What the Writing test is
IELTS Writing has two tasks, and you get 60 minutes in total for both. You manage the time yourself — no one tells you when to move on.
Task 1 and Task 2 are different jobs. Task 1 asks for at least 150 words. Task 2 asks for a short essay of at least 250 words. You write both by hand or type them, depending on your test.
Task 2 is worth more — about twice as much as Task 1. So it is advised to spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 and about 40 minutes on Task 2. Task 2 earns the bigger share of your marks, so give it the bigger share of your time.
This guide is about writing. For the spoken test, see our sister guide, the full IELTS Speaking guide.
The two tasks (and Academic vs General Training)
Task 2 is the same idea for everyone: an essay of at least 250 words that responds to a point of view, an argument, or a problem. You give your opinion, explain it, and support it with reasons and examples.
Task 1 is where the two versions differ:
Academic Task 1 — describe a visual
In Academic, you are shown a graph, chart, table, diagram, or process. Your job is to describe it in your own words in at least 150 words — the main trends, the biggest numbers, and how things compare. You do not give your opinion here; you report what the visual shows.
General Training Task 1 — write a letter
In General Training, you write a letter of at least 150 words. The question gives you a situation — for example, asking for information, explaining a problem, or thanking someone. You write to a real or made-up person, in a formal, semi-formal, or friendly tone to match the situation.
| Task 1 | Task 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| What you write (Academic) | Describe a graph, chart, table, diagram or process | An essay on a point of view, argument or problem |
| What you write (General Training) | A letter | An essay on a point of view, argument or problem |
| Least words | 150 words | 250 words |
| Suggested time | About 20 minutes | About 40 minutes |
| Weight in your score | Lower | Higher (about twice Task 1) |
How your band is decided
You get a band from 0 to 9, in half-band steps (for example 6.0, 6.5, 7.0). Each task is marked on four things, and each one counts the same amount (25%):
| Criterion | What the examiner looks for |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement (Task 1) / Task Response (Task 2) | Did you fully answer the question, cover every part, and stay on topic? |
| Coherence and Cohesion | Is it well organised, with clear paragraphs and smooth links between ideas? |
| Lexical Resource | Do you use a good range of words, correctly and naturally? |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | Do you use different sentence types, and how many grammar mistakes do you make? |
Your two tasks are then combined into one Writing band, and Task 2 counts about twice as much as Task 1. Because the four criteria are equal, it pays to work on your weakest one first. Want to know which one is holding you back? Aflo scores each criterion for you — see how Aflo scores your English.
A simple 4-step way to write any essay
Most people rush straight into writing. A short plan first saves time and lifts every criterion. Use these four steps for Task 2 (they work for Task 1 too):
- Understand. Read the question twice. Underline what it actually asks — is it agree or disagree, discuss both sides, a problem and solution? Answering a different question is the biggest score killer.
- Plan. Spend 3 to 5 minutes on a quick plan. Decide your opinion, then note one idea per paragraph — usually an introduction, two body paragraphs with one main point each, and a short conclusion.
- Write. Follow your plan. Start each body paragraph with its main point, then add a reason and an example. One clear idea per paragraph beats many half-ideas.
- Check. Leave 2 to 3 minutes at the end. Read it back for missing parts of the question, unclear links, and small grammar or spelling slips. Quick fixes here often raise your band.
Task-by-task writing guides — for the essay, the letter, and each Academic Task 1 chart type — are part of Aflo's resources, so you can drill one skill at a time.
Common mistakes that lower your band
- Not answering the question. Writing about the general topic instead of the exact task is the most common way to lose marks. Answer every part of what is asked.
- No clear paragraphs. One long block of text is hard to follow. Use a clear paragraph for each idea, with a line of space or an indent between them.
- Memorised phrases and templates. Examiners spot pre-learned sentences, and they do not fit the exact question. They can lower your score instead of raising it.
- Writing too little. Under 150 words in Task 1 or 250 in Task 2 costs marks. Learn to hit the minimum comfortably with time to spare.
- Using big words you are unsure of. A wrong "advanced" word costs more than a correct simple one. Use words you control.
- Running out of time on Task 2. Task 2 is worth more, so protect its 40 minutes. Do not let a neat Task 1 eat the time your essay needs.
Keep reading
Go deeper on each part of IELTS Writing:
Frequently asked questions
How long is the IELTS Writing test?
60 minutes in total for two tasks. It is advised to spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 and about 40 minutes on Task 2.
What is the difference between Academic and General Training Writing?
Task 2 is the same idea for both — a 250-word essay. Task 1 differs: in Academic you describe a graph, chart, table, diagram or process in at least 150 words; in General Training you write a letter of at least 150 words.
How many words do I need to write?
At least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2. These are minimums; writing fewer can lower your band.
Which task is worth more?
Task 2. It counts about twice as much as Task 1 toward your Writing band, so it deserves more of your time and care.
How is IELTS Writing marked?
Each task is scored on four equal criteria: Task Achievement or Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. You get a band from 0 to 9 in half-band steps.