IELTS Writing Test Guide: Task 1, Task 2 & Band Scores 2026

The IELTS Writing test has two tasks, and Task 2 carries twice the weight of Task 1. You have 60 minutes in total. In Task 1, you must write at least 150 words to describe visual information or write a letter, depending on your test type. Task 2 requires an essay of at least 250 words. There is no scheduled break between the two tasks.

Examiners assess your work against four criteria: Task Achievement or Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Strong writing is not just about using advanced words: it is about answering the question fully, developing relevant ideas, and communicating clearly.

This IELTS Writing guide for 2026 compares Academic and General Training Writing, explains the different Task 1 and Task 2 question types, walks through essay structure, and shows you how to practise and improve your band score.

What is the IELTS Writing test?

Writing is one of the four IELTS skills, alongside Listening, Reading, and Speaking. Both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training include two writing tasks, which you must complete within the same 60-minute session. Each task has its own instructions, minimum word count, and assessment requirements.

IELTS Academic vs General Training Writing: What’s the difference?

Task 2 is an essay in both versions, although General Training prompts may involve more everyday situations. You still need a clear position, organised paragraphs, supporting ideas, and accurate English.

How is IELTS Writing delivered in 2026?

IELTS announced that, starting from mid-2026, test delivery would move to computer, with implementation dates varying by market. In the computer-delivered test, you normally type both Writing tasks, and the screen includes a word counter. Always check the available format with your local test provider before booking.

In selected markets, there is also an IELTS on computer (Writing on Paper) option. You view the Writing questions on a computer but handwrite your responses on an answer sheet. The tasks, time limits, and marking criteria remain the same. This option is not offered for IELTS for UKVI, and availability varies by location.

If you choose Writing on Paper and later take an eligible One Skill Retake for Writing, the retake must use the same writing delivery mode. See the official Writing on Paper explanation and the IELTS One Skill Retake guide for current eligibility rules.

IELTS Writing tasks explained

Both Writing tasks must be completed in 60 minutes. A practical time plan is 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2, leaving time to check spelling and grammar.

IELTS Writing Task 1: Academic and General Training

IELTS Writing Task 1 is different in Academic and General Training. Academic candidates report on visual information; General Training candidates write a letter. In both cases, the minimum length is 150 words.

Academic Writing Task 1: Describing visual information

For Academic Task 1, you summarise key features of a graph, chart, table, map, or process, and make relevant comparisons. Describe the information objectively; do not add personal opinions or invent causes that the visual does not show.

Aim for at least 150 words and spend around 20 minutes. The appropriate style is academic, neutral, or semi-formal. A strong answer usually introduces what the visual shows, presents an overall summary, and develops the most important details in logically organised paragraphs.

Seven common Academic Task 1 visual formats

1. Line graphs

Line graphs show changes over time. Identify the main trend, important rises and falls, and comparisons between different lines rather than reporting every individual figure.

Example source: Cambridge IELTS 18 Academic, Test 1.

2. Bar charts

Bar charts compare quantities across groups, places, categories, or time periods. Group similar figures and highlight the most significant contrasts.

Example source: Cambridge IELTS 18 Academic, Test 2.

3. Pie charts

Pie charts show proportions or percentage shares. Focus on the largest and smallest segments and meaningful differences between categories or years.

Example source: Cambridge IELTS 13 Academic, Test 4.

4. Tables

Tables present numerical information in rows and columns. Look for the highest and lowest values, overall patterns, and useful comparisons instead of listing every number.

Example source: Cambridge IELTS practice materials.

5. Maps

Map questions require you to describe a place or area, often comparing a layout at two different times. Use precise location language such as to the north of, adjacent to, replaced by, and expanded.

Example source: Cambridge IELTS 18 Academic, Test 3.

6. Mixed or combined charts

Some questions present more than one type of visual information. Explain what each visual measures, identify the key connections, and compare related trends. Do not make unsupported assumptions about why a change happened.

Example source: Cambridge IELTS 19 Academic, Test 4.

