The IELTS Writing Test is a critical component of the IELTS exam, assessing a candidate’s ability to express ideas clearly and coherently in written English. Lasting 60 minutes, it consists of two tasks: Task 1, where candidates describe visual information (Academic) or write a letter (General Training) in 150 words, and Task 2, a 250-word essay responding to a prompt, applicable to both versions. Topics often cover social, educational, or environmental issues. Candidates are evaluated on task achievement, coherence, vocabulary, and grammar. Scores range from 0 to 9, with each criterion contributing to the final band score. This test measures the ability to organize thoughts, use appropriate language, and address the prompt effectively, making it essential for academic and professional success in English-speaking contexts.

The IELTS Writing Test is designed to assess your ability to express ideas clearly, organize information, and use accurate grammar and vocabulary.
It lasts 60 minutes and is divided into two parts.
Below are detailed instructions and tips for each part.

• Duration: 60 minute.

• Format: Two writing tasks (Task 1 and Task 2)

• Assessment: Your responses are scored by a certified IELTS examiner.

Test Parts

Part 1: Task 1 (20 minutes recommended)

Purpose: To test your ability to describe visual information (Academic) or write a letter (General Training).

Task Type: Describe a chart, graph, table, map, process, or diagram.
Instructions:

• Summarize the main trends or features.

• Compare data where relevant.

• Do not include personal opinions.

• Use clear paragraphs (e.g., Introduction, Overview, Details).

• Write at least 150 words.

Example Prompt:
The chart below shows the percentage of households with internet access in five countries from 2000 to 2020.

Part 2: Task 2 (40 minutes recommended)

Purpose: To present an argument, opinion, or solution in essay format.

Task Type: Formal essay
Instructions:

• Answer all parts of the question clearly.

• Support your ideas with examples and explanations.

• Organize into four or five paragraphs (Introduction, Body 1, Body 2, optional Body 3, Conclusion).

• Write at least 250 words.

• Do not use bullet points or informal language

Common Question Types:

• Opinion: Do you agree or disagree?

• Discussion: Discuss both views and give your opinion.

• Problem-Solution: What are the causes and what solutions can you suggest?

• Advantages-Disadvantages: What are the pros and cons?
  
  

Example Prompt:
Some people believe that students should be required to take physical education classes. Others think they should spend more time on academic subjects. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Assessment Criteria

Your writing is scored on four equally weighted criteria:

Criterion

What it Measures

Task Achievement/Response

How fully and accurately you address the question and meet requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion

Logical flow of ideas, paragraphing, and use of linking words.

Lexical Resource

Variety, accuracy, and appropriateness of vocabulary.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Range and accuracy of grammar structures, including punctuation and tense control.

Each criterion is scored from Band 0 to 9, and the average forms your Writing Band Score.

Essential Tips for Success

• Plan First: Spend 3–5 minutes outlining your main ideas before writing.

• Watch the Clock: Aim for 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2.

• Use Formal Language: Avoid contractions (e.g., don’t → do not) and casual phrases.

• Vary Your Vocabulary: Avoid repeating words too often; use synonyms where appropriate.

• Write Clearly: Use topic sentences, link ideas logically, and separate paragraphs.

• Check Your Work: Leave 5 minutes to review grammar, spelling, and word count.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Writing less than the required word count (you will lose marks).

• Off-topic responses or failing to answer all parts of the question.

• Using informal language in essays or formal letters.

• Making frequent grammar or punctuation errors.

• Failing to organize your writing into clear paragraphs.

• Education: course, curriculum, lecture, assignment, degree, scholarship, enroll, major in, internship, dissertation.

• Technology: innovation, gadget, device, cutting-edge, digital, software, cybersecurity, user-friendly, artificial intelligence, virtual reality.

• Travel & Tourism: itinerary, sightseeing, backpacking, excursion, tourism, accommodations, travel agency, destination, local cuisine, breathtaking views.

• Environment: climate change, pollution, sustainable, ecosystem, conservation, endangered species, renewable energy, carbon footprint, recycling, biodegradable.

• Health: fitness, balanced diet, nutrition, mental health, healthcare system, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, physical therapy, vaccination.

• Work: profession, career path, full-time, part-time, telecommute, entrepreneur, promotion, resignation, salary, workplace environment.

• Culture: tradition, festival, heritage, multicultural, ceremony, custom, folklore, arts, cuisine, contemporary culture.

https://t.me/CambridgeIELTSpractice_tests (Telegram Channel)[Cambridge books versions from  10-19]

Goal: Rapid improvement through focused practice and strategy mastery.

Daily Commitment: 2–3 hours/day, 6 days/week (1 day for rest or light review).

Key Focus: Build test familiarity, refine strategies, and address weaknesses.

Week 1: Diagnostic and Foundation

• Day 1–2: Diagnostic Test

  • Take a full IELTS practice test (use official Cambridge IELTS books or online resources like ielts.org).

