IELTS ACADEMIC WRITING
The Complete A-Z Guide to Task 1 and Task 2
, How the Test Works
The IELTS Academic Writing test lasts 60 minutes and consists of two tasks. They are
not equal in weight or difficulty.
Task 1 (Report) Task 2 (Essay)
What it is Describe visual data or a Write a formal, academic
diagram. essay.
Suggested 20 minutes 40 minutes
Time
Word Count Minimum 150 words (Aim for Minimum 250 words (Aim for
160–180) 260–290)
Weight on Counts for 1/3 of your writing Counts for 2/3 of your writing
Score mark. mark.
The Four Band Descriptors
Every response is marked against four criteria, each worth 25% of your score. Here is
what they mean in plain terms:
Task Achievement / Response (TA/TR)
Did you fully answer the question? Did you provide a clear overview (Task 1) or a clear
position maintained throughout the essay (Task 2)? Did you meet the word count?
Coherence and Cohesion (CC)
Is the writing easy to follow? Are paragraphs logically organised? Do linking words
appear naturally, rather than forced in for the sake of it?
The Complete A-Z Guide to Task 1 and Task 2
, How the Test Works
The IELTS Academic Writing test lasts 60 minutes and consists of two tasks. They are
not equal in weight or difficulty.
Task 1 (Report) Task 2 (Essay)
What it is Describe visual data or a Write a formal, academic
diagram. essay.
Suggested 20 minutes 40 minutes
Time
Word Count Minimum 150 words (Aim for Minimum 250 words (Aim for
160–180) 260–290)
Weight on Counts for 1/3 of your writing Counts for 2/3 of your writing
Score mark. mark.
The Four Band Descriptors
Every response is marked against four criteria, each worth 25% of your score. Here is
what they mean in plain terms:
Task Achievement / Response (TA/TR)
Did you fully answer the question? Did you provide a clear overview (Task 1) or a clear
position maintained throughout the essay (Task 2)? Did you meet the word count?
Coherence and Cohesion (CC)
Is the writing easy to follow? Are paragraphs logically organised? Do linking words
appear naturally, rather than forced in for the sake of it?
