ielts general writing essay tips

IELTS General Writing Task 2: Essay Sample Answers

IELTS General Writing Task 2: Essay Sample Answers

The 2nd task in IELTS General Writing is to write an essay. Here are the examples of successful responses for a high score. Pay attention to the structure of the answer and how paragraphs composition; main ideas and the examples they are supported with.

IELTS General Writing Task 2 looks like this (part in bold changes).

WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Some people think that the teenage years are the happiest times of most people's lives. Others think that adult life brings more happiness, in spite of greater responsibilities. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

In this task you should: Explain the first point of view Explain the second point of view Add your opinion

Sample answer:

What's the happiest time in people's lives: youth or old age; school, career or retirement? All of these have been suggested, but teenage years and adulthood both have many supporters.

Those who believe teenagers are the happiest people cite their lack of responsibilities as a significant factor. They are supported financially and emotionally by their parents, and although they may be included in family decisions, they're not ultimately responsible. However, adolescents are on the threshold of adult life: they're old enough to get a part-time job, so they can enjoy their first taste of financial independence, and their future study and career lie ahead.

Away from these serious concerns, young people have an active social life with their friends, often simply by hanging out with them. And of course, there’s the excitement of first love and first heartbreak. With all this to experience, teenagers see their parents' lives as boring and stressful.

However, the reverse is also true. Adults see anxious, self-dramatising adolescents, and appreciate the joys of maturity. These may include a contented family life, long-lasting friendships and a career. Long-term relationships may not have the fireworks of adolescence, but are stronger for it, because of the wealth of shared experience. At work, many of us are challenged and stimulated by the increasing, professional skills we acquire, which ensures that our jobs remain interesting.

The greatest benefit, though, is that maturity gives you greater confidence in your own judgement, in all areas of life. You’re not afraid to express your opinion when others disagree and, unlike a teenager, you know when to let things go.

Both these periods can be happy times, but I look back at my own teenage years, with no desire to go back. Adult life may be less dramatic, but fireworks don’t keep you warm

In cities and towns all over the world the high volume of traffic is a problem.

What are the causes of this and what actions can be taken to solve this problem?

It is undoubtedly the case that urban areas around the world increasingly suffer from congestion. In this essay, I examine the reasons for this trend and suggest some practical policies the authorities could implement to reduce the level of traffic in our cities.

The first step is to understand why traffic has increased in towns and cities. Broadly speaking, there are three main reasons for this. One is that cars have become more affordable for the average consumer and they are no longer a luxury item, but something that most families expect to own. A second reason is that public transport has become increasingly unreliable in recent years, not least because many bus and train services have been reduced because of the difficulty in funding them. The third reason is that society has in general become more mobile and this means more people are prepared to commute to work by car than they were before.

There is almost certainly no one solution to this problem given the complexity of its causes. However, one option has to be to improve the reliability of public transport to encourage people to take the bus or the train rather than get in the car. It would also be possible to discourage people from driving to work by introducing special tariffs for using the roads, especially during peak periods. A successful example of this is the congestion charge scheme in London which has certainly reduced the level of trafficin inner-city areas.

In conclusion, there are a variety of different factors that have led to rising levels of traffic in urban areas. While it may not be possible to find a complete solution, any action should probably involve encouraging greater use of public transport and making it more expensive for the motorist to drive in urban areas.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Some people believe that children should be allowed to stay at home and play until they are six or seven years old. Others believe that it is important for young children to go to school as soon as possible. What do you think are the advantages of attending school from a young age? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

Here we write about the benefits. Remember: 1 advantage = 1 paragraph.

In many places today, children start primary school at around the age of six or seven. However, because it is more likely now that both parents work, there is little opportunity for children to stay in their own home up to that age. Instead, they will probably go to a nursery school when they are much younger. While some people think this may be damaging to a child’s development, or to a child’s relationship with his or her parents, in fact there are many advantages to having school experience at a young age. Firstly, a child will learn to interact with a lot of different people and some children learn to communicate very early because of this. They are generally more confident and independent than children who stay at home with their parents and who are not used to strangers or new situations. Such children find their first day at school at the age of six very frightening and this may have a negative effect on how they learn. Another advantage of going to school at an early age is that children develop faster socially. They make friends and learn how to get on with other children of a similar age. This is often not possible at home because they are the only child, or because their brothers or sisters are older or younger. So overall, I believe that, attending school from a young age is good for most children. They still spend plenty of time at home with their parents, so they can benefit from both environments.

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Your pocket guide to IELTS General Training Writing: Know it before you ace it

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Knowing this, you are probably working hard to ace all parts of the IELTS test but you might need to pay more attention to the Academic Writing section.

Not only does it involve writing a series of texts, but you will also have to do it on a strict time limit that could easily add extra stress.

You will be tasked to write a letter as well as an essay, presenting your viewpoints and explaining situations as accurately as possible.

In this article, we will take you through what you can expect in the IELTS General Training Writing test and how to prepare effectively to score better on test day!

Four things you must know about the IELTS General Training Writing test

1. understand the two tasks you need to handle .

The General Training test involves two different types of tasks that are:

Writing a letter (Task 1)

Writing an essay (Task 2)

In Task 1, you will be required to write a letter in response to a situation and depending on the situation, it could be semi-formal or formal.

It could involve everyday scenarios and challenges such as time management problems, logistics issues and complaints. It is recommended that you only spend 20 minutes here and you are required to write at least 150 words.

The second task, however, is very different. It will require you to write a discursive essay of at least 250 words.

You will be given information about an argument or point of view and you will need to discuss your thoughts, present a solution to a problem or justifying an opinion you have.

The topics are normally of general interest and can range from family issues and challenges society faces all the way to environmental and climate change issues.

Because this task contributes twice as much to your final band score than the first task, it is recommended that you spend more time, around 40 minutes here, to maximise your chances to obtain a higher overall score.

2. How you will be marked and assessed

The General Training Writing test will be assessed according to each individual test and will consist of the following criteria:

Task response:

Have your essay or writing addressed the topic or task at hand and have you written more than the minimum amount of words required for each individual task?

Coherence and cohesion:

Are your thoughts, viewpoints are arguments clearly laid out and easily understood? Can the reader logically follow your flow of thoughts and do they make sense as a whole?

Lexical resource:

Simply put, do you have a wide range and depth of vocabulary? Are you able to use various adjectives and nouns to describe a particular topic or do you catch yourself constantly repeating the same basic vocabulary?

Grammatical range and accuracy:

Apart from just minimising grammatical errors, you will need to correctly use a mixture of simple, compound and complex sentences. However, you’ll need to use them in the correct context and also ensure a good flow of ideas.

3. How to approach the General Training test

Because the two tasks are uniquely different, you will have to come to the test with different approaches.

Here’s what you can do to score your best possible on test day!

Task 1 - Letter writing

It is important to clarify the purpose of the letter. Is this a complaint letter, a request for detailed information or a statement of fact to the recipient?

You need to get this clear because it will also affect the correct tone of voice you will need to adopt, whether it is to be more informal or strictly formal.

In addition, you will need to include the key information, presented to you in bullet points, as part of your letter response. This is crucial as you will be penalised if you forget to include any.

Task 2 - Essay writing

For this task, it is important to remember to discuss both sides of the issue or question being presented to you. A discursive essay is one that highlights viewpoints and presents both sides of the argument.

However, you also want to ensure your opinion is clear by the end of the essay and you showcase facts or anecdotal examples to strengthen your viewpoint as well.

4. Prepare yourself better with these resources

A great way to ensure you are well-prepared is to start taking sample practice tests that will mimic the real conditions of the Writing test.

You can access our test preparation materials here .

In addition, you can also attend a free IELTS Masterclass presented by IELTS experts who will share tips and tricks, including on the writing section, to help you score better with confidence!

If you prefer a paid option to simulate the exact test you will encounter, without the actual grading, you can take the IELTS Progress Check paid test .

It will be as close as possible to the real deal and you will also get back personalised feedback that will be valuable to help you pinpoint areas that need improvement.

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Preparing early for your General Training Writing test is the key to success. It allows you to get familiar with the format with ample practice to help you gain confidence on test day.

Take the time to go through our resources and prepare yourself better with our wide range of sample tests at your disposal!

And once you are prepared and ready, you can book your IELTS test here !

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Important information about IELTS General Writing Task 1

General writing task 1 takes the form of a letter. Here candidates are asked to respond to a complaint, request information or explain a certain situation.
You should spend no more than 20 mins on this test and you should write at least 150 words.
Task 1 forms 33% of your total writing mark
Grammar - 25%
Vocabulary - 25%
Task achievement - 25%
Coherence and cohesion - 25%
It is very important that candidates are able to express their ideas, provide general factual information and express opinions in this section of the exam.
To get the best possible band score for your GT writing task 1, it is important that you familiarise yourself with the possible types of letter for this task.

Two main different types of letters :

Formal letter - This could be to complain about a product/service or provide an apology or apply for a job,
Informal letter - This type of question can require you to ask for advice, thank a colleague/friend or invite a friend to vacation with you. Remember that you should write at least 150 words.

Practising the various types of letters is important so that can understand what the right vocabulary, style and tone is for each kind of letter.

Preparation tips for IELTS General Writing Task 1

Practice spending no more than 20 minutes on this task. If you practice enough beforehand, you’ll be able to stay within these limits during your exam.
Make sure that you always read the question thoroughly and understand what you need to do.
The general task 1 normally comes with 3 bullets, requesting information, for example: “You moved to a new country and you want to write a letter to your former colleague.

In your letter, you should:

tell him/her where did you go and what you are doing there (job)
describe your feeling
invite your friend to come.”

Be sure that you have mentioned all three of these bullet points. The best is to write a paragraph about each of these to make sure that you have covered all the information.

Leave yourself some time at the end to check your paper so that you don’t lose any unnecessary points.
It is important to learn new IELTS vocabulary before your exam. Keep a notebook of new words, phrases and idioms that can help you improve your vocabulary score. Make that you know how to use these new words accurately, in the right context.
NEVER use shortened versions of a word like you would in a text.

Here we have some sample general task 1 essays and useful English phrases to use in your exam.

The following tutorials will help the IELTS candidate prepare for their general exam. This part of the exam differs from the academic section and you will be asked to write a letter instead of interpreting a graph.

How to write informal letters
Best general task 1 structure
Sample general Task 1 letter
How to expand your IELTS vocabulary
IELTS General Writing Task 1: Letter samples, phrases and tips
An ex-examiner reviews a Task 1 informal letter
IELTS Sample Letters – Band 9
How to Plan and Write IELTS Task 1 Informal Letters In 20 Minutes
Why students fail IELTS General Task 1

We also have useful tutorials to help you prepare for the IELTS Academic :

Academic task 1 sample essays
How to get band 9 in IELTS academic task 1
How to describe a pie chart for IELTS
Free Essay Band Score Evaluation
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Sample Task 2 Questions 2022
Introduction to Paraphrasing
Model Band 9 Essay
Five Band 9 Words
Model Band 7 Essay
Differences Band 9 vs Band 7 Essay
Band 6.5 Essay
Academic Collocations
Topic Sentences
Discuss Both Views
Tutorial: To What Extent Essays
Paraphrasing Introductions
Essay Structures
Essay Plans
Describe a Pie Chart
Using Percentages
Map Vocabulary
Describe Flow Charts
Describe a Bar Chart
How to get Band 9
AT 1 Sample Questions 2022
Describe a Graphic
GT Task 1 Questions 2022
IELTS Vocabulary
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Task 2 Sample Questions
AT 1 Questions

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IELTS practice General Training Writing test - Task 1

How to approach general training writing task 1.

In the real IELTS General Training Writing test, you will have one hour to complete both of the two set writing tasks.

Task 1 should take you 20 minutes, leaving 40 minutes for task 2. Before starting the first practice task, you might like to set an alert to make sure you don’t go too far over.

When you take your IELTS General Training Writing test, you will move from the first to the second task without a break. In order to give you a good idea of the test experience, you should do the same here, moving straight from practice task 1 to practice task 2.

An easy reminder…

Q: How long should I spend on IELTS Writing task 1? A: You should spend 20 minutes on this task – saving 40 minutes for task 2.
Q: How many words should I write for IELTS Writing task 1? A: You should write at least 150 words.
Q: How should I prepare for the practice IELTS Writing task 1? A: For your practice tests, you should find a quiet place to work where you will be undisturbed for the whole hour.

Task 1 – Write about the following topic:

A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday. Write a letter to your friend.

In your letter:

give contact details for when you are away,
give instructions about how to care for your pet,
describe other household duties you would like your friend to undertake.

When giving contact details, you do NOT need to write any addresses; something like the name of a friend you are staying with or a holiday destination is fine.

