IELTS Writing Test
On this page, you will learn about the IELTS Writing Test format and understand how IELTS Writing tasks are scored.
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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 Academic Writing
Duration: 60 minutes
Writing Task 1: Report
There are 5 types of reports:
- Pie charts
- Multiple chart and graph
- Graph and table
- Process diagram
- Map and plan
Writing Task 2: Essay
There are 5 types of essays
IELTS General Writing
Duration: 60 minutes
Writing Task 1: Letter
There are 3 types of letters:
- Formal letter
- Semi-formal letter
- Informal letter
Writing Task 2: Essay
There are 5 types of essays
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

Types of Letters

Informal Letter

Business Letter

Job Application Letter

Complaint Letter

Request Letter

5 Types of IELTS Essays

How to Improve IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay?

IELTS Discussion Essay Sample

IELTS Agree / Disagree Essay Sample

IELTS Advantage / Disadvantage Essay Sample

IELTS Problem / Solution Essay Sample

IELTS Two-part Question Essay Sample

Vocabulary for IELTS Essay
