IELTS Writing Task

Common to both, IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, the writing section of the IELTS exam is considered crucial to scoring well. Since the writing test will be timed, you must practice an ample number of questions for qualifying the exam with flying colours. For all those gearing up for the IELTS exam, here is a comprehensive blog about the IELTS writing tasks.

IELTS Writing Practice Papers

• Academic Writing sample task 1A 
• Academic Writing sample task 1B 
• Academic Writing sample task 1C 
• Academic Writing sample task 2A 
• Academic Writing sample task 2B 
• Academic Writing sample materials

IELTS Writing Task 1

In Task 1, you are asked to answer a given problem with a letter requesting information or explaining a situation. About 20 minutes is spent on Task 1, which requires candidates to write at least 150 words. Depending on the task, you are assessed through the following:

• engagement in personal correspondence
• providing general factual information
• expressing needs, wants, likes and dislikes
• expressing opinions

IELTS Writing Task 2

In Writing Task 2 requires you are required to write at least 250 words. You will be given a topic and will be tested on your ability to respond by giving and justifying an opinion, discussing the topic, summarizing details, outlining problems, identifying possible solutions and supporting what you write with reasons, arguments and relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

IELTS Writing Tips

• Be aware of the marking criteria as it will allow you to give the examiner exactly what they need.
• You can always paraphrase the question. It is recommended to paraphrase the question in the first paragraph by using synonyms.
• You must write an overview, pick around 3-4 of the main features and write about them generally, without referencing to any data.
• Proofread your task for spelling and grammar mistakes. Make sure that the data you mentioned is also accurate.

IELTS Writing Score

The IELTS Writing Band score ranges from 0 to 9. The writing task 2 has more weightage than the writing task 1.

So, if someone receives 7 in task 2 and 6.5 in task 1, the total IELTS Writing score will be 7.0(2/3)+(6.5)1/3= 6.5.

IELTS Writing Marking Criteria

Task achievement/response	Accuracy of languageRelevance of the responseMeeting minimum word count requirements of 150/250
Coherence and cohesion	To have clarity in the messageTo have fluency in languageHaving an organized responseLinking ideas and information to the topic
Lexical resource	Use of good vocabularyTerms used should be accurateDoes not have errors in spelling or word formation
Grammatical range and accuracy	Use of accurate grammarError free sentencesProperly structured response

IELTS Writing Topic

• Food
• Activities
• Business
• Work
• Employment
• Environment
• Job
• Language

IELTS Writing Samples

Sample 1	Click here
Sample 2	Click here
Sample 3	Click here
Sample 4	Click here

IELTS Academic Writing Pattern

Opted by the candidates who want to seek quality education from a university in English speaking countries, the Academic version of IELTS has to be completed in a duration of 60 minutes in which, the applicants have to solve 2 questions. Mentioned below are types of IELTS writing tasks which you will come across.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

In the first task, candidates will be evaluated based on a picture description test where information given in the form of a picture has to be deduced. Commonly, the pictures included in this IELTS Writing task are graphs, pie charts, tables, or infographics. The maximum word limit of this question would be 150 words. It is advised to wrap up this question in 15-20 minutes.

IELTS Writing Task 1 topics

• The chart given below represents the percentage of people, in the 1990-2010 age bracket, donating money to charity. Deduce the information given below in your words making comparison wherever necessary. 

• The following diagram shows the changes that the St. Mary School has undergone since it’s construction in 1950. Summarise the given picture and represent a comparison if required. 

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2

The IELTS Writing task 2 will be an essay writing on a given topic. It will be based on an academic setup or could be generic nature. Aspirants will have to draft at least 250 words and should aim to complete this task in 35-40 minutes. 

IELTS Writing Task 2 topics

• Some people prefer to work for a single organization, while others believe in working for a variety of institutions. Highlight both the views and present your opinions for the same. Include some examples in support of your answer.
• Over the past thirty years, car ownership has increased at such a great rate that some nations now observe huge traffic jams. According to you, what are the measures that the government should adopt to stop people from buying or using more cars? Represent your views using suitable examples. 

