IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2
Chart descriptions, letters and essays: structure, word counts and band descriptors. This guide is part of our full IELTS guide.
Preparation
- Start with a diagnostic mock test to find your weakest band and study that first
- Practise Writing Task 2 essays under time and get them marked; this is where most students lose half a band
- Read a broadsheet newspaper article every day and summarise it in one paragraph
- Record yourself answering Part 2 cue cards for two minutes without stopping
- Learn the question types in Listening and Reading; technique alone lifts scores by a band
Resources
- The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS: Skills lessons plus eight practice tests with answer explanations.
- Cambridge IELTS 16 to 20: Genuine past papers; the best measure of your real band.
- IELTS Trainer 2: Six full tests with step-by-step guidance on the first two.
Task 1 and Task 2
Academic Task 1 describes a chart, graph, table, map or process in at least 150 words in 20 minutes. General Training Task 1 is a letter. Task 2 is a 250-word essay in 40 minutes and counts for two-thirds of the writing band. Most students lose marks for not answering the exact question, for under-length answers and for memorised phrases.
Questions
Which IELTS should I take for a UK university?
IELTS Academic for degree-level study. IELTS for UKVI Academic only if your university or visa route requires it, typically for pre-sessional English or below-degree courses.
What is a good IELTS score?
6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 satisfies most universities. Health, law and teaching programmes ask for 7.0.
How long are IELTS results valid?
Two years from the test date. Universities usually require the score to be valid on the course start date.
Can I study in the UK without IELTS?
Many universities accept Medium of Instruction letters, school English marks or alternatives like PTE and Duolingo. Check each course.
How many times can I take IELTS?
As many as you like. Results from different sittings cannot be combined.