Skip to content
IELTS Trek

IELTS Writing⁠

Write with structure, range and accuracy.

Duration
60 minutes
Task 1
150+ words, 20 min
Task 2
250+ words, 40 min
Weighting
Task 2 counts double

How it works

Academic Task 1

Summarise and compare information from a graph, table, chart, map, process or diagram. A clear overview of the main trends is essential.

General Training Task 1

Write a letter requesting information or explaining a situation. Match the tone (formal, semi-formal or informal) to the reader.

Task 2 (both tests)

Write an essay responding to an opinion, argument or problem. Answer every part of the question and keep a clear position throughout.

What examiners assess

  • Opinion (agree / disagree)
  • Discussion (discuss both views)
  • Advantages and disadvantages
  • Problem and solution / causes and effects
  • Two-part (direct) questions
  • Charts, tables, maps and processes (Academic Task 1)

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Writing under the word limit
  • Memorised introductions that do not answer the question
  • Listing every number in Task 1 instead of comparing trends

Strategies that work

  1. 1

    Plan for five minutes

    Decide your position and the main idea of each body paragraph before you write a sentence.

  2. 2

    Overview first (Task 1)

    State the two or three most significant features in an overview. Without it, Task Achievement rarely goes above band 5.

  3. 3

    One idea per paragraph

    Open each body paragraph with a topic sentence, then explain and support it with an example.

  4. 4

    Prefer precision over "big words"

    Natural collocations ("a significant decline") score higher than rare words used incorrectly.

Writing courses

View all
Advanced Band 7 to 8+ ৳2,500 ৳1,990 Writing

Writing Task 2 Masterclass: Band 7 Essays

Plan, structure and write essays that answer the question, using language examiners reward.

9 lessons 6 hours

Sadia Islam View course

Practice prompts

View all

Tips from the blog