Introduction
Hi, I’m Jonathan Mitchell, an IELTS Writing examiner with over twenty years of experience helping students reach Band 7 and beyond.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the IELTS Writing Test Format, one of the most crucial yet misunderstood parts of the exam. Whether you’re taking the Academic or General Training version, understanding the format, timing, and marking system is the first step towards a confident and well-prepared performance.
Understanding the IELTS Writing Test Format
The IELTS Writing test is designed to assess your ability to express ideas clearly and accurately in written English. It lasts 60 minutes and contains two tasks, which differ slightly between the Academic and General Training versions.
Version | Task 1 | Task 2 | Total Time |
Academic | Describe visual data (chart, graph, process, or map) | Write an essay on a formal or academic topic | 60 minutes |
General Training | Write a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal) | Write an essay on a general or social topic | 60 minutes |
You must complete both tasks. Task 2 carries double the weight of Task 1, meaning it contributes more to your final band score. Time management, therefore, is essential: aim for 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2.
Academic Writing Format
In the Academic Writing Test, Task 1 assesses your ability to describe, compare, and summarise data presented visually. You might see line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, tables, maps, or process diagrams.
The response must be at least 150 words, using formal language and objective description. You should highlight key features, trends, or differences, avoiding personal opinions or reasons.
Task 2, the essay, requires at least 250 words and measures your ability to develop and support an argument logically. Common question types include Opinion (Agree/Disagree), Discussion, Problem–Solution, and Advantages–Disadvantages essays. Clear structure, lexical range, and grammatical control are key to a high score.
General Training Writing Format
For General Training Writing, Task 1 involves writing a letter, formal, semi-formal, or informal, based on a given situation. Examples include writing to a landlord, a friend, or a company.
You’ll need to identify the correct tone, purpose, and structure for each context. Letters should also be around 150 words.
Task 2 is similar to the Academic essay but slightly simpler in vocabulary and tone. You’ll discuss everyday topics related to work, lifestyle, or society. Even though the topics may appear more general, the scoring criteria remain the same.
Timing & Word Count Management
You have one hour to complete both tasks, and time management is critical. Examiners often see excellent ideas written in a hurry, leading to grammatical errors and unfinished conclusions.
A good time division is:
Task | Recommended Time | Minimum Word Count |
Task 1 | 20 minutes | 150 words |
Task 2 | 40 minutes | 250 words |
Use the first few minutes to plan, the majority of time to write, and the final 3–5 minutes to check grammar and spelling.
How the Writing Test Is Scored
Both tasks are assessed using four key band descriptors:
- Task Achievement (Task 1) / Task Response (Task 2) – Have you answered the question fully and met all requirements?
- Coherence and Cohesion – Is your writing logically organised with effective linking?
- Lexical Resource – Do you use a wide range of vocabulary naturally and accurately?
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy – Are your sentences varied and error-free?
Each criterion receives a score from 0 to 9, and the average forms your final Writing Band Score. Since Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1, poor performance in Task 2 can significantly lower your total band.
Common Mistakes in the Writing Test Format
Even high-level candidates make predictable errors when misunderstanding the format:
- Writing Task 1 like an essay instead of describing data factually.
- Using informal tone in Academic tasks.
- Ignoring paragraphing — one large block of text is penalised.
- Writing fewer than 150 or 250 words, which leads to a lower score.
- Mismanaging time, spending too long on Task 1 and rushing Task 2.
Avoid these pitfalls by practising under timed conditions and analysing model answers from official IELTS sources.
Example Breakdown: Academic Writing Test
Section | Task | Word Count | Weighting |
Part 1 | Describe visual data (e.g. line graph) | 150+ words | 1/3 |
Part 2 | Write an essay on a social or academic topic | 250+ words | 2/3 |
Example Question (Task 1):
The line graph below shows the percentage of households using the Internet in three countries between 2000 and 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Here, you should highlight overall trends (growth, decline, stability) and provide specific data points to support your summary.
Quick Self-Check
- Can you clearly explain the difference between Task 1 and Task 2 for both test types?
- Do you know how much time to spend on each?
- Can you list the four marking criteria used by examiners?
If you can answer all three confidently, you already understand the foundation of the IELTS Writing Test Format.
Next Steps
The IELTS Writing test rewards structure, clarity, and control. Understanding the test format ensures you allocate your energy and time wisely from the first minute.
Next, I recommend reading the guide on Understanding Band Descriptors — it explains exactly how examiners judge your writing performance.
You can also visit the IELTS Writing Overview: Format, Scoring & Key Skills mother page for the full roadmap, or explore official sources such as the IELTS.org website for band descriptor documents and authentic test samples.
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