The IELTS Writing test is often considered one of the most challenging modules of the exam. This guide by IELTS-Testpro provides a comprehensive overview of the test format, differences between modules, and actionable tips to help you achieve your target score.

I. An overview of IELTS Writing Test

IELTS Writing plays an essential role in assessing your overall English proficiency, specifically focusing on your flexibility and accuracy in using the language within specific written contexts. Unlike conversational English, this module tests your ability to structure arguments, analyze data, and use formal vocabulary.

It is important to note that the content of the Writing test varies depending on whether you are taking the IELTS General Training or IELTS Academic module. Understanding these distinctions is the first step toward effective preparation.

ielts writing test overview

 

II. IELTS Writing Test in IELTS General Training & IELTS Academic

Regardless of the module, the IELTS Writing test always lasts 60 minutes and consists of two distinct tasks. Managing your time effectively between these tasks is crucial.

  • Task 1: It is strongly suggested that you spend around 20 minutes completing this task. Candidates are required to write a response of at least 150 words.
  • Task 2: This task requires more depth and analysis, so it should be allocated approximately 40 minutes. You must write at least 250 words. Notably, Task 2 contributes twice as much to your overall Writing band score as Task 1, making it a priority for time manage.

>>> Practice now: IELTS Writing Practice Test

Despite insignificant differences in IELTS Writing Task 2 (table 2), IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic don’t share the same form in IELTS Writing Task 1 (table 1).

Writing Task 1 in 

IELTS General Training

 Writing Task 1 in 

IELTS Academic
Form Letters: formal, informal and semi-formal

(e.g. 

You have just spent a week with a friend on holiday. When you got home, you realised you had left your wallet there.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

– Thank you friend for the holiday

– Explain that you left your wallet in their house

– Give them instructions of how to send it back to you)

 Reports: line chart, bar chart, pie chart, table, map, process, etc.

(e.g. 

The bar chart below shows the percentage growth in average property prices in three different countries between 2007 and 2010.)
Requirements – The letter can be formal, semi-formal or informal, so be careful with the option of an appropriate writing format and language

– The form of a letter should be taken into consideration:

+ Opening

+ Paragraphs

+ Closing statements

 – The report must be formal in language

– The form of the report should be included:

+ Introduction

+ Overview

+ Body paragraph 1

+ Body paragraph 2

– The key features and data should be highlighted and compared

(Table 1: Differences in IELTS Writing Test Task 1)

 

Writing Task 2 in 

IELTS General Training

 Writing Task 2 in 

IELTS Academic
Form In IELTS Writing task 2 of both IELTS GT and IELTS Academic module, the test takers are required to write an essay in response to an argument, a problem, or point of view:

+ Argumentative / Opinion / Agree & Disagree

+ Advantages – Disadvantages

+ Discussion

+ Causes and Effects / Causes and Solutions / Problems and Solutions

+ Two-Part Questions
– Topics are more common (social media, schools, family, communication, etc.) – Topics have a wider range (space, nature, museum, etc.)
Requirements – The language must be academic and formal

– Abbreviations, slangs, and fillers are prohibited strictly

– Grammar, sentence structure, punctuation and spelling should be accurate
– The style is more personal – The style is more objective

(Table 2: Differences in IELTS Writing Test Task 2)

III. IELTS Writing scoring and assessment

As the differences aforementioned between IELTS Writing Task 1 of IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic, the criteria of each are not totally similar. On the other hand, those of IELTS Writing task 2 are the same in both GT and Academic IELTS test.

These are some criteria description that you should pay attention to:

Task achievement 

 – word count

– key features

– structure (form of a letter, report)
Coherence and cohesion – organisation of ideas or information

– linking devices

– paraphrasing
Lexical resource – appropriate language

– flexible vocabulary usage

– collocations

– spelling errors
Grammatical range and accuracy – grammar structures

– tenses

– punctuation

Let’s get started with our free IELTS online test to pass the exam on your first attempt.

IV. Tips to get a high score in IELTS Writing Test

Here are some tips and advice for effective learning and practicing IELTS Writing process:

Tips ielts writing test

 

  • Focus on reviewing and improving Vocabulary and Grammar
  • Create a daily writing habit (diary, blog, articles using learned vocabulary, etc.)
  • Pay attention to the band descriptors in the IELTS Writing test:

+ Task achievement
+ Coherence & Cohesion
+ Lexical Resource
+ Grammatical Range & Accuracy

  • Develop ideas in the form of PEER formula:

+ P – Point: opinion / main idea

+ E – Explanation: explain the opinion / main idea

+ E – Example: demonstrate explanation

+ R – Result: how the example impacts on the opinion / main idea

  • Prepare a TEMPLATE for each topic (IELTS Writing Task 2), or type (IELTS Writing Task 1)
  • Carefully check and review each task done
  • Set time for each task in order to get acquainted to time pressure
  • Enroll in IELTS offline classes / courses
  • Ask for experts, teachers, friends, or experienced test-takers to correct your essay and give comments
  • Take advantage of IELTS mobile apps or online courses

With IELTS TEST PRO, you can not only refer to assessed articles, but also practice on copious topics.

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