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The IELTS Writing test evaluates your ability to express yourself in written English and is designed to assess your writing skills in an academic or general context, depending on whether you are taking the Academic or General Training version of the IELTS test.
Here's an overview of the IELTS Writing test:
Test Format:
The IELTS Writing test consists of two tasks: Task 1 and Task 2.
In the Academic version of the test, Task 1 requires test takers to describe visual information, such as graphs, charts, or diagrams. Task 2 in the Academic version involves writing an essay in response to a question or statement.
In the General Training version, Task 1 requires writing a letter, often based on a given situation, and Task 2 involves writing an essay on a general topic.
Word Count:
In Task 1, test takers are usually required to write at least 150 words.
In Task 2, test takers are expected to write at least 250 words.
Timing:
Test takers have 60 minutes in total to complete both tasks.
It's advisable to allocate approximately 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2.
Scoring:
Each task is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 9.
The scores for both tasks are then averaged to determine your overall Writing band score.
Skills Assessed:
Task 1 assesses your ability to present and describe visual information logically and coherently (Academic version) or to convey information in a clear and appropriate tone (General Training version).
Task 2 assesses your ability to provide well-structured arguments, opinions, and ideas in written form.
Preparing for the IELTS Writing test typically involves practicing writing essays and descriptions, understanding the format and expectations of each task, and improving your grammar and vocabulary.
Many test takers find it beneficial to use official IELTS practice materials and seek feedback on their writing from teachers or tutors. The ability to effectively express your thoughts in writing is crucial for academic and professional purposes, making the IELTS Writing test an important part of the overall IELTS test.
Ask IELTS
Pencil is recommended for the IELTS Listening, Reading, and Writing tests. This is because tests are scanned and work best with pencil. It also means that you can easily erase and rewrite words. If you forget to bring a pencil, the test centre will provide one for you.
Read the assessment criteria used for both Academic and General Training Writing tests carefully before your test day. The examiner will assess your writing based on four criteria for Task 1 and Task 2.
Remember that Writing Task 2 is worth twice as many marks as Task 1. You can improve your Writing band score by practising. Our news and articles page has extensive tips and advice to help you prepare and improve your English-language skills.
If you choose to take IELTS on computer, you will take the Listening, Reading and Writing test parts using a computer.
If you choose to take the IELTS on paper, you will complete the Listening, Reading and Writing test parts on paper.
The Speaking test for both paper and computer are face to face with an examiner. This is the best way to measure your speaking skills as it takes a more realistic approach: a life-like conversation with an examiner.
If you take IELTS on Computer, you will do the tests in the following order on the same day: Listening, Reading and Writing, with the Speaking test before or after this test session.
If you take IELTS on Paper, you will do the tests in the following order: Writing, Reading and Listening. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test can be done on the same day, or up to 7 days either before or after the test date.
Every IELTS test is carefully produced and tested to ensure a consistent level of difficulty across all the test versions. We want every IELTS test taker to have their true English-language ability reflected in their results, which is why we offer so many free and paid tools to help you practise and prepare.
Check out our preparation tools for tips and advice so that you can be as prepared as possible for your test date.
The minimum word limit is important and you must write at least 150 words for Writing Task 1 and at least 250 words for Writing Task 2.
If you write less than this, you will have fewer ideas and may lose marks. However if you write much more, this does not mean you will gain marks. It is more important that you use correct English, appropriate grammar, and a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures.
IELTS Online Writing test tutorial
This video takes you through the test format of the IELTS Online Writing test.
Write enough words
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Who will mark my Writing test? Is it the same examiner I meet in my Speaking test?
This is a commonly asked question. Find out the process your IELTS test goes through when it gets marked by examiners.
If I am asked to provide reasons in an IELTS Writing response, can I only provide one reason?
If a question in IELTS Writing asks you to give reasons for your response, find out what you need to include.
What will the penalty be if my IELTS Writing essay is too short?
It is important to make sure your essay response in IELTS Writing isn't too short. Find out why from our IELTS Expert, Don.
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