The format for this IELTS Writing task is simple. Just begin your letter as follows:

After completion

Once you have completed this task you should move straight on to task 2. At the end of task 2, you will be given model answers for both parts of the test. You can use these to compare your answers, evaluate your performance, and consider what, if anything, you might change were you to complete these tasks again.

Remember, there are no right and wrong answers; you just need to write clearly and competently about the topic provided.

Continue to task 2

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10 steps to writing high-scoring IELTS essays

Date Published

01 February 2023

This article was first published on IELTS.IDP.com

Whether you take the General Training or Academic IELTS test, the second writing task is writing an essay in response to a problem or argument. Here are 10 easy steps, with lots of tips, to guide you on how to write high-scoring essays.

How is the IELTS essay component marked?

Fairness and accuracy are critically important when marking IELTS writing tasks . Your essay will be marked by at least two experienced IELTS examiners on the following criteria:

Task response - Whether you answered the question fully and supported your answer well.
Coherence and cohesion - How well you linked your ideas together.
Lexical resource - Whether you used a wide range of vocabulary correctly and appropriately.
Grammatical range and accuracy - How many grammatical structures you used accurately and appropriately.

Each of these criteria is worth 25 percent of your total score for the essay writing task. Both of your writing tasks are used to calculate your overall writing band score.

How to write high-scoring essays in 10 easy steps

Step one: plan your time.

The Writing test (consisting of Writing tasks 1 and 2) takes approximately 60 minutes. Plan to spend around 20 minutes on your first task, and 40 minutes on your essay task. A sample plan for your time might be:

5 to 10 minutes reading the essay question and planning your answer
15 to 20 minutes writing your first draft
10 minutes proofreading and editing your essay

How to write a good introduction

Step two: Read the question

While you may be anxious to jump straight into writing, make sure you take the time to carefully read the essay question. If you misunderstand the question, you risk writing an essay that does not address the issues properly which will lower your score.

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Step three: Highlight the issues to address

There will be multiple issues that you will need to address in your essay. Addressing each issue individually is key to achieving a high essay score. Highlight each individual issue that you will need to address.

The A to Z of IELTS: E is for Essays

Step four: Outline your response

Create an outline of how you will respond to the issues in your essay. This will serve as your ‘blueprint’ when you write your first draft. As a general rule your essay should have:

An introduction stating what you will talk about
Two or three body paragraphs , each addressing one issue or idea
A conclusion summing up what was discussed in the essay

Make sure you note which idea or issue you will address in each paragraph. Check that the issues you highlighted are all accounted for in your outline.

Step five: Expand on your ideas

Write some notes about any key points or ideas you’d like to include in each paragraph. When you’re writing your first draft, these notes will help to make sure you don’t forget any ideas you want to include.

Mind maps to build your vocabulary resource for IELTS

Step six: Plan how you will connect your ideas

Connecting your ideas clearly and correctly is critical to achieving a high essay score. Try to use a range of linking words to make your essay easy to read. You can use connecting devices and phrases to:

List connected ideas

‘Firstly, secondly, thirdly’
‘Furthermore’

Provide more information

Compare ideas.

‘On the other hand’
‘Alternatively’

Don’t fall into the trap of trying to put a linking word in every sentence. Essays will score higher when the writer uses linking words only where necessary and appropriate.

Step seven: Write your first draft

Now that you’ve planned your essay, it’s time to write your first draft. Follow the outline you’ve created and expand on the notes and ideas you included there.

Avoid informal language unless it is appropriate.
Avoid spelling and grammatical errors where possible.
Use a mix of sentence structures such as simple sentences, complex sentences and compound sentences.

How to boost your IELTS Writing score

Step eight: Proofread your essay

When you have completed the first draft of your essay, it’s important to proofread it. Read your essay from start to finish.

You can read it silently, but it may help to read it out loud if you can do so without disturbing others. Make a mental note or mark your paper anywhere that you may need to fix an issue.

How to access FREE official IELTS mock tests

Step nine: Edit your essay

Carefully go through the issues you noted while proofreading. Edit or rewrite these until they look and sound correct. Examples of issues and how to edit them may include:

The sentence is too long. A sentence is probably too long if you need to take a breath in the middle of reading it. Try splitting this up into smaller sentences.
A sentence sounds strange when you read it out loud. Try using different words or punctuation until it sounds right. It may need to be connected to another sentence.
The same word appears many times. Think about any other words you could use instead.

There is more than one main idea in each paragraph. Move any unrelated sentences to the correct paragraph. Each paragraph should address one issue only.

IELTS Writing: How to organise your responses

Step 10: Proofread your essay again

After your edits and before submitting your essay , give it one final proofread. Make sure you have:

Included all the points you highlighted in step three
Followed your outline from step four
Used good connecting words from step six
Fixed any errors or issues in step nine

IELTS Writing: 8 steps towards a band 8

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With convenient computer and paper based test options, your IELTS test can be completed in a way that you’re most comfortable with. If you’re in a hurry, you could even have your test results back within two to five days!

Also, the IELTS Familiarisation test is designed to give test takers an idea of what to expect on the actual IELTS test. It includes sample questions from different part of the test, such as Listening, Reading, and Writing. Set yourself up for success and explore our extensive library of preparation materials today.

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Ielts Writing

IELTS Writing Test

The IELTS writing test is the module that many students find the most difficult.

This is because in a short space of time (one hour) you have to write an essay and a graph (academic module) or a letter (general training module).

At IELTS buddy we'll provide you with top tips and strategies to get the score you need in the test.

Strategies for the IELTS Writing Test

These are some of our most important IELTS Writing Pages for the Academic module:

Task 1 Lessons
Task 2 Lessons
Model Essays with Feedback
Model Graphs with Feedback
Writing Practice Tests
Writing Tips
IELTS Grammar

If you are taking General Training , you can get tips and strategies and learn more about this particular module here:

IELTS General Training

Read on to learn more about what you have to do in the IELTS writing test.

About the Writing Test

The IELTS writing test module varies depending on whether you are doing the Academic Test (for university applications) or the General Test (usually for work / general migration).

In IELTS Academic you have to describe a graph or diagram (Task 1) and write an essay (Task 2).
In IELTS General Training you have to write a letter (Task 1) and write an essay (Task 2).

The Task 2 (essay) is actually worth more marks than the Task 1 (graph or letter) so you should spend 40 minutes of the time on the essay and 20 minutes on the graph / letter.

This difference in marking is represented in the number of words you have to write, which is a minimum of 150 for the Task 1 and 250 for the Task 2.

Academic Task 1

In the first section you will need to describe, summarize or explain a graph, diagram or process. Here is an example question:

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task .

The chart shows components of GDP in the UK from 1992 to 2000.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

You will have to describe the chart in no less than 150 words. In this section of the test, you could also get a line graph, a pie chart, a process, a table, or a map to describe.

Check out this video giving you an overview and tips on the language you'll need to know:

Academic Task 2

Task 2 is an essay question. You will have to write a response to the question giving reasons and examples to support your answer. The topics are general interest.

Here is an example of a question:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

The dangers and complexities of the modern world have made the mobile phone an absolute necessity for children.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

Check out this video giving you an overview of the kind of questions you could get for the IELTS Essay:

General Training Task 1

The task of the general training module is to write a letter. You will be presented with a situation and you will need to write your letter explaining the situation or asking for information. The letter may be one of three styles:

Semi-Formal

Your response will have to reflect the appropriate style.

Here is an example question:

You want to sell your television. You think a friend of yours might like to buy it from you. Write a letter to your friend.

In your letter:

Explain why you are selling the television
Describe the television
Suggest a date when your friend can come and see it

Write at least 150 words

You do NOT need to write any addresses

Begin your letter as follows:

General Training Task 2

This is the same as the IELTS writing Academic module. You will need to write an essay responding to a point of view, argument or problem.

However, on the test day, the essay will be different to the one given to those taking the Academic module.

The essays is sometimes in a slightly more personal style than for the academic essay, but you need to follow the same methods for writing the essay.

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Home » 5 Tips For Improving Your Writing Essays (IELTS General Training)

March 24, 2022

5 Tips For Improving Your Writing Essays (IELTS General Training)

Table of contents.

by Hiral Joshi

IELTS Expert

The IELTS General Trainings test is for those who want to immigrate, work and settle in English-speaking countries including Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or the UK. One section of the General Training test – IELTS Writing – can be overwhelming for many candidates as it involves two essay-style pieces of writing ; both Task 1 and Task 2 need preparation, practice, and persistence. But don’t worry! This blog has 5 excellent IELTS Writing tips to help you achieve a high score.

First, what is IELTS Writing?

The Writing section is divided into two tasks, totaling 60 minutes.

Task 1 is letter writing. Spend 20 minutes on Task 1, and write at least 150 words.
Task 2 is essay writing. Spend 40 minutes on Task 2, and write at least 250 words.

Writing a little more than the minimum word count is sensible. You will lose marks if you write less than 150 words in Task 1 and 250 words in Task 2.

How are these tasks marked?

Writing tasks in IELTS is marked in 4 criteria.

Task Response: Addressing and answering all parts of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion: Managing a good flow and following the structure throughout the writing task.
Lexical Resource (Vocabulary): Naturally using a wide range of vocabulary.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Showing a wide range of grammatical structures with flexibility and accuracy.

Is the Academic test the same?

Short answer: no.

The IELTS Academic test focuses more on academic or semi-formal writing styles, and often includes more graphs, tables, and similar sources that you might find in an education or business setting. Academic Task 1 involves writing a report describing or explaining a visual (such as a graph, diagram, table, etc.), whereas General Training Task 1 is letter writing.

There are only minor differences between Task 2 for both tests (for example, the Academic test may involve more academic topics or more difficult task questions.)

What IS the same, however, are the above-mentioned 4 marking criteria.

Find out more about the differences between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

Tip 1: Understand the task requirements

Task 1 requirements.

There are 3 kinds of letters you might be asked to write in the General Training test, Writing Task 1: (1) Formal, (1) Semi-formal, and (3) Informal

Formal letters are written to people we don’t know. For example, if we are writing a letter of complaint, applying for a new job, or resigning from our existing job, it will always be formal. Also, if we do not know the name of the person we are writing to, then it will be formal.
Semi-formal letters are written to someone that you know by name and with whom you have a professional or business relationship with, for instance; your teacher, accountant, the landlord.
Informal letters are written to someone you know, for example, a friend or family member. They’re written in a style that is more friendly and familiar in comparison to a formal letter.

It is important to remember that each letter has a different tone and style which is vital for high scores.

Task 1 Example

You should spend 20 minutes on this task and write at least 150 words.

You recently spent a night in a hotel and had to put up with a great deal of noise very early in the morning because of a faulty central heating system. The manager promised to contact you regarding compensation but you still haven’t heard from him.

Write a letter to the hotel. In the letter

describe the problem at the hotel
explain what the manager had said at the time
say what you want the manager to do.

Task 2 Requirements

Writing Task 2 is a bit complex to understand but we are here to help you!

There are 5 main question types in IELTS Writing Task 2:

Agree/disagree
Advantages/disadvantages
Two-part question
Cause/solution
Discuss both sides and give your opinion

Each of these tasks has a different format and expectations for high-scoring answers.

Task 2 Example

You should spend 40 minutes on this task and write at least 250 words.

Many young people choose to take a year out between finishing school and starting university to gain work experience or to travel. The experience of non-academic life offers benefits to the individual when they return to education.

To what extent do you agree or disagree ?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.

This is an example of an “ agree or disagree” type question. It is important to address all parts of the question to score well. Expressing your opinion is also extremely essential; don’t forget to state and explain whether you agree or disagree, and why!

Tip 2: Understand what makes a good answer (Band 7+)

IELTS examiners use the band descriptors to look for specific criteria in your answers. If you adhere to them, you’ll achieve top marks. So, let’s dive deeper into these marking criteria and find out what your examiner is looking for.

Below, I’ve explained a few of the key band descriptors for a Band 7 .

Task Achievement

“The candidate…”

“…covers the requirements of the task.” – Addressing all parts of the task is highly important. Some candidates are excellent in grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation but they can score a low band if they do not address all parts of the task. I recommend writing all parts in equal detail to achieve a higher band.
“…presents a clear purpose, with the tone consistent and appropriate.” – In Writing Task 1, it is of utmost importance to find out the purpose of writing, set the tone, and stick to it throughout the task.
“…clearly presents and highlights key features/bullet points.” – Task 1 usually includes 3 bullet points which you must mention, then extend. In Task 2, present ideas in an elaborate manner by explaining your point and supporting it with examples.

Coherence and Cohesion

“…logically organizes information and ideas.” – This means that the answer follows a logical structure and progresses naturally from one paragraph to the next.
“…uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately.” – Your answer should use various connectors (although, therefore, finally…) to show the flow of clear ideas in your writing.

