IELTS Academic Writing Overview (2025)

Task	Time	Word Limit	Weight
Task 1 (Report Writing)	20 minutes	150+ words	1/3
Task 2 (Essay Writing)	40 minutes	250+ words	2/3

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🧾 IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 (Report)

🔹 Purpose

You must summarize and describe visual data objectively — no opinions.
Types include graphs, charts, maps, diagrams, and tables.

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📊 Task 1 Question Types

1️⃣ Line Graph

Shows change over time.
Task: Describe trends (increase, decrease, fluctuate).

Structure:

1. Introduction: Paraphrase question.
2. Overview: Main trends (overall increase, fall, etc.).
3. Body 1: First key features.
4. Body 2: Remaining key features.

Example:

The line graph illustrates the number of international students in the UK from 2000 to 2020.
Overall, student numbers increased dramatically, especially from Asia.
In 2000, Asian students numbered around 20,000, rising sharply to over 80,000 by 2020.
Meanwhile, European students grew more modestly, from 30,000 to 45,000.

Tip:
👉 Use trend verbs: rose, increased, declined, remained stable, fluctuated, peaked, dipped.

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2️⃣ Bar Chart

Compares categories at one time or over time.

Example:

The bar chart compares the percentage of men and women pursuing higher education in five countries.
Overall, women outnumbered men in all countries except Japan.

Useful Language:

• The highest figure was recorded in…
• By contrast, the lowest proportion was seen in…

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3️⃣ Pie Chart

Shows proportions.

Example:

The pie charts illustrate the distribution of household spending in 2000 and 2020.
Overall, expenditure on housing rose, while food spending declined.

Useful Language:

• accounted for, constituted, made up, represented.

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4️⃣ Table

Shows detailed data in numbers.

Example:

The table presents the literacy rates in five countries in 2010 and 2020.
Overall, literacy improved everywhere, with Nepal showing the greatest progress.

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5️⃣ Map

Shows changes in a location or plan.

Example:

The maps show changes in a coastal town between 1990 and 2020.
Overall, the town became more urbanized with the construction of a marina and hotels.

Useful Phrases:

• was replaced by, was converted into, extended, demolished.

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6️⃣ Process Diagram

Explains a process (natural or man-made).

Example:

The diagram illustrates how plastic bottles are recycled.
Overall, there are three main stages: collection, processing, and reproduction.

Useful Verbs:

• begins with, followed by, then, finally, ends with.

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⭐ Band 9 Tips for Task 1

✅ Always include an overview (no overview = Band 5 max).
✅ Group data logically (not line by line).
✅ Use complex sentences: “While A rose, B fell.”
✅ Avoid exact repetition of question words.
✅ Don’t give opinions.
✅ Aim for 170–190 words.

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📝 IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 (Essay)

🔹 Purpose

Write a formal essay presenting your argument, opinion, or discussion.

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📚 IELTS Task 2 Question Types (2025)

Type	Question Pattern	Example
1. Opinion (Agree/Disagree)	To what extent do you agree or disagree?	Some people think technology makes life more complex. Do you agree or disagree?
2. Discussion (Both Views)	Discuss both views and give your opinion.	Some think universities should focus on research; others believe they should teach skills. Discuss both and give your opinion.
3. Advantages/Disadvantages	What are the advantages and disadvantages?	What are the advantages and disadvantages of online learning?
4. Problem/Solution	What problems arise and how can they be solved?	What problems does overpopulation cause and what can be done?
5. Two-Part (Direct Question)	Has two questions.	Why do many prefer living in cities? What problems does this cause?

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🏗️ Universal Essay Structure (for all types)

1. Introduction
• Paraphrase question
• State your position (if required)
2. Body Paragraph 1
• Topic sentence
• Explain idea + example
3. Body Paragraph 2
• Topic sentence
• Explain idea + example
4. Conclusion
• Summarize ideas
• Restate opinion (if needed)

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✍️ Examples for Each Type

1️⃣ Opinion Essay

Question:
Some people believe that climate change is the most serious problem facing humanity. Do you agree or disagree?

Answer Outline:

• Intro: Paraphrase + agree
• BP1: Climate change causes natural disasters, food shortage.
• BP2: Global cooperation is difficult without action.
• Conclusion: Strongly agree that it’s the greatest threat.

Sample Line:

I completely agree that climate change represents the most urgent challenge for humanity because it affects every aspect of life on Earth.

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2️⃣ Discussion Essay

Question:
Some think students should learn academic subjects; others believe they should focus on practical skills. Discuss both and give your opinion.

Answer Outline:

• BP1: Academic knowledge builds strong theoretical base.
• BP2: Practical skills improve employability.
• Opinion: Balance between both is ideal.

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3️⃣ Advantage / Disadvantage

Question:
Do the advantages of online shopping outweigh the disadvantages?

Outline:

• Adv: Convenience, time-saving.
• Disadv: Fraud, lack of personal interaction.
• Conclusion: Advantages slightly outweigh drawbacks.

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4️⃣ Problem / Solution

Question:
Many cities suffer from traffic congestion. What are the causes and solutions?

Outline:

• Problem: Rising car ownership, poor public transport.
• Solution: Invest in metro systems, promote cycling.

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5️⃣ Two-Part Question

Question:
Why do many young people migrate abroad? Is this a positive or negative development?

