IELTS Writing
IELTS Writing Practice
Understand exactly what Task 1 and Task 2 require, how they're timed, and what actually moves your band score.
Test format
Total time
60 minutes for both tasks, with no extra time to transfer answers — you write directly on the answer sheet or in the computer-delivered test.
Task 1 (20 minutes recommended)
Academic: describe a graph, chart, table, map or process in at least 150 words. General Training: write a formal, semi-formal or informal letter.
Task 2 (40 minutes recommended)
A discursive essay of at least 250 words, responding to an argument, problem or question. The same task for both Academic and General Training.
Weighting
Task 2 counts for twice as much of your Writing band score as Task 1, so if you're short on time, protect Task 2.
Scoring
Scored 1–9 across four criteria: Task Achievement/Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
Tips for Task 1
- Open with one sentence paraphrasing the chart/graph title — don't copy it word for word.
- Report only the two or three most significant trends or comparisons; you don't need to describe every single data point.
- Never give your opinion in Task 1 — it's a purely descriptive task.
- For General Training letters, match the tone to the task: formal for complaints to a company, informal for a friend.
Tips for Task 2
- Spend 3–5 minutes planning before you write — a clear structure with an introduction, 2–3 body paragraphs and a conclusion scores higher than a long, unplanned answer.
- Address every part of the question. If the prompt asks you to discuss both views and give your opinion, do both — answers that ignore part of the task are capped regardless of language quality.
- Aim for a bit over 250 words, not far under — but padding with repetition doesn't help once you're past the minimum.
- Leave 2–3 minutes at the end to check for grammar slips and whether every paragraph answers the question.
Practice writing under real exam conditions
The biggest difference between practice and the real test is the clock. Try writing full Task 1 and Task 2 responses with a timer before test day, not just reading model answers. FluentFox's IELTS exam prep course includes dedicated Writing Task 1 and Task 2 units with worked examples and band-score anchors.
Frequently asked questions
How much time do I get for IELTS Writing?+
60 minutes total for both tasks. The recommended split is 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2, though you can manage the time however you prefer within the 60 minutes.
What's the minimum word count?+
At least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2. Writing under the minimum loses marks, but there's no upper limit.
Is Task 1 the same for Academic and General Training?+
No. Academic Task 1 asks you to describe visual data (a graph, chart, table, map or process). General Training Task 1 asks you to write a letter. Task 2 is the same essay task for both versions.
Can I use informal language in Task 2?+
No — Task 2 should be written in a formal, academic style regardless of which version of the test you're taking.
Does FluentFox have a full IELTS Writing course?+
Yes — our IELTS exam prep course includes dedicated units for both Writing Task 1 and Task 2, with worked examples across different band levels.
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