  • Score it and identify your weakest section (e.g., Writing, Speaking).

  • Set specific goals (e.g., improve Writing Task 1 structure).

• Day 3–6: Skill-Building by Section

  • Listening (30 min/day):

    • Practice 1–2 parts of a Listening test daily (Cambridge IELTS or BBC podcasts).

    • Focus on question types (e.g., multiple choice, map labeling).

    • Strategy: Predict answers before listening; note keywords.

  • Reading (45 min/day):

    • Practice 1 passage/day (use official IELTS materials).

    • Focus on skimming for main ideas and scanning for details.

    • Strategy: Practice True/False/Not Given and matching headings.

    • Learn 10–15 academic vocabulary words/day (use apps like Anki).

  • Writing (45 min/day):

    • Task 1: Analyze 2–3 sample answers (Band 7+) for structure (e.g., introduction, overview, key trends).

    • Task 2: Learn essay structure (introduction, 2 body paragraphs, conclusion).

    • Write 1 Task 1 or Task 2 response every 2 days; get feedback (use IELTS Liz or a tutor).

  • Speaking (30 min/day):

    • Practice Part 1 questions (e.g., hobbies, family) with a partner or record yourself.

    • Focus on fluency and coherence (use linking words like "moreover," "however").

    • Strategy: Expand answers with reasons and examples.

• Day 7: Rest or Review

  • Review vocabulary and weak areas; avoid heavy practice.

Week 2: Strategy and Practice

• Listening: Practice full Listening tests (1 every 2 days). Focus on avoiding distractors and improving note-taking.

• Reading: Complete 2 passages/day. Time yourself (20 min/passage). Practice summarizing paragraphs in your own words.

• Writing:

  • Write 1 Task 1 and 1 Task 2 every 2 days.

  • Focus on complex sentences and cohesive devices (e.g., "due to," "in contrast").

  • Use a timer (40 min for Task 2, 20 min for Task 1).

• Speaking:

  • Practice Part 2 (2-min talk) daily; use sample cue cards from IELTS websites.

  • Work on pronunciation (stress, intonation) using YouTube channels like English Addict with Mr Steve.

• End of Week: Take a full practice test. Compare scores to Week 1. Adjust focus to weaker areas.

Week 3: Intensive Practice

• Listening: Practice 1 full test/day. Review wrong answers to understand mistakes.

• Reading: Complete a full Reading test (3 passages) every 2 days. Focus on speed and accuracy.

• Writing:

  • Write 1 Task 1 and 1 Task 2 daily. Get feedback from a teacher or online platforms like IELTS Writing Correction.

  • Memorize Band 7 vocabulary for common topics (e.g., education, environment).

• Speaking:

  • Simulate Parts 1–3 with a partner or tutor (use Zoom or language exchange apps like Tandem).

  • Record answers and self-assess for fluency, vocabulary, and grammar.

• Mid-Week: Take a practice test under timed conditions. Aim for Band 6.5–7 in each section.

Week 4: Final Prep and Polishing

• Day 1–4:

  • Take 1–2 full practice tests/day (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).

  • Review answers thoroughly; focus on recurring errors.

  • Speaking: Practice with varied topics; aim for natural delivery.

  • Writing: Polish introductions and conclusions for clarity and impact.

• Day 5–6: Light Review

  • Review key strategies (e.g., skimming, time management).

  • Practice Speaking and Writing lightly to maintain confidence.

  • Revise vocabulary and common phrases.

• Day Before Test: Rest, review notes, and avoid heavy practice. Ensure you know the test format and logistics (e.g., ID, test center).

Resources:

• Cambridge IELTS Books (9–18).

• Websites: ieltsliz.com, ieltsonlinetests.com.

• Apps: IELTS Practice, Anki (vocabulary).

• YouTube: E2 IELTS, IELTS Simon.

Goal: Gradual skill improvement with ample practice and feedback.

Daily Commitment: 2–2.5 hours/day, 5–6 days/week.

Key Focus: Build a strong foundation, then intensify practice.

Weeks 1–2: Foundation and Assessment

• Diagnostic Test: Take a full practice test (Day 1). Analyze scores to prioritize weak sections.

• Listening:

  • Practice 1–2 sections/day (use IELTS materials or TED Talks for variety).

  • Focus on understanding accents and question types.

• Reading:

  • Practice 1 passage/day; focus on time management (15–20 min/passage).

  • Build vocabulary (10–15 words/day) for academic texts.

• Writing:

  • Study Band 7 sample answers for Task 1 and Task 2 (ieltsliz.com or Cambridge books).

  • Write 1 Task 1 and 1 Task 2 per week; get feedback.

  • Learn grammar for complex sentences (e.g., relative clauses, conditionals).

• Speaking:

  • Practice Part 1 and Part 2 daily (use sample questions from ielts.org).

