IELTS Writing Task 1 & 2: Question Types & Band Strategy

The IELTS Writing test consists of two separate tasks: Task 1 focuses on reporting or functional communication, and Task 2 focuses on developing and presenting ideas in detail. Although both tasks are marked together, Task 2 carries more weight in determining the final writing band.

This article explains IELTS Writing question types, how they must be answered, and which factors influence band outcomes. It focuses on method, structure, requirements, and scoring logic behind both Academic and General Training tasks.

What Are the IELTS Writing Task 1 Question Types?

IELTS Writing Task 1 is different in the Academic and General Training variants. In the Academic test, Task 1 requires you to describe and summarise information presented in visual form, such as charts, diagrams, or maps. However, Task 1 of the General Training test requires you to write a letter based on a given situation, with a focus on purpose and tone, not data description.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you must describe and summarise information presented in a visual format within 20 minutes. You must identify key features, trends, stages, or changes shown in the given material without adding opinions or explanations.

The task types include:

• Data-based visuals: bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, tables, and mixed charts
• Process diagrams: natural processes (such as life cycles) and man-made processes (such as manufacturing stages)
• Maps: a single map or maps showing changes to a location over time

Academic Writing Task 1 is descriptive and analytical only. Candidates are expected to report what the visual shows, not to write letters, express opinions, or explain causes.

IELTS General Training Writing Task 1

In IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, you must write a letter based on a given situation within 20 minutes. It assesses how effectively you can handle everyday written communication, such as making requests, responding to requests, giving information, or explaining situations.

The task types include:

• Formal letters: written to organisations or authorities for official purposes
• Semi-formal letters: written to someone known in a professional or limited personal context
• Informal letters: written to friends, family, or close acquaintances

General Training Writing Task 1 focuses on practical communication in daily contexts. To achieve higher scores, candidates must convey the letter’s purpose clearly, choose an appropriate tone, and organise information logically. Data description, trend analysis, and visual interpretation are not part of this task.

How to Write IELTS Writing Task 1 Answer?

The approach to Writing Task 1 is different for the Academic and General Training (GT) tests. In Academic Task 1, you are required to organise and report data whereeas GT Task 1 requires you to communicate purpose and tone effectively in a letter.

In both versions, examiners look for clear task response, logical organisation, and controlled language use. Task 1 answers are assessed on how well information is selected, structured, and presented, not on personal opinion or creative expression. The sections below explain the expected writing method for each test type.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 – Answer Methods & Tips

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you need to organise information logically and report the most important features of the visuals. Your response should follow a clear paragraph sequence, moving from an overall summary to specific comparisons or stages. Any related data or steps should be placed together so the description does not feel scattered.

IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 Answer Methods & Tips

In IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, you should identify the purpose of the letter before you write and keep that purpose clear throughout the response. Your writing should be organised logically, with each paragraph contributing directly to what the letter is meant to achieve. Tone matters more than complex language, so your word choices should match the relationship and situation described in the task.

How to Write Formal Letters?

When you write a formal letter, use a neutral and professional tone throughout the response. Start by stating the purpose clearly in the opening paragraph, so the reader immediately understands why you are writing. The body paragraphs should explain details, requests, or information in a logical order, with one clear point per paragraph.

Sentences must also remain direct rather than overly polite or emotional. Even when you are complaining or requesting action, avoid emotional language and focus on clarity. It is also important to avoid contractions (can’t, don’t, won’t, isn’t, etc.) and informal expressions.

A formal letter is effective when the message is easy to understand and appropriate for communication with organisations or people you do not know personally.

How to Write Semi-formal Letters?

In a semi-formal letter, you should balance politeness with neutrality. Begin by stating the purpose clearly, as in a formal letter, but allow limited personal reference if the situation involves someone you know in a professional or familiar context. The tone should remain respectful without sounding distant.

The language should also avoid informal expressions or casual phrases, but you do not need the same level of emotional detachment used in formal letters. Keep paragraphs organised around one idea at a time and ensure the message stays focused on the situation described in the task.

A semi-formal letter is effective when it sounds appropriate for communication with someone you know, but not closely.

How to Write Informal Letters?

In an informal letter, you should write in a natural and friendly tone while keeping the message clear and organised. Start by stating the purpose of the letter in a relaxed but direct way, then use the following paragraphs to explain details, plans, or feelings related to the situation. Even though the tone is friendly, each paragraph should still focus on one main idea.

Your language can be personal, but it should remain clear and controlled. Avoid slang, short forms that are too casual, or unclear references that might confuse the reader. An informal letter works well when it sounds natural and easy to read, but still communicates the full purpose of the task without missing important details.

What Are the IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types?

In both the Academic and General Training tests, Writing Task 2 requires you to write an essay in response to a given topic. The task asks you to present ideas, explain viewpoints, or evaluate an issue in a structured way.

Task 2 focuses on your ability to develop ideas, organise arguments, and communicate a clear position in continuous writing. The topic is usually related to social, educational, or general issues, and you must support your points with explanations rather than personal stories or examples from your own life.

Five possible question types can appear in IELTS Writing Task 2, which are explained below.

• Opinion essays: After reading an opinion, you must either agree, disagree, or partly agree with it. Examiners look for a clear and consistent position that is maintained throughout the essay.

• Discussion essays: You are asked to discuss two views, followed by your own opinion. Examiners look for balanced treatment of both views, with ideas clearly separated and logically organised.