Outline:

• Reason: Better education and jobs.
• Effect: Brain drain but personal growth.

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🔑 Band 9 Tips for Task 2

✅ Plan before writing (5 minutes).
✅ Use topic sentences and cohesive devices (however, moreover, in contrast).
✅ Give clear examples (e.g., “For instance, in Nepal…”).
✅ Use formal tone (no contractions like don’t).
✅ Keep 4 clear paragraphs.
✅ Aim for 270–290 words.
✅ Proofread for grammar and spelling.

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🧠 Updated 2025 Marking Criteria (Same for Task 1 & 2)

Band Descriptor	What Examiners Look For
Task Achievement / Response	Answers question fully, includes overview/opinion
Coherence & Cohesion	Logical flow, paragraphing, linking words
Lexical Resource	Wide vocabulary, accurate word choice
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	Complex sentences, few errors

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📘 Vocabulary Boosters

Function	Useful Phrases
Showing contrast	however, whereas, while, although
Adding ideas	moreover, in addition, furthermore
Giving examples	for instance, such as, namely
Result	therefore, as a result, consequently
Emphasis	indeed, significantly, notably

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🧩 Final Writing Checklist (Before You Submit)

✅ Have I written at least 150/250 words?
✅ Is my overview/conclusion clear?
✅ Are paragraphs balanced and logical?
✅ Did I use varied vocabulary and grammar?
✅ Are spelling and punctuation correct?

 

 

 

(Band 9 Sample Report)

Question:

The charts below show the percentage of energy produced from different sources in a country in 1990 and 2020.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and making comparisons where relevant.

Band 9 Sample Answer:

The two pie charts compare the proportion of energy generated from five different sources in a particular country in 1990 and 2020.

Overall, it is evident that renewable sources such as solar and wind energy became far more significant, while the share of traditional sources like coal and oil declined substantially over the 30-year period.

In 1990, coal was the dominant source, accounting for 40% of total energy production, followed by oil at 30%. Natural gas contributed 15%, whereas solar and wind energy were relatively insignificant, together making up just 15%.

By 2020, the pattern had shifted dramatically. The proportion of coal fell to 20%, and oil dropped by half to 15%. In contrast, solar energy rose sharply to 25%, becoming the largest source, while wind power tripled to 20%. Natural gas experienced only a slight increase to 20%.

In summary, energy production in this country moved away from fossil fuels and towards renewable alternatives, especially solar and wind power.

Examiner’s Feedback (Band 9 Justification)

Criterion	Band	Comments
Task Achievement	9	Clear overview, all main trends identified, accurate data selection.
Coherence & Cohesion	9	Logical paragraphing, smooth transitions (while, whereas, in contrast).
Lexical Resource	9	Excellent range (“dominant source”, “shifted dramatically”, “proportion”, “renewable alternatives”).
Grammar Range & Accuracy	9	Complex sentences, no grammatical errors.

Overall Band: 9.0

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 (Band 9 Sample Essay)

Question

Some people believe that the purpose of education is to prepare individuals to be useful members of society, while others think it should help them achieve personal ambitions.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Band 9 Sample Answer:

Education has long been viewed as the cornerstone of personal and national progress. While some argue that its primary role is to produce socially responsible citizens, others believe that it should focus on fulfilling individual goals. This essay will discuss both perspectives before expressing my own view that education must strike a balance between the two.

On the one hand, many people emphasize the social function of education. Schools and universities equip young people with the knowledge and values needed to contribute positively to their communities. For instance, teaching civic responsibility, teamwork, and ethics ensures that graduates become responsible citizens rather than self-centered individuals. Furthermore, societies depend on educated individuals to sustain public services such as healthcare, law enforcement, and governance, which collectively promote social harmony.

On the other hand, education also plays a crucial role in personal development. It enables individuals to pursue their dreams, discover their talents, and achieve economic independence. When learners follow their passions—whether in art, science, or business—they not only find personal satisfaction but often make innovative contributions to society as well. For example, entrepreneurs who build successful companies create jobs and stimulate national growth, thereby indirectly benefiting the wider community.

In conclusion, both arguments are valid: education should prepare individuals for social participation while also empowering them to fulfil their personal aspirations. A balanced approach, which values both collective responsibility and individual freedom, would create the most productive and harmonious society.

Examiner’s Feedback (Band 9 Justification)

Criterion	Band	Comments
Task Response	9	Fully addresses both sides, clear personal opinion, well-developed ideas.
Coherence & Cohesion	9	Smooth logical flow, excellent paragraphing, cohesive devices used naturally.
Lexical Resource	9	Precise academic vocabulary (“cornerstone”, “collectively promote”, “economic independence”, “empowering”).
Grammar Range & Accuracy	9	Flawless complex structures, no errors.

Overall Band: 9.0

Bonus: Band 9 Writing Tips (2025 Edition)

For Task 1

• Always include an overview with main trends (required for Band 7+).
• Avoid copying the question; paraphrase instead.
• Group data logically, not mechanically.
• Use comparative structures (while A rose, B declined).

For Task 2

• Spend 5 minutes planning (outline ideas and examples).
• Keep paragraphs balanced (each around 90–100 words).
• Use formal academic tone — no contractions (don’t → do not).
• Support each argument with a specific example or reasoning.
• Proofread for grammar and spelling in the final 3 minutes.