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 |
🧾 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.
📊
Task 1 Question Types
1️⃣ Line
Graph
Shows change over time.
Task: Describe trends (increase, decrease, fluctuate).
Structure:
- Introduction:
Paraphrase question.
- Overview:
Main trends (overall increase, fall, etc.).
- Body 1:
First key features.
- 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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
⭐
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.
📝 IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 (Essay)
🔹
Purpose
Write a formal essay
presenting your argument, opinion, or discussion.
📚
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? |
🏗️
Universal Essay Structure (for all types)
- Introduction
- Paraphrase question
- State your position (if required)
- Body Paragraph 1
- Topic sentence
- Explain idea + example
- Body Paragraph 2
- Topic sentence
- Explain idea + example
- Conclusion
- Summarize ideas
- Restate opinion (if needed)
✍️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🔑
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.
🧠
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 |
📘
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 |
🧩
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?
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