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IELTS Sample Essays

Here you will find IELTS Sample Essays for a variety of common topics that appear in the writing exam.

The model answers all have tips and strategies for how you may approach the question and comments on the sample answer.

You can also view sample essays with band scores on this page. 

Looking at IELTS essay topics with answers is a great way to help you to prepare for the test. 

These IELTS sample essays have been categorised in a way that makes it easy for you to see how certain essay question types require you to provide certain responses to ensure the question is fully answered. 

Specifically these are:

• Agree / Disagree
• Discuss Two Opinions
• Problems and Solutions
• Advantages and Disadvantages
• Other Types

Agree / Disagree Type Questions

In these types of question you are given one opinion and you then have to state the extent to which you agree or disagree with that opinion:

• Advertising
• Alternative Medicine
• Spending on the Arts
• Human Cloning
• Social Interaction & the Internet
• Airline Tax
• Free University Education
• Scientific Research
• Banning Smoking
• Employing Older People
• Vegetarianism
• Paying Taxes  
• Examinations or Formal Assessment 
• Multinational Organisations and Culture
• Internet vs Newspapers
• Technology Development  
• Dying of Languages
• Animal Extinction
• Truth in Relationships
• Role of Schools
• Return of Historical Artefacts

Discuss Two Opinions Type Questions

In this essay question type you are given two opinions, and you have to discuss both of these and then give your own view:

• University Education
• Reducing Crime
• Animal Rights
• Child Development
• Diet & Health
• Donating Money to Charity
• Closing Zoos   
• Becoming Independent  
• Formal and Informal Education  
• Influence of Scientists and Politicians
• Sources for Stories
• Searching for Extraterrestrial Life

Cause Type Questions

There are a variety of 'cause type' essay questions. In these you first have to give the reasons why something has happened, in other words the causes, but then discuss a different aspect of it, such as the effects, solutions or the extent to whether it is a positive or negative development:

Causes & Effects:

• Child Obesity
• Skin Whitening Creams
• Family Size
• Having Children Later in Life
• Time Away from Family

Causes and Solutions:

• Youth Crime
• Global Warming
• Paying Attention in Class
• International Travel & Prejudice 
• Museums & Historical Places
• Disappearance of Traditions
• Communication Between Generations

Causes, Pros & Cons:

• Family Closeness
• Living Alone
• Rural to Urban Migration

Problems & Solutions Type Questions

In these type of questions, instead of discussing the causes of a problem, you need to discuss the problems related to a particular issue in society, and then suggest what can be to solve these problems:

• Overpopulation
• Competing for Jobs  
• Professionals Immigrating

Advantage & Disadvantages Type Questions

In these type of questions you are asked to discuss the positive and negative sides of a particular topic. You will usually be asked this in the context of giving an opinion ( e.g. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Is it a positive or negative development? ): 

• Traffic Problems
• Food Additives
• Computer Games
• Age Discrimination at Work  
• Children using Tablets and Computers  
• Cell Phones, Internet, & Communication  
• Working from Home 
• Eating Locally grown  Produce  
• Oil and Gas Essay  
• Peer Pressure on Young People
• Online Fraud
• Decreasing House Sizes

'Hybrid' Types of Essay Question

There are sometimes questions that don't fit easily into a particular category as above. I've called these 'hybrid', as they are of mixed character, are composed of different elements from other types of essay, or are perhaps just worded differently. 

• Protecting Old Buildings
• Animal Testing
• Fear of Crime
• Communication Technology
• Influence of Children's Friends  

Sample Essays with Band Scores

You can also view some sample essays that have been written by candidates practising for the test and have band scores and comments by an experienced ex-IELTS Examiner based on the IELTS marking criteria. 

• IELTS Band 8 Essay Samples
• IELTS Band 7 Essay Samples
• IELTS Band 6 Essay Samples
• IELTS Band 5 Essay Samples
• IELTS Band 4 Essay Samples

Student Sample Essays

For more IELTS essay topics with answers you can also view essays that have been written by students. Some have feedback from other students or IELTS teachers:

• Student Model Essays  (with comments by other students)
• Student Model Essays (with comments by IELTS buddy)

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IELTS General Writing Task 1: Samples, Examples And Types

The International English Language Testing System is one of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests in the world. The IELTS General Training test includes two writing tasks. This guide provides a detailed look at IELTS General Writing Task 1: Samples, Examples, and Types. It provides valuable insight, practical tips, and sample letters that will help you succeed. We will also cover Task 2 so that you have a complete understanding of the writing section.

Understanding: Writing Task 1 General

IELTS Task 1 General Writing requires you to respond to a situation by writing a letter. This task aims to test your ability to communicate in a practical and everyday manner. You will be asked to write 150 words within 20 minutes. You may be asked to write formal, semi-formal, or informal letters. Each letter type has a different tone, structure, and style.