Lexical Resource

“…uses a sufficient range of vocabulary.” – Try not to repeat words again and again and use synonyms to showcase your vocabulary skills.
“…may produce occasional errors in word choice, spelling and/or word formation.” – If you misspell a word or write the wrong one just a few times, you don’t have to panic. IELTS examiners understand that even a native speaker can make a few casual errors. However, these errors should be kept to a minimum in both tasks, to achieve a band 7 or above.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

“…uses a variety of complex structures.” – Writing simple grammatical sentences is not wrong but they are not enough for a band 7 answer. More complex, passive, and compound sentences are encouraged in an IELTS Writing task.

Tip 3: Plan. Plan. Plan!

Before starting each task, use 2-3 minutes to:

read the question thoroughly,
understand the type of answer you’ll need to give,
decide how many paragraphs you should write
and decide what the key content will be.

Planning your answers can save a lot of time when writing them out, and it also saves you from making strategic mistakes which lead to a lower score.

Tip 4: Know that writing isn't enough

As much as planning and writing your answer is important, don’t skip the part where you review it. Spend at least 5 minutes carefully reading your answers to find errors – and correct them. If you wrote (or typed) quickly, you may have a few mistakes that will significantly affect your score if they go unnoticed.

Look for grammatical errors, punctuation, repetition of words, task achievement, and check the tone of the letter. Don’t forget that in a conclusion, you never introduce new ideas. Furthermore, remember to give your opinion if asked.

Tip 5: Practice under mock conditions

To achieve your goal score, I recommend you do at least one sample test for IELTS Writing . Find a quiet area where you can sit for 60 minutes, uninterrupted, and take note of the timings for each task (20 minutes for Task 1; 40 minutes for Task 2). Practice tests are designed to give you a real exam situation. Practicing them will help you boost your confidence and enhance your time management skills. I strongly suggest giving yourself enough practice before your big day.

Indeed, IELTS writing is not a piece of cake and various details need to be addressed to get a high score. That is why IELTS with ILAC is your real-time companion. Put your stress far away by s peak ing with our IELTS expert today and make your IELTS dream come true. ILAC loves to help you always!

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IELTS Writing

Ielts writing section: 60 minutes, ielts academic test writing section.

Task 1 : Test taker will be presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in at least 150 words. Spend about 20 minutes on task 1. Write in a formal style.
Task 2 : Test taker will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem in at least 250 words. Spend about 40 minutes on task 2. Write in a formal style.

IELTS General Training test writing section

Task 1 : Test taker will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information, or explaining the situation in at least 150 words. The letter can be in personal, semi-formal or formal style. Spend about 20 minutes on task 1.
Task 2 : Test taker will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem in at least 250 words. The essay can be personal in style. Spend about 40 minutes on task 2 and be informed that Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.

Tips and Tricks for IELTS Writing section preparation

IELTS Academic Task 1 : Use the below templates for Task 1. This will greatly assist you during your preparation. Use the template, fill in the words and try to personalise the template for your own use in the exam.

Divide your 150 words into ten sentences.

The basic structure would be something like this.

Single data source:

Paragraph 1 – Broad overview

Sentence 1: Data source Description

Sentence 2: Broad Details

Paragraph 2 – Analysing data source

Sentence 3: Major detail about data source

Sentence 4: Minor detail 1 about data source

Sentence 5: Minor detail 2 about data source

Sentence 6: Conclusion

Double data source:

Paragraph 1 – Broad overview

Sentence 1: Data sources descriptions and their broad details

Sentence 2: Explain relationship between the two sources

Paragraph 2 – Analysing data source 1

Sentence 5: Minor detail 2 about data source (repeat if required)

Paragraph 3 – Analysing data source 2

Sentence 7: Major detail about data source

Sentence 8: Minor detail 1 about data source

Sentence 9: Minor detail 2 about data source

Sentence 10: Conclusion

The below video from IELTS Ryan explains this structure with an example.

Use the below content to start your sentences .

Sentence 1 : The ………. Illustrate/depict/explain/show ………

Sentence 2 : The overall trend created between the two sources ………. / The relationship between the two sources appears to show………. / The first ………. While the second ………. / The two sources illustrate how /why /what ……….

Sentence 3 : According to the ………. / Looking at the ………. It is clear that ………. / The………. shows a clear………. / It appears the ………. / The ………. outlines a clear ………. trend.

Sentence 4 : Half of it pertains to ………. / This figure falls/jumpes/declines slightly to/ plateaus at/ grows modestly to/ spikes at/ dips to/ swells to/ shrinks to/ bottoms at/

Sentence 5,6,8,9 : Use sentence 4 content

Sentence 7,10 : Compare to first value in the graph overall trend.

The below video from IELTS Ryan explains this content with an example.

IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing Model for TABLE

IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing Model for GRAPH

IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing Model for MULTIPLE DATA SOURCES

IELTS Academic Task 2 : Use the below templates for Task 2. This will greatly assist you during your preparation. Use the template, fill in the words and try to personalise the template for your own use in the exam.

Divide your 200 words into 4 paragraphs.

IELTS Argument Essay structure :

Paragraph 1 : Introduction

Paragraph 2 : Supporting details

Paragraph 3 : More support details

Paragraph 4 : Conclusion

Let us see these paragraphs in detail.

Introduction paragraph :

Generally in many parts of the world,….
According to a recent survey conducted by Oxford University,….
Many people these days consider….
This is clearly more obvious….
It can be clearly seen….
There are so many reasons for this….
According to my opinion,….
I agree/disagree with the….
I argue that this may/ may not be true that….
In the following paragraphs, I discuss these views and present my own.
The following paragraphs will support this by looking at ….. and analysing….
This essay will throw light on these ……

Supporting details :

For example/ for instance….
It is evident from the example….
This example makes it obvious that ….
When looking at this example, it is clear that ….
Obviously, this example provides a valid evidence …..
Therefore, it can be concluded that …. (rephrase your thesis)
Thus, the connection between ….. and ….. is substantiated.

More supporting details :

Secondly, ….
Furthermore, ….
In addition to this, ….
However, this is not the case for ….
On the other hand, ….

Conclusion paragraph :

Finally, I conclude that….
After analyzing the above details, it can be concluded that ….
The above analysis clearly shows that ….
Following the above detailed analysis, ….
Because of the above mentioned reasons, I feel that ….
By taking the above reasons into consideration, I state that …..
Based on the above mentioned points, I can say that ….
I recommend that …. should….
I hope that….

By following the above templates you can score 7+ in IELTS Academic Writing section.

IELTS General Training Task 1 :

Dear Sir/Madam, (friendly) or To the manager/owner of….. (Professionally) or To whom it may concern ( if you don’t know to whom you are writing).

Paragraph 1 : Purpose of the letter (2 sentences)

Paragraph 2 : Explanation of the situation. Give details (4 sentences)

Paragraph 3 : What you expect to happen: Request (4 sentences)

Let us see the paragraphs in detail.

Purpose of the letter :

I hope you are doing well.
I hope you have been keeping well.
I hope this letter finds you in good health.
I am writing to you regarding ….
Allow me to describe the situation to you.
Allow me to recreate the situation for you

Explanation of the situation :

I am excited to inform you that…
Unfortunately, I feel sad to inform you that…
I am hoping you could share some insights as to whether I should…
Develop more sentences to describe the situation. Write 3 more sentences to explain the situation.

What you expect to happen or Requesting something to do :

I would be really grateful if you could look into …..(state what you want to happen)
I expect immediate action to be taken on your side to resolve this issue (if you are angry, complaining or disappointed)
Develop more sentences to explain what you expect to happen. Write 3 more sentences.

The examiner will see a lot of yours truly, yours sincerely etc., In order to showcase your language skills. Try the below sentences.

Looking forward to hearing back from you,
Hoping to hear back from you soon,
Looking forward to your reply soon,
Expecting prompt action, (if you are angry, complaining or disappointed)

By following the above format you can easily score 7+ in IELTS Writing section.

Watch the below videos to understand different models of letters

2 Replies to “IELTS Writing”

He’ll sir…How to get band score in writing task. You have temples for graph

Hi.. for which graph you need the templates?

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Task 1 Academic
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IELTS Writing Tips

So you want to score a band 8 on IELTS Writing ?

Many IELTS test-takers spend a lot of time training to write top-notch essays. To achieve a desired score, they stuff their essays with uncommon vocabulary, overuse complicated grammar or write too many words. But are these means really necessary? The answer is NO.

There are a lot of much simpler writings that score 8.0 and higher! This is because you don’t need any special knowledge: the examiner will assess your writing, not your thoughts. Even simple but accurately expressed ideas score better than too complicated ones. To succeed in IELTS Writing , you need to

be accurate
write simple things well

Ridiculously, even well trained candidates often lose points on IELTS Writing because of making simple mistakes: from going off topic to writing too many words.

On this page we’ve gathered top 10 IELTS Writing tips that will help you score band 8+ on IELTS Writing:

Read the question

The government should pay to the parents of very young children, so that one of them can stay at home and look after their children.

What do you think are the pros and cons of this policy? Justify your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write pros & cons
Give examples

Read what you have written

Go back and read the paragraph you have just written before you start the next one. You may think that this is a waste of time. If so, you’d be wrong. It’s important to link your paragraphs together – what easier way to do that than just read what you have written?

The practical advice here is to select your best idea and write about that. That means not writing everything you know – leave some ideas out. Don’t worry if it is not your best explanation, worry about whether it is your clearest explanation.

Write about what you know

You are being tested on the quality of your English, not on the quality of your ideas. So you shouldn’t worry about finding the “right answer”. You need a simple idea that you can clearly describe and justify.

Follow the standard structure

Introduction : briefly describe what your graph shows.
Overview : state main trends.
Specific details : describe specific changes, providing data.

IELTS Writing task 2 answer should have such backbone:

Introduction : rephrase the topic + give your opinion.
Body paragraphs : each should have its central idea, which is generally stated in the first sentence.
Conclusion : just rephrase your opinion from the introduction.

Don’t write too many words

It’s a bad idea to write more than 300 words in task 2 and more than 200 words in task 1. Firstly, it’s difficult for the examiner to read long essays and he/she will check your writing less carefully. Secondly, you are likely to make more mistakes and have less time to check what you wrote.

Choose your writing style

Never use informal language in academic writing or in essay. Only in general module task 1 you may be asked to write an informal letter.

Don't learn model answers by heart

Do not memorize model answers - you will receive less points for such essay. The chance of getting exactly the same essay as you've learnt is very small. And going off topic will result in achieving a low score. So instead, spend some time learning to adopt advanced vocabulary to make it fit into your answer. This way you'll be able to use various words phrases in different writings and show your broad range of vocabulary.

Don't branch off!

Write only according to the theme. Do not include irrelevant information. If you wander from the subject, you'll get a much lower score even for a well-styled answer.

Write clearly and coherently

Do not repeat yourself with different words, avoid being redundant. Also, make sure that each paragraph in Writing task 2 has a central idea. It's very important for IELTS Writing that every paragraph in you essay is clearly separated and has its main thought. This simple thing makes your essay neat and coherent.

Information about IELTS Writing test
IELTS Writing task 2 topics list
IELTS Writing lessons & exercises

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Tips, Model Answers & More

Useful IELTS writing task 1 tips, answers, lessons & videos for success achieving a high score. This page contains all the information and help you need to do well. Learn about the IELTS marking criteria, paragraphing, vocabulary and much more. This page has tips for Academic writing task 1 and GT writing task 1 (see bottom of page).

IELTS Writing Task 1 Information

IELTS recommend you spend no more than 20 mins on writing task 1. However, the time is yours to manage as you wish.
You should write over 150 words.
IELTS writing task 1 is worth only about 33% of your total writing marks.
Task Achievement (25%)
Coherence & Cohesion (25%)
Vocabulary (25%)
Grammar (25%)
: IELTS Writing Task 1 Band Scores
Academic writing task 1 is a report on a chart (bar chart, line graph, pie chart, table, map, diagram/process). See below for practice charts, model answers, tips etc.
General Training writing task 1 is a letter only. GT letter writing tips can be found towards the bottom of this page. Click here for Information about GT Writing Differences. There are tips for letter writing, further down this page.
All words will be counted and all numbers count as one word. See this page: How Words are Counted
For more information about IELTS test rules, tips etc, see this page: IELTS Test 1 FAQ

IELTS Writing Task 1 Practice Charts

A collection of useful IELTS writing task 1 practice samples to develop your writing at home.

IELTS Charts for Practice : Academic Test Only

Academic students may get bar charts, tables, line graphs, pie charts, maps and diagrams (processes).

IELTS Letters for Practice : GT Test Only

GT students will only be given letters for task 1. GT students can find more tips lower down this page.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Tips & Free Videos

Free IELTS writing task 1 tips and videos for the right techniques and understanding the test more clearly.

