A Complete Guide to the IELTS Writing Test
The IELTS Writing Test assesses your ability to express ideas clearly and effectively in written English. It lasts 60 minutes and consists of two tasks. The writing tasks differ slightly between the Academic and General Training versions of the test.
In the Academic module, Task 1 requires you to describe, summarize, or explain visual information such as graphs, charts, tables, or diagrams in at least 150 words. Task 2 is an essay of at least 250 words, where you are asked to present an argument, discuss a problem, or give an opinion on a given topic. For the General Training module, Task 1 involves writing a formal, semi-formal, or informal letter, while Task 2 remains an essay similar to the Academic version but often based on everyday topics.
Your writing is evaluated based on four criteria: Task Achievement/Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. To succeed, you must plan your answers, organize your ideas clearly, use appropriate vocabulary and grammar, and stay within the word limits.
Strong writing skills are essential for academic study, professional communication, and everyday interactions in English-speaking environments.