In a formal letter, you write to someone who is not a personal friend or in a business context. Examples include:

• Write to an organization to complain.
• Obtaining information from an organization.
• Applying for a job.

A formal letter should be written in a formal tone and with formal language. The letter will begin with a formal salutation such as “Dear (Title) [Last name]” or “Dear Mr/Madam,” followed by a clear purpose. The body of the correspondence should be brief and direct, addressing the issue or request in detail. The letter should end with a formal closure such as “Yours truly” or “Yours faithfully.”.

These letters are sent to someone that you know, but they’re written professionally, like a landlord, colleague, or neighbour. They are polite but not as formal as the other types. It is common to start the letter with “Dear (Title) [Last Name]” or “Dear (First Name), depending on your relationship. The first paragraph of your letter should clearly state its purpose. The body paragraphs must include all necessary information, including background. The letter should end with a polite closing, such as “best wishes” or “kindest regards. “.

You can write an informal letter to someone that you are close with, like a family member or friend. They are written in a casual tone and with informal language. These letters often begin with “Dear [First Name]” or “Hello [First Name].” The first paragraph should start with a friendly salutation and the purpose of writing. The body paragraphs should be relaxed and conversational. Share personal stories or news. The letter can be concluded with a casual close such as, “Best wishes,” “Cheers,” or “Take Care.”.

Writing Task 2 General IELTS

Writing Task 2 in the General IELTS exam requires candidates to write a formal essay in response to a given topic or question, aiming to test their ability to present a clear, logical argument supported by evidence and examples. Candidates need to write at least 250 words in approximately 40 minutes, discussing issues of general interest. The task types include opinion essays, where the writer must state and justify their viewpoint; discussion essays, which involve examining two opposing perspectives; problem-solution essays, which require identifying issues and proposing solutions; and advantage-disadvantage essays, which include evaluating the pros and cons of a given situation. This task assesses the candidate’s ability to articulate their thoughts coherently, use appropriate language, and demonstrate critical thinking skills, all of which are crucial for effective communication in an English-speaking environment.

IELTS General Writing Task 1 Samples

It’s important to follow a structured format when writing formal letters. Start with a formal greeting , and then state the purpose of your correspondence. If you bought an item online and it was late, you could start your letter by expressing dissatisfaction with your purchase. In the body, express your problem with the purchase. Give specific examples and ask the recipient to take action, like fast delivery or check the status; otherwise, replace. Formally close the letter, repeating your request for resolution.

A semi-formal letter should have a professional tone but a less formal style. You may need to address a neighbor with a complaint, like loud music at night.

• Begin with a friendly greeting and then explain the problem.
• Provide details about the impact noise has on you in the body of your letter. You can suggest solutions, such as turning down the volume or wearing headphones at night.
• Thank the recipient for their understanding and cooperation.

Informal letters can have a relaxed, friendly tone. Start your letter by wishing your friend a warm welcome and thanking them for the invitation. Express your disappointment and explain why you are unable to attend the wedding. You can suggest different ways to celebrate, like planning a get-together when you’re available. Close the letter in a friendly way by wishing them all the best on their special day.

Examples Of Types Of Letters

Tap on the given below link for general writing task 1 samples:-.

IELTS Writing Task 2 General Overview

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to write an essay in response to a topic or question. You must write 250 words or more in about 40 minutes. This task tests your ability to make a logical, clear argument and back up your thoughts with examples and evidence. There are four common types of essays in IELTS Writing Task 2: opinion essays, discussion essays, problem-solution essays, and advantage-disadvantage essays.

In opinion essays, you must state your opinions on a particular topic. You will also need to provide examples and reasons to support your position. If you’re asked whether technology makes our lives simpler or more complex, you should present both arguments and support your opinion with relevant examples.

You will be asked to present two opposing viewpoints on a particular topic. You might be asked to talk about the pros and cons of online shopping. It is important to present both sides impartially and then give your opinion supported by examples.

You must identify the problems and propose solutions to a given topic in a problem-solution essay. If the topic is the rising levels of pollution in the cities, then you will need to describe the issues caused by the pollution and suggest practical solutions.

Advantage-disadvantage essays require you to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a particular issue. You might be asked to talk about the pros and cons of living in a big city. Give both sides of an argument and a balanced conclusion.

