Two tasks, sixty minutes. Task 2 carries twice the weight of Task 1, so manage your time accordingly.
The IELTS Writing test takes 60 minutes and has two tasks. Both are marked on four equally-weighted criteria: Task Achievement/Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to your Writing band, so you should spend about 40 minutes on Task 2 and 20 minutes on Task 1.
You are given a chart, graph, table, diagram, or map and asked to summarise the key information in your own words. You are not asked for your opinion. A strong response identifies the main trends or features, makes relevant comparisons, and supports them with accurate data from the visual.
You write a letter requesting information or explaining a situation. The tone may be formal, semi-formal, or informal depending on who you are writing to. The bullet points in the prompt must all be addressed for full task achievement.
You respond to a point of view, argument, or problem in a formal essay of at least 250 words. The question may ask you to discuss both views, agree or disagree, discuss advantages and disadvantages, or address a problem and solution. A clear position maintained throughout, with well-developed paragraphs, is essential for Band 7 and above.
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