IELTS Academic Writing
A Complete Overview & Guide
Understanding the Test
The Academic Writing test is a 60-minute section designed to assess your ability to write in a formal style. It consists of two distinct parts with different timings and score weightings.
Timing & Weighting: The Crucial Difference
Task 2 is worth twice as many marks as Task 1. Manage your time accordingly: allocate 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2 for the best chance of success.
Task 1: Describe Visuals
Summarise and report the main features of a graph, table, chart, or diagram. Your goal is to be objective and accurate.
Task 2: Write an Essay
Respond to a point of view, argument, or problem. Your goal is to present a well-supported and structured argument.
Choose Your Path
Writing Task 1
Master the art of describing charts, graphs, maps, and processes. Our detailed guide provides strategies, vocabulary, and model answers.
Go to Task 1 GuideWriting Task 2
Dive deep into essay writing with our complete 5-part guide. Learn everything from planning and structure to advanced vocabulary and proofreading.
Go to Task 2 Guide