Examples Of Types Of Writing Task 2

Tap On The Given Below Link For General Writing task 2 samples:-

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Avoid common mistakes when preparing for IELTS Task 1 General Writing . These include not responding to all aspects of the prompt, poor organization organization, inappropriate tone, grammatical and spelling errors, or a lack of length. You can avoid making these mistakes by making sure you understand the entire prompt and that you respond appropriately. Before you begin writing, plan your letter or essay. Use clear paragraphs and topic sentences. Your tone should be appropriate to the recipient, as well as the context and formality of the letter. Make sure you proofread to find any errors and that your response meets the word count requirements (150 words for Task 1, 250 words for Task 2)

Tips for Success: IELTS General Writing Task 1

If you want to succeed at IELTS General Writing Task 1, understand the requirements, plan out your response, use appropriate language and tone, and practice regularly. You can also seek feedback. It would help if you familiarized yourself with the different types of essays and letters you might be asked to compose. Before you begin writing, spend a few moments organizing your thoughts and drafting your response. It would help if you adapted your tone and language to the letter or essay that you are writing. Practice writing letters and essays to improve your skills. You can get feedback from your teachers, classmates, or online forums.

Regular Practice For General IELTS Writing Task 1

Regular practice of IELTS General Writing Task 1 is crucial for improving your writing skills and achieving a high score. Start by familiarizing yourself with the different types of letters: formal, semi-formal, and informal. Write letters on various topics, such as requesting information, making a complaint, or extending an invitation. Set a timer to simulate test conditions, giving yourself 20 minutes to complete each task. After writing, review your letter for clarity, coherence, and correct use of grammar and vocabulary. Seek feedback from teachers, tutors, or online forums to identify areas for improvement. Additionally, read sample letters and analyze how they are structured, paying attention to language and tone. Consistent practice and feedback will help you become more confident and proficient in writing Task 1 letters.

Examples and Practice Questions

Imagine that you visited a restaurant in your town and were unsatisfied with the food or service. You can write a letter expressing your dissatisfaction and giving details about your visit to the restaurant manager. Suggestions on what the restaurant should do to resolve the problems you experienced. Formally thank the manager for the attention they have given to your letter.

Imagine that you and your child have just moved to a different city. Your child will also be attending a brand-new school. Introduce yourself and your child to the principal and ask for information on the school policies and extracurriculars. Give details about your child’s interests, and tell them what you hope for their experience. Thank the principal with a polite closing.

Imagine that your friend asked you to move them to a new place next weekend. However, you have another commitment. You can write a letter explaining your situation and offering an alternative way to help. Make the letter more interesting by using a friendly tone. Include personal stories. Casually closing the letter with your best wishes and a casual close will make it more engaging.

Conclusion: IELTS General Writing Task 1

Understanding the different types and styles of letters is key to mastering IELTS Task 1. Regular practice, feedback, and constant improvement are all necessary. You can communicate effectively in any situation by familiarising yourself with formal, semi-formal, and informal letters. Understanding Task 2 and writing essays will also improve your writing abilities. Preparation and practice are the keys to getting a high IELTS Writing section score. You can improve your writing skills by using the examples and prompts in this guide.

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IELTS General Training Writing Practice Test (PDF with Answers)

Taking a practice test is one of the best things you can do to prepare yourself for the IELTS General Training test. When it comes to writing, though, practice is especially important! In this post, we’ll share an IELTS General Training Writing practice test PDF with answers that you can use to develop your skills before test day. So take a look at the IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Test (with Answers) PDF, then come back when you’ve finished your essay for info about scoring!

Ready to start practicing? In this PDF, you can read the sample questions, write your own essays, and then them to the model essays and scoring advice in the document. Here’s the IELTS General Training Writing practice test PDF for download:

How should I score this practice Writing section?

Once you’ve finished your section, it’s time to score the tasks. First things first: review the band descriptors for Task 1 and Task 2 .

Then, take a closer look at your essays, rereading them to evaluate how well they meet the criteria in each of the four categories.

It can be very difficult to score your own essay objectively, so working with a scoring partner is useful here. That said, if you’re scoring your responses on your own, you can ask yourself the following questions to help determine your band level for each criterion:

• Did your Task 1 word count exceed the 150 word minimum, and did your Task 2 word count exceed the 250 word minimum? If not, do not give yourself full points for “Task Response.”
• Did you address each part of the task? Break down the prompt into different parts. Then, match each part of the prompt to part of your essay. If you did not address one or more parts of the task, do not give yourself full points for “Task Response.”
• Does each paragraph have its own clear topic sentence and supporting details? If not, then take some points away in “Coherence and Cohesion.”
• Do the tasks use adequate transitional language to tie paragraphs together and move from the paragraph to the conclusion? If not, do not give yourself full points for “Coherence and Cohesion.”
• Do you use vocabulary clearly and fluently, avoiding serious errors in word choice, and varying word choice to avoid repetition? If not, your self-score in “Lexical Resource” should not be perfect.
• Do you use grammar with confidence and skill, with no serious mistakes? And do you use a variety of sentence structures? If the answer to any of that is “no,” give yourself a less-than-perfect score in “Grammatical Range and Accuracy.”