Essential Tips : How to Prepare for Writing Task 1
Tips : How Many Words Should you Write?
Tips: What tense to use in writing task 1?
Tips : Penalty for Under the Word Count
Video : How to Describe a Bar Chart with model answer
Video : Map Language: 1
Video: Conclusion or Overview Tips
Video : Vocabulary for Accurate Data
Video : How many Paragraphs
Video : Official Writing Answer Sheet Tips
Video : Line Graph 4 Main Sentences
Video : Line Graph How to Write a Complex Sentence

IELTS Bar Chart Video

Learn how to describe a bar chart in IELTS writing task 1. You can find a model answer for this lesson here: Model Answer .

Writing Task 1 Model Answers

IELTS model answers for charts, graphs, diagrams, maps and tables.. Each sample answer is estimated band score 9.

Diagram Model Answer
Bar Chart & Pie Charts Model Answer
Table Model Answer
Map Model Answer
Line Graph Model Answer
Bar Chart Model Answer
Pie Chart Model Answer
Bar Chart of Age Groups Model Answer
Table Future Form Model Answer
Line Graph & Bar Chart Model Answer
Practise at Home: IELTS Sample Practice Charts

IELTS Writing Task 1 Practice Lessons

IELTS writing task 1 free practice lessons to help you develop skills and understand about the requirements of task 1 academic. More lessons will be added over time.

Table & Pie Charts
IELTS Diagram Rain Water
Two Line Graphs: Exercise & Model
IELTS Diagram Paragraphs and Organisation
IELTS Life Cycle Diagram: Model & Gap Fill
Bar Chart of Change over Time
IELTS Line Graph Gap Fill Exercise
IELTS Diagrams: Practice Exercise
IELTS Line Graph: Vocabulary List
IELTS Line Graph: How to Describe Guidelines
IELTS Line Graph: Exercise & Model
Task 1 Improving Line Graph Introduction Paragraph
IELTS Map: Comparison Exercise
IELTS Two Charts Practice: Pie Chart & Bar Chart
IELTS Bar Chart: Practice Exercise
IELTS Diagram Water Supply
Grammar Accuracy: Practice & Tips
IELTS Bar Chart: Introduction & Overview Practice
IELTS Pie Chart: How to Describe a Pie Chart Step by Step
IELTS Frog Diagram: Introduction & Overview Practice
Introduction Paragraph: Correcting Errors
IELTS Bar Chart Sample Answer

IELTS General Training Letter

The following links are for IELTS candidates who are preparing for the General Training Writing Test. Your task will be asked to write a letter. You will not be writing a report as in the Academic Test. Use the links below to help you prepare:

10 Essential Tips for IELTS Letter Writing

How to Improve your IELTS GT Letter

Differences between GT & Academic Writing

General training model letters and practice exercises:

Apology Letter: Model Answers Formal & Informal
Amendment Letter: Model Answer 2017
Complaint Letter: Model Answer
Complaint Letter: Error Correction
Letter to a Friend: Model Answer
Invitation Letter: Model Answer

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IELTS Writing Tips and Tricks (In 2024)

Answer the Question, Not the Topic

One of the biggest complaints from IELTS teachers and examiners alike is most students’ inability to answer the question. Instead, many students write very generally about the topic and do not answer the question.

If we look at an example, you will see why:

Question- Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans face in the 21st century, and sea levels are continuing to rise at alarming rates.

What problems are associated with this, and what are some possible solutions?

Many students will see this question and write as much about global warming as they can think of. This is a mistake because the IELTS writing test is not a test of your knowledge; it is a test of your ability to answer the question with a high level of written English.

A good student would read the question carefully and realise that it is not asking you to talk about global warming; it is asking you to comment on sea level rises regarding humans. So the answer to the question will only talk about the problems humans face from sea level rises and nothing else.

I often tell my students that you should answer the question with a sniper rifle rather than a shotgun. Talking about the topic is the shotgun approach; you might hit a few things, but you are unlikely to hit the target in the way a sniper would.

Analyse the Question Properly

If you don’t answer the question fully, you can’t get over a band 5. It is that simple and probably the number one thing stopping people from getting a high score. It takes a long time to improve your grammar and vocabulary , but you can improve this very quickly.

Answering the question fully means reading it carefully and doing what it asks you to do.

Spend time reading the question carefully and thinking about exactly what the question is asking you to do.

A good way to think about this is to use keywords (general topic), micro-keywords (specific sub-topic) and instructions words (what we must do) when thinking about your answer. Let’s look at an example:

The continued rise in the world’s population is the greatest problem faced by humanity at the present time. What are the causes of this continued rise? Do you agree that it is the greatest problem faced by humanity?

The keywords here are ‘ rise in the world’s population’ . This is useful because we now know the general topic (population growth). However, we can’t write about this topic generally; we must think about it in more detail and figure out exactly what the question asks us to do.

The micro-keywords are ‘ greatest problem ‘ and ‘ continued rise ‘. Therefore, we have to think about this topic more specifically and consider if it really is the greatest problem we face, and we also have to comment on why it is continuing to rise .

Now we must look for the instruction words. There are two instruction words in this question – ‘ causes ‘ and ‘ Do you agree ‘. We must therefore talk about both of these things in our essay. If we don’t, or we write a sentence or two about one and focus on the other, we have not answered the question, and we can’t get over a band 5.

The students who get the highest marks always spend time making a plan before they start writing. I normally tell my students to spend at least 5 minutes planning and another couple of minutes analysing the question.

Many students don’t plan, which leads to them getting lost in the middle of their test and either having to start over again and losing lots of time or results of a very confusing essay that is difficult to follow. Think about it this way; if you were going to travel to a new place, would you take some time to look at a map, or would you start driving?

A plan can be very simple and just used to guide you.

For example, a plan for the question above might look like this:

This only took me a few minutes to write and will mean that I have a very clear essay and save me lots of time when I start to write.

Use an Appropriate Structure

IELTS task 2 questions generally follow a standard format. They will either ask your opinion about something, ask you to discuss different points of view, as you to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of something or discuss the causes/problems and solutions of something.

The great thing about this is that you can learn standard structures for each of these essays. I am not talking about memorising essays, you should never do this, but you should familiarise yourself with the standard structures.

For example, in a problem and solution essay, your structure should look something like this:

Paragraph 1

Sentence 1- Paraphrase Sentence

Sentence 2- Outline Sentence

Paragraph 2

Sentence 3- State Problem

Sentence 4- Explain Problem

Sentence 5- Result of Problem

Sentence 7- Example

Paragraph 3

Sentence 8- State Solution

Sentence 9- Explain Solution

Sentence 10- Example

Paragraph 4

Sentence 11- Conclusion

Sentence 12- Recommendation/Prediction

We use structures because they provide us with a proven formula to practice with, and then when you get into the exam, you will be able to apply it to any question.

Have a look at my other exam structures for task 2 and use them to practice with. Some of my students have already achieved a band score of 8 using them.

Don’t Show Off

To show off is to try to tell everyone how good you are at something. IELTS candidates try to show off by using very complicated vocabulary and advanced grammar and believe this will show the examiner how good they are and that they deserve a high score. The only problem with this is that many people use vocabulary and grammar they are unsure of, leading to many mistakes.

If you try to use advanced vocabulary and grammar structures incorrectly, you will get a lower score. Using a simpler structure you are 100% sure is correct is much better. I always tell my students to follow the 100% rule- if you are not 100% sure, don’t use it.

This is one of the biggest revelations my students have after their first class with me, and it leads to clearer writing and, ultimately, higher band scores.

Let’s look at an example:

The first paragraph is very clear and comes from a band 9 essay. The second paragraph tries to show off too much, leading to many grammar mistakes and inappropriate use of vocabulary. The second paragraph comes from a band 5 essay.

Next time you practice, follow the 100% rule, and your writing will really improve.

Make Your Opinion Clear

Most of the Task 2 questions ask you to give your opinion. You should clarify this in the introduction, conclusion and main body paragraphs. Make sure you state your opinion in the introduction if asked to do so, by saying:

I believe that….
It is agreed that…
It is disagreed that…
This essays agrees that….
This essay does not agree that…..

The rest of your essay should then be used to demonstrate why you believe this to be true.

What Are Your Common Grammar Mistakes?

After marking thousands of IELTS papers, I can tell you that students tend to make the same mistakes repeatedly.

These small grammar mistakes might not seem very significant, but unless at least half of your sentences are 100% error-free, you cannot get over a band 7 for grammatical range and accuracy.

You should therefore get a native speaker or a professional IELTS teacher to mark some of your writing and tell you what your common grammar mistakes are, and then you can fix them. If you know the mistakes you are making, you can practice hard and eliminate them from your writing.

For more information about this, look at my article on the top 10 IELTS grammar mistakes .

Write Slightly Over the Word Limit

Did you know that IELTS examiners count every word of your writing test? It’s a very boring job, but they still do it.

For task 1, you have to write at least 150 words, and for task 2, at least 250 words. That means you will lose marks if you write 149 words for task 1. It is, therefore, essential that you write over the word limit.

You will not have time to count every word, so the best thing you can do is practice using the official answer sheets, and you will then know what 150 words and 250 words looks like on the page without having to count every word.

Many students also ask if writing over the word limit is better. The answer is no because you don’t have time and writing more than is required often leads to more grammar mistakes and your ideas becoming irrelevant. Try to write about 10-15% over what is required. This way, you will always exceed the word limit but not lose time or make mistakes.

Write Clear Topic Sentences

Topic sentences should be the first sentence you write in each main body paragraph and should tell the reader what the rest of the paragraph is about. These really pop out at the examiner and tell them exactly what the whole essay is about. They make your essay very clear and easy to read, making the examiner very happy and getting you higher marks.

Let’s look at an example paragraph:

The main cause of the rise in the world’s population is economic growth. As countries get richer they can afford better health care for their people and this leads to more babies and children surviving and then having children of their own. For example, since Brazil and India became ‘developed’ nations, their populations have increased dramatically by at least 6% a year.

The very first sentence of this paragraph tells the examiner exactly what the whole paragraph is about, and you should do this for your own Task 2 paragraphs.

Explain Your Points and Give Examples

The official task 2 band descriptors state that your ideas should be ‘relevant, fully extended and have well-supported ideas’.

This means that your ideas should answer the question (see IELTS writing tip #1) and be explained and supported with examples.

When you make a point, you should assume that the writer has no previous knowledge of the subject, and you have to explain what you mean. I often tell my students to pretend they are writing to a 10-year-old who has never heard of the topic they are writing about, which will help them fully explain their ideas.

You must also include a specific example of what you are talking about. This could be a newspaper article, a personal anecdote or some research that was recently done that relates to the question. The key is to try and be specific. Including specific countries or cities and dates will help you be more specific.

Lots of students complain that they cannot think of any specific examples. If you cannot think of a real example, make one up. The examiner will not check your examples for authenticity; it is not an honesty test but an English test. Just make sure your examples sound plausible.

Learn How to Paraphrase and Use Synonyms

Paraphrasing and using synonyms are two of the key skills required in the IELTS writing test. In fact, the examiner will be looking for your ability to do this.

Paraphrasing is simply restating a phrase or sentence with different words to have the same meaning.

Let’s have a look at an example:

Synonyms are different words that have the same or very similar meanings, such as man and male.

The first paragraph of all your IELTS task 2 essays should be a paraphrase of the question.

This tells the examiner that you have understood the question and you can paraphrase.

You will also have to use synonyms throughout your essay because the examiner will be looking to see how you can vary your vocabulary, thus demonstrating that you have a wide and varied vocabulary.

Don’t Memorise Answers

Every question is unique and will therefore require a unique answer. If you memorise answers and try to write them in the exam, your grammar and vocabulary will probably be very good, but it will be very obvious to the examiner that you have memorised an answer. This is considered copying, and the examiner can give you a band score of 0 for this.

The examiner will always know, so it is really not worth the risk.

It is worthwhile looking at good sample answers and using some of the functional language and structure from these, but please don’t copy it word for word.

Start Task 2 Before Task 1

Task 2 is worth two-thirds of the total marks of the IELTS writing exam, and task 1 is worth one-third. You should take both as seriously as each other, but because task 2 is worth more marks and takes longer, I advise my students to do task 2 first.

When you mark many IELT exams, you notice that many students fail to finish task 2. I think many people try to write the perfect task 1 answer or take too long trying to understand the data in task 1, and this leaves them with very little time to finish task 2.

Timing is key in all parts of the IELTS exam, so you should practice under exam conditions before you do the test.

It’s Not an Intelligence Test

One of the biggest complaints I hear from students about the IELTS writing test is that they don’t understand the questions and they can’t think of any ‘good’ ideas.

The IELTS writing test is not a test of your ‘intelligence’ but your ability to express relevant ideas in English. Your ideas do not have to be the most amazing in the world, just those relevant to the question. When you go to university, your ideas must be ‘intelligent’, but in the IELTS test, they must be relevant and answer the question.

