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IELTS Writing Test

The IELTS writing test is the module that many students find the most difficult.

This is because in a short space of time (one hour) you have to write an essay and a graph (academic module) or a letter (general training module).

At IELTS buddy we'll provide you with top tips and strategies to get the score you need in the test.

Strategies for the IELTS Writing Test

These are some of our most important IELTS Writing Pages for the Academic module: 

If you are taking General Training, you can get tips and strategies and learn more about this particular module here:

Read on to learn more about what you have to do in the IELTS writing test.

About the Writing Test

The IELTS writing test module varies depending on whether you are doing the Academic Test (for university applications) or the General Test (usually for work / general migration). 

  • In IELTS Academic you have to describe a graph or diagram (Task 1) and write an essay (Task 2). 

  • In IELTS General Training you have to write a letter (Task 1) and write an essay (Task 2). 

The Task 2 (essay) is actually worth more marks than the Task 1 (graph or letter) so you should spend 40 minutes of the time on the essay and 20 minutes on the graph / letter. 

This difference in marking is represented in the number of words you have to write, which is a minimum of 150 for the Task 1 and 250 for the Task 2.

Academic General
Task 1
(150 Words)		 Describe a
Graph or Diagram		 Write a Letter
Task 2
(250 Words)		 Write an Essay Write an Essay

Academic Task 1

In the first section you will need to describe, summarize or explain a graph, diagram or process. Here is an example question: 

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The chart shows components of GDP in the UK from 1992 to 2000.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

You will have to describe the chart in no less than 150 words. In this section of the test, you could also get a line graph, a pie chart, a process, a table, or a map to describe.

Check out this video giving you an overview and
tips on the language you'll need to know:

Academic Task 2

Task 2 is an essay question. You will have to write a response to the question giving reasons and examples to support your answer. The topics are general interest. 

Here is an example of a question:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

The dangers and complexities of the modern world have made the mobile phone an absolute necessity for children.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.


Check out this video giving you an overview of the kind of questions you could get for the IELTS Essay:

General Training Task 1

The task of the general training module is to write a letter. You will be presented with a situation and you will need to write your letter explaining the situation or asking for information. The letter may be one of three styles: 

  1. Personal
  2. Semi-Formal
  3. Formal

Your response will have to reflect the appropriate style. 

Here is an example question:

You want to sell your television. You think a friend of yours might like to buy it from you. Write a letter to your friend.

In your letter:

  • Explain why you are selling the television
  • Describe the television
  • Suggest a date when your friend can come and see it



Write at least 150 words

You do NOT need to write any addresses

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear……..,

General Training Task 2

This is the same as the IELTS writing Academic module. You will need to write an essay responding to a point of view, argument or problem.

However, on the test day, the essay will be different to the one given to those taking the Academic module.

The essays is sometimes in a slightly more personal style than for the academic essay, but you need to follow the same methods for writing the essay.


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