Additional Practice Writing Tests for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training

Sitting down to complete this IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Test (with Answers) PDF is a great first step. However, the key to really boosting your score on this section of the IELTS is regular practice. With that in mind, here are more resources where you can find more sample writing tasks for IELTS Writing!

In our IELTS Writing practice test post , you’ll find the full Academic Writing section in PDF form, another in video form, as well as an additional full General Training Writing section! Keep in mind that while the Task 1 question types differ between Academic and General Training tasks, Task 2 is the same in both versions. In other words, no matter which test you’re taking, all of the task 2 prompts in these links are useful practice.

Magoosh’s IELTS Academic Writing practice test is also useful for the same reason! Again, if you’re taking the General Training exam, skip the first task, replacing it with a GT prompt (such as those you’ll find on the Magoosh blog!).

Additional Practice Questions

If you prefer to go through individual questions rather than whole Writing sections, take a look at the following resources! Keep in mind that their usefulness will vary, depending on which test you’re taking. (Also, some of these questions can be found in the PDFs as well, while others are wholly unique.)

• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Map With Model Answer — When you need practice with map questions specifically for the IELTS, this sample prompt and answer show you what a high-scoring response look like.
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Process Diagram with Model Answer — Process diagrams on Task 1 can scare students, but they get a lot easier with practice!
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Line Graph with Model Answer (Band 9) — What does a high-scoring response on this common Academic Task 1 task type look like? Our experts show you here.
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Pie Chart with Model Answer — When the test asks you to analyze a pie graph, what should you do? This sample prompt and response will help you prepare.
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Causes/Solutions Sample Essay — How can you get a high score on a causes/solution essay? Take a look at this sample prompt and response to find out.
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Agree/Disagree — We also have a sample question and model response for the common agree/disagree question type!
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Advantage/Disadvantage Learn how to discuss advantages and disadvantages with a question and sample response for this variation of Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Two-Part Essays — With an example question and an example response, learn how to answer two-part IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.
• The Discussion IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Type — Learn how to discuss both sides of an issue in IELTS Writing Task 2 with a question and example response.

More Resources for IELTS Writing

Finally, make sure you’re prepared for the official IELTS exam by familiarizing yourself with the IELTS, from task types to the question types you can expect to see on the exam! Once you’ve finished the IELTS General Training Writing practice test PDF with answers, take a look at the following to polish your writing even more.

• What do you need to know about IELTS Writing? Make sure you have the basics covered with this overview of the IELTS Writing tasks .
• Taking the Academic test? Here’s your complete guide to IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic) .
• No matter which test you’re taking, make sure you’re prepared for the second task with the complete guide to IELTS Writing Task 2 !
• What types of questions can you expect to see on IELTS Writing Task 2? Find out with our guide to Task 2 question types !
• Looking to practice with Academic Task 1? Here are sample Academic Task 1 prompts you can use for this!
• Taking the General Training test instead? Enjoy Task 1 tips for writing a great letter !

Magoosh’s IELTS Essay Scoring Service

Last but not least, you may want to consider getting your essays scored by Magoosh IELTS instructors. Subscription prices and plans can be found at this page for Magoosh IELTS Essay grading .

Rachel is a Magoosh Content Creator. She writes and updates content on our High School and GRE Blogs to ensure students are equipped with the best information during their test prep journey. As a test-prep instructor for more than five years in there different countries, Rachel has helped students around the world prepare for various standardized tests, including the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT, and she is one of the authors of our Magoosh ACT Prep Book . Rachel has a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature from Brown University, an MA in Cinematography from the Université de Paris VII, and a Ph.D. in Film Studies from University College London. For over a decade, Rachel has honed her craft as a fiction and memoir writer and public speaker. Her novel, THE BALLERINAS , is forthcoming in December 2021 from St. Martin’s Press , while her memoir, GRADUATES IN WONDERLAND , co-written with Jessica Pan, was published in 2014 by Penguin Random House. Her work has appeared in over a dozen online and print publications, including Vanity Fair Hollywood. When she isn’t strategically stringing words together at Magoosh, you can find Rachel riding horses or with her nose in a book. Join her on Twitter , Instagram , or Facebook !

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IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024

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100 IELTS Essay Questions

Below are practice IELTS essay questions and topics for writing task 2. The 100 essay questions have been used many times over the years. The questions are organised under common topics and essay types. IELTS often use the similar topics for their essays but change the wording of the essay question.