For each question, there are probably 10-20 ideas that could get you a band 9; there is no one perfect idea that will get you a high score.

When you are thinking of ideas for your answer, you should pick the ones you can use. What I mean by ‘use’ is the answers you can explain and extend with examples. As stated above, you can’t just list lots of ideas; you have to pick 2 or three and then fully support them with explanations and examples. It does not matter how good the idea is; if you can’t fully support and extend it, don’t use it.

Only Use Cohesive Devices Appropriately

I post many band 9 IELTS task 2 sample answers on this site, and I am often surprised when students tell me they are ‘not band 9′. They mainly think this is because ‘You haven’t used enough cohesive devices’.

Below are lots of examples of cohesive devices:

The problem with these is they are overused by most students. Some people think that the key to a good score is using as many of these as possible, but it will only harm your score if you use them incorrectly.

Similar to my rule for grammar, only use them if you are 100% sure what they mean and how they are used.

Keep It Simple

The examiners know that you have only 40 minutes to write an essay and are doing it in a foreign language. They do not expect you to write to the same standard that you would if you were given lots of time to think about the questions, research your answer, write the first draft, have it checked and then correct all of your mistakes. The examiners are not expecting an essay of that standard, so don’t try to overthink it. Just show them that you have understood the question and can express yourself in English. That’s it.

I hope you have found these tips useful. If you have any questions, let me know below.

About Christopher Pell

My name is Christopher Pell and I'm the Managing Director of IELTS Advantage.

I started IELTS Advantage as a simple blog to help 16 students in my class. Several years later, I am very humbled that my VIP Course has been able to help thousands of people around the world to score a Band 7+ in their IELTS tests.

If you need my help with your IELTS preparation, you can send me an email using the contact us page.

IELTS General Training Writing Practice Test (PDF with Answers)

Business person writing in IELTS general writing task 1 practice test with answers pdf

Taking a practice test is one of the best things you can do to prepare yourself for the IELTS General Training test. When it comes to writing, though, practice is especially important! In this post, we’ll share an IELTS General Training Writing practice test PDF with answers that you can use to develop your skills before test day. So take a look at the IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Test (with Answers) PDF, then come back when you’ve finished your essay for info about scoring!

Ready to start practicing? In this PDF, you can read the sample questions, write your own essays, and then them to the model essays and scoring advice in the document. Here’s the IELTS General Training Writing practice test PDF for download:

Click to download IELTS General Training Writing Practice Test

How should I score this practice Writing section?

Once you’ve finished your section, it’s time to score the tasks. First things first: review the band descriptors for Task 1 and Task 2 .

Get a higher IELTS score? Start your online IELTS prep today with Magoosh.

Then, take a closer look at your essays, rereading them to evaluate how well they meet the criteria in each of the four categories.

It can be very difficult to score your own essay objectively, so working with a scoring partner is useful here. That said, if you’re scoring your responses on your own, you can ask yourself the following questions to help determine your band level for each criterion:

Did your Task 1 word count exceed the 150 word minimum, and did your Task 2 word count exceed the 250 word minimum? If not, do not give yourself full points for “Task Response.”
Did you address each part of the task? Break down the prompt into different parts. Then, match each part of the prompt to part of your essay. If you did not address one or more parts of the task, do not give yourself full points for “Task Response.”
Does each paragraph have its own clear topic sentence and supporting details? If not, then take some points away in “Coherence and Cohesion.”
Do the tasks use adequate transitional language to tie paragraphs together and move from the paragraph to the conclusion? If not, do not give yourself full points for “Coherence and Cohesion.”
Do you use vocabulary clearly and fluently, avoiding serious errors in word choice, and varying word choice to avoid repetition? If not, your self-score in “Lexical Resource” should not be perfect.
Do you use grammar with confidence and skill, with no serious mistakes? And do you use a variety of sentence structures? If the answer to any of that is “no,” give yourself a less-than-perfect score in “Grammatical Range and Accuracy.”

Additional Practice Writing Tests for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training

Sitting down to complete this IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Test (with Answers) PDF is a great first step. However, the key to really boosting your score on this section of the IELTS is regular practice. With that in mind, here are more resources where you can find more sample writing tasks for IELTS Writing!

In our IELTS Writing practice test post , you’ll find the full Academic Writing section in PDF form, another in video form, as well as an additional full General Training Writing section! Keep in mind that while the Task 1 question types differ between Academic and General Training tasks, Task 2 is the same in both versions. In other words, no matter which test you’re taking, all of the task 2 prompts in these links are useful practice.

Magoosh’s IELTS Academic Writing practice test is also useful for the same reason! Again, if you’re taking the General Training exam, skip the first task, replacing it with a GT prompt (such as those you’ll find on the Magoosh blog!).

Additional Practice Questions

If you prefer to go through individual questions rather than whole Writing sections, take a look at the following resources! Keep in mind that their usefulness will vary, depending on which test you’re taking. (Also, some of these questions can be found in the PDFs as well, while others are wholly unique.)

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Map With Model Answer — When you need practice with map questions specifically for the IELTS, this sample prompt and answer show you what a high-scoring response look like.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Process Diagram with Model Answer — Process diagrams on Task 1 can scare students, but they get a lot easier with practice!
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Line Graph with Model Answer (Band 9) — What does a high-scoring response on this common Academic Task 1 task type look like? Our experts show you here.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Pie Chart with Model Answer — When the test asks you to analyze a pie graph, what should you do? This sample prompt and response will help you prepare.
IELTS Writing Task 2: Causes/Solutions Sample Essay — How can you get a high score on a causes/solution essay? Take a look at this sample prompt and response to find out.
IELTS Writing Task 2: Agree/Disagree — We also have a sample question and model response for the common agree/disagree question type!
IELTS Writing Task 2: Advantage/Disadvantage Learn how to discuss advantages and disadvantages with a question and sample response for this variation of Task 2
IELTS Writing Task 2: Two-Part Essays — With an example question and an example response, learn how to answer two-part IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.
The Discussion IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Type — Learn how to discuss both sides of an issue in IELTS Writing Task 2 with a question and example response.

More Resources for IELTS Writing

Finally, make sure you’re prepared for the official IELTS exam by familiarizing yourself with the IELTS, from task types to the question types you can expect to see on the exam! Once you’ve finished the IELTS General Training Writing practice test PDF with answers, take a look at the following to polish your writing even more.

What do you need to know about IELTS Writing? Make sure you have the basics covered with this overview of the IELTS Writing tasks .
Taking the Academic test? Here’s your complete guide to IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic) .
No matter which test you’re taking, make sure you’re prepared for the second task with the complete guide to IELTS Writing Task 2 !
What types of questions can you expect to see on IELTS Writing Task 2? Find out with our guide to Task 2 question types !
Looking to practice with Academic Task 1? Here are sample Academic Task 1 prompts you can use for this!
Taking the General Training test instead? Enjoy Task 1 tips for writing a great letter !

Magoosh’s IELTS Essay Scoring Service

Last but not least, you may want to consider getting your essays scored by Magoosh IELTS instructors. Subscription prices and plans can be found at this page for Magoosh IELTS Essay grading .

Rachel is a Magoosh Content Creator. She writes and updates content on our High School and GRE Blogs to ensure students are equipped with the best information during their test prep journey. As a test-prep instructor for more than five years in there different countries, Rachel has helped students around the world prepare for various standardized tests, including the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT, and she is one of the authors of our Magoosh ACT Prep Book . Rachel has a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature from Brown University, an MA in Cinematography from the Université de Paris VII, and a Ph.D. in Film Studies from University College London. For over a decade, Rachel has honed her craft as a fiction and memoir writer and public speaker. Her novel, THE BALLERINAS , is forthcoming in December 2021 from St. Martin’s Press , while her memoir, GRADUATES IN WONDERLAND , co-written with Jessica Pan, was published in 2014 by Penguin Random House. Her work has appeared in over a dozen online and print publications, including Vanity Fair Hollywood. When she isn’t strategically stringing words together at Magoosh, you can find Rachel riding horses or with her nose in a book. Join her on Twitter , Instagram , or Facebook !

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Everything you need to know about the IELTS General Writing Task 1

Home >> Everything you need to know about the IELTS General Writing Task 1

28th Jun 2021 |

By British Council Canada

If you are going to be taking the IELTS General Training test, you probably know that there are four parts to your exam: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.

To help you prepare, we have put together a guide on what you need to know about the Writing section ahead of your exam; more specifically Writing Task 1.

*If you have signed up to the IELTS Academic test, you will have different content in the Writing section than in the General Training test.

About the Writing section of the IELTS General Training test

There are two sections to the IELTS General Training Writing test: Task 1 and Task 2. You have approximately 60 minutes to complete this section in total, and it is recommended that you spend around 20 minutes on Writing Task 1. The remaining 40 minutes can be spent on Writing Task 2.

What’s included in IELTS General Writing Task 1?

For Task 1, you are presented with a situation around a topic of ‘general interest’ and asked to write a letter in response to this situation. These situations may be either formal, semi-formal or informal. For example:

Formal/Semi-Formal: this is usually when you write to someone about a topic that is of a professional nature(e.g. when you write to your manager at work or you write to a university or college to get more information about their program or courses).
Informal: this is usually when you write to a friend or family member.

In your task, you are given three points to cover and you must include details of all three points in your letter. You should aim to write around 150 words in the letter.

IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 example scenario

Here are examples of two IELTS General Training Writing part 1 tasks.

Formal/Semi-Formal

Write about the following topic:

You have been volunteering at a local organisation but you can no longer do so. Write a letter to the head of the organisation to explain why you must leave. In your letter:

Describe the work you have been doing and what you have learnt.
Explain why you must leave.
Suggest someone to replace you.

Write at least 150 words, and begin your letter as follows:

Dear …………………,

A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

Give contact details for when you are away.
Give instructions about how to care for your pet.
Describe other household duties.

How is your IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 Marked?

Your writing submission is marked by a trained IELTS examiner. The examiner will assess you on four key areas:

Task achievement
Coherence and cohesion
Lexical resource
Grammatical range and accuracy

Some questions to consider for each marking criteria are:

Task achievement: Have you covered the three bullet points in the task requirement? Have you written the required number of words?
Coherence and cohesion: Are your ideas easy to understand? Do your ideas progress in a clear way? Do you use linking words so that your writing flows well?
Lexical resource: Are you using the correct vocabulary? Are you using a range of different words? Are you spelling words correctly?
Grammatical range and accuracy: Are you using the correct verb tenses? Do you show a variety in your sentences? Are you using complex sentence structures?

Some Tips for IELTS General Training Writing Task 1

Take a close look at the marking criteria . This will give you a good idea of what you need to do for each of the four marking criteria. It will also tell you what you need to do in each marking criteria to achieve a specific band score. Identify the areas that you may need to improve on and practice these specific areas!
Manage your time. Keep an eye on the clock. Spend around 20 minutes on Task 1. It is ok if you go over this time by a few minutes but not much more. Remember, you still have to do Task 2.
Make sure the tone of your letter is correct. The way we would write a letter to our manager at work and a friend is different. Make sure you have identified the formality of the letter (e.g. formal/semi-formal/informal) and respond appropriately. For example, when we end a formal letter, we can say “Yours faithfully” or “Yours sincerely”, but when we end an informal letter to a friend, we would usually write “Best wishes” or “ see you soon”.
Keep things simple. The most important aspect of your letter is that it covers the main bullet points and that it is clear and easy to understand. Try not to spend too much time thinking of complicated ideas as this unlikely to increase your band score by very much. Keep your ideas simple as they will be easy to explain and easy for the reader to understand.
Plan your ideas before you write. Take a few minutes to plan your work. What grammar tenses and vocabulary do you need to use? What examples or extra details will you include?
Take some time to review your work. Make sure you save a few minutes to review your work. Have you covered all the bullet points? Have you made any spelling or grammatical mistakes? If you are doing IELTS on paper, is your handwriting easy to understand?
Practice, practice then practice some more. The people who achieve the band score they need practice lots. When you practice, make sure you time yourself so you put yourself in a similar environment as the real test. This will give you confidence on test day!
Access British Council preparation materials. If you need to prepare, we have you covered! Visit our preparation page to get access to a variety of preparation materials including a Prep App, practice question papers and lots of other practice activities and resources.

Discover more about Writing Task 2

Want to know more about IELTS Writing Task 2? Read our blog on Writing Task 2 for everything you need to know.

Want to know more about the individual IELTS test sections? Download our brochure .

Visit the IELTS Canada homepage to find out more.

Information

Everything you need to know about the ielts exam.

16th Jun 2021 |

How to prepare for IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing: Structure, Tips, Strategies (Academic & General)

IELTS Writing: Structure, Tips, Strategies

Writing is one of the IELTS sections which assesses your writing skills.

A lot of candidates consider this part of the test the most challenging one.

