IELTS Writing Practice Guide 2026: Tasks, Tips & Band Score Criteria

The Writing test is 60 minutes with 2 tasks. Most students find this the hardest module because it requires real-time language production under time pressure.

IELTS Writing Has Two Tasks

Task 1: Describe Visual Data (20 mins)

Academic: Describe a chart, graph, diagram, or map (150+ words).

General Training: Write a letter (150+ words).

How to write it:

Introduction: Describe what the chart shows (1-2 sentences)
Overview: Identify main trends (2-3 sentences)
Details: Describe specific data points (3-4 paragraphs)
Conclusion: Not required (many writers skip this)

Common mistakes: Writing only 100 words, repeating sentence structures, using incorrect grammar for comparisons, not comparing data across categories.

Task 2: Write an Essay (40 mins)

What you'll see: An opinion or problem question. You must write 250+ words stating your opinion clearly with supporting examples.

Essay structure:

Introduction: Rephrase question + state your opinion (2-3 sentences)
Body Paragraph 1: First reason with example (4-5 sentences)
Body Paragraph 2: Second reason with example (4-5 sentences)
Conclusion: Restate opinion + summarize reasons (2-3 sentences)

Common mistakes: Forgetting to state an opinion, writing under 250 words, using informal language, weak examples, grammar errors.

The Five IELTS Task 2 Essay Types

Task 2 questions fall into a small number of patterns. Recognising them early lets you structure your answer correctly from the start:

Opinion / Agree-Disagree — "To what extent do you agree?" State and defend a clear position.
Discussion — "Discuss both views and give your opinion." Cover both sides, then take a stance.
Advantages / Disadvantages — "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" Weigh both, then conclude.
Problem / Solution — "What are the causes and what solutions can you suggest?" Diagnose, then propose fixes.
Double question — two linked questions to answer (e.g. "Why is this happening, and is it positive?").

Knowing which type you're facing shapes your introduction and body-paragraph plan before you write a word.

IELTS Writing Band Score Criteria

Examiners score you on 4 criteria, each worth 25%:

Criterion	Band 7 Requires
Task Achievement	Addresses all parts. Clear position. Well-developed ideas.
Coherence & Cohesion	Logical paragraphing. Effective use of linking words.
Lexical Resource	Good range of vocabulary. Generally accurate. Some less common words.
Grammatical Range	Mix of simple and complex structures. Generally accurate. Occasional errors.

Pro Tips for IELTS Writing

Plan Before Writing — Take 2-3 minutes to plan your structure. Write down main ideas. This prevents rambling and errors.

Use Varied Vocabulary — Don't repeat the same word. Use synonyms. Avoid overly simple words. Show lexical range.

Check Your Grammar — Subject-verb agreement. Tense consistency. Article usage (a/the/no article). Prepositions after verbs.

Write Specific Examples — Generic examples score lower. Use concrete details. Reference specific data. Show knowledge.

Time Management — Task 1: 20 mins max. Task 2: 40 mins max. Leave 5 mins to review both.

Stay on Topic — Reread the question carefully. Don't add irrelevant ideas. Every sentence should be relevant.

Sample Task 2 Essay (Band 7 Level)

Question: Some people think that universities should focus on teaching practical skills while others believe they should provide a general education. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Universities have long debated whether to prioritize practical skills or provide broad general education. Both approaches have merit, but I believe a balanced combination serves students best.

Advocates for practical skills argue that university should prepare students for employment directly. They contend that job market demands specific technical expertise, and graduates with practical abilities secure employment faster. Many employers specifically hire based on relevant skills and certifications. This approach certainly produces job-ready graduates quickly.

Conversely, proponents of general education maintain that universities should develop critical thinking and broad knowledge. They argue that while specific skills become outdated, problem-solving abilities remain valuable throughout careers. A general education provides intellectual foundation allowing students to adapt to career changes. Furthermore, employers often teach job-specific skills themselves.

In my view, universities should emphasize both aspects. Practical skills provide immediate value, while general education develops adaptability for long-term career success. The ideal university experience combines specialized subjects with transferable skills like communication and research.

Analysis: This essay scores Band 7 due to clear opinion, logical flow, adequate vocabulary range, and mostly correct grammar.

Weekly Practice Plan

Week 1: Task 1 practice — describe charts. Write 2 essays focusing on clear description.
Week 2: Task 2 — learn essay structure. Write 2 essays following intro-body-conclusion.
Week 3: Vocabulary & grammar focus. Write 3 essays. Get AI feedback.
Week 4: Full practice tests. Complete 2 full writing tests under exam conditions.
Ongoing: Write 3-4 essays weekly with AI feedback.

FAQ

How many words do I need for each task?

Task 1 needs at least 150 words and Task 2 at least 250. Writing slightly above the minimum (e.g. 170 and 280) is safer — under-length essays are penalised on Task Achievement, regardless of quality.

Do I need to write a conclusion for Task 1?

No. Academic Task 1 normally ends with the key details; a conclusion is optional and often unnecessary. Task 2, however, requires a clear conclusion that restates your position.

Can I use memorized templates?

Templates for structure are fine, but full memorized paragraphs are penalised. Examiners look for your own ideas and accurate, natural language. Use a clear structure as a scaffold, not a script.

How much does grammar matter vs ideas?

Both matter — grammar and vocabulary (Lexical Resource + Grammatical Range) make up half your score, and Task Achievement + Coherence make up the other half. Strong ideas poorly expressed and fluent writing without content both cap at around Band 6.

Why isn't my score improving despite practice?

Likely because you're writing without feedback. If you don't know what's holding you at Band 6, you repeat the same errors. Get every essay scored against the four criteria and fix the specific weakness each time.

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