7. Process diagrams

Process diagrams explain how something works or how a product is made. Describe the main stages in order, using appropriate sequencing language and passive voice where natural.

Example source: Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic, Test 2.

General Training Writing Task 1: Letter writing

In IELTS General Training Task 1, you receive an everyday situation and write a letter of at least 150 words. The prompt usually includes three bullet points explaining what your letter needs to cover. The examiner assesses how well you address the purpose, provide the requested information, and use a suitable tone.

Your letter may be formal (to an organisation or someone you do not know), semi-formal (to someone you know in a professional context), or informal (to a friend or someone close to you). Choose the greeting, vocabulary, and closing that fit the recipient.

Common letter-writing situations

• Requesting information or a service.
• Complaining about a problem and requesting action.
• Inviting someone or arranging an appointment.
• Apologising or explaining an unexpected situation.

Allow about 20 minutes, cover all three bullet points, and check that the message sounds natural for the reader.

Example source: Cambridge IELTS 16 General Training, Test 1.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Essay writing

Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to your final Writing band score. You must write an essay of at least 250 words, so plan for approximately 40 minutes. The broad requirements are similar for Academic and General Training: answer the full question, maintain a clear position when asked, develop your ideas, and organise the response effectively.

You may be asked to discuss an opinion, compare viewpoints, explain the causes of a problem, suggest solutions, or evaluate benefits and drawbacks. See our dedicated IELTS Writing Task 2 guide for further practice.

Five common IELTS Writing Task 2 essay types

1. Opinion essays (agree or disagree)

Express a clear position and explain why you agree, disagree, or partly agree with a statement. Keep your position consistent and support it with relevant reasons or examples.

Typical question wording:

• To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Do you think this development is positive or negative?

Example source: Cambridge IELTS 18 Academic, Test 3.

2. Discussion essays

Present different perspectives on an issue, explain the reasoning behind each view, and provide your own opinion where the question asks for it.

Typical question wording: “Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

Example source: Cambridge IELTS 16 General Training, Test 2.

3. Problem-and-solution essays

Identify the main problems or causes and suggest realistic solutions that address them directly. Each solution should connect logically to the problem.

• What problems does this cause, and what solutions can be proposed?
• What are the causes of this issue, and how can it be resolved?

Example source: Cambridge IELTS 16 General Training, Test 1.

4. Two-part question essays

These prompts contain two separate questions. Read both carefully and devote enough space to each answer rather than responding to only one part.

Typical example: “Why is this happening? What are the advantages and disadvantages?”

Example source: Cambridge IELTS 16 General Training, Test 3.

5. Advantages-and-disadvantages essays

Explain the benefits and drawbacks of a trend or decision. Some questions also ask whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, in which case you must make a clear judgement.

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
• Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Example source: Cambridge IELTS 15 Academic, Test 3.

How to structure an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay

A clear four-paragraph structure works well for many Task 2 questions. It is a useful framework, not a compulsory official format: adapt it to the prompt and your ideas.

1. Introduction. Paraphrase the question in your own words. State the main issue and, when required, give your opinion or outline your response. Avoid copying long phrases from the prompt.
2. Body paragraph 1. Present one main idea. Explain it logically and support it with a relevant example or reason.
3. Body paragraph 2. Develop a second idea, contrast, or solution that complements your first paragraph. Use evidence and explanations rather than a list of disconnected points.
4. Conclusion. Summarise your main argument or position. Do not introduce a completely new idea that you have not developed in the body paragraphs.

Effective organisation makes your essay easier to follow and supports your Coherence and Cohesion score. For language patterns and flexible structures, explore our IELTS Writing templates for Task 1 and Task 2.

Common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics

Practising a variety of topics helps you learn to generate and organise ideas quickly. Frequently encountered topic areas include:

• Education and access to learning
• The environment and sustainability
• Employment and unemployment
• Health and public wellbeing
• Housing and urban development
• Technology and digital life
• Family and society
• Globalisation and migration

Prepare topic-specific ideas and examples, but do not memorise complete essays to repeat in the exam. Practise responding to the exact wording of each question.