In order to prepare well for writing task 2, you should prepare ideas for common topics and then practise applying them to the tasks given (to the essay questions). Also see model essays and tips  for writing task 2.

Below you will find:

• Essay Questions By Topic
• Essay Questions by Essay Type (for example Opinion, Discussion etc)

Please also note that my new Grammar E-book is now available in my store along with my Ideas for Essay Topics E-book and Advanced Writing Lessons. To visit store, click here: IELTS LIZ STORE

1) Common IELTS Essay Questions

IELTS practice essay questions divided by topic. These topics have been reported by IELTS students in their tests. Essay questions have been recreated as accurately as possible.

• Art   (5 essay questions)
• Business & Money   (17 essay questions)
• Communication & Personality   (20 essay questions)
• Crime & Punishment   (12 essay questions)
• Education   (17 essay questions)
• Environment   (12 essay questions)
• Family & Children   (8 essay questions)
• Food & Diet (13 essay questions)
• Government (6 essay questions)
• Health   (9 essay questions)
• Housing, Buildings & Urban Planning (8 essay questions)
• Language (6 essay questions)
• Leisure (1 essay question)
• Media & Advertising   (12 essay questions)
• Reading  (5 essay questions)
• Society   (10 essay questions)
• Space Exploration (3 questions)
• Sport & Exercise   (6 essay questions)
• Technology  (6 essay questions)
• Tourism and Travel   (11 essay questions)
• Transport  (7 essay questions)
• Work (17 essay questions)

2) IELTS Essay Questions by Essay Type 

There are 5 main types of essay questions in IELTS writing task 2 (opinion essays, discussion essay, advantage/disadvantage essays, solution essay and direct question essays). Click on the links below to see some sample essay questions for you to practice with at home.

• Opinion Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
• Discussion Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
• Solution Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
• Direct Questions Model Essay 
• Adv/Disadv Model Essay with Useful Tips

3) Recent Essay Topics

You can also track recent essay topics on this page: IELTS ESSAY TOPICS 2024

Note: you must also prepare all other topics on the page above because questions are recycled each year.

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Best IELTS Writing General Task 1 Structure

In this tutorial you will learn:

·       How to build the structure of your IELTS General Writing Task 1 answer.

This will help you in your IELTS General Writing exam because:

·       You will learn the main elements that you should build into your GT Writing Task 1 answer.

·       You will learn invaluable tips that work with all the types of IELTS General Writing Task 1 questions to help you in the IELTS Exam .

General Training Writing Task 1, which is always a letter writing task, is often perceived easier than its Academic counterpart. Yet, GT Task 1has its own intricacies requiring preparation.

In this tutorial you will learn to structure and elaborate all the types of letters in a fast and efficient manner.

First, here are the features of General Training Writing Task 1 .

You should spend no longer than 20 minutes and it accounts for about 30% of your entire writing score.

In GT Writing Task 1 you will always be asked to write one type of letter. It may be one of the following types: informal , neutral/formal or formal .

Whether you write a formal, neutral/formal or informal letter, you should structure it clearly and efficiently , so the purpose (advising, apologizing, complaining, requesting, etc.) is easily perceivable.

The universal letter structure consists of these compulsory parts.

·       Opening with a salutation (saying hello) part.

·       Introduction: purpose of writing

·       1 body paragraphs that will explain the situation or outline the problem

·       1 body paragraph that will offer the solution , or suggest desirable action .

·       Concluding sentence

·       Closing with a farewell (saying goodbye) part.

·       Signature (is OPTIONAL!)

Important: clearly signal the beginning of a new paragraph in one of the following ways:

-  Leaving an indent: this means writing at about 3-4 centimetres to the right of the left margin.

-  Skipping a line: this is leaving an entire line space between 2 paragraphs, and start the new paragraph with a small indent.

Let’s outline the GT Task 1 letter in more detail.

The salutation is ALWAYS placed on the first line, with a comma after it.

Here are recommended salutations based on the formality of the letter.

Important: DON’T WRITE ANYTHING AFTER the salutation. Start the introduction on a new line.

Remember, salutations should maintain register across letter types to avoid inaccuracies and impoliteness which leads to a loss in points.

INTRODUCTION

Neutral and Formal letters

After the greeting, (Dear Mr Romano/Dear Sir or Madam,) state the purpose. Be serious and professional, not warm and friendly. You do not know the reader.

Informal letters

Open informal letters with a warm and friendly style, acknowledge your friendship then explain the reason for your letter. The first paragraph could even include just friendly small talk, not very related to the reason for your writing. See the example below.  

     I hope you, Abby and Joe are all well! It was so wonderful to spend time with all of you in Chicago last month. It felt great to catch up with you, get to know your little champ, and have fun together after so long. You have always been so dear to me, and always will be.

