IELTS Writing: Two Tasks, Different Purposes

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Two tasks in 60 minutes

The Writing component lasts 60 minutes. Both tasks must be completed. Task 1 has a minimum of 150 words; Task 2 has a minimum of 250 words and contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.

Task 1 changes by test type

In Academic Task 1, you describe visual information such as a graph, table, chart, or diagram. In General Training Task 1, you write a letter in response to a situation.

Task 2 and assessment

Task 2 asks you to discuss a point of view, argument, or problem. Examiners assess how well you answer the task, organise and connect ideas, use vocabulary, and control grammar. Keep the response relevant and write in connected prose.

  • Task achievement or task response

  • Coherence and cohesion

  • Lexical resource

  • Grammatical range and accuracy

Official IELTS sources