The IELTS Academic Writing is made up of two tasks, Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2. The questions in the Academic Writing test are different to those in the General Training Writing test.
In Academic Writing Task 1, you will be shown a visual representation of information; a graph, table, chart or diagram, and you are asked to summarise, describe or explain the information you see. Make sure you organise your response into three main parts, the introduction, an overview and the main features supported by figures from the diagram.
In Academic Writing Task 2, you will be presented with a point of view, argument, or problem. The topics can range from the environment to immigration, culture, and even technology. You might be asked to, agree or disagree with a point of view or argument, discuss two opposing views, write about the advantages or disadvantages of a topic, or explain a given problem, or the cause of a problem and offer a solution. Your response for Academic Writing Task 2 will need to be in an essay format.
Question types in IELTS Academic Writing
Find out about the questions you might get in the IELTS Academic test. Add them to your study plan to ensure you succeed in your IELTS test.
Academic Writing free practice questions
Download our free Academic Writing sample question and familiarise yourself with the questions you might get on test day.
How to organise your response in IELTS Writing
Let our IELTS Experts walk you through how you should organise your response in IELTS Writing Task and Writing Task 2.
How to write a good introduction in Writing Task 2
Find out strategies for writing an effective introduction in the IELTS Writing Task 2 and providing a good closure to your essay.
Should I take IELTS on computer or paper?
Take a closer look at the key differences between computer based and paper based IELTS and find out which test is best for you.
Yes, you can use all capital letters in the IELTS Reading and Listening sections. If you use capital letters in the Writing section, make sure that your punctuation is correct and the examiner can see where you start and finish sentences.
Pencil is recommended for the IELTS Listening, Reading, and Writing tests. This is because tests are scanned and work best with pencil. It also means that you can easily erase and rewrite words. If you forget to bring a pencil, the test centre will provide one for you.
Read the assessment criteria used for both Academic and General Training Writing tests carefully before your test day. The examiner will assess your writing based on four criteria for Task 1 and Task 2.
Remember that Writing Task 2 is worth twice as many marks as Task 1. You can improve your Writing band score by practising. Our news and articles page has extensive tips and advice to help you prepare and improve your English-language skills.
How can punctuation errors impact my score?
Punctuation is an important assessment criteria in the IELTS Writing test that examiners mark against. Find out how punctuation errors might impact your score.
Do I need to use different sentence structures to get a good score in Grammatical range and accuracy?
Don, our IELTS Expert takes a closer look at grammatical range and accuracy, one of the assessment criteria in the IELTS Writing test.
Mistakes that can hold you back from a band 8: IELTS Writing Task 2
Let our IELTS Expert guide you through the common mistakes that might hold you back from achieving a band 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Is my IELTS Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2 response weighted equally in terms of grading?
Our IELTS Expert, Don talks about how IELTS Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2 are marked, and the difference in the assessment criteria.
If I am asked to provide reasons in an IELTS Writing response, can I only provide one reason?
If a question in IELTS Writing asks you to give reasons for your response, find out what you need to include.
7 steps to help you reach a band 7: IELTS Writing Task 2
Let our IELTS Expert guide you through the 7 steps needed to achieve a band 7 in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Will I be penalised if I mix UK and US spelling in my Writing test?
You can choose to write your IELTS response in UK or US English. Let our IELTS Expert, Don walk you through why.
Can we use numbered lists to support our opinion?
If you are asked to provide an opinion in your IELTS Writing response, find out whether you can use a numbered list.