The International English Language Test System (IELTS) is a standard assessment for candidates to assess their level of proficiency in the English language. IELTS is a widely recognised exam across the world for international students and the working population.
The exam is accepted as proof of English language proficiency in more than 11,000 educational institutions in several countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and France, among others. The IELTS exam contains four sections that determine the language skills of the candidate. Let’s break down the elements for the IELTS writing tasks.
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Table of Contents
- IELTS writing section: An overview
- IELTS writing pattern
- IELTS writing syllabus
- IELTS writing score guide
- IELTS writing tasks
- IELTS writing task 1
- IELTS writing task 2
- Frequently asked questions
IELTS writing section: An overview
| No. of tasks | 2 |
| Word limit (in words) | Task 1: 150 words Task 2: 250 |
| Total band score | 9 |
| Duration (in minutes) | 60 |
| Is the syllabus the same for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training? | No |
IELTS writing pattern
No. of tasks: 2
Total duration: 60 minutes
The IELTS exam pattern consists of two descriptive essays. The word count for task 1 and task 2 is 150 and 250, respectively. You are required to complete these in 60 minutes. You can find some questions in the form of a graph, chart, or diagram, where you should interpret and describe the data with respect to the task requirements.
IELTS writing syllabus
While the pattern of the writing section is the same for the Academic and General Training versions, the IELTS exam syllabus differs. Both versions have different questions, so make sure you prepare for the IELTS version you have applied for.
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IELTS writing syllabus
| Task | Duration | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | 20 minutes | Task 1 usually has questions related to maps and diagrams. It's more like an interpretation task where you have to write an essay relevant to the information provided. The question might request you to describe the data, a certain stage in the process, and others. | A letter-writing task, where you should explain an issue or request certain data. The letter may be in a personal, semi-formal, or formal writing style. |
| Task 2 | 40 minutes | An interpretation essay, in which you are required to express your point of view or argument on a problem. You can use relatable examples to support your point or opinion. Keep the tone formal, and write the essay in an academic style. | An essay in which you must put forth your point of view for an argument or a problem. You can add a personal touch to the essay. |
Note: Task 2 carries more weightage of marks than Task 1. Also, each task carries 9 bands.
IELTS writing score guide
The IELTS writing section follows a band scoring method ranging from 0-9.
| IELTS band score | Description |
|---|---|
| 9 | Expert user |
| 8 | Very good user |
| 7 | Good user |
| 6 | Competent user |
| 5 | Modest user |
| 4 | Limited user |
| 3 | Extremely limited user |
| 2 | Intermittent user |
| 1 | Non-user |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test |
Also read: Your quick guide to IELTS scores
IELTS writing test: Grading criteria
- Task achievement or response
- Coherence and cohesion
- Lexical resource
- Grammatical range and accuracy
IELTS writing tasks
The IELTS writing tasks analyse your writing skills in the English language, evaluating your ability to express your opinion and ideas clearly and effectively. Remember, the concept of the tasks differs for IELTS Academic and General Training, so prepare for the version you have applied for.
IELTS writing task 1
IELTS Academic writing task 1
- The task requires you to write an essay of at least 150 words on the question given.
- The question can be in the form of data, maps, diagrams, or other visual formats.
- IELTS writing task 1 contributes 33% of the total writing section scores.
- The task evaluates your ability to organise, compare and present relevant information in the essay.
- You might also be required to describe a process, a sequence of events, or explain a procedure.
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IELTS General writing task 1
- The task includes questions that require a personal response from the candidate.
- The letter should be at least 150 words in length. The tone can be formal, semi-formal, or personal.
- The questions include a letter to be sent about problems in college accommodation, in-house facilities, and others.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Questions and Answers
Here are some common questions for the IELTS writing task 1.
- Explain the process shown in the diagram.
- Analyse and describe the pie chart.
- Describe the contents present in the table.
Also read: Describe a daily routine that you enjoy
IELTS writing task 2
IELTS academic writing task 2
- The task requires you to write about a topic for at least 250 words in an academic style.
- You must provide clear, relevant, and well-organised content, and it is necessary to stay focused on the topic.
- You can support your opinion with relatable examples and ideas.
IELTS general writing task 2
- The task requires you to provide an essay of at least 250 words in a semi-formal or neutral tone.
- The essay would ask you to give an opinion or express your point of view about an issue or problem.
- You can express your opinion by adding factual information, providing ideas, or a solution.
IELTS writing task 2 topics
- Education
- Environment
- Healthcare
- Science and technology
- TV, music, and media
- Relationships
Also read: How to crack IELTS in 3 months: Tips and strategies
Crack your IELTS and start studying abroad in 2026. Get free expert guidance—act now!
Frequently asked questions
How can I get an 8 in IELTS writing?
Here are some tips to help you obtain a band score of eight in the IELTS writing tasks.
- Keep the answer relevant to the question.
- Make sure to cover all parts of the question.
- Arrange the essay in a logical order.
- Use proper vocabulary and refrain from making grammatical errors.
Can I retake IELTS writing only?
Yes, you can retake IELTS writing only. It is possible to retake any specific section in the IELTS exam. There has been an expansion of the One Skill Retake (OSR) option in several countries beginning in 2025, allowing candidates in eligible regions to reattempt a single module—such as Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking—rather than retaking the entire IELTS examination.
Disclaimer: Please verify with your local IELTS test centre regarding the availability of the OSR option and the mandatory black ballpoint pen requirement for paper-based tests.
What is a common mistake in IELTS writing?
Here are some common mistakes candidates make during the IELTS writing test.
- Incorrect format.
- Insufficient paragraphs.
- Missing out on addressing the question.
- Grammatical errors.
- Content irrelevant to the question.
How many tasks are there in IELTS general writing?
The writing section in the IELTS General Training version consists of two writing tasks.
What is the difference between writing tasks 1 and 2?
IELTS writing task 1: Writing task 1 is an interpretation essay in IELTS Academic, mostly questions related to maps or diagrams. For the General Training, it'll be a letter-writing task. The tasks have a word limit of 150 words.
IELTS writing task 2: Writing task 2 is an essay task where the candidate is required to convey their point of view or opinion on an issue or problem. The essay should be at least 250 words.