We asked people on Quora about their IELTS results and came to the conclusion that it is actually true as in most cases the band for Writing was lower than for other parts.

In this article, IELTS Game will look at this part of the exam in more details and you will learn how to deal with it in the easiest way.

Table Of Contents

General Information
General Writing
Academic Writing
Writing assessment
How to deal with writing section?
How to Write an essay?
Types of Writing essay
How to Improve your score?

General Information about IELTS Writing exam

First of all, it’s necessary to know that Writing is different in two modules of the test.

In the General Training IELTS you will need to write a letter in Task 1 and an essay in Task 2.
Academic IELTS requires to write a report on some graph or chart in Task 1 and an essay in Task 2.
The topics for essays in General and Academic modules can be different, but the strategy to write essays is the same.
You will have 60 minutes for completing both tasks in the Writing part.

As a rule, the second task of writing, which is essay, requires you to write more and proves to be more challenging than the first one, and it is worth more points.

That is why it’s advisable to spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2.

General Training Writing

Writing in this module of the test includes two tasks: a letter and an essay. You will have 60 minutes to complete both tasks.

1. Task one General training

Task 1 is a letter concerning everyday situation that you are likely to encounter while living in an English-speaking environment.

For example , a letter to an accommodation officer, your employer or a friend. It is recommended to spend 20 minutes on it.

You may be asked to write an informal letter to your friend, a semi-formal letter, or an official letter. You will have to write at least 150 words.

Example of Task 1:

You have received a letter from your bank, asking you to acknowledge receipt of a new bank card. However, the card was missing from the envelope.

Write a letter to the bank’s head office. In your letter:

explain why you are writing;
express concern about the missing card;
ask them what they intend to do.

2. Task two General training

Task 2 is an essay on some common topic, such as family, society, TV, school, communication, etc.

You should write at least 250 words and spend about 40 minutes on this task. Look at the example of an essay question:

Some people believe that teaching children at home is best for a child’s development while others think that it is important for children to go to school.

Discuss the advantages of both methods and give your own opinion.

IELTS Academic Writing

1. task 1 academic.

In Task 1 of the Academic module you will be asked to describe any of the 6 types of charts: a bar chart, a line graph, pie chart, a table, a diagram or a map.

However, in some cases you may have a combination of charts: such a table and a pie chart.

You don’t need to write about everything you see in a picture, you should sum up the information, talk about general trends and changes, and make comparisons.

The most important thing here is that you are not supposed to express your personal opinion, so you should avoid using such phrases as I think, In my opinion, etc.

2. Task 2 Academic

Task 2 is an essay on a given topic. Here, the examiners assess your ability to express your opinion on a topic and support your ideas with arguments and examples and make conclusions.

Essay tasks in the Academic module are more challenging than in the General module.

Look at the example of an essay question:

It is generally believed that the Internet is an excellent means of communication but some people suggest that it may not be the best place to find information.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

How is Writing assessed in IELTS test?

Writing is marked using a 9-band scale. The examiners use 4 assessment criteria to score your writing:

Task response / Task achievement;
Coherence and Cohesion;
Lexical Resource;
Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

The first criterion (task response or task achievement) looks at the content of your answer to assess whether it is accurate and relevant to the topic in the question.

The next criterion (coherence and cohesion) describes how well you organize your ideas and how logically they are sequenced.

Lexical resource assesses your ability to use a wide range of vocabulary .

According to the last criterion (grammatical range and accuracy), you should use a variety of sentence structures and grammar forms correctly.

You can look through the assessment criteria in more details on the official IELTS Website: Task 1 and Task 2 .

How to deal with the Writing part?

On a test day you will receive a question paper and two answer sheets: the first for Task 1 and the second for Task 2.

You won’t have any draft paper but you will be able to write on the question paper.

It’s really important to track your writing time. It’s recommended to spend 20 minutes on first task and 40 on the second, as the essay is worth more marks.

So make sure that you allocate reasonable time for both tasks.

You must answer the questions you are asked. Here is what you are supposed to do in your writing part.

For Task 1 , select and report the main features, compare, summarize the data, identify trends illustrated in the charts, but don’t give your personal opinion.
For Task 2 , read the question carefully and then write your answer on the topic, making sure you support your answer.

You should save enough time to proofread and check what you have written.

Don’t forget, you have to write at least 150 words in Task 1 and 250 words in your essay.

If you write shorter, you will lose points. You can write more words than necessary, but don’t expect to gain extra points for it.

How to write an Essay?

The majority of IELTS candidates really struggle with the second task of the Writing paper.

They have a lot of questions concerning types of questions, essay structure and ideas they have to talk about in their essay.

So, let’s take a closer look at this part of the Writing test.

As I have already mentioned above, essay questions can be different in two modules of the test.

But types of essay questions and structure of the answer is the same in both Academic and General Training modules.

You should always start completing Task 2 with making a plan for your answer.

It’s really important to think of the ideas you will write about before writing.

Without a plan you may get confused with different ideas, and your point of view may not be clear to the examiner.

Another point to consider is the paragraph structure.

In your essay you must have 4 or 5 paragraphs: the first paragraph is an introduction , then two or three body paragraphs , and the last paragraph is a conclusion .

Always keep in mind this general structure when you practice writing.

That was the general structure for writing an essay.

But you need to remember that there are several types of essay questions in the IELTS, so the structure of your answer can be a little bit different depending on the question.

So before planning your essay, read the question properly to understand what type of essay you have.

Types of IELTS Writing Essay

In general, there are 5 common types of essays in the IELTS test:

Advantage/Disadvantage essay
Opinion essay
Problem and Solution essay (or Cause and Solution)
Discussion essay
Two-part Question (General Questions) essay

1. Advantage/disadvantage essay

In the advantage/disadvantage essay, you are going to have a task to discuss benefits and drawbacks of something or to compare whether advantages of some tendency outweigh disadvantages, or the other way round.

Some countries show their criminal trials on TV for people to watch.

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

2. Opinion essay

In the opinion essay you will be given some statement and you’ll have to give your opinion on it (What is your opinion?) or agree/disagree with this point of view (To what extent do you agree or disagree?).

Here it’s important to choose only one side of an argument and stick to it throughout your essay.

Or you may not agree with both sides and suggest your point of view, but it should be completely different from what you have in the task.

This approach is called balanced opinion.

Some businesses now say that no one can smoke cigarettes in any of their offices. Some governments have banned smoking in all public places. This is a good idea but it also takes away some of our freedom.

Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons.

3. Problem & Solution Essay

The next type of essay ( problem and solution ) will ask you to find problems and suggest the solution to the problems.

In some cases you may be asked to write about causes of some problem.

Nowadays, more and more older people who need employment compete with the younger people for the same jobs.

What problems does this cause? What are the possible solutions?

4. Discussion Essay

The discussion essay will give you two opposing ideas and you will have to discuss these two points of view.

Here you don’t have to stick to this or that idea if you’re not asked to.

Very often, there will be the following phrase in the task “… and give your opinion “, in this case you must give your opinion supporting one point of view.

Or you may express your personal opinion on this question ( balanced opinion ).

Some people believe that living in big cities is becoming more difficult. Others believe that it is getting easier.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

5. Two-part question Essay

In two-part question essay you will have to answer two questions.

The questions are usually of the same topic, and you will need to present a detailed answer to each question in a separate paragraph.

Cycling is more environmentally friendly than other forms of transport.

Why is it not popular in many places? How to increase its popularity?

How to improve your score for Writing?

To improve your score for writing, you will have to practice a lot and regularly.

While practicing make sure you comply with the following rules:

Find out all the necessary information about types of questions in Task 1 and essay types in Task 2;
Be aware of the assessment criteria, it will help you know what the examiners will be looking for;
Practice describing different types of charts , graphs and diagrams (or writing different types of letters) in Task 1 and write as many essays of different types as possible;
Track the time every time you practice writing : spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. However, you need to remember that it is highly recommended that you save some time for proofreading;
Every time you practice writing an essay or a diagram description / a letter, count your words and try to remember what space 150 and 250 words take on Writing Answer Sheet, you can download it from the Internet. You are not likely to have enough time to count words at the exam, so it would be good to be able to visually count the approximate number of words on the answer sheet.
Remember that at the exam you will have to write your answers with a pencil, so while practicing you’d better use a pencil all the time to get used to it.

Important Links

Writing preparation.

Basic Principles of IELTS Academic Writing task 1 & 2
How to Distribute Your Time in IELTS Writing Exam?
4 Steps to write a band 9 IELTS essay introduction
How to Write a Perfect Closing Paragraph for IELTS Essay?
IELTS Writing Academic: Task 1 analysis with model answer

Grammar for Writing

Spelling in IELTS exam: Rules | mistakes | British vs American
Top 5 Grammar rules you should know for IELTS writing task 1 & 2
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IELTS Writing

Essay Writing Tips

by Manjusha Nambiar · March 21, 2020

Many students find the prospect of writing an essay unnecessarily daunting. It doesn’t have to be because essay writing isn’t all that difficult. The truth is that you can start writing your essay even before your ideas are fully formed.

The essay writing process has mainly three stages – brainstorming, drafting and revising. During brainstorming you explore your thoughts and find the ideas you want to write out. The next step is to work out the best way to express them. Of course, on an examination like the TOEFL or IELTS you can’t spend hours in brainstorming. You will get only around 40 minutes to write your IELTS essay. You get even less time to write your TOEFL essay. That means, every second is invaluable.

Many students can write a good essay if they have time on their side. But on competitive examinations like TOEFL and IELTS, time management is very important. Of course you can’t write an outstanding essay in 30 or 40 minutes. That isn’t necessary either. A decent essay with few grammatical mistakes should get you a band score of 7 or 8.

The Basic Steps of the Writing Process

There are different types of essays. An argumentative essay requires you to support a particular idea or point of view. Sometimes you will be asked to analyze the two sides of a problem. No matter what the type of essay you are required to write, the basic steps of the essay writing process are the same.

On the IELTS or TOEFL test, you cannot choose your topic. You have to write on the topic provided for you. Before you start writing think about the purpose and nature of your essay. Understanding them can help you develop the necessary content for your essay and then structure them accordingly.

Create an outline

Free writing is a great way to get started. At this stage, don’t worry about your grammar or structure. Take out a blank piece of paper and jot down all ideas that come to your mind. Just make sure that you don’t spend too much time on this process. The purpose of this process is to create an outline for your essay.

Once you have prepared the outline, you can start writing your essay. Start with the main idea. Do not repeat the question in your introduction. If you have to, try to paraphrase it. Remember that your introduction is the most important part of your essay. So spend some time and make it as compelling as possible. In the body paragraphs of your essay, you have to further develop the main idea introduced in the opening paragraph.

The introduction is the first part of your essay, but if you feel that you are more capable of handling the body paragraphs first, start with them. While writing the first draft, do not put too much pressure on yourself to make it perfect.

Revise the draft

Once you have prepared the draft, revise it. During this stage, you have to pay careful attention to your grammar, spelling and choice of words. Your choice of words is an indication of your range of vocabulary. As far as possible, choose exact words instead of more general ones. Of course, it is possible only when you have a vast vocabulary.

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Manjusha Nambiar

Hi, I'm Manjusha. This is my blog where I give IELTS preparation tips.

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10 tips for IELTS General Training Writing

Do you need help with the IELTS writing section?

In this post, we will look at what you need to know about the IELTS writing section in the General Training test so that you can be ready for success on test day.

1) Know the format

You are expected to complete two tasks in 60 minutes. It’s important to note that you will need to manage the time for each task yourself.

2) Know what Task 1 requires

You will be given a situation and will need to write a letter that is transactional in nature – in other words, you may need to ask for something or respond to someone asking you for something. The recommended time for Task 1 is 20 minutes and you are expected to write at least 150 words. The task may require the letter to be formal, semi-formal, or informal. Some typical letter types are:

- Complaining - Asking for information/help - Inviting - Accepting/refusing an invitation - Applying for a job - Apologising - Making a request - Giving information - Giving advice - Making suggestions

Here’s a sample task

See more examples of IELTS Writing tasks

3) Know the assessment criteria for Task 1

Generally speaking, examiners will be looking at how well you responded to the task, how you organised your ideas, and to what extent you used appropriate and accurate grammar and vocabulary.

The four assessment criteria are:

Task Achievement - did you complete the task instructions?

Cohesion and coherence - did you organise the information in logical order, and did you link your ideas, lexical resource - did you use a good range of vocabulary without too many spelling mistakes, grammatical range and accuracy - did you use the correct tense(s).

It’s a good idea to download the public band descriptors to look at what is required for your desired band score.

Download the IELTS Writing Task 1 band descriptors

4) Think before you write!

Don’t be tempted to start writing straight away! It’s important to take 2-3 minutes thinking about what you’re going to write. Ask yourself the following questions:

Q1. What type of letter is it?