Anyway, the reason I’m writing is that I have some good news: I am getting married in July and I’d love to invite you all.

All the best,

BODY PARAGRAPHS

Divide your letter into paragraphs. If you bunch up everything in one paragraph, you will lose marks.

The structure will directly depend on the elements of the task. Use this structure:

·       1 body paragraph - explain the situation or outline the problem

·       1 body paragraph - offer the solution or suggest desirable action

You must cover all three bullet points from the task . If you omit even one of the points in the prompt, you will get a lower mark, as it will negatively affect Task Achievement.

Let’s see how body paragraph planning was done in sample outlines for three GT Writing Task 1 letter questions below.

SUMMARISING SENTENCE

Any type of letter will look more natural and complete if you place a summarising sentence between the second body paragraph and the farewell phrase .

The purpose of this sentence is to wrap up the entire letter in a short summary and give it a feeling of closure and logical ending.

Here are some samples:

FAREWELL (and signature – optional!)

The farewell is ALWAYS the very last line of any letter type. Use a comma after it.

If you choose to use a signature , DO NOT use a period/full stop after it.

Here are recommended farewells and signature based on the formality of the letter.

Note that ONLY the informal letter can be signed with only your FIRST name .

In the neutral/formal and formal letter BOTH FIRST AND LAST NAMES are compulsory.

Important: DON’T WRITE ANYTHING AFTER the farewell, except your signature, if you choose to use one. You will write your signature from the next, new line.

Remember, just as salutations, farewells cannot be swapped from one letter type to another because it will result in style inaccuracy and lack of politeness, also detracting from your Writing score.

We hope that this complete overview of how to approach the structure of General Training Writing Task 1 letters will help you organize your writing better and reduce your planning and writing times!

Here a some helpful general task 1 sample essays to help you prepare for the exam.

If you need to improve quickly for band 7, try our IELTS essay correction service.

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IELTS General Training Writing

Prepare for General Training Writing test with our official support tools. Find free practice tests, webinars run by IELTS Experts and more.

The General Training Writing test is made up of two tasks, Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2. The topics in each task are of general interest.

In Writing Task 1, you will be given a situation where you will need to write a letter to request information or explain the situation. You might be asked to write a letter to suggest how to improve facilities at a library. Examiners will look at your ability to provide general and factual information in relation to the task, express needs, wants, likes and dislikes, as well as opinions, views and complaints.

Writing Task 2 is a little different. You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. You will be assessed on whether you can provide general factual information, outline a problem, present a solution, justify an opinion or evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or an argument.

Learn from our IELTS Expert, Don whether you can write your answers in an IELTS test entirely in capital letters.

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IELTS Writing Task 1 and 2 - how to organise your response

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IELTS Writing Task 2: How to understand IELTS question prompts

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Reach a band 5 and higher in IELTS General Training Writing

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• IELTS General Writing Task 2: Essay Sample Answers

The 2nd task in IELTS General Writing is to write an essay. Here are the examples of successful responses for a high score. Pay attention to the structure of the answer and how paragraphs composition; main ideas and the examples they are supported with.

IELTS General Writing Task 2 looks like this (part in bold changes).

WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Some people think that the teenage years are the happiest times of most people's lives. Others think that adult life brings more happiness, in spite of greater responsibilities. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

In this task you should:      Explain the first point of view      Explain the second point of view      Add your opinion

Sample answer:

What's the happiest time in people's lives: youth or old age; school, career or retirement? All of these have been suggested, but teenage years and adulthood both have many supporters.

Those who believe teenagers are the happiest people cite their lack of responsibilities as a significant factor. They are supported financially and emotionally by their parents, and although they may be included in family decisions, they're not ultimately responsible. However, adolescents are on the threshold of adult life: they're old enough to get a part-time job, so they can enjoy their first taste of financial independence, and their future study and career lie ahead.

Away from these serious concerns, young people have an active social life with their friends, often simply by hanging out with them. And of course, there’s the excitement of first love and first heartbreak. With all this to experience, teenagers see their parents' lives as boring and stressful.

However, the reverse is also true. Adults see anxious, self-dramatising adolescents, and appreciate the joys of maturity. These may include a contented family life, long-lasting friendships and a career. Long-term relationships may not have the fireworks of adolescence, but are stronger for it, because of the wealth of shared experience. At work, many of us are challenged and stimulated by the increasing, professional skills we acquire, which ensures that our jobs remain interesting.

The greatest benefit, though, is that maturity gives you greater confidence in your own judgement, in all areas of life. You’re not afraid to express your opinion when others disagree and, unlike a teenager, you know when to let things go.

