IELTS Writing Practice
Practise both IELTS Writing tasks in the real computer-based interface, then learn how examiners score your work across the four official criteria — so you know exactly what to improve.
Test format at a glance
IELTS Writing has two tasks to complete in 60 minutes. Task 2 carries more weight than Task 1 toward your overall Writing band, so most candidates plan around 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 for Task 2.
Duration
60 minutes
Tasks
2 tasks
Task 1
150+ words
Task 2
250+ words
How the band score is calculated
IELTS Writing is not scored by counting right answers. A certified examiner rates each task from 0 to 9 on four equally-weighted criteria, then your two task scores are combined — with Task 2 weighted twice as heavily as Task 1 — into an overall Writing band.
Task Achievement / Response
Did you fully answer the task — cover every part of the question, support your ideas, and (Task 1) report the key data accurately?
Coherence & Cohesion
Is your writing logically organised, with clear paragraphs and smooth linking between ideas?
Lexical Resource
How wide and accurate is your vocabulary, including less common words and correct collocation?
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Do you use a variety of sentence structures with few errors that don't get in the way of meaning?
Your overall Writing band is roughly (Task 1 + Task 2 + Task 2) ÷ 3, rounded to the nearest half band. That is why improving Task 2 lifts your score the fastest.
The two Writing tasks
Academic and General Training share Task 2 but differ on Task 1. Here is what each task asks you to do.
Task 1 — 150 words, ~20 min
Academic: describe a graph, table, chart, map or process in your own words. General Training: write a letter — formal, semi-formal or informal — for a given situation.
Task 2 — 250 words, ~40 min
Write a formal essay responding to an argument, problem or opinion. Task 2 is the same for both modules and counts double toward your Writing band.
Practise now — free, no sign-up
Write a real Task 1 and Task 2 in the exact computer-based interface, so exam day feels familiar. Submitting for a detailed, examiner-style evaluation of all four criteria takes just a free account.
Try a free Writing task- The authentic computer-based writing interface
- Both Academic Task 1 visuals and Task 2 essays
- Detailed feedback on all four marking criteria
Tips to raise your band
Spend the first few minutes planning — a clear structure scores higher than extra sentences.
In Task 1, report and compare the key trends; don't describe every single data point.
Answer every part of the Task 2 question, and take a clear position where one is asked for.
Use paragraphs with one main idea each — coherence is a full quarter of your score.
Leave two minutes to check for the small grammar slips examiners notice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I practise IELTS Writing for free?
Yes — you can write both tasks in the real test interface for free. A detailed, examiner-style evaluation of all four criteria needs a free account.
How is the IELTS Writing score calculated?
An examiner rates each task 0–9 on four equal criteria. Your two tasks are combined with Task 2 weighted double, giving an overall Writing band.
What is the difference between Academic and General Training Writing?
Task 2 is a formal essay in both. Task 1 differs: Academic asks you to describe a visual, while General Training asks you to write a letter.
How many words should I write?
At least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 for Task 2. Writing under the minimum is penalised, so aim slightly above.
Why is my Task 2 score more important?
Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1 toward your overall Writing band, so improving your essay lifts your score the fastest.
Practise the other IELTS skills
Free, exam-style practice for every part of the test.
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