IELTS Academic Writing Description
Paper Format There are two Writing tasks and BOTH must be completed.
Timing 60 minutes
No of Questions 2
Task Types In Task 1 candidates are asked to describe some visual information
(graph/table/chart/diagram), and to present the description in their own
words. They need to write 150 words in about 20 minutes. In Task 2
candidates are presented with a point of view or argument or problem.
They need to write 250 words in about 40 minutes.
Answering Answers must be given on the answer sheet and must be written in full.
Notes or bullet points in whole or in part are not acceptable as answers.
Candidates may write on the question paper but this cannot be taken
from the examination room and will not be seen by the examiner.
IELTS Academic Writing in Detail
A detailed look at the paper with links to related resources.
Task 1
Task Type & Format In Writing Task 1, candidates may be asked to describe facts or figures
presented in one or more graphs, charts or tables on a related topic; or they
may be given a diagram of a machine, a device or a process and asked to
explain how it works. Candidates should make sure to include the most
important and the most relevant points in the diagram. Some minor points
or details may be left out.
They should write in an academic or semi-formal/neutral style.
Candidates should spend no more than 20 minutes on this task. They are
asked to write at least 150 words and will be penalised if their answer is too
short. While candidates will not be penalised for writing more than 150
words, they should remember that a longer Task 1 answer may mean that
they have less time to spend on Task 2, which contributes twice as much to
the Writing band score.
Candidates should also note that they will be penalised for irrelevance if the
response is off-topic or is not written as full, connected text (e.g. using bullet
points in any part of the response, or note form etc.). They will be severely
penalised if their writing is plagiarised (i.e. copied from another source).
Candidates must write their answers on the answer booklet.
Task Focus This task assesses the candidate’s ability to identify the most important and
relevant information and trends in a graph, chart, table or diagram, and to
give a well-organised overview of it using language accurately in an academic
register or style.
Number of Questions 1
Task 2
Task Type & Format In Writing Task 2, candidates are given a topic to write about. Answers
should be a discursive consideration of the relevant issues. Candidates
should make sure that they read the task carefully and provide a full and
relevant response. For example, if the topic is a particular aspect of
computers, they should focus on this aspect in their response. They should
not simply write about computers in general.
They should write in an academic or semi-formal/neutral style.
Candidates should spend no more than 40 minutes on this task. They are
asked to write at least 250 words and will be penalised if their answer is too
short. While candidates will not be penalised for writing more than 250
words, if they write a very long answer they may not have time for checking
and correcting at the end and some ideas may not be directly relevant to the
question. They may also produce handwriting which is unclear.
Task 2 contributes twice as much to the final Writing band score as Task 1.
Therefore, candidates who fail to attempt to answer this task will greatly
reduce their chance of achieving a good band.
Candidates should also note that they will be penalised for irrelevance if the
response is off-topic or is not written as full, connected text (e.g. using bullet
points in any part of the response, or note form etc.). They will be severely
penalised if their writing is plagiarised (i.e. copied from another source).
Finally, candidates should make sure that they do not copy directly from the
question paper because this will not be assessed.
Candidates must write their answers on the answer booklet.
Task Focus This task assesses the candidate’s ability to present a clear, relevant, well-
organised argument, giving evidence or examples to support their ideas, and
to use language accurately.
Number of Questions 1
