IELTS Writing – Description, report, argument and opinion

IELTS Writing Test lasts for 60 minutes, and you will need to complete two writing tasks, each of which requires different text types (description, report, discussion, argument, opinion text). The IELTS Writing Test is different for the Academic Writing Test takers and the General Writing Test takers.

IELTS Academic Writing Test

The total time allowed for the IELTS Academic Writing Test is 60 minutes. Time yourself and allow just one hour to complete both parts of the test. Task 2 contributes twice as much as task 1 to the Writing score.

Academic Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on task 1

  • Write in a formal style
  • Write at least 150 words in response to a particular graph (bar, line or pie graph), table, chart, or process

>> IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Practice list

Academic Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on task 2

  • Write in a formal style
  • Write at least 250 words

>> IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 Practice list

IELTS General Writing Test

The total time allowed for the IELTS General Writing Test is 60 minutes. Time yourself and allow just one hour to complete both parts of the test. Task 2 contributes twice as much as task 1 to the Writing score.

GT Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on task 1

  • Write in a personal, semi-formal or formal style
  • Write at least 150 words depending on the task suggested, candidates are assessed on their ability to: engage in personal correspondence, elicit and provide general factual information, express needs, wants, likes and dislikes, express opinions (views, complaints etc)

>> IELTS GT Writing Task 1 Practice list

GT Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on task 2

  • Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own knowledge or experience
  • Write at least 250 words

>> IELTS GT Writing Task 2 Practice list

Instructions to the candidates

In the actual test you will be given the following instructions:

  • Do not open this question paper until you are told to do so
  • Write your name and candidate number in the spaces at the top of this page
  • Read the instructions for each task carefully
  • Answer both of the tasks
  • Write at least 150 words for task 1
  • Write at least 250 words for task 2
  • Write your answers in the answer booklet
  • Write clearly in pen or pencil; you may make alterations, but make sure your work is easy to read

At the end of the test, hand in both the question paper and your answer booklet.

Review

Once you have completed both tasks, review your work. IELTS Writing Test scripts are marked by trained and certificated IELTS examiners, who all hold relevant teaching qualifications and are recruited as examiners by the test centres and approved by British Council or IDP: IELTS Australia.

IELTS Writing Test Samples