E.g., complaint, apology, invitation, etc.

Q2. Who am I writing to?

Depending on how well you know the person, you will be able to decide on how formal the letter should be.

Q3. Why am I writing?

Again, this will help you decide on the level of formality for the letter you are going to write, as well as the kind of vocabulary you should use.

Q4. How many parts are there to the question?

This is really important because it will form the organisation of your letter. You must answer all the bullet points to achieve a higher band score in Task Achievement. It’s also a good idea to follow the order of the bullet points when you write to make your writing more coherent.

5) Know what Task 2 requires

You are required to write an essay on a given topic. The recommended time for this task is 40 minutes and you are expected to write at least 250 words.

You will be presented with an argument, point of view or problem and given a task or asked a question. The questions can vary, e.g., ‘ To what extent do you agree?’ , ‘What are the advantages or disadvantages of…?’ , ‘Who do you think should be responsible for…?’ , ‘What are the problems of…?', 'What are some solutions to …?’

Here’s a sample task:

6) Know the assessment criteria for Task 2

What the examiners are looking for is very similar to Task 1. The main difference is in the first area:

Task Response - did you answer the question? Did you extend, expand, and support your main ideas? Is your position clear?

Cohesion and coherence - did you use paragraphs to organise your ideas, and did you link your ideas, grammatical range and accuracy - did you use the correct tense(s) did you use a mixture of simplex and complex structures.

Download the IELTS Writing Task 2 band descriptors to look at what is required for your desired band score.

7) Plan your essay

As with Task 1, don’t start writing until you’ve had time to think and plan your essay – 2 to 3 minutes. Make sure you understand the task by separating the topic from the task. Ask yourself:

Q1. Can I talk about one side, or do I have to talk about both sides?

Read the instructions carefully as this will tell determine the answers. E.g., ‘Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of…’, ‘Do you agree or disagree?’.

Q2. Is there a direct question I have to answer?

Some tasks have one or more direct questions, and you must respond to them. E.g., ‘Who do you think is responsible for…?’

Q3. Can I expand and extend my main ideas?

Choose ideas that you can support by giving reasons, examples, as well as results or consequences. It is better to have fewer ideas with expansion rather than lots of ideas with little or no support.

8) Check your work

In reality, you don’t have time to draft or rewrite your letter or essay. If you do have time, spend a minute or two looking for spelling mistakes and any mistakes you typically make when you write.

9) Look at sample and model answers

This is a great way to get a better understanding of what you need to produce to get your desired band score. When you look at model answers, pay attention to the organisation of the writing, the words and phrases used, and make a note of these to use in your own writing.

Take a look at some IELTS Writing sample answers

10) Practice!

As with all parts of the IELTS test, make sure you get plenty of practice. Show your writing to a teacher or a friend who is also preparing for the test – you can give each other feedback based on the assessment criteria.

Take an IELTS practice test and get examiner feedback so you can be ready for test day. Try IELTS Progress Check.

Ready to take your IELTS test? Find your nearest IELTS test centre and book your test.

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IELTS Writing Practice Test

Updated on Feb 15, 2024, 08:19

Ready to uncover your writing skills with IELTS? It's an exciting journey!

The IELTS Writing test is a 60-minute adventure that tests your writing, critical thinking, and logical reasoning skills!

On this page, you will find top-notch resources to prepare for IELTS writing, including tips, strategies, and the best IELTS Writing practice tests!

On this page

1. Task 1- Academic

Take a look at the chart below and perform the task as outlined: This graph shows the proportion of four materials recycled from 1982 to 2010 in a particular country.

2. Task 1- General Training

Question: You moved to a new country and want to write a letter to your former colleague.

3. Tips and strategies

Here are some tips and strategies for IELTS Task 1 writing for both the Academic and General Training modules:

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IELTS Writing Practice Test: Task 1 (Academic)

Take a look at the chart below and perform the task as outlined:

This graph shows the proportion of four materials recycled from 1982 to 2010 in a particular country.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features making comparisons where relevant.

How to answer?

Try to complete Task 1 in 20 minutes – saving 40 minutes for Task 2.
Write at least 150 words summarising some visual information such as the above graph.
You should write in a formal style suited to an academic environment.

Sample Answer

Here is a Band 8 IELTS Writing sample:

The line graph provides insights into the recycling percentages of four materials – paper & cardboard, glass containers, aluminium cans, and plastics – in an unspecified country from 1982 to 2010. Here's the lowdown:

In the grand scheme of things, the overall recycling rate increased over this time compared to 1982. Specifically, aluminium cans and plastics steadily climbed, while paper & cardboard, and glass containers experienced ups and downs until 1994.

The percentage of recycled aluminium cans went from a mere 5% in 1983 to a solid 45% in 2010. Plastic recycling also made notable progress, jumping from less than 5% to 9% by 2010.

In contrast, the recycling rate for glass containers initially took a 10% dip within eight years. However, from 1990 onward, it steadily recovered, reaching an impressive 60% in 2010. Paper & cardboard recycling initially had its share of fluctuations but hit its peak at 80% in 1994, eventually settling at 70% in 2010.

Despite the fluctuations along the way, the general trend for paper, cardboard, and glass container recycling increased. Paper and cardboard were the most recycled materials during this period, with plastic lagging as the least recycled item.

IELTS Academic Writing Sample Test 1

IELTS Academic Writing Sample Test 2

IELTS Academic Writing Sample Test 3

IELTS Academic Writing Sample Test 4

IELTS Academic Writing Sample Test 5

IELTS Writing Practice Test: Task 1 (General Training)

Question:

You moved to a new country and want to write a letter to your former colleague.

Tell them where did you go and what you are doing there (job)
Describe your feelings
Invite your friend to come
Write at least 150 words.
Include all three bullet points.
Divide your letter into paragraphs.
Read model letters, but don’t memorise them.
Understand the scoring criteria.

It's been a while since we caught up, so I'm writing to update you on my life.

After completing my education in 2018, I decided to pursue a new course in Canada. In 2019, I obtained my VISA and moved to Victoria, British Columbia, to study business marketing at ROYAL ROADS University.

Studying in Canada has always been a dream of mine since high school, so I'm thrilled to be here and proud of myself for pursuing this goal. I'm genuinely happy with the decision.

I would like to extend an invitation for you to come visit me for some time. I live in a spacious two-bedroom house, and you're welcome to stay with me. I'm confident you'll enjoy your time here.

Victoria has fantastic weather, especially in spring and summer, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees. If you decide to plan a visit, I recommend coming during this season. It's a great time for outdoor activities like walking, camping, and fishing.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

IELTS Writing- General Training Sample Test 1

IELTS Writing- General Training Sample Test 2

IELTS Writing- General Training Sample Test 3

IELTS Writing- General Training Sample Test 4

IELTS Writing- General Training Sample Test 5

IELTS Writing Practice Test: Tips and Strategies

Academic Writing Task 1

Understand the Question: Carefully read the task and understand what kind of visual data (e.g., graphs, charts, tables, or diagrams) you are given. Note the key trends and information presented.
Introduction: Begin with a concise introductory sentence paraphrasing the information in the graph or chart. Mention the type of data, the source, and the time frame.
Key Features: Identify and present the data's main trends, significant differences, and key points. Use a variety of descriptive vocabulary to express this information.
Data Comparison: If multiple charts or graphs are provided, compare and contrast them effectively. Identify relationships, similarities, and differences between the data sets.
Use Data Labels: Reference specific data points in the graph or chart. This makes your analysis more concrete and demonstrates your ability to interpret the information accurately.
Use a Range of Vocabulary: Employ a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures to describe data. Avoid repetition and use synonyms effectively.
Time Management: Allocate about 20 minutes to this task as you need sufficient time for Task 2. Don't spend too long on this part.
Word Count: Remember to stick to the word limit. If you write less than 150 words in Task 1, you will lose marks.
Don’t write in bullets: Don't use bullets in your answers; always write them in paragraph format. Structure your ideas into different small paragraphs. This will show the examiner how well you can organise your thoughts.

General Training Writing Task 1

Know the Type: Understand that Task 1 in the General Training module typically involves writing a letter. Determine whether it's a formal, semi-formal, or informal letter.
Address the Purpose: Read the task carefully to understand the letter's purpose (e.g., making an inquiry, complaint, request, or giving information).
Address the Recipient: Know your audience (e.g., a friend, a colleague, a supervisor) and use an appropriate tone and style. In formal letters, use titles and full names.
Plan Your Letter: Make a brief outline before you start writing. This will help you organise your thoughts and cover all the necessary points.
Greeting and Closing: Use an appropriate greeting and closing based on the formality of the letter. For example, "Dear Sir/Madam" in a formal letter or "Dear [Name]" in an informal one.
Structure Your Letter: Follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph should have a specific purpose.
Grammar and Vocabulary: Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. Use a range of language appropriate to the task.
Word Count: Ensure your letter meets the word count requirement (150 words minimum for Task 1 in the General Training module).

Academic and General Training Task 2

Now, if you want to nail IELTS Writing Task 2, you're in the right place.

Here are some tips to make sure you ace it:

Stick to the Word Limit: Your essay should be around 250 words. Don't go over or fall short. They might penalise you if you do.
Manage Your Time: Try to finish your essay in about 40 minutes. After you're done, give it a quick scan for mistakes.
Craft a Catchy Introduction: Your intro should be short but grab the examiner's attention. Make sure it tells them what your essay's all about.
Conclusion is Important: Your closing words matter, so choose them wisely.
Build Your Vocabulary: You don't need to learn every word in the dictionary. If you stumble on a tricky word, look at the words and sentences around it.
Understand the Question: The question itself often holds the key to your answer. So, really get what it's asking.
Analyse and Plan: Spend about five minutes thinking about the question and planning your response.
Detail in Paragraphs: Your main paragraphs should explain things thoroughly. State your main points, back them up with examples, and share some experiences.
Answer Every Part: Read the question carefully. Sometimes, there are multiple parts to it. Make sure you answer all of them to score big.
Use Connectors: These little words and phrases help organise your ideas from start to finish. Keep things in order.
Paragraph Organisation: Short and snappy paragraphs work best. Each one should have a clear idea and topic.
Expand Your Vocabulary: A rich vocabulary is important. Choose your words carefully.
Stick to the Formal Style: Task 2 is a formal essay, so keep it that way. Use a formal tone and structure. Try the passive voice for that formal touch.
Grammar Matters: Keep your essay grammatically correct. Watch out for both the big and small grammar errors, and apply the rules correctly.

Both in the Academic and General Training modules, practice is key to improving your writing skills. Practice with various types of data and letter prompts to be well-prepared for the exam.

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Q: What are the two types of IELTS Writing tests?

A: You'll encounter two primary types of IELTS Writing tests. If you're in the Academic module:

Task 1 will involve summarising and describing visual data, such as charts and graphs
Task 2 will require you to write an essay.

For those taking the General Training module:

Task 1 is about composing a letter
Task 2 involves writing an essay

Q: What is the word count for IELTS Writing tasks?

A: Remember to meet the minimum word count requirements to ace your tasks. Task 1 should be at least 150 words, while Task 2 needs a minimum of 250 words. Staying within these word limits is essential to avoid any score deductions.

Q: Can you use a pen or pencil for the IELTS Writing test?

A: When it comes to the IELTS Writing test, it's important to note that using a pencil is the prescribed choice. This requirement is necessary for your written responses to be scanned accurately for assessment purposes. Pencils allow for clear and scannable markings on the answer sheets, ensuring that your writing is processed efficiently and your efforts are fairly evaluated.

Q: Are there any specific writing formats for the IELTS Writing test?

A: Indeed, there are. Task 1, particularly in the Academic module, might require you to write a report based on visual data, such as charts or graphs. The General Training module, on the other hand, will have you composing a letter in Task 1. Task 2 across both modules typically involves writing an essay in response to a given question or topic.

Q: How do you manage your time effectively in the Writing test?

A: Effective time management is key to success in the IELTS Writing test. Aim to allocate around 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2. Practising under timed conditions is essential to develop your ability to complete tasks within the allotted time frame. You learn effective time management by taking IELTS Writing Practice tests as a part of your preparation.

Q: Can you erase or cross out mistakes in the Writing test?

A: Yes, you can make corrections by neatly crossing out incorrect words or phrases and then rewriting the correct information. This practice helps maintain clarity and ensures that the examiner can understand your intended meaning.

Q: What is the best way to prepare for the IELTS Writing test?

A: Effective preparation entails regular practice with writing tasks, expanding your vocabulary, and gaining familiarity with common question types. You can also benefit from studying sample essays and receiving feedback from experienced IELTS tutors. It's crucial to review model answers and understand the assessment criteria for each task. You can refer to the IELTS Writing Practice tests for reference.

Q: Can you use bullet points or lists in the IELTS Writing test?

