Understand exactly what to expect in the Writing test, then move on to tips, examples, and 200 practice prompts.
The Writing test lasts 60 minutes and has two tasks. The content of both tasks differs between Academic and General Training, though the timing and general structure are the same.
| Feature | Academic | General Training |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | Describe a graph, chart, table, map, or process diagram (150 words minimum) | Write a letter responding to a given situation (150 words minimum) |
| Task 1 time | ~20 minutes recommended | ~20 minutes recommended |
| Task 2 | Write an essay responding to a point of view, argument, or problem (250 words minimum) | Write an essay responding to a point of view, argument, or problem (250 words minimum) |
| Task 2 time | ~40 minutes recommended | ~40 minutes recommended |
| Weighting | Task 2 counts for twice as much as Task 1 in your final Writing band | Task 2 counts for twice as much as Task 1 in your final Writing band |
Whether you've fully addressed all parts of the task, with a clear position (Task 2) or an accurate overview (Task 1).
How logically your ideas are organised into paragraphs, and how well you use linking devices to connect them.
The range and accuracy of vocabulary used, including your ability to paraphrase the task wording.
The variety of sentence structures used and how accurately grammar is applied throughout.
Each criterion is weighted equally within each task, and Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to your overall Writing band score.