IELTS Writing: Task 1 and Task 2 With Sample Answers, Band Criteria and Common Errors

By the Go IELTS Editorial Team. Updated 2 November 2026. Information reflects the official IELTS test format; always confirm details with your test centre.

Format and weighting

IELTS Writing lasts 60 minutes and has two tasks. In Academic Writing, Task 1 asks you to describe a graph, chart, table, map or process in at least 150 words. In General Training Writing, Task 1 is a letter. Task 2 is an essay of at least 250 words in response to a point of view, argument or problem; it is the same for both versions. Task 2 contributes about twice as much to the Writing band as Task 1, so allow roughly 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2.

The four criteria in practical terms

Each task is marked on four criteria, and each criterion contributes equally. Task Achievement (Task 1) and Task Response (Task 2) measure whether you answered the question fully. A Band 6 response addresses the task but may be uneven or have unclear ideas; a Band 7 response covers all parts with a clear position and well-developed ideas. Coherence and Cohesion measures the organisation of ideas and use of linking. Band 7 requires logical sequencing and a range of cohesive devices without over-use. Lexical Resource covers range, precision and spelling; to reach Band 7 you need less common vocabulary used with awareness of style and collocation. Grammatical Range and Accuracy rewards a variety of complex structures and a majority of error-free sentences.

Task 1: describing data step by step

A strong Task 1 has four parts: an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The introduction simply paraphrases the question. For a graph showing the percentage of three age groups using smartphones from 2012 to 2022, you might write: 'The line graph compares the proportion of people in three age groups who used smartphones between 2012 and 2022.' The overview is the most important paragraph and the one many candidates omit. It reports the main trends without detailed figures: 'Overall, smartphone use rose in all three groups, and although younger people remained the heaviest users, the oldest group experienced the most dramatic growth.'

The body paragraphs then select and compare key data rather than listing every number. 'In 2012, 55% of 18 to 29 year-olds used smartphones, compared with 35% of people aged 30 to 49 and only 10% of those over 50. By 2022, the youngest group had reached 95%, while the middle group had climbed to 90%, almost closing the gap.' Notice that the paragraph groups, compares and uses accurate figures. Never include opinions or reasons that are not shown in the data, and use tenses that match the time frame: past tenses for past years, future forms for projections.

For process diagrams, describe the stages in order with the passive voice and sequencing words ('First, the leaves are picked and then they are left to wither'). For maps, compare 'before and after' and use language of location and change, such as 'was replaced by', 'to the east of' and 'has been converted into'.

Task 2: planning and writing the essay

Start by identifying the question type. Opinion questions ask whether you agree or disagree; discussion questions ask you to examine both views; problem and solution questions ask for causes and measures; advantages and disadvantages questions ask for a balanced evaluation; two-part questions ask separate questions that must each be answered. Spend about five minutes planning: decide your position, write two main ideas and note a supporting example for each.

For the statement 'Unpaid community service should be compulsory for high school students', one possible plan is: position, partly agree; paragraph one, service builds practical skills and social awareness, with an example of students who volunteer at care homes; paragraph two, compulsion may reduce motivation and burden students with heavy workloads, with an example of exam years. A body paragraph might read: 'Firstly, community service can give young people experiences that classrooms cannot. A student who helps in a local food bank, for instance, learns teamwork and empathy, qualities that employers value. These benefits suggest that service deserves a place in the curriculum.' The paragraph has a clear topic sentence, an explanation, an example and a link back to the question. The conclusion restates your position in different words and does not introduce new ideas.

Vocabulary, grammar and style

Aim for precise rather than unusual vocabulary. Use topic-specific words (curriculum, sustainable, urbanisation) and natural collocations such as 'raise awareness', 'tackle a problem' and 'play a significant role'. Avoid memorised phrases that do not fit the question; examiners recognise templates and may penalise irrelevant content. For grammar, mix simple and complex sentences, including relative clauses, conditionals and passive forms, and check regularly for errors with articles, plural nouns and subject-verb agreement. Write formally: avoid contractions and slang, and do not address the reader directly.

Mistakes that lower the band

The most common problems are writing under the word limit, missing the overview in Task 1, answering only one part of a two-part question, writing off-topic ideas that were prepared in advance, repeating the same linking words and failing to proofread. Another frequent error is overcomplicating sentences so that the meaning is unclear. Clear, accurate language always scores higher than ambitious but incorrect language. Reserve two minutes at the end of each task to check spelling, verb forms and punctuation.

A practice routine

Write one timed Task 2 essay and one Task 1 report each week. After writing, wait a day and review your own work: underline repeated words, check that every paragraph has one clear idea, and rewrite the weakest paragraph. Compare your essay with a model answer in order to learn structure and vocabulary, not to copy sentences. Keep a personal error list and review it before every practice session. The built-in prompts on this page give instant feedback on word count, paragraphs, overview and linking.

Frequently asked questions

Do I lose marks for writing fewer than 250 words in Task 2?

Yes. A response under the minimum is penalised under Task Response, so aim for 260 to 290 words.

Can I use bullet points in Task 2?

No. An essay should use connected paragraphs.

Is it acceptable to use 'I' in an essay?

Yes, when you give your opinion, but vary your phrasing and avoid repeating 'I think'.

How long should the Task 1 overview be?

Usually two sentences that report the main trends or features without detailed figures.

Continue your IELTS preparation

IELTS Listening guide and practice, IELTS Reading guide and practice, IELTS Speaking guide and practice.