IELTS Writing Module

The IELTS Writing Module assesses your ability to communicate ideas effectively in written English. The test lasts 60 minutes and includes two tasks. While Task 2 is the same for both test types, Task 1 differs between Academic and General Training IELTS.

IELTS Academic Writing

Task 1

• You are required to describe, summarize, or explain visual data such as:

  • Graphs

  • Charts

  • Tables

  • Processes

  • Maps

• Minimum 150 words.

• Focus on reporting factual information, making comparisons, identifying trends, and highlighting key features.

• No personal opinions are required.

Task 2

• Write an essay of at least 250 words.

• You may be asked to:

  • Present and justify an opinion.

  • Discuss problems and propose solutions.

  • Evaluate arguments or evidence.

  • Compare and contrast ideas.

• The essay should be formal, well-structured, and supported with clear examples.

IELTS General Training Writing

Task 1

• Write a letter of at least 150 words in response to a given situation.

• Types of letters:

  • Formal (to an authority, employer, etc.)

  • Semi-formal (to a colleague, manager, etc.)

  • Informal (to a friend or family member)

• You may be asked to request information, explain a situation, or make a complaint/suggestion.

Task 2

• Write an essay of at least 250 words.

• Topics are more general compared to Academic Writing.

• You may need to:

  • Express an opinion.

  • Present arguments for and against a point of view.

  • Discuss issues affecting everyday life.

• Style may be slightly less formal than Academic, but should remain clear, organized, and grammatically correct.

Time Management

• Total duration: 60 minutes

• Suggested timing:

  • 20 minutes for Task 1

  • 40 minutes for Task 2

• Task 2 is worth twice as many marks as Task 1, so prioritize accordingly.

Scoring Criteria

Your writing is assessed based on:

1. Task Achievement / Task Response – Did you fulfill the requirements of the task?

2. Coherence and Cohesion – Is your writing logically organized with effective linking?

3. Lexical Resource – Range and accuracy of vocabulary.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy – Sentence variety, grammar, and punctuation.

Each area is scored on a Band Scale from 0–9, and the average determines your Writing Band Score.

Tips for Success

• Always analyze the question carefully before writing.

• Plan your answer and organize it into clear paragraphs.

• Use a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures.

• Stay formal in Academic Writing; adjust tone for letters in General Training.

• Manage time effectively to give more focus to Task 2.

• Review your work in the last few minutes to fix errors.

With regular practice and guidance, you can improve your writing skills and achieve a high band score in the IELTS Writing Module.