IELTS Writing practice questions and exam techniques
Original practice questions for every IELTS Academic Writing question type, each with a plan, useful language and the mistakes that cost bands. No model answers: the goal is to learn how to plan and write your own answer in the time. Pick a question, then score your answer.
New to IELTS Writing or stuck at band 5-6? Follow the 7-day Writing Bootcamp: one technique a day, with a check from your own scored essays.
Task 2 question types (40 minutes, 250+ words, counts double)
12 questions · e.g. "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" Discussion (discuss both views and give your opinion)
11 questions · e.g. "Discuss both views and give your own opinion." Advantages and disadvantages
11 questions · e.g. "What are the advantages and disadvantages of…?" Problem / cause and solution
11 questions · e.g. "What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest?" Two-part (direct) questions
11 questions · e.g. "Two questions in the prompt, e.g. "Why is this happening? Is this a positive development?"" Positive or negative development
11 questions · e.g. "Is this a positive or negative development?"
Task 1 question types (20 minutes, 150+ words)
10 questions with data Bar chart
10 questions with data Pie chart
10 questions with data Table
10 questions with data Mixed / multiple charts
10 questions with data Process diagram
10 questions with data Map
10 questions with data
Exam strategy: 60 minutes
| Minutes | Task 1 (20 min) | Task 2 (40 min) |
|---|---|---|
| Analyse | 2 min: what is shown, units, time period; find 2-3 key features | 2 min: underline the topic and the instruction words; how many parts must you answer? |
| Plan | 2 min: write the overview idea first, then group the data into two paragraphs | 5 min: decide your position, choose 2 main ideas, an example for each, and the paragraph order |
| Write | 13 min: aim for 170-190 words | 28 min: aim for 260-300 words |
| Check | 3 min: figures, units, tense | 5 min: position consistent, your personal error list |
Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1. If you often run out of time, many candidates start with Task 2 so it gets its full 40 minutes, then do Task 1.
Techniques that move bands
1. Answer the exact question
Most Task Response problems come from answering a different question. Count the parts ("discuss both views and give your opinion" is two parts) and make sure each one has its own developed paragraph.
2. Don't copy the question
Words copied from the question don't count towards your word count, and the descriptors say "any copied rubric must be discounted". Paraphrase the topic in your own words; keep only key terms that have no synonym.
3. Overview first in Task 1
Without a clear overview of the main trends, Task Achievement usually can't reach Band 7. Write it straight after the introduction so you don't run out of time and forget it.
4. Develop, don't list
One idea explained with a reason and a specific example scores higher than three ideas listed. Each body paragraph: topic sentence → explain → example → link back to the question.
5. Natural language, not memorised templates
The band descriptors name "memorised phrases" and "formulaic language" as a Band 4 Lexical Resource feature, and examiners can flag memorised answers. Learn flexible phrases (like the ones on each page) and adapt them; avoid long learned sentences such as "In this day and age, it is a controversial issue whether…".
6. Accuracy beats complexity
At Band 7 Grammar, "error-free sentences are frequent" and a variety of complex structures is used. A clear complex sentence with no errors is worth more than a long sentence with three. Use complex structures you can control.
7. Use paragraphs clearly
One central idea per paragraph, with a blank line between paragraphs. Missing or illogical paragraphing limits Coherence & Cohesion.
8. Don't overuse linking words
"Firstly / Moreover / Furthermore / In addition" at the start of every sentence counts as mechanical cohesion (Band 6). Use reference words (this, these, such) and vary your linkers.
9. Know your test format
Computer test: no spellcheck, and a word counter is shown; check typing errors and capital letters. Paper test: write legibly, and know how many of your words fit on one line so you can estimate the count.
10. Keep a personal error list
Most students repeat the same 3-5 mistakes (articles, plurals, subject-verb agreement, capital letters, sentence fragments). Your upband History shows errors per 100 words, so check your top ones in the last minutes.
Final 5-minute checklist
- Every part of the question answered? Position the same from start to end?
- Task 1: overview present? Figures and units correct? No opinions or reasons?
- Every sentence starts with a capital letter and has a main verb (no "Because…" fragments)?
- Articles (a/an/the), plurals and subject-verb agreement checked?
- Word count above the minimum (150 / 250)?
Most common Task 2 topics
Education · Technology · Environment · Work · Health · Crime · Cities and housing · Transport · Media and advertising · Family and society · Globalisation and culture · Tourism · Government spending