IELTS Writing Test

On this page, you will learn about the IELTS Writing Test format and understand how IELTS Writing tasks are scored.

We have provided you with:

• IELTS writing test format
• How are IELTS writing tasks scored?
• Useful resources for IELTS writing

IELTS Writing

IELTS Writing Test Format – Academic vs General Training?

There are two types of IELTS Tests: Academic and General Training. Both test modules require you to complete two writing tasks.

In Writing Task 1, you are asked to write a report or letter of at least 150 words and in Writing Task 2 you need to write an essay using a minimum of 250 words. You will be given 60 minutes to complete the tasks.

To gain a better understanding of the main differences, see the following comparison:

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay is the same for both the Academic and General Training writing test. However, in IELTS General Training module, the essay topics are a little bit easier.

For more details on the IELTS Test Format, see the British Council website.

How are IELTS Writing Tasks scored?

Both writing tasks are evaluated on a scale of 0–9, based on the four marking criteria:

• Task achievement
• Coherence and cohesion
• Lexical resource
• Grammatical range and accuracy

Each criterion gives 25% of your total score for the task.

The final score is reported as a band or half a band (e.g. 6.0 or 6.5).

IELTS Writing Task 1 is worth ¹/₃ of your total writing score, whereas Task 2 is worth ²/₃ of your score. You should spend no more than 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2.

WRITING RESOURCES

General Writing Task 1

Types of Letters

General Writing Task 1

Informal Letter

General Writing Task 1

Business Letter

General Writing Task 1

Job Application Letter

General Writing Task 1

Complaint Letter

General Writing Task 1

Request Letter

Writing Task 2

5 Types of IELTS Essays

Writing Task 2

How to Improve IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay?

Writing Task 2

IELTS Discussion Essay Sample

Writing Task 2

IELTS Agree / Disagree Essay Sample

Writing Task 2

IELTS Advantage / Disadvantage Essay Sample

Writing Task 2

IELTS Problem / Solution Essay Sample

Writing Task 2

IELTS Two-part Question Essay Sample

Useful resources

Vocabulary for IELTS Essay

Useful resources

Linking words for IELTS