IELTS Writing Overview: Key Insights and Tips

In IELTS Writing Task 1:
You have about 20 minutes.
You must write an essay of at least 150 words.
You are given a visual presentation which can be in form of a graph, diagram, bar chart, table, map or a process. You must write an essay explaining the main features of the figure and make comparisons where relevant. You must not include any personal opinion while you are explaining the figure. You just need to describe and report what you are given.

How to use your 20 minutes:
You have 20 minutes for Task 1, so try spending 5 minutes on each paragraph. This might help you to organise your time better. First 5 minutes: Read the question, make sure you understand the chart, write your introduction by paraphrasing the question. Second 5 minutes: Look at the chart and try to find 2 general points. Don't look at specific details; look for "the big picture". Write 2 sentences summarising the information. Final 10 minutes: Describe specific details. Try to break this part into 2 paragraphs because it looks better. You could spend 5 minutes on each paragraph.

Points to Apply in Task 1:
The IELTS writing Task 1 academic is an information transfer task which requires you to write a fairly precise account of some information presented in graphic form such as a graph, table or some form of pictorial representation of data. In order to complete the task successfully, follow these suggestions.
Introduction should describe the purpose of the report and say what the overall trends are. For example, if the graph is climbing up or dropping down, you should mention the change or the changes accurately and meaningfully. You need to remember that you are describing a graph to someone who does not see it, so your words must draw the picture. Write what the graph is about, its dates and location as well as the right kind of measurements used. You must write in complete sentences. Notes are not acceptable.
Do not copy whole sentences or long phrases from the question. The examiner will recognize them, and they will not count towards the minimum number of words you must write.
The overall trend or the general over view should sum up the global or the general trends shown in the figure and compare them if possible. Your personal opinion should not appear anywhere in the report. You should not include other information that does not appear in the figure or the chart since this kind of writing can and will probably be penalized.

The body paragraphs should describe the most important features and trends, while all the information is summarized to avoid unnecessary details. When you are given too much information, you need to group them and select the most noticeable ones. For example, if there is a graph that has 2 peaks, you should mention them and tell when those peaks appeared and what the peak values are; however, if there are 5 similar trends, you need to group the information in order to avoid over length writing, which can lead to a waste of time.
Notice how many distinctive features the diagram or the graph has and divide them into paragraphs, one paragraph one set of features that is a group of similar trends. You should also link the paragraphs by sentences that logically connect them to one another.
You need to write about all the periods of time and all the subjects of the graph or the figure. If it shows several years for example 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995, write about all of them. If it is about men and women, write about both genders. Remember that summarizing does not mean throwing away information. The key here is to select what is important, organize it and make comparisons, which is describing both the similarities and the differences where relevant.
You may write your plans on the question sheet if, for example, you want to underline key words or to write notes and make comparisons. The examiner who marks your writing will not see the question sheet.

In IELTS Writing Task 2:
You have about 40 minutes.
You must write an essay of at least 250 words.
You are writing for an educated non-specialist audience and not a university lecturer. Therefore, your language does not need to be that formal.
You are, in most cases, expected to give your opinion. You may also have to include your life experience and some relevant examples.
You must either argue, that is, you must present an opinion and give reasons to support your opinions or express the causes or consequences of a situation. Sometimes you should either predict what might happen in the future or give solutions to a problem.
You must organize your writing in a good standard manner and you must use appropriate language and ideas.

Points to Apply in Task 2, Essay Writing:
The topics of the questions will be of general interest, and no specialist knowledge is required. For example, topics can include travel, accommodation, current affairs, shops and services, health and welfare, health and safety, recreation, social and physical environment.
You must write in complete sentences. Notes are not acceptable.
Do not copy whole sentences or long phrases from the question. The examiner will recognize them, and they will not count towards the minimum number of words you must write.
You may write on the question sheet if, for example, you want to underline key words or to write notes. The examiner who marks your writing will not see the question sheet.

11 comments

Poula AbdelmalakApr 25, 2024

Is that information for both General and Academic exams?

Elham SevenMar 19, 2024

It's very useful. Thanks

Tatsuyo KyudoJun 03, 2024

Poula Abdelmalak - That is for Academic exams as per what you can read the top.

Miroshika UdayangaJul 13, 2024

Thanks for providing an informative overview of two writing tasks.

You're welcome.

Bui Viet AnhNov 22, 2024

So nice. Many thanks!

You're welcome.

Aruzhan KozhakhmetDec 02, 2024

Thank you

You're welcome.

Afrin AlamDec 10, 2024

Organised

Seran ConneryDec 22, 2024

Hi could you provide some general training practice questions?

We'll do our best.

Natasha MaibaJan 27, 2025

Thanks

Bright UdohJan 22, 2025

Thank you so much! Very useful information

You're welcome.

Malaika NazirJan 30, 2025

That's really helpful ..

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