# IELTS Writing

In Writing part of the exam, candidates receive task cards with two tasks and write responses according to them.

Assessment criteria are as follows.

-   Task achievement (for Task 1), task response (for Task 2)
-   Coherence and cohesion
-   Lexical resource
-   Grammatical range and accuracy.
    

# IELTS Writing

The **Writing** section of [IELTS](/tags/ielts) is 60 minutes for two tasks. **Task 1** is 150+ words: in Academic, you describe a chart, graph, or diagram; in General Training, you write a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal). **Task 2** is 250+ words: an essay arguing a position, weighing options, or discussing a problem. Tasks are scored on **task response/achievement**, **coherence and cohesion**, **lexical resource**, and **grammatical range and accuracy**.

Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1, so spend ~40 of your 60 minutes on it. Most candidates score low on lexical resource and grammar simply because they play it too safe, sticking to vocabulary and structures they're 100% sure of.


# IELTS Writing

If you've ever stared at a blank page in an exam and watched your minutes evaporate, you know IELTS Writing's main trap: time. 60 minutes feels like plenty until you're three paragraphs into Task 2 and realize you haven't planned the conclusion. Practicing both tasks under timed conditions, week after week, is what separates a 5.5 from a 7.

The **Writing** section of [IELTS](/tags/ielts) is 60 minutes, two tasks. **Task 1** (150+ words): chart description (Academic) or letter (General Training). **Task 2** (250+ words): an argumentative essay. Scored on **task response**, **coherence and cohesion**, **lexical resource**, and **grammatical range and accuracy**.


# IELTS Writing

- Task 1 (20 min, 150+ words): describe a chart/graph (Academic) or write a letter (General)
- Task 2 (40 min, 250+ words): argumentative essay on a given topic
- Scored on: task response, coherence, vocabulary, grammar
- Task 2 is worth *twice* as much as Task 1

**IELTS Writing** tests structured written production under time pressure. Two tasks, 60 minutes total. Task 2 carries double the weight, so prioritize it.

Key strategy: spend 5 minutes planning before writing. A planned essay with clear paragraphs scores higher than a longer, rambling one.


# IELTS Writing

**Writing vs [Speaking](/tags/ielts-speaking):** Writing gives you time to plan and self-correct, so examiners expect *higher accuracy*. Speaking allows hesitation and self-repair, so examiners focus on *fluency*. Don't write like you speak: Writing demands formal register, clear paragraph structure, and cohesive devices.

**IELTS Writing** = 60 min, 2 tasks (short report/letter + essay). Task 2 = double weight. Scored on task response, coherence, vocabulary, grammar.

Diagnostic: scoring below 6 on Task 2? Usually a *structure* problem (no clear thesis/topic sentences), not a vocabulary problem. Plan before you write.


IELTS Writing

See also