The General Training Writing test is made up of two tasks, Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2. The topics in each task are of general interest.
In Writing Task 1, you will be given a situation where you will need to write a letter to request information or explain the situation. You might be asked to write a letter to suggest how to improve facilities at a library. Examiners will look at your ability to provide general and factual information in relation to the task, express needs, wants, likes and dislikes, as well as opinions, views and complaints.
Writing Task 2 is a little different. You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. You will be assessed on whether you can provide general factual information, outline a problem, present a solution, justify an opinion or evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or an argument.
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.
Question types in IELTS General Training Writing
If you need to take a General Training test, take a closer look at the questions you might see in IELTS Writing.
IELTS General Training Writing free practice questions
Use our free sample questions for General Training to assess your English-language skills and learn where you need to improve.
IELTS Writing Task 2: 7 mistakes preventing you from getting a band 7
Learn about 7 common mistakes that might prevent you from reaching a band 7 in IELTS Writing Task 2.
IELTS General Training, Writing Task 1: How to write a letter
Take a closer look at our Expert tips on how to write a letter in IELTS General Training - Writing Task 1.
Prepare for IELTS with these 6 easy steps
Is this your first IELTS test? Read through these 6 easy steps to understand more about the IELTS test and how to prepare for it.
If you take computer-delivered IELTS, you will do the tests in the following order on the same day: Listening, Reading and Writing, with the Speaking test before or after this test session.
If you take paper-based IELTS, you will do the tests in the following order: Writing, Reading and Listening. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test can be done on the same day, or up to 7 days either before or after the test date.
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.
If you take a computer-delivered IELTS test, the Reading, Writing and Listening parts of the IELTS test are completed on a computer, but the Speaking test is completed face-to-face with an IELTS examiner.
Can I write my test entirely in capital letters?
Learn from our IELTS Expert, Don whether you can write your answers in an IELTS test entirely in capital letters.
7 Mistakes preventing a band 7 or higher: IELTS Writing Task 2
Let our IELTS Expert guide you through the 7 common mistakes that might hold you back from achieving a band 7 in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Should we expect topics related to COVID-19 the Speaking and Writing tests?
Find out whether you might have COVID-19 related topics appear in your IELTS test. Our IELTS Expert, Don helps us answer this question.
8 Steps to help you reach a band 8: IELTS Writing Task 2
Let our IELTS Expert guide you through the 8 steps needed to reach a band 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2.
What is the maximum number of words we should write in the Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2 essay?
Find out how many words you should write in IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2, and what is too short and too long.
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.