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The IELTS Academic Writing test is made up of two tasks, Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2. The questions in the Academic Writing test are different to those in the General Training Writing test.
In Academic Writing Task 1, you will be shown a visual representation of information; a graph, table, chart or diagram, and you are asked to summarise, describe or explain the information you see. Make sure you organise your response into three main parts, the introduction, an overview and the main features supported by figures from the diagram.
In Academic Writing Task 2, you will be presented with a point of view, argument, or problem. The topics can range from the environment to immigration, culture, and even technology. You might be asked to, agree or disagree with a point of view or argument, discuss two opposing views, write about the advantages or disadvantages of a topic, or explain a given problem, or the cause of a problem and offer a solution. Your response for Academic Writing Task 2 will need to be in an essay format.
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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 result, 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.
How can punctuation errors impact my score?
Punctuation is an important assessment criteria in the IELTS Writing test that examiners mark against. Find out how punctuation errors might impact your score.
Do I need to use different sentence structures to get a good score in Grammatical range and accuracy?
Don, our IELTS Expert takes a closer look at grammatical range and accuracy, one of the assessment criteria in the IELTS Writing test.
Mistakes that can hold you back from a band 8: IELTS Writing Task 2
Let our IELTS Expert guide you through the common mistakes that might hold you back from achieving a band 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Our IELTS Expert, Don talks about how IELTS Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2 are marked, and the difference in the assessment criteria.
If a question in IELTS Writing asks you to give reasons for your response, find out what you need to include.
7 steps to help you reach a band 7: IELTS Writing Task 2
Let our IELTS Expert guide you through the 7 steps needed to achieve a band 7 in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Will I be penalised if I mix UK and US spelling in my Writing test?
You can choose to write your IELTS response in UK or US English. Let our IELTS Expert, Don walk you through why.
Can we use numbered lists to support our opinion?
If you are asked to provide an opinion in your IELTS Writing response, find out whether you can use a numbered list.
Learn More
Question types in the IELTS Academic Writing test
IELTS Academic Writing free practice questions
IELTS Writing Task 1 and 2 - how to organise your response
IELTS Writing Task 2: How to write a good introduction
Should I take IELTS on computer or paper?
Vocabulary to help prepare for common IELTS topics
Find out why an overview is important in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
IELTS Writing Task 2: How to understand IELTS question prompts
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IELTS preparation resources
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IELTS preparation guide
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The official IELTS Familiarisation test
Take the official IELTS Familiarisation test and get a first-hand experience of the IELTS test before your actual test.
