IELTS Writing

60 minutes · Task 1 (150 words) · Task 2 (250 words)

Task 1 describes a chart, table, map or process. Task 2 is a discursive essay and is worth twice as much. On the computer the word count updates as you type.

Question types

Task 1: charts, tables & graphs

Give an overview of the main trends — it is the single most important paragraph.

Task 1: maps & processes

Use the passive for processes and time sequencers for maps.

Task 2: opinion

State your position in the introduction and keep it the whole way through.

Task 2: discuss both views

Give each view its own paragraph, then your opinion.

Task 2: problem & solution

Match every problem with a realistic solution.

Strategies that work

01
Task 2 first
It carries twice the marks. Many candidates spend 40 minutes on Task 2 and 20 on Task 1.
02
Plan for five minutes
A quick plan — position, two main ideas, one example each — saves you from a muddled essay.
03
Four criteria, equal weight
Task achievement, coherence & cohesion, lexical resource, and grammar each count for 25%.
04
Leave three minutes to proofread
Articles, plural -s and subject–verb agreement are the easiest marks to win back.

Lessons

1
Task 1: writing the overview
Foundation
20 min
2
Language of change and comparison
Foundation
25 min
3
Task 2: building a clear position
Band 6+
30 min
4
Cohesion without overusing linkers
Band 7+
25 min
5
Band 8 sample essays, annotated
Band 7+
30 min