IELTS Writing tips and tricks
Examiners mark four things: how well you answer the task, how clearly it's organised, your vocabulary and your grammar. Good planning improves all four.
- Time
- 60 minutes for both tasks
- Task 1
- 150+ words, about 20 min
- Task 2
- 250+ words, about 40 min
- Weight
- Task 2 counts double
⭐ Top 5 tips if you only read one thing
- 1.Do Task 2 first if you tend to run out of time. It's worth twice as much.
- 2.Spend 5 minutes planning before you write. A clear plan means a clear essay.
- 3.Answer every part of the question. Missing one part limits your band.
- 4.In Academic Task 1, always write an overview of the main trends.
- 5.Leave 3 minutes to check for your usual mistakes.
Task 1 Academic: charts, tables and diagrams
Write a clear overview
In two sentences, say what the biggest trends or differences are. Without an overview it's hard to get above band 5 for Task Achievement.
Good: Overall, coal use fell sharply, while solar and wind rose to become the largest source.
Select, don't list everything
Pick the most important features and compare them. Writing every number makes your answer long but weak.
Use a simple 4-paragraph plan
Introduction (rewrite the question) → overview → details group 1 → details group 2.
No opinions
Only describe what the chart shows. Don't explain why or give your view.
Vary how you describe change
Mix verbs and nouns so you don't repeat yourself.
Sales rose sharply.
There was a sharp rise in sales.
Sales doubled, from 10% to 20%.
Task 1 General Training: letters
Cover all three bullet points
Give each bullet its own paragraph, and develop it with a detail or reason.
Choose the right tone
Formal for a company or official (Dear Sir or Madam … Yours faithfully). Informal for a friend (Hi Sam … Best wishes).
State your purpose early
Say why you're writing in the first sentence or two.
Good: I am writing to complain about the noise from your flat late at night.
Task 2: the essay
Identify the question type
Opinion, discuss both views, advantages and disadvantages, problem and solution, or two-part question. Each needs a slightly different structure.
Answer every part
If the question asks "Why is this happening, and is it positive or negative?", you must answer both parts.
Make your position clear
State your opinion in the introduction and keep it the same until the conclusion.
Use 4 or 5 paragraphs
Introduction, two or three body paragraphs, conclusion. One main idea per body paragraph.
Explain and give an example
Each body paragraph: main point → explanation → example → link back to the question.
Stay on topic
Everything should answer the exact question. A good essay on a slightly different topic scores badly.
Language and style
Paraphrase the question
Don't copy the question in your introduction. Copied words aren't counted and don't show your vocabulary.
Use linking words naturally
However, as a result and for example are useful, but not in every sentence. Too many make writing sound mechanical.
Accuracy before complexity
A few correct complex sentences are better than many long sentences full of errors.
Avoid memorised phrases
Examiners recognise learned templates like "In this day and age, it is a burning question". They can lower your score.
Know your common mistakes
Articles (a/the), subject-verb agreement and plurals are the usual ones. Check for them at the end.
Common mistakes to avoid
- No overview in Academic Task 1
- Writing under 150 or 250 words, which loses marks
- Answering only one part of a two-part question
- Changing your opinion in the middle of the essay
- Copying the question or memorised sentences
- Not leaving time to check
Now put these tips into practice
Tips work best when you use them under real test conditions.
Check your writing free