IELTS Guides · Writing · ~8 min read
IELTS Writing Task 1 & Task 2: Sample Answers and Band 9 Tips
IELTS Writing has two tasks in one hour, scored on four identical criteria but testing very different skills. Task 2 counts for twice as much as Task 1 — here’s exactly what each one wants, and where most scripts quietly lose marks.
Task 1: describing information, not giving opinions
Academic Task 1: describe a chart, graph, table, map, or process diagram in at least 150 words, in 20 minutes — summarising the key trends and comparisons factually, with no personal opinion.
General Training Task 1: write a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal) responding to a given situation — requesting information, making a complaint, or explaining something to someone.
Tip: Task 1 is not about describing every single data point — identify the two or three most significant trends or comparisons and organise the report around those, with supporting figures as evidence.
Task 2: the essay
A 250-word-minimum essay in 40 minutes, responding to a viewpoint, argument, or problem. Common formats: agree/disagree, discuss both views, advantages/disadvantages, and problem/solution.
Tip: state your actual position clearly in the introduction and keep it consistent throughout — an essay that seems to agree in paragraph one and hedges by the conclusion is marked down on Task Response even with strong language elsewhere.
How IELTS Writing is scored
Both tasks are scored on the same four criteria — Task 2 counts for roughly twice the weight of Task 1 in your final Writing band:
3 mistakes that cap most scripts
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2?
Task 1 describes visual data (Academic) or writes a letter (General Training) factually in 150+ words; Task 2 is a 250+ word opinion essay. Task 2 carries more weight in the final band score.
How long should an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay be?
At least 250 words — going under the limit directly costs Task Response marks, while a well-organised essay slightly over 250 is not penalised.
Can I use the same template for every Task 2 essay?
A consistent structure is fine, but memorised generic sentences are not — examiners are trained to recognise language that doesn’t respond to the specific question asked.
Is Task 1 or Task 2 worth more in IELTS Writing?
Task 2, by roughly a 2:1 ratio — which is why time management between the two tasks matters as much as the writing itself.
See real Band 6, 7, and 9 answers side by side
IELTS Writing Mastery covers Task 1 and Task 2 for both Academic and General Training, with model answers at different band levels, sentence-level fixes, and two full mock tests.
Written by Dr. Henry English, founder of Concord Black — a school director with a BA in English Language and Literature, a BA in English Language Teaching, a master’s degree in English Language Teaching, and a PhD in English Language and Philosophy.
IELTS is a registered trademark of the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English. This article and the product it references are independent and not affiliated with, authorised by, or endorsed by any of those organisations.
