IELTS Writing Test

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 tests. However, in the 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 tasks are marked on a 0–9 scale against four criteria of equal weight. The final score is a whole or half band, for example 6.0 or 6.5.

The examiner gives each criterion its own band, and the four bands are averaged into a score for that task. Your Task 1 and Task 2 scores are then combined into one Writing band, with Task 2 counting twice as much. A weak spot in one criterion, such as frequent grammar mistakes, can pull down an otherwise good answer.

Four criteria · 25% each How the two tasks count

Task 2 counts double, so don't spend more than 20 minutes on Task 1.