The IELTS Writing section is 60 minutes long and includes two tasks:

✅ Task 1 (20 minutes)

• Academic version: You’ll be asked to describe visual information such as a graph, chart, map, table, or process. Your response should be at least 150 words and focus on identifying key trends, comparisons, or significant features — without giving opinions.
  
  

• General Training version: You’ll need to write a letter — either formal, semi-formal, or informal — in response to a given situation. The task requires at least 150 words and should include clear structure, appropriate tone, and specific details.
  
  

✅ Task 2 (40 minutes)

This task is the same for both Academic and General Training tests. You’ll write an essay of at least 250 words responding to an argument, problem, or point of view. This essay should present clear opinions, support your ideas with examples, and follow a logical structure.

What You Need to Do:
Write a 150-word report describing trends, comparisons, or changes in a chart/graph/diagram.

Example Prompt:

The chart below shows the number of international students in five countries from 2000 to 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.

Tips:

• No opinion or conclusion

• Use varied sentence structures (e.g., “There was a sharp increase in…” / “By contrast…”)

What You Need to Do:
Write a letter of at least 150 words in response to a situation.

Example Prompt:

You recently moved to a new city and want to invite an old friend to visit. Write a letter explaining where you live and suggesting activities.

Tips:

• Match tone: formal for complaints, informal for friends

• Use structure: greeting, intro, details, closing

Write a 250-word essay that presents an argument, explains a problem, or expresses an opinion.

Common Question Types:

• Agree/Disagree

• Advantages/Disadvantages

• Problem & Solution

• Discussion + Opinion

• Double Question
  
  

Example Prompt:

Some people believe children should learn practical skills at school. Others argue that academic subjects are more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Examiners assess writing based on 4 equal criteria:

• Task Response - Did you answer all parts of the question clearly and fully?

• Coherence & Cohesion - Are your ideas logically organized and connected?

• Lexical Resource - Do you use a wide range of appropriate vocabulary?

• Grammatical Range & Accuracy - Do you use different sentence types and accurate grammar?

📌 To score Band 7+, you need a high level in all four areas.

✅ Learn essay templates for each task type

✅ Use linking words naturally (e.g., however, therefore, as a result)

✅ Avoid repeating vocabulary — use synonyms

✅ Practice writing under timed conditions

✅ Get feedback from tutors or model comparisons

✅ Model Answer (Band 8)

The bar chart illustrates the proportion of individuals from four different age groups who attended cultural activities such as theatre performances, cinema screenings, and museum exhibitions in 2010.

Overall, younger people were more likely to visit the cinema, while older individuals showed a stronger preference for theatre and museums. Cultural participation varied significantly across age categories and event types.

The highest attendance at the cinema was among those aged 16 to 24, with nearly 80% visiting at least once during the year. This figure dropped steadily with age, reaching just 30% among those aged 65 and above.

In contrast, museum visits were most popular among the 45–64 age group, with nearly 70% attendance, while younger participants were less engaged. Theatre attendance was relatively consistent among all age groups, ranging from 40% to 55%, with a slight peak in the 65+ group.

In summary, the data highlights clear generational preferences for different types of cultural activities.

🎯 Want to write your own version and get feedback? Try our IELTS Writing Practice App 

✅ Model Answer (Band 8)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I recently stayed at your hotel — The Greenview Inn — from June 10th to June 13th, and I’m writing to express my dissatisfaction with the room I was provided.

Upon arrival, I was assigned Room 305, which had a faulty air conditioning unit. Despite the unusually high temperatures during my stay, the air conditioner emitted only warm air and could not be adjusted. I reported the issue to reception on the first evening, but it was not fixed throughout my three-night stay.

As a result, I experienced significant discomfort, especially at night. I was unable to sleep properly, which negatively affected the purpose of my trip — a professional training workshop held nearby.

I would appreciate a partial refund or a voucher for a future stay as compensation for the inconvenience caused. I hope you will treat this matter with attention and take action to avoid similar situations in the future.

Yours sincerely,
James Rowland

🎯 Want to write your own version and get feedback? Try our IELTS Writing Practice App