Don’t forget to like, comment, share and subscribe the YouTube Channel of Leverage Edu and score high on the writing test

IELTS General Training Writing Section

The ones who have been either hired by an organisation overseas or are willing to immigrate to some other country opt for this variant of the test. In this component, there will be 2 IELTS Writing tasks that have to be solved in 60 minutes. Lets us have a look at the types of questions. 

IELTS General Writing Task 1

An argument in the form of a question will be given based on a situation and the candidates will have to deliver a response for it by either writing a formal, informal, or semi-formal letter. The word limit for this question is 150 words. Applicants must follow the prescribed format of letter writing.

Sample Questions

• The central hospital of your city has organised a health check-up camp wherein it has requested the common people to volunteer. You are willing to go for the event to serve the community. Write a letter to the hospital about the same.  
• You were a part of the social service community in your area and actively participated in many activities. However, due to some reasons, you are unable to contribute now. Write a letter to your manager for the same. 

IELTS General writing Task 2

The second part of the IELTS writing task will be an essay question based on a given point of view, argument, or a general topic. Topics related to everyday situations will be given and aspirants have to write a response for it in 250 words. 

Sample Questions

• Some people believe that school students should be given homework daily while others say that children should be given quality time at home. Present your views on the same with some examples. 
• Some parents believe that giving homework in the form of presentations/posters aid in creative thinking, while others prefer theory based tasks. Present your views on the same citing some examples. 
• It is said that people should get married before 30 because it is good for the community and the individual. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?

IELTS Academic Writing vs IELTS General Writing

IELTS Academic Writing	IELTS General Writing
Question in task 1Includes visual information like graphs or diagrams	Task 1 includes letter writing
20 Minutes	20 minutes for IELTS General writing task 1
View or argument or problem type of question	Essay based on an issue of general interest

IELTS Writing Books

• Official IELTS Practice Materials
• The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
• Cambridge IELTS’ Book 14 for Academic with Answers
• Barron’s IELTS Superpack
• Target Band 7
• English Vocabulary in Use

FAQs

To score well in the IELTS writing tasks, it is important to practice well in advance. Enrol in Leverage Edu‘s interactive online classes where you will get access to scores of practice questions, last-minute tips, mock tests, and the opportunity to clear all your queries through one-on-one sessions!

Common to both, IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, the writing section of the IELTS exam is considered crucial to scoring well. Since the writing test will be timed, you must practice an ample number of questions for qualifying the exam with flying colours. For all those gearing up for the IELTS exam, here is a comprehensive blog about the IELTS writing tasks.

IELTS Writing Practice Papers

• Academic Writing sample task 1A 
• Academic Writing sample task 1B 
• Academic Writing sample task 1C 
• Academic Writing sample task 2A 
• Academic Writing sample task 2B 
• Academic Writing sample materials

IELTS Writing Task 1

In Task 1, you are asked to answer a given problem with a letter requesting information or explaining a situation. About 20 minutes is spent on Task 1, which requires candidates to write at least 150 words. Depending on the task, you are assessed through the following:

• engagement in personal correspondence
• providing general factual information
• expressing needs, wants, likes and dislikes
• expressing opinions

IELTS Writing Task 2

In Writing Task 2 requires you are required to write at least 250 words. You will be given a topic and will be tested on your ability to respond by giving and justifying an opinion, discussing the topic, summarizing details, outlining problems, identifying possible solutions and supporting what you write with reasons, arguments and relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

IELTS Writing Tips

• Be aware of the marking criteria as it will allow you to give the examiner exactly what they need.
• You can always paraphrase the question. It is recommended to paraphrase the question in the first paragraph by using synonyms.
• You must write an overview, pick around 3-4 of the main features and write about them generally, without referencing to any data.
• Proofread your task for spelling and grammar mistakes. Make sure that the data you mentioned is also accurate.

IELTS Writing Score

The IELTS Writing Band score ranges from 0 to 9. The writing task 2 has more weightage than the writing task 1.

So, if someone receives 7 in task 2 and 6.5 in task 1, the total IELTS Writing score will be 7.0(2/3)+(6.5)1/3= 6.5.

