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IELTS Writing — Complete Guide

Master both Writing tasks with detailed lessons, band 5–9 sample answers, essay type guides, and examiner tips. All content is original and aligned with official IELTS marking criteria.

60 minutes total (20 min Task 1 + 40 min Task 2)
2 tasks — report/letter + essay
4 marking criteria

The 4 Marking Criteria

Every IELTS essay is marked on four equally weighted criteria. Understanding what each criterion measures is the foundation of a high band score.

Task Achievement / Response25%

For Task 1: how fully you describe the data. For Task 2: how well you address all parts of the question and develop your position.

Coherence & Cohesion25%

How logically your ideas are organised and how effectively you use linking words, pronouns, and paragraph structure to connect your writing.

Lexical Resource25%

The range and accuracy of your vocabulary. Examiners look for precise word choice, collocations, and the ability to paraphrase.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy25%

The variety of sentence structures you use and how accurately you use them. Both range AND accuracy are assessed.

Essential Facts

Task 1 word minimum150 words (aim for 165–180)
Task 2 word minimum250 words (aim for 265–290)
Task 2 score weightingApproximately 66% of your total writing score
Time allocation20 minutes for Task 1, 40 minutes for Task 2
Essay styleFormal academic — no contractions, no informal language
OpinionsOnly give your opinion when the question explicitly asks for it
ParagraphsIntroduction + 2 body paragraphs + conclusion (Task 2 minimum)
Copying the questionCopied words are NOT counted — always paraphrase the topic
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