  • Focus on fluency and expanding answers.

  • Record yourself to improve pronunciation.

• End of Week 2: Take a practice test. Note progress and adjust focus.

Weeks 3–4: Skill Development

• Listening: Practice 1 full test every 2 days. Focus on predicting answers and avoiding traps.

• Reading: Complete 2 passages/day. Practice summarizing main ideas and identifying synonyms.

• Writing:

  • Write 1 Task 1 and 1 Task 2 every 2 days.

  • Focus on coherence (e.g., logical paragraphing) and lexical resource (varied vocabulary).

  • Use a timer to mimic test conditions.

• Speaking:

  • Practice Parts 1–3 with a partner or tutor weekly.

  • Work on Part 3 (discussion questions) to develop complex ideas.

• End of Week 4: Full practice test. Aim for Band 6.5 in stronger sections.

Weeks 5–6: Intensive Practice

• Listening: Practice 1 full test/day. Review wrong answers to identify patterns.

• Reading: Complete a full Reading test every 2 days. Focus on speed (1 hour total).

• Writing:

  • Write daily (alternate Task 1 and Task 2).

  • Get feedback from a teacher or online service.

  • Memorize phrases for common essay types (e.g., opinion, discussion).

• Speaking:

  • Simulate full Speaking tests 2–3 times/week.

  • Focus on grammatical accuracy and range (e.g., use past, present, future tenses).

• End of Week 6: Full practice test. Aim for Band 7 in at least 2 sections.

Weeks 7–8: Final Prep

• Weeks 7:

  • Take 1 full practice test every 2 days (all sections).

  • Focus on polishing weak areas (e.g., Writing Task 1 overview, Speaking fluency).

  • Review vocabulary and strategies daily.

• Week 8:

  • Days 1–4: 1–2 full tests/day. Simulate test conditions (e.g., no distractions).

  • Days 5–6: Light review of notes, vocabulary, and sample answers.

  • Day Before Test: Rest, organize test-day logistics, and review key tips.

Resources: Same as 1-month plan, plus consider a tutor for Writing/Speaking feedback.

Goal: Steady progress with deep skill-building and extensive practice.

Daily Commitment: 1.5–2 hours/day, 5–6 days/week.

Key Focus: Long-term improvement, addressing weaknesses systematically.

Weeks 1–4: Foundation and Skill-Building

• Week 1: Diagnostic:

  • Take a full practice test. Identify strengths and weaknesses.

  • Set specific goals (e.g., improve Reading speed, Writing coherence).

• Listening:

  • Practice 1–2 sections/day (use IELTS materials or podcasts like BBC Learning English).

  • Focus on understanding question types and accents.

• Reading:

  • Practice 1 passage/day. Focus on skimming, scanning, and vocabulary.

  • Build a word bank (10 words/day) for academic topics.

• Writing:

  • Study Band 7+ sample answers for Task 1 and Task 2.

  • Write 1 Task 1 and 1 Task 2 per week. Focus on structure and grammar.

  • Learn 1–2 grammar topics/week (e.g., passive voice, conditionals).

• Speaking:

  • Practice Part 1 and Part 2 daily (use sample questions).

  • Focus on fluency and basic vocabulary.

  • Record answers to assess pronunciation.

• End of Week 4: Take a practice test. Note improvements.

Weeks 5–8: Strategy and Practice

• Listening:

  • Practice 1 full test every 2–3 days.

  • Focus on predicting answers and managing time.

• Reading:

  • Complete 2 passages/day. Time yourself (15–20 min/passage).

  • Practice summarizing and identifying paraphrases.

• Writing:

  • Write 1 Task 1 and 1 Task 2 every 2 days.

  • Focus on cohesion (e.g., linking words) and task response (e.g., addressing all parts of the question).

  • Get feedback weekly (tutor or online service).

• Speaking:

  • Practice full Speaking tests (Parts 1–3) twice weekly.

  • Work on Part 3 for complex answers and idea development.

  • Use apps like ELSA Speak for pronunciation.

• End of Week 8: Full practice test. Aim for Band 6.5 overall.

Weeks 9–12: Intensive Prep and Polishing

• Weeks 9–10:

  • Listening: 1 full test/day. Review errors to avoid traps.

  • Reading: Full test every 2 days. Focus on speed and accuracy.

  • Writing: Write daily (alternate tasks). Focus on Band 7 criteria (e.g., varied vocabulary, clear progression).

  • Speaking: Simulate tests 3 times/week. Focus on natural delivery and confidence.

• Week 11:

  • Take 1–2 full tests/day. Analyze mistakes thoroughly.

  • Review key strategies and vocabulary.

• Week 12:

  • Days 1–4: 1–2 full tests/day under timed conditions.

  • Days 5–6: Light review of weak areas, vocabulary, and test tips.

  • Day Before Test: Rest, prepare logistics, and review strategies.