IELTS Writing: Format & Band Descriptors
Two tasks, sixty minutes, and four things the examiner is actually counting. Most candidates lose marks not because their English is weak but because they don't know what's being marked. Here's the whole picture before you write a word.
What you'll be able to do
- Explain how Task 1 and Task 2 are weighted in your Writing band
- Name the four marking criteria and what each rewards
- Recognise what separates a band 6 from a band 7 answer
- Plan your 60 minutes so Task 2 gets the time it deserves
You have 60 minutes and two tasks. Task 1 asks for at least 150 words; Task 2 asks for at least 250. It's tempting to write them in order and give each equal effort — that's a mistake. Task 2 is worth roughly twice as much as Task 1 in your final Writing band. Spend your time accordingly.
What changes between Academic and General Training is only Task 1. Academic Task 1 asks you to describe a graph, chart, process or map. General Training Task 1 asks you to write a letter. Task 2 — an essay — is essentially the same for both.
| Task 1 | Task 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Academic | Describe a graph, table, chart, process or map (150+ words) | Essay responding to an argument or problem (250+ words) |
| General Training | Write a letter — formal, semi-formal or informal (150+ words) | Essay responding to an argument or problem (250+ words) |
| Suggested time | 20 minutes | 40 minutes |
| Weight in band | ~1/3 | ~2/3 |
Do Task 2 first if you're a slow writer
There's no rule that says you must write Task 1 first. Because Task 2 carries more marks and needs more thinking, many high scorers write it first while their mind is fresh, then knock out Task 1 in the remaining 20 minutes. Try both orders in practice and keep the one that leaves you calmer.
The four things being marked
Both tasks are scored on the same four criteria, each worth 25% of that task's band. Learn these four names — every improvement you make should target one of them on purpose.
| Criterion | What it rewards | Quick wins |
|---|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Response | Answering the whole question, with a clear position and developed ideas. (Task 1: covering all the key features / all three bullet points.) | Address every part of the prompt; don't go under the word count. |
| Coherence & Cohesion | Logical organisation, clear paragraphs, and linking that guides the reader. | One idea per paragraph; use a range of linkers, not just "and" and "also". |
| Lexical Resource | Range and precision of vocabulary, including less common words used correctly. | Paraphrase the prompt; avoid repeating the same word; use topic-specific vocabulary. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | A mix of sentence structures with control — complex sentences that stay correct. | Combine short sentences with relative clauses and conditionals; proofread for slips. |
What a band 7 looks like next to a band 6
The jump from 6 to 7 is where most candidates get stuck. It usually isn't about "harder" English — it's about consistency and control.
| Criterion | Band 6 | Band 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Task Response | Addresses the task but some parts are underdeveloped | Addresses all parts with a clear, developed position throughout |
| Coherence | Organised, but linking can be mechanical or overused | Logical progression; a range of cohesion used naturally |
| Lexical Resource | Enough vocabulary, with some errors in word choice | Some less common vocabulary, with only occasional errors |
| Grammar | A mix of structures; errors are frequent but rarely block meaning | A variety of complex structures; the majority of sentences error-free |
Under the word count is an automatic penalty
If you write fewer than 150 words (Task 1) or 250 words (Task 2), you lose marks on Task Achievement — before the examiner even weighs your ideas. Learn what 150 and 250 of your words look like on the answer sheet so you never have to count during the exam.
Your 60-minute plan
How to spend the hour
- Read and plan Task 2 — 5 minutes. Underline exactly what the question asks, decide your position, and jot 2 body-paragraph ideas.
- Write Task 2 — 30 minutes. Introduction, two developed body paragraphs, conclusion.
- Plan and write Task 1 — 20 minutes. For Academic, pick the key features first; for GT, match the tone to the reader.
- Proofread — 5 minutes. Hunt your own repeat errors: articles, subject–verb agreement, plurals, word count.
Practise, don't just read
You can't improve writing by reading about it. Head to the Writing Clinic, write a real answer under a prompt, and get an instant estimate of your band across all four criteria — then bring it back up with the checklist there.
Frequently asked questions
How is the IELTS Writing score calculated?
Each task is marked on four criteria — Task Achievement/Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range & Accuracy — each worth 25%. Task 2 counts about twice as much as Task 1 toward your overall Writing band.
How long should I spend on each task?
About 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2, because Task 2 is worth roughly twice as much. Include a few minutes to plan and proofread.
What happens if I write fewer than 250 words?
You are penalised on Task Achievement/Response for being under length. Aim comfortably above the minimum — around 160–180 words for Task 1 and 260–290 for Task 2.
Is the Writing test different for Academic and General Training?
Only Task 1 differs: Academic asks you to describe visual data (a graph, chart, process or map), while General Training asks you to write a letter. Task 2 is an essay in both versions.