IELTS · Writing
IELTS Writing: Task 1 and Task 2
Know which task you are preparing for, how the time is shared and what a complete response needs.
- Total time
- 60 min
- Task 1
- 150+ words
- Task 2
- 250+ words
The format, explained
Academic Task 1 · explain visual information
Describe the important information in a chart, table, graph or diagram. Select and organise the main features instead of listing every detail.
General Training Task 1 · write a letter
Respond to the situation and requested points. Choose a tone that fits the person you are writing to.
Task 2 · develop an answer
Write an essay that addresses the question and supports its ideas. Both tasks are required; an attractive introduction cannot replace a relevant complete response.
Where to start practising
- Before writing, identify the reader, purpose and points you must cover.
- Give each paragraph a job. Then check whether its sentences actually do that job.
- In review, fix missing content and unclear reasoning before decorating the answer with harder vocabulary.
Common questions
Is Task 1 always a graph?
No. Academic Task 1 may use other visual information, including diagrams. General Training Task 1 is a letter.
Can I use one essay for every question?
A memorised answer can miss the actual question. Practise a flexible way to plan and support ideas instead of forcing every topic into the same script.
Official format references
Format facts are based on these official sources. Check the provider’s current instructions before booking. The study advice is Professor Scott’s independent guidance.
Format reviewed:
Put the English into practice
Read & practise
Short lessons for related English foundations. These are not official exam questions or complete test simulations.
How to agree partly and explain your concern
Name the point you accept, then explain the part you see differently.
Read & practiseComparatives with than: compare two options
Use faster than or more expensive than to explain one clear difference between two choices.
Read & practiseJoin sentences with and, but and so
Choose a connector and use a comma between complete clauses.
Read & practiseKeep exploring
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