a negative marking?
A. No, there is no negative marking for the IELTS Writing test. However, there are certain criteria for which your score can be reduced. Failing to meet your minimum word limit can reduce your score for both tasks. The minimum word count for task 1 is 150 words and for task 2 is 250 words.
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Q. Can I score more if I write beyond the given word limit for my IELTS Writing tasks?
A. Writing longer text does not mean you can score better on your IELTS Writing test. The criteria considered to measure your IELTS score include other factors such as task achievement, cohesion and coherence of the writing sample. Moreover, your grammar, vocabulary and punctuation are also important.
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Q. What are the factors considered to score well in your IELTS Writing test?
A. Your examiner determines your score based on a variety of factors. They are:
– Task Response
– Accuracy
– Lexical Resources or Vocabulary
– Punctuation
– Grammar
– Cohesion and coherence -
Q. What are the important elements to add to my letter for IELTS General Writing Task 1?
A. The IELTS General Writing task 2 is letter writing. The important parts to add to your IELTS General Writing task 2 are below:
– Addressing the recipient
– Mention the purpose
– Key points
– Closing sentence
– End with name and signature -
Q. Can I skip questions in the IELTS Writing test?
A. Yes, it is okay to skip questions in the IELTS Writing test. Attempting as many questions as possible is highly recommended since you do not have a negative marking system for the test. However, do not waste too much of your time on a difficult question.
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