How is IELTS Writing marked?

Examiners score each writing task using four assessment criteria. The four criteria contribute equally to each task’s score, while Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1 in your overall IELTS Writing band. Assessment looks at what you say, how well you organise it, your vocabulary, and how accurately you use English.

To practise estimating your overall IELTS results, you can use the GoIELTS Band Score Calculator. Remember that automated estimates are not official Writing examiner scores.

The four IELTS Writing assessment criteria

1. Task Achievement (Task 1) / Task Response (Task 2)

This measures how fully and appropriately you answer the task.

For Academic Task 1:

• Select the most important features, numbers, trends, or changes.
• Provide a clear overview rather than listing isolated details.
• Support comparisons with accurate data where it is available.
• Write at least 150 words and address what the visual actually shows.

For General Training Task 1: cover the situation and the relevant bullet points, establish a clear purpose, and adopt the right tone.

For Task 2:

• Answer every part of the question directly.
• Present a clear position where the prompt requires one.
• Develop ideas with sound explanations and relevant examples.
• Write at least 250 words and make your argument easy to follow.

For topic-specific expressions and accurate collocations, see our IELTS Writing Vocabulary guide.

2. Coherence and Cohesion

This criterion looks at how clearly you arrange and connect information.

• Use a logical paragraph structure with a clear progression of ideas.
• Apply linking expressions such as however, therefore, moreover, and in contrast only when they fit the meaning.
• Use referencing words such as this, these, and such accurately.
• Maintain smooth transitions within and between paragraphs.

Overusing linking words does not automatically lead to a higher band score. Clear relationships between ideas matter more than the number of connectors.

3. Lexical Resource

This measures the range, precision, and appropriateness of your vocabulary.

• Use a varied vocabulary suited to the topic and the level of formality.
• Avoid unnecessary repetition while choosing accurate synonyms.
• Use collocations and less common expressions naturally rather than forcing difficult words into every sentence.
• Check spelling and word formation.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

This criterion examines how effectively you use sentence structures and grammar.

• Combine simple, compound, and complex sentences where they serve your meaning.
• Choose verb tenses that match the time described, particularly for charts that show past changes.
• Use punctuation to separate ideas and make sentences readable.
• Reduce errors that interfere with clarity, such as agreement, articles, and sentence fragments.

How is the final IELTS Writing band calculated?

Each task receives an assessment based on the four criteria above. Task 2 is weighted twice as heavily when calculating the overall Writing result. For example, a Task 1 band of 6.0 and a Task 2 band of 7.0 would give a weighted average of approximately (6.0 + 2 × 7.0) ÷ 3 = 6.67, before the applicable IELTS band-rounding rules are applied.

IELTS reports band scores in whole and half bands, such as 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, and 7.5. For the definitive criteria, use the official IELTS Writing preparation and marking resources.

Four steps to improve your IELTS Writing score with GoIELTS

1. Take a realistic Writing mock test. Practise both tasks under timed conditions, using the Academic or General Training format that matches your goal. This builds familiarity with the time pressure and task instructions.
2. Review your feedback. A GoIELTS practice report can highlight areas such as task completion, idea organisation, vocabulary, grammar, and cohesion. Treat AI feedback and predicted bands as learning tools rather than official IELTS results.
3. Target your weaknesses. If your overview in Task 1 is weak, practise selecting the most important trends. If Task 2 lacks development, focus on explaining and supporting one idea per paragraph. Use practice prompts and Cambridge-style questions to build a repeatable routine.
4. Retake a practice test and compare your progress. Use another timed attempt to check whether your responses are clearer, better organised, and more accurate. Review both successful changes and mistakes that still appear.

Conclusion

The IELTS Writing test gives you an opportunity to demonstrate clear, organised, and accurate written English. Success depends on understanding the requirements of both tasks, using your time wisely, structuring answers effectively, and developing relevant ideas instead of relying on memorised phrases.

Practise a wide range of questions, use the four assessment criteria to review your work, and focus on steady improvement. A realistic study plan can help you feel more confident and prepared for your IELTS Writing test.