IELTS Writing Marking Criteria

Task achievement/response	Accuracy of languageRelevance of the responseMeeting minimum word count requirements of 150/250
Coherence and cohesion	To have clarity in the messageTo have fluency in languageHaving an organized responseLinking ideas and information to the topic
Lexical resource	Use of good vocabularyTerms used should be accurateDoes not have errors in spelling or word formation
Grammatical range and accuracy	Use of accurate grammarError free sentencesProperly structured response

IELTS Writing Topic

• Food
• Activities
• Business
• Work
• Employment
• Environment
• Job
• Language

IELTS Writing Samples

Sample 1	Click here
Sample 2	Click here
Sample 3	Click here
Sample 4	Click here

IELTS Academic Writing Pattern

Opted by the candidates who want to seek quality education from a university in English speaking countries, the Academic version of IELTS has to be completed in a duration of 60 minutes in which, the applicants have to solve 2 questions. Mentioned below are types of IELTS writing tasks which you will come across.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

In the first task, candidates will be evaluated based on a picture description test where information given in the form of a picture has to be deduced. Commonly, the pictures included in this IELTS Writing task are graphs, pie charts, tables, or infographics. The maximum word limit of this question would be 150 words. It is advised to wrap up this question in 15-20 minutes.

IELTS Writing Task 1 topics

• The chart given below represents the percentage of people, in the 1990-2010 age bracket, donating money to charity. Deduce the information given below in your words making comparison wherever necessary. 

• The following diagram shows the changes that the St. Mary School has undergone since it’s construction in 1950. Summarise the given picture and represent a comparison if required. 

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2

The IELTS Writing task 2 will be an essay writing on a given topic. It will be based on an academic setup or could be generic nature. Aspirants will have to draft at least 250 words and should aim to complete this task in 35-40 minutes. 

IELTS Writing Task 2 topics

• Some people prefer to work for a single organization, while others believe in working for a variety of institutions. Highlight both the views and present your opinions for the same. Include some examples in support of your answer.
• Over the past thirty years, car ownership has increased at such a great rate that some nations now observe huge traffic jams. According to you, what are the measures that the government should adopt to stop people from buying or using more cars? Represent your views using suitable examples. 

Don’t forget to like, comment, share and subscribe the YouTube Channel of Leverage Edu and score high on the writing test

IELTS General Training Writing Section

The ones who have been either hired by an organisation overseas or are willing to immigrate to some other country opt for this variant of the test. In this component, there will be 2 IELTS Writing tasks that have to be solved in 60 minutes. Lets us have a look at the types of questions. 

IELTS General Writing Task 1

An argument in the form of a question will be given based on a situation and the candidates will have to deliver a response for it by either writing a formal, informal, or semi-formal letter. The word limit for this question is 150 words. Applicants must follow the prescribed format of letter writing.

Sample Questions

• The central hospital of your city has organised a health check-up camp wherein it has requested the common people to volunteer. You are willing to go for the event to serve the community. Write a letter to the hospital about the same.  
• You were a part of the social service community in your area and actively participated in many activities. However, due to some reasons, you are unable to contribute now. Write a letter to your manager for the same. 

IELTS General writing Task 2

The second part of the IELTS writing task will be an essay question based on a given point of view, argument, or a general topic. Topics related to everyday situations will be given and aspirants have to write a response for it in 250 words. 

Sample Questions

• Some people believe that school students should be given homework daily while others say that children should be given quality time at home. Present your views on the same with some examples. 
• Some parents believe that giving homework in the form of presentations/posters aid in creative thinking, while others prefer theory based tasks. Present your views on the same citing some examples. 
• It is said that people should get married before 30 because it is good for the community and the individual. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?

IELTS Academic Writing vs IELTS General Writing

IELTS Academic Writing	IELTS General Writing
Question in task 1Includes visual information like graphs or diagrams	Task 1 includes letter writing
20 Minutes	20 minutes for IELTS General writing task 1
View or argument or problem type of question	Essay based on an issue of general interest

IELTS Writing Books

• Official IELTS Practice Materials
• The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
• Cambridge IELTS’ Book 14 for Academic with Answers
• Barron’s IELTS Superpack
• Target Band 7
• English Vocabulary in Use

FAQs

To score well in the IELTS writing tasks, it is important to practice well in advance. Enrol in Leverage Edu‘s interactive online classes where you will get access to scores of practice questions, last-minute tips, mock tests, and the opportunity to clear all your queries through one-on-one sessions!