Yes — Task 2 contributes more to your overall Writing band, so always finish it. Never spend so long on Task 1 that Task 2 suffers.
IELTS Writing
You have 60 minutes for two tasks. Spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 (at least 150 words) and 40 minutes on Task 2 (at least 250 words). Task 2 is worth more of your Writing band, so protect its time.
The four marking criteria (each 25%)
| Criterion | What examiners reward |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Response | Fully answering the question, with a clear position and developed ideas. |
| Coherence & Cohesion | Logical paragraphing and smooth linking without overusing connectors. |
| Lexical Resource | A range of accurate, natural vocabulary and collocations (not memorised “big words”). |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | A mix of simple and complex sentences with few errors. |
Common mistakes that cap your band
- Not answering all parts of the question (instant Task Response penalty).
- Writing under the word count (150 / 250) — a direct deduction.
- Memorised phrases and templates examiners recognise.
- One long paragraph with no clear structure.
- Copying words from the question instead of paraphrasing.
Writing guides & model answers
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
Describe graphs, charts, maps and processes in IELTS Academic Task 1 — structure, language and a Band 8 model answer.
IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 (Letter)
Write formal, semi-formal and informal letters for IELTS GT Task 1 — tone, structure and a model letter.
IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay)
Plan and write a high-scoring IELTS Task 2 essay — essay types, a proven structure and a Band 8 model answer.
IELTS Writing Model Answers (Band 8+)
Band 8+ IELTS Writing model answers — Task 1, letters and Task 2 essays with analysis of why they score.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays
Band 9 IELTS Task 2 model essays by topic — technology, education, environment, health, crime and more, each with the question.
IELTS Task 1 by Chart Type
IELTS Academic Task 1 by chart type — line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, tables, processes and maps.
At least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2. Aim for 160–190 and 260–290 respectively — enough to develop ideas without rambling.
Only if used correctly and naturally. Examiners reward accurate, appropriate vocabulary and collocation — not forced “advanced” words that sound unnatural.
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