IELTS Writing Must Know Information | IELTS Luminary
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Essential Information on IELTS Writing

Writing Task 1

IELTS writing section has two parts. Writing Task 1, and Writing Task 2. You will be given total 60 minutes to complete both parts. 

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Writing task 1 for General Training students is different from that of Academic students. Click here to see the difference between GT and Academic IELTS. However, Writing Task 2 is same for both GT and Academic students.

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There are different types of Writing task 1 question. It can appear as a bar graph, a line graph, a pie chart, a process map etc. Check our detailed discussion on common types of writing task 1 question.

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Writing task 1 carries one third of total writing marks, whereas task 2 carries the remaining two thirds. Click here for the detailed information on marking.

 

In Academic Writing Task 1, you will need to write a report on given diagrams/charts. 

Whereas in General Training, you will be asked to write a letter.

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You should not spend more than 20 minutes for Writing Task 1. Because you will get only one third of total Writing section marks from this task.

 

You must write at least 150 words in Task 1. If you write less than 150, you will lose marks. You should write somewhere between 170 and 190. 

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Be aware of your spelling, vocabulary and grammar. Most of the students lose crucial marks because of spelling and grammatical errors.

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You do not need to write a conclusion in Writing task 1. Write the final sentence of the second body paragraph in a way so that it can summarize your discussion.

Writing Task 2

You will need to write at least 250 words in writing task 2. You will lose marks if you write below 250 words. However, you can write a few more such as,  280-290. Though we recommend not exceed 290. 

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You should spend maximum 40 minutes for Writing Task 2, and the remaining 20 minutes for Task 1.

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You can write 4 or 5 paragraphs for Writing Task 2, and it is important to write an introduction and a conclusion in this task. Don't forget to check our detailed discussion on how to write a great introduction and how to write a perfect conclusion.

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You need to be careful about your spelling and punctuation. Many students lose a number of marks because of ignoring these sections.​

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In IELTS Writing section, you can use either a pencil or a pen. We suggest you use a pencil, so that you can easily erase and rewrite in need.

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In case you run out of space, you can ask for extra writing papers. All you need is just raise your hand, an invigilator will come for your help.

 

We recommend you practice writing on Official IELTS Writing sheet. Download the answer sheet for task 1, and the answer sheet for task 2.

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