Both these periods can be happy times, but I look back at my own teenage years, with no desire to go back. Adult life may be less dramatic, but fireworks don’t keep you warm

In cities and towns all over the world the high volume of traffic is a problem.

What are the causes of this and what actions can be taken to solve this problem?

It is undoubtedly the case that urban areas around the world increasingly suffer from congestion. In this essay, I examine the reasons for this trend and suggest some practical policies the authorities could implement to reduce the level of traffic in our cities.

The first step is to understand why traffic has increased in towns and cities. Broadly speaking, there are three main reasons for this. One is that cars have become more affordable for the average consumer and they are no longer a luxury item, but something that most families expect to own. A second reason is that public transport has become increasingly unreliable in recent years, not least because many bus and train services have been reduced because of the difficulty in funding them. The third reason is that society has in general become more mobile and this means more people are prepared to commute to work by car than they were before.

There is almost certainly no one solution to this problem given the complexity of its causes. However, one option has to be to improve the reliability of public transport to encourage people to take the bus or the train rather than get in the car. It would also be possible to discourage people from driving to work by introducing special tariffs for using the roads, especially during peak periods. A successful example of this is the congestion charge scheme in London which has certainly reduced the level of trafficin inner-city areas.

In conclusion, there are a variety of different factors that have led to rising levels of traffic in urban areas. While it may not be possible to find a complete solution, any action should probably involve encouraging greater use of public transport and making it more expensive for the motorist to drive in urban areas.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Some people believe that children should be allowed to stay at home and play until they are six or seven years old. Others believe that it is important for young children to go to school as soon as possible. What do you think are the advantages of attending school from a young age? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

Here we write about the benefits. Remember: 1 advantage = 1 paragraph.

In many places today, children start primary school at around the age of six or seven. However, because it is more likely now that both parents work, there is little opportunity for children to stay in their own home up to that age. Instead, they will probably go to a nursery school when they are much younger. While some people think this may be damaging to a child’s development, or to a child’s relationship with his or her parents, in fact there are many advantages to having school experience at a young age. Firstly, a child will learn to interact with a lot of different people and some children learn to communicate very early because of this. They are generally more confident and independent than children who stay at home with their parents and who are not used to strangers or new situations. Such children find their first day at school at the age of six very frightening and this may have a negative effect on how they learn. Another advantage of going to school at an early age is that children develop faster socially. They make friends and learn how to get on with other children of a similar age. This is often not possible at home because they are the only child, or because their brothers or sisters are older or younger. So overall, I believe that, attending school from a young age is good for most children. They still spend plenty of time at home with their parents, so they can benefit from both environments.

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Cambridge IELTS 15 General Writing Practice Test 1

Online IELTS Cambridge Book 15 General Training Writing Practice Test 1 with Sample Answers and Free PDF Download.

IELTS 15 General Training Writing Practice Test 1, Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

A friend of yours is thinking of going on a camping holiday for the first time this summer. He/She has asked for your advice.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

• explain why you think your friend would enjoy a camping holiday
• describe some possible disadvantages
• say whether you would like to go camping with your friend this summer

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Thank you for submitting your IELTS Writing Task 1/2. We will get back to you within 24 hours. Please keep checking your email for updates.

Sample Writing Answer:

This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 6.0 score.

Dear Emily,

I haven’t seen you for a long time so lam very excited to meet you. I know that you are thinking of going on a camping holiday this summer for the first time. lam very happy about that and lam always ready to give you some advice.

Camping holiday is a wonderful idea. Especially in this summer. I think that not only do you want to go camping holiday in summer but also a lot of people because that is the best time for people to enjoy the life after hard-working day. One of the most important reason why you should go camping is that you are able to see the views and meet a lot of people. That is a chance for you to understand more a lot of culture in our country which you have never known before.

The other reason is that you can take part in some social activities which are very interesting. On the other hand, going camping in the summer has a lot of disadvantages. In the first place, it will have negative impact on your skin so you have to wear hat before going camping outside. Secondly, it is easy for you to be ill because the weather in summer is quite hot so you have to prepare medicines before. I would also like to go camping with you this summer because my holiday in summer is very long so I hope that you can go on a camping holiday with me.

Hope to meet you soon.

Your close friend

Examiner’s Comments:

The writer has addressed all three bullet points and organisation of the information is generally clear. There is some repetition [camping holiday] which could be avoided by using alternative words or phrases e.g. this kind of holiday. The range of vocabulary is sufficient for the task and there is some good use of collocation [a wonderful idea | the best time | see the views | meet a lot of people | understand more a lot of culture | take part in some social activities]. There is a mix of simple and complex structures with a fair level of accuracy. Occasional errors occur [lam / I am | Especially in this summer (sentence fragment) | One of the most important reason(s) | it will have (a) negative impact on | prepare medicines before / in advance], but the meaning is still clear.

