Understanding the IELTS General Training Writing test format

What is the format of the IELTS General Training Writing Test?

This article is for the IELTS General Training Writing test. If you are looking for the Academic Writing test, please click here

The Test Format

The IELTS General Training writing test is for one hour. It has two tasks that you need to finish within the hour. Although there is no stipulated time for you to finish each individually, it is recommended that you take 20 mins for task 1 and 40 minutes for task 2. Task 1 involves describing an illustration and task 2 involves writing an essay.

Task 1

As mentioned earlier, you should keep roughly 20 minutes of the stipulated 1 hour to complete task 1. Task1 is definitely the shorter of the two tasks as it is asking you to write a simple letter. In fact, the question comes with a set of sub questions which instruct you on what you need to write about thus reducing the amount of thinking you need to do. Which is why it makes sense to use less time for this task.

So, what are the types of letters you may be asked to write. There are three different types of letters you may be asked to write. Formal letter, where you may write a letter requesting information or seeking leave from work etc. Semi-formal letter, where you may write to your landlord registering a complaint or write to a hotel where you forgot your belongings etc. And finally, informal letter, where you may write letters such as thanking a friend for hosting you or writing to a relative to share your recent experience.

Next let’s understand what is the instruction that you need to follow. Task 1 requires that you write a minimum of 150 words. And I stress on the word minimum. If you write less than 150 words you will lose marks for not following instructions. You may write more than 150 words but you cannot write 149. Minimum 150.

Task 2

Coming to task 2. Or essay writing. For this, you should ideally set aside 40 minutes of the stipulated 1 hour that is given for the test. Task 2 involves writing more words and also bringing in your own ideas. So, you certainly will need time to plan your answer before you start writing. Also, considering that you will be writing more you will need more time to revise your work as well.

Task 2 can present 5 different types of questions for you to answer. These are:

- Opinion essay, where you will need you present your opinion on an issue

- Discussion essay, where you will have to discus the opinions that have been presented on an issue

- Solution essay, where they will ask you to suggest a solution to an issue

- Direct answer essay, where the question will seek an answer from you to a problem or scenario

- Advantage/disadvantage essay, where you will have to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a change, product, habit etc. 

Like task 1, task 2 also comes with an instruction on the minimum number of words that you need to write. The minimum number of words for task 2 are 250. And just like in task 1 if you write less than 250 words you will lose marks. It is okay for you to write more than 250 words.

To know what type of questions to expect on the other 3 modules, you can read the following articles: 

- What to expect on the Speaking Test ?

- What to expect on the General Training Reading Test?

- What to expect on the Listening Test?

- Understanding the IELTS Test format - Paper based Test

If you are looking for professional guidance to prepare for the test, you should join my Online IELTS group classes. Through these classes I help you prepare for the test in a small batch of 5 students, to maximize the attention you get from me. To know all about these classes click here. If you wish to check out all other courses that I offer, then please click here!