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IELTS Writing mock test

Task 1 is different for Academic and General Training, so choose the test you are taking. Want to check a single essay instead? Use the writing checker.

How the IELTS Writing test works

The Writing test lasts 60 minutes and has two tasks. There is no break between them and no extra time to copy out your answers, so you decide how to split the hour. Most teachers suggest about 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2, because Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1.

Task 1: at least 150 words
In Academic you describe a chart, table, process or map in your own words. In General Training you write a letter that asks for information or explains a situation.
Task 2: at least 250 words
An essay that answers a question about an opinion, a problem or two sides of an argument. The question types are the same for Academic and General Training.

How your writing is marked

Each task gets a band from 0 to 9 on four criteria, which count equally:

  • Task Achievement (Task 1) or Task Response (Task 2): did you answer every part of the question and develop your ideas?
  • Coherence and Cohesion: is the answer organised into clear paragraphs that link together?
  • Lexical Resource: the range and accuracy of your vocabulary.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy: the variety of your sentences and how many are free of errors.

Answers under the word limit lose marks, so check the count before you finish. Our test shows a live word count under each task.

Taking the test on this site

  • You get one Task 1 and one Task 2 question with a 60-minute countdown, like the computer-delivered exam.
  • Your answers are saved on your device as you type, so a closed tab does not lose your work.
  • Each task is marked separately by AI and uses one paid check. You get an estimated band for each of the four criteria, with corrections from your own sentences.

Not ready for a timed test? See a sample feedback report, study Writing questions with model answers, or read our Writing tips.