IELTS Writing: Task 1 & Task 2
Two tasks, 60 minutes, and Task 2 counts double. This guide breaks down both tasks, the four things examiners mark, ready-to-use structures and the topics that come up most.
- Task 1 — ≥150 words
~20 min · 1× marks - Task 2 — ≥250 words
~40 min · 2× marks
Leave 5 minutes at the end to check grammar and spelling.
How IELTS Writing works
You have 60 minutes for two tasks. Because Task 2 is worth twice as much, plan roughly 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 for Task 2 — and always meet the minimum word counts (going under is penalised).
Task 2 is an essay in both versions. Only Task 1 differs — Academic describes a visual; General writes a letter. See which test you need →
Task 1 — by test type
📘 Academic Task 1
Describe a graph, table, chart, diagram, map or process in your own words (≥150 words). You report and compare key features — you don't give opinions.
Simple structure:
- Paraphrase the question (intro)
- Overview: the 2–3 biggest trends
- Detail paragraph 1 — key figures
- Detail paragraph 2 — the rest
📗 General Task 1
Write a letter (≥150 words) — personal, semi-formal or formal — to request information or explain a situation.
Simple structure:
- Greeting in the right tone
- Purpose — why you're writing
- Cover all three bullet points
- Suitable sign-off
Task 2 — the essay (the big one)
Task 2 is the same for both tests: a 250-word essay responding to an argument, problem or point of view. Most questions fall into five types:
1 · Opinion
"To what extent do you agree or disagree?" — Take a clear position and defend it throughout.
2 · Discussion
"Discuss both views and give your opinion." — One side per body paragraph, then your view.
3 · Problem & solution
"What problems does this cause and how can they be solved?" — Problems, then solutions.
4 · Advantages / disadvantages
Weigh the benefits against the drawbacks — and say which outweighs the other if asked.
5 · Two-part question
Answer both direct questions clearly — one in each body paragraph.
✓ A structure that always works
- Intro: paraphrase + your answer
- Body 1: main idea + explain + example
- Body 2: second idea + explain + example
- Conclusion: restate your answer
How Writing is marked (4 criteria)
Each task is scored on four equally-weighted criteria. Knowing them tells you exactly what to improve:
| Criterion | What examiners look for |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Response | Did you fully answer every part of the question with relevant, developed ideas? |
| Coherence & Cohesion | Clear paragraphs and logical flow, with linking words used naturally. |
| Lexical Resource | A range of accurate vocabulary — used correctly, not just "big words". |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | A mix of sentence structures with few errors. |
Your task band is the average of these four; your Writing band weights Task 2 twice as heavily as Task 1.
Common Task 2 topics
Topics rotate but cluster around a handful of themes. Build vocabulary and ideas for each:
5 quick high-band tips
Answer the exact question
Underline the keywords and the task — drifting off-topic caps your Task Response score.
Plan for 5 minutes
Two clear ideas beat five half-finished ones. Decide your position before you write.
One idea per paragraph
Topic sentence → explain → example. Predictable structure scores well.
Show range, stay accurate
Mix simple and complex sentences. An accurate simple sentence beats a broken complex one.
Leave time to check
Catch articles, plurals, verb tenses and spelling in the last 5 minutes.
Where to go next
Frequently asked questions
How long is the IELTS Writing test?
What's the minimum word count?
How is Writing marked?
How does Academic Writing differ from General?
Turn structure into a real routine.
Write one Task 2 essay every few days and review it against the four criteria.
Task formats, timing, word counts and marking criteria are based on official British Council IELTS information. Essay-type names are common study labels. Always confirm details with your test centre.