| Updated On - Sep 6, 2025
IELTS Writing Highlights:
- Word Limit: Maintaining the word limit is very important to achieve a higher score. Write within 150 words for Task 1, and 250 words for Task 2.
- Duration: You will be allocated 60 minutes to complete IELTS writing tasks. 20 minutes is allocated for Task 1, and 40 minutes for Task 2.
- Task 1: In the General Training Writing Task 1, you have to write a letter to explain the situation or request information.
- Task 2: 5 types of essays: Opinion, Discussion, Solution, Direct questions, and Advantage and Disadvantage essay.
IELTS Writing section is divided into 2 tasks, task 1 and task 2. Task 1 writing topics are different for academic and general modules, and task writing 2 consists of the same pattern. You will be allocated 60 minutes to complete the writing section. 20 minutes is allocated to task 1, and 40 minutes to task 2. IELTS writing topics include food, animals, art, business, population, activities, communication, and technology. You need at least a 7 band score to get admission to the top universities worldwide. IELTS writing syllabus consists of descriptive and detailed writing. You have to write over 150 words for task 1, and over 250 words for task 2.
IELTS Writing Topics
IELTS writing contains a wide range of topics, and candidates are asked to write an essay based on the topic. Both general and academic writing topics of IELTS syllabus are based on health, culture, crime, technology, art, animal, environment, work, art, and education. You have to write a 150-word for IELTS exam writing task 1 and a 250-word essay for IELTS writing task 2 topics. Here is the list of the common essay types that are asked in IELTS writing test:
| Essay Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Discussion based | Required to present an explanation about the given topic. |
| Opinion based | Need to discuss their opinions on the given topic. |
| Advantage and Disadvantages | Asked to write about the negative and positive impact of the given topic. |
| Solution Based | Need to provide solutions based on a given situation. |
| Direct Question Essays | Requires to answer the provided direct question based on their thoughts and experiences. |
IELTS Writing Question Types
The academic and general training test has different IELTS writing task 1 question types. IELTS writing task 2 question type is the same for both academic and general training, and candidates need 40 minutes to complete this section. Candidates are presented with a graph, table, diagram, or chart on academic IELTS writing task 1. In IELTS general writing task 1, candidates have to write a letter to request information or explain the given situation. You can follow IELTS writing preparation tips and strategies from official and verified resources to answer effectively.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Question types
Line Graph:
Bar Graph:
Pie Charts:
Tables:
Process:
Maps:
Combinations:
Development:
IELTS Writing Scoring Criteria
IELTS writing section is marked based on 4 specific criteria. To achieve a high score in the writing section, you need to practice regularly to understand the different types of questions asked. Your IELTS writing score ranges on a scale of 0 to 9 band. Here are IELTS writing marking criteria and how it’s evaluated your answers:
| Tasks | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Task achievement/response (25%) |
Language accuracy Relevant responses Meet the required word limit |
| Coherence and cohesion (25%) |
Must have clarity in the answers Maintain proper fluency Responses must be organized Perfectly link ideas and information with the topic |
| Lexical resource (25%) | Use a good vocabulary that must be accurate and do not have any spelling errors or sentence formation |
| Grammatical range and accuracy (25%) |
Accuracy of grammar Error-free sentences Structured responses |
IELTS writing section covers a wide range of topics. Start your writing preparation by reading books, and solving sample papers. The topic of IELTS writing task 1 and task 2 are different for both the academic and general training tests. If you are aiming for the top universities abroad, focus on achieving a 7.5 band or higher in IELTS writing section.
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FAQs
Ques: How to prepare for IELTS Writing?
Ans: To prepare for IELTS writing, you need to understand the marking criteria, avoid informal writing, maintain a proper word count, and practice regularly. You can join a coaching centre or online course for structured learning under expert mentorship.
Ques: How can I get IELTS Writing 8?
Ans: To get 8 out of 9 bands in IELTS writing, you can take a course for better guidance and evaluation. Start your preparation by reading model answers, using official practice papers, and improving your grammatical and vocabulary range.
Ques: How can I get 7.0 in IELTS Writing?
Ans: IELTS writing total score ranges on a scale of 0 to 9 bands. To achieve 7 bands in IELTS writing, you need to answer all the questions, present a clear position, structure your essay properly, and use a wide range of vocabulary without any grammatical errors.
Ques: How to start writing in IELTS?
Ans: To start writing for IELTS, first, you need to understand the marking criteria. This will help you to customize your writing as per the examiner’s needs. Paraphrase the question, support the main features, and always check your writing before submitting.
Ques: How many hours is IELTS writing?
Ans: IELTS writing section lasts for one hour., and you need to answer two tasks in this allocated time. You need to allocate your time accordingly and allocate 20 minutes for task one, and 40 minutes for task two.
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