• Advantage–Disadvantage essays: You must examine the benefits and drawbacks of an issue, or decide whether the pros outweigh the cons. Effective responses separate advantages from disadvantages clearly and explain each side, rather than mixing points.

• Problem–solution essays: The task focuses on describing problems, causes, effects, or solutions. A strong essay accurately identifies the problem and gives solutions or explanations that clearly relate to the topic.

• Two-part (direct question) essays: This task requires answering two or more direct questions within one response. You must fully cover every question, answer each part clearly, and provide enough development.

How to Write IELTS Writing Task 2 Answer?

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is not about listing ideas, but about developing and explaining them clearly. Your response should show a logical progression from introduction to conclusion, with each paragraph serving a clear purpose.

You should treat the entire essay as a single, organised response to the question. Every part needs to contribute directly to answering what is asked, without drifting into unrelated points. The specific approach to writing the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion is explained in the sections below.

How to write an Introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2?

To write an effective introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2, focus on answering the question clearly and setting the direction of your essay. The introduction should show that you understand the task and indicate how you will respond, without adding unnecessary detail.

How to write Body Paragraphs in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Writing effective body paragraphs in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to focus on developing one main idea at a time. Each paragraph should contribute directly to answering the question and support the stance you took in the introduction.

How to write a Conclusion in IELTS Writing Task 2?

To write a clear conclusion in IELTS Writing Task 2, bring the essay to a controlled end by restating your main position or response. The conclusion should reflect what has already been discussed, not extend the argument or introduce new ideas.

How is the IELTS Writing Test Scored?

The overall IELTS Writing band score combines the scores from both Task 1 and Task 2, but the two do not carry equal weight. Task 1 contributes one-third (3 out of 9) to the overall score, while Task 2 contributes two-thirds (6 out of 9). This weighting applies to both Academic and General Training candidates.

Examiners assess each task separately and then combine the results to produce a single writing band score. The assessment reflects how effectively a candidate completes the task, organises information, and communicates ideas in written English across both responses. It is one of the two skills of the IELTS test, alongside Speaking, that does not follow an objective scoring pattern.

Why does Task 2 Impact the Overall Writing Band More?

Writing Task 2 has a stronger impact on the overall writing band because it carries two-thirds of the total weighting and is allocated more testing time. Candidates are expected to spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2, which reflects the higher level of demand in Task 2.

Task 2 requires candidates to develop ideas, state a clear position, and organise arguments in a long essay. Since the writing is longer, weaknesses in idea development, explanation, and organisation are easier to notice. As a result, Task 2 performance influences the final Writing score more strongly than Task 1.

Band-Wise IELTS Writing Strategy

Depending on your band score target, you must adjust how you plan, structure, and develop your IELTS Writing answers. IELTS writing bands reflect how well you handle the task, organise ideas, and control language, including vocabulary. The sections below explain how your writing needs to change at band levels 6, 7, and 8+.

How to Get a Band 6 in IELTS Writing?

To reach Band 6, you must prioritise clear task response and basic organisation. Answer the question directly and keep your writing focused on what is asked, even if the idea development is simple.

For Band 6, your writing should:

• Respond to the task without drifting off-topic
• Use clear paragraphing, even if explanations are short
• Present a position or main idea in an understandable way
• Keep ideas relevant, rather than detailed

At this level, examiners look for control more than depth. You do not need complex arguments to get a 6.0, but you must organise ideas clearly and address all parts of the question.

How to Get a Band 7 in IELTS Writing?

If your goal is Band 7, your writing must be clear from start to finish, not just in parts of the essay. Your response should show that you can manage structure, ideas, and focus across the whole task, rather than relying on a few strong paragraphs.

At this level, the examiner should not need to guess your meaning or intention. Each paragraph should clearly support the question, and your position should remain steady as the essay progresses.

Band 7 in writing requires the following:

• Each paragraph must serve a clear purpose in answering the question.
• Ideas must be explained, not just stated and left undeveloped.
• A position must be introduced clearly and maintained throughout the essay.
• You must maintain a clear connection between your points and the task requirements.

How to Get a Band 8+ in IELTS Writing?

At Band 8 and above, the key difference is precision. Your writing should show that you are fully in control of idea selection, development, and connection. The essay must read as a single, well-shaped response where each paragraph contributes to answering the question without repetition or losing focus.

To achieve Band 8+, your writing must meet these conditions:

• Each idea must add clear value to the response, not restate earlier points.
• Development should be thorough but controlled, without unnecessary information.
• Paragraphs should progress smoothly with clear logical links.
• Focus on the task must be maintained from the introduction to the conclusion.

Bands 8 to 9 indicate a very good to expert user of English. Their writing remains consistently clear, organised, and precise, with only minor weaknesses that do not affect communication.

Prepare for IELTS Writing With Expert Feedback

Improving IELTS Writing is difficult to do alone, especially if you are aiming for Band 7 or higher. Self-evaluation does not tell you exactly what band score your writing would receive or how close you are to your target. It can also be hard to detect problems in structure, idea development, or language use.

This is where joining IELTS preparation classes can help. Feedback from experienced tutors and examiners will give you a better idea of how your writing is judged and what needs to change. They can point out weak areas you may miss on your own and give essential improvement tips to make your target score more realistic and achievable.