A: It's advisable not to use bullet points or lists in the IELTS Writing test. Your responses should be written in paragraph form for Task 2 essays, and Task 1 reports or letters should feature clear, well-structured paragraphs. This format allows for a more organised presentation of your ideas.

Q: What is the role of the IELTS examiner in assessing your writing?

A: Examiners assess your writing based on specific criteria, including task achievement (how well you address the question prompt), coherence and cohesion (how effectively your ideas flow and connect), vocabulary (evaluating both range and accuracy), and grammar (assessing the correct usage of language). The focus is on how well you express your ideas and fulfil the task requirements; personal opinions are not considered during the assessment. Understanding these assessment criteria is essential for achieving a high score on the IELTS Writing test.

Q: Can you write in all capital letters?

A: Writing in all capital letters, while acceptable, is generally advised against, as using a combination of upper and lower-case letters enhances clarity and readability. However, it's important to emphasise that using all capital letters won't negatively affect your score if your writing remains legible and coherent. Examiners are primarily concerned with understanding your responses and assessing your language proficiency. While a mix of upper and lower-case letters is often preferred, the key is to ensure that your handwriting does not hinder the examiner's ability to comprehend your ideas and responses.

Q: Is it possible to take extra sheets for the Writing test?

A: If you run out of space during the test, there's no need to worry. You can simply request additional answer sheets to continue your writing. This flexibility ensures you have enough room to complete your responses without feeling cramped or rushed. The availability of extra sheets reflects the IELTS commitment to giving you a fair opportunity to express your thoughts clearly and comprehensively. By continuing your responses seamlessly, you can focus on providing well-structured and well-explained answers rather than worrying about the physical space on the answer sheet.

Q: Can you use a dictionary during the IELTS Writing test?

A: Regrettably, dictionaries, reference materials, or electronic devices are not permitted during the IELTS Writing test. The reasoning behind this restriction is to assess your English language skills independently, without external aids. The test aims to evaluate your ability to convey ideas and information using the language effectively, and the absence of dictionaries and reference materials emphasises the importance of your language proficiency in a real-world context. Relying solely on your language skills underscores the practical application of your English abilities.

Q: Can you bring a watch to monitor your time during the test?

A: Personal watches are not allowed in the test room for the IELTS exam. Instead, a clock will be mounted on the wall to monitor your time during the test. This uniform approach ensures that all test-takers have equal access to the timing resource, promoting fairness and consistency in the examination process. You can confidently rely on the provided clock to manage your time effectively during the test, so there's no need to worry about not having access to a watch.

IMAGES

How to Structure IELTS Writing Task 1 Essays
IELTS Writing Tips and Tricks (In 2024)
Easy IELTS Writing Task 2 essay structures for any question
Essay Writing Tips For Ielts
Ielts general writing essay samples with answers
3 IELTS Essay Structures that strengthen your argument

VIDEO

IELTS Writing
IELTS WRITING ESSAYS
Band 9 Tips for IELTS Writing 2023
IELTS ESSAY WRITING IN 20 MINUTES BY ASAD YAQUB
IELTS writing essay tips and tricks| IELTS academic writing task 2| ILETS general writing task 2
Full IELTS General Writing Task 1

COMMENTS

IELTS Writing Task 2: Tips, Lessons & Models
These free tips, model essays, lessons, videos and information will help develop the skills for writing task 2. This page will teach you how to maximise your IELTS writing task 2 score. All lessons are on this page are for both GT and Academic writing task 2. On this page, you will find for free: Test Information for Writing Task 2.
IELTS General Writing Task 2: Essay Sample Answers
The 2nd task in IELTS General Writing is to write an essay. Here are the examples of successful responses for a high score. Pay attention to the structure of the answer and how paragraphs composition; main ideas and the examples they are supported with. IELTS General Writing Task 2 looks like this (part in bold changes). WRITING TASK 2
How to Write an IELTS Essay: The key steps
1) Introduction. You should keep your introduction for the IELTS essay short. Remember you only have 40 minutes to write the essay, and some of this time needs to be spent planning. Therefore, you need to be able to write your introduction fairly quickly so you can start writing your body paragraphs.
IELTS Writing Task 2: ️ Everything You Need to Know
IELTS Writing Practice Guide; IELTS Writing Task 2 Essential Information. You must write an essay in response to a question. You must write 250 words or more. Task 2 is worth 2/3 of your total mark on the Writing test. You should spend around 40 minutes on this part of the test. General Training and Academic are essentially the same for Task 2.
IELTS Writing Task 2: Lessons, Tips and Strategies
These IELTS writing task 2 lessons, strategies and tips will show you how to write an IELTS essay. They go through all the various types of essay that you may get and instructions on how to best answer them. For the Task 2, general or academic modules, you have to write an essay that must be a minimum of 250 words. You have 40 minutes.
IELTS Writing Task 2: Essay Planning Tips
When you get to writing task 2, you will be tired. You will already have done the listening test, reading test and writing task 1. This means your concentration and energy levels will be low. It is easy to make a mistake with the essay question, lose focus in your writing and present disorganised ideas. This is another reason why planning is so ...
IELTS Writing task 2: 8 steps for a band 8
Step 4: Organise your essays into paragraphs. Use paragraphs to organise your essay into clear parts. Make sure each paragraph contains a clear and developed topic with a minimum of two sentences. You can use the acronym "PEEL" when writing your essay: Point - introduce your topic or topic sentence.
IELTS General Training
Writing Task 2 - Essay. Time: 40 minutes. Length: 250 words (minimum) In the IELTS General Training Task 2 you have to write a short essay on a topic of general interest. You usually have to do one of these things in relation to the essay: Present your opinion; Discuss problems and solutions; Discuss causes and solutions; Compare and contrast
Your pocket guide to IELTS General Training Writing
Four things you must know about the IELTS General Training Writing test. 1. Understand the two tasks you need to handle. The General Training test involves two different types of tasks that are: Writing a letter (Task 1) Writing an essay (Task 2) In Task 1, you will be required to write a letter in response to a situation and depending on the ...
Free IELTS General Training Writing Test
Free online IELTS General Training Writing practice test - paper. You will be allowed 1 hour to complete two tasks in the IELTS General Training Writing test. The two parts of this practice Writing test are presented on two separate web pages. Make sure you move swiftly from one page to the next so that your practice is as realistic as possible.
IELTS General Writing Task 1: Sample essays and questions
Whether you're taking the IELTS academic or general exam, writing task 1 is the first section of the IELTS writing task. Our website contains numerous online resources to help you prepare for this part of your IELTS exam, with different IELTS vocabulary, writing exercises and task 1 sample essays.. It is important that you focus your preparation on the right information so that you're able ...
IELTS General Training Writing Task 1
In the real IELTS General Training Writing test, you will have one hour to complete both of the two set writing tasks. Task 1 should take you 20 minutes, leaving 40 minutes for task 2. Before starting the first practice task, you might like to set an alert to make sure you don't go too far over. When you take your IELTS General Training ...
10 steps to writing high-scoring IELTS essays
Step one: Plan your time. The Writing test (consisting of Writing tasks 1 and 2) takes approximately 60 minutes. Plan to spend around 20 minutes on your first task, and 40 minutes on your essay task. A sample plan for your time might be: 5 to 10 minutes reading the essay question and planning your answer. 15 to 20 minutes writing your first draft.
Free IELTS Writing Test Strategies, Tips and Lessons
In IELTS General Training you have to write a letter (Task 1) and write an essay (Task 2). The Task 2 (essay) is actually worth more marks than the Task 1 (graph or letter) so you should spend 40 minutes of the time on the essay and 20 minutes on the graph / letter. This difference in marking is represented in the number of words you have to ...
5 Tips for Improving Your Writing Essays (IELTS General Training)
The IELTS General Trainings test is for those who want to immigrate, work and settle in English-speaking countries including Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or the UK. One section of the General Training test - IELTS Writing - can be overwhelming for many candidates as it involves two essay-style pieces of writing; both Task 1 and Task 2 need preparation, practice, and persistence.
IELTS Writing best proven Tips and Tricks with practice material for
The essay can be personal in style. Spend about 40 minutes on task 2 and be informed that Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score. Tips and Tricks for IELTS Writing section preparation. IELTS Academic Task 1: Use the below templates for Task 1. This will greatly assist you during your preparation.
IELTS Writing tips
Don't write too many words. It's a bad idea to write more than 300 words in task 2 and more than 200 words in task 1. Firstly, it's difficult for the examiner to read long essays and he/she will check your writing less carefully. Secondly, you are likely to make more mistakes and have less time to check what you wrote.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Tips, Model Answers & More
You should write over 150 words. IELTS writing task 1 is worth only about 33% of your total writing marks. Academic writing task 1 is a report on a chart (bar chart, line graph, pie chart, table, map, diagram/process). See below for practice charts, model answers, tips etc. General Training writing task 1 is a letter only.
IELTS Writing Tips and Tricks (In 2024)
The IELTS writing test is not a test of your 'intelligence' but your ability to express relevant ideas in English. Your ideas do not have to be the most amazing in the world, just those relevant to the question. When you go to university, your ideas must be 'intelligent', but in the IELTS test, they must be relevant and answer the question.
IELTS General Training Writing Practice Test (PDF with Answers)
In this post, we'll share an IELTS General Training Writing practice test PDF with answers that you can use to develop your skills before test day. So take a look at the IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Test (with Answers) PDF, then come back when you've finished your essay for info about scoring!
IELTS General Writing Task 1
About the Writing section of the IELTS General Training test. There are two sections to the IELTS General Training Writing test: Task 1 and Task 2. You have approximately 60 minutes to complete this section in total, and it is recommended that you spend around 20 minutes on Writing Task 1. The remaining 40 minutes can be spent on Writing Task 2.
IELTS Writing: Structure, Tips, Strategies (Academic & General)
Academic IELTS requires to write a report on some graph or chart in Task 1 and an essay in Task 2. The topics for essays in General and Academic modules can be different, but the strategy to write essays is the same. You will have 60 minutes for completing both tasks in the Writing part. As a rule, the second task of writing, which is essay ...
Essay Writing Tips
Once you have prepared the outline, you can start writing your essay. Start with the main idea. Do not repeat the question in your introduction. If you have to, try to paraphrase it. Remember that your introduction is the most important part of your essay. So spend some time and make it as compelling as possible.
10 tips for IELTS General Training Writing
Download the IELTS Writing Task 2 band descriptors to look at what is required for your desired band score. 7) Plan your essay. As with Task 1, don't start writing until you've had time to think and plan your essay - 2 to 3 minutes. Make sure you understand the task by separating the topic from the task. Ask yourself: Q1.
IELTS Writing Practice Test: Samples, Topics, Academic & General Writing
Here are some tips and strategies for IELTS Task 1 writing for both the Academic and General Training modules: Academic Writing Task 1 . Understand the Question: Carefully read the task and understand what kind of visual data (e.g., graphs, charts, tables, or diagrams) you are given. Note the key trends and information presented.

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Your pocket guide to IELTS General Training Writing: Know it before you ace it

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Four things you must know about the IELTS General Training Writing test

2. How you will be marked and assessed

Task response:

Coherence and cohesion:

Lexical resource:

Grammatical range and accuracy:

3. How to approach the General Training test

Task 1 - Letter writing

Task 2 - Essay writing

4. Prepare yourself better with these resources

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Important information about IELTS General Writing Task 1

Two main different types of letters :

Preparation tips for IELTS General Writing Task 1

IELTS practice General Training Writing test - Task 1

Task 1 – Write about the following topic:

After completion

10 steps to writing high-scoring IELTS essays

How is the IELTS essay component marked?

How to write high-scoring essays in 10 easy steps

Step two: Read the question

Step three: Highlight the issues to address

Step four: Outline your response

Step five: Expand on your ideas

Step six: Plan how you will connect your ideas

List connected ideas

Provide more information

Step seven: Write your first draft

Step eight: Proofread your essay

Step nine: Edit your essay

Step 10: Proofread your essay again

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IELTS Writing Test

Strategies for the IELTS Writing Test

About the Writing Test

Academic Task 1

Academic Task 2

General Training Task 1

General Training Task 2

Before you go...

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IELTS Modules:

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5 Tips For Improving Your Writing Essays (IELTS General Training)

by Hiral Joshi

First, what is IELTS Writing?

How are these tasks marked?

Is the Academic test the same?

Tip 1: Understand the task requirements

Task 2 Requirements

Tip 2: Understand what makes a good answer (Band 7+)

Task Achievement

Coherence and Cohesion

Lexical Resource

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Tip 3: Plan. Plan. Plan!

Tip 4: Know that writing isn't enough

Tip 5: Practice under mock conditions

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KEY INFORMATION

IELTS Writing

IELTS General Training test writing section

Tips and Tricks for IELTS Writing section preparation

Single data source:

Double data source:

IELTS General Training Task 1 :

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