IELTS 15 General Training Writing Practice Test 1, Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In many countries today, crime novels and TV crime dramas are becoming more and more popular.

Why do you think these books and TV shows are popular?

What is your opinion of crime fiction and TV crime dramas?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 7.5 score.

The reason behind the rising popularity of the crime novels and TV dramas, lies with the fact that the reality transmitted in the show/book, is our own. I am from Rio de Janeiro, a beautiful place with horrible people, and we know that what soap operas show, is not our reality. Sometimes happy endings only happen in fairytales, which leads me to “Tropa de Elite” (Elite Squad, roughly translated) and why it was a phenomenon.

The movie shows our dark side, the drug dealers with machine guns, the dangerous environment of the favelas and the corruption in our police forces. It shows that there is nothing glamorous about being poor in Brazil (an idea that has been growing lately). And that? We relate. We know the truth, and we want it to be seen and heard, even if it is a fiction vision of it.

This is where the fiction part enters. When we watch the brave policeman or the brilliant CSl save the day, it gives a slight comfort. We feel like someone can save us from our reality, someone can be our hero and get the job done. It is a rather gullible thought, but it is the truth. BOPE’s popularity (Rio de Janeiro’s elite police force) grew rapidly after the movie’s success.

Want to feel heard and to be saved, and in a mix of reality and fantasy, these books and shows do that. 1, for example, love them and even considered to be a police officer. But after careful consideration, i gave up the idea, for i think the world’s salvation lies behind a pen or inside a book, and not on the tip of a machine gun. But there is nothing wrong to daydream on our favorite shows.

This is a thoughtful response to the task and the writer explores both parts in some depth. The ideas are relevant, extended and well-supported. Information and ideas are logically organised and there is a clear progression throughout the answer.

Paragraphing is handled well, with a clear central topic in each one. The range of vocabulary shows less common items [transmitted | phenomenon | corruption | glamorous | salvation] and good use of collocations [rising popularity | soap operas | dark side | drug dealers | save the day]. Errors in word formation are rare [fiction / fictional vision]. There is a variety of complex structures, well-controlled for accuracy, with only rare errors [considered to be / being a police officer | nothing wrong to daydream / in daydreaming]. Punctuation is generally well-controlled, apart from some lack of capitalisation in the final paragraph.

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IELTS General Writing Test

Find all the basic information you need to know about the IELTS General Writing test in one place.

Here's what I cover on this page:

1) Why choose General Training?

The General test is for people wanting to work in or emigrate to the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada or New Zealand. It is widely accepted for:

It is different to the IELTS Academic test which is required by universities and professional registration bodies.

2) Important facts

Task 2 contributes twice as many marks to your overall score as Task 1.

3) Test format

T ask 1  – You are required to write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation in relation to a specific circumstance.

The letter must be in one of the following styles as appropriate to the situation:

There are 7 common Task 1 letter topics:

• Letter of Complaint
• Letter of Explanation
• Letters of Application & Resignation
• Letters to Make an Arrangement
• An Invitation

Click the links for step-by-step lessons with sample questions and model answers.

Task 2  – You will be required to write an essay on a topic of general interest. Your essay will be a response to a specific point of view, problem or argument that will be stated in the question.

You may use a more personal style than would be required in the Academic Writing Task 2 essay.

There are 5 types of Task 2 essay:

4) Skills assessed

As with all elements of the IELTS exam, the IELTS General Writing test is marked according to four marking criteria.

Each carries 25% of the marks.

The two parts of the IELTS General Writing test are designed to assess your ability in different skill areas. The assessment criteria for any specific question will depend on the type of task you are asked to complete, but here is a general overview.

Don’t worry if you feel slightly overwhelmed after reading it. The lessons below contain all the help and step-by-step guidance you need to write high scoring essays and letters. 

Task 1  – Your letter will assess your ability to engage in personal correspondence and be assessed in relation to one or more of these skills:

• Elicit and provide general factual information
• Express needs, wants, likes and dislikes
• Express opinions (e.g. views, complaints)

Task 2  – Your essay will be assessed in relation to one or more of the following:

5) Sample questions & answers

In addition to the sample questions and model answers in the lessons listed above, you will find many more in the IELTS General Writing lessons in the menus below.

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Ielts general writing lessons, ielts general writing task 1 – letter.

Letter Format  – The format, the 7 topics, letter structure, formal & informal, assessment & marking criteria, sample questions. Essential information  you need to know.

Letter Writing Tips   – Learn top tips on how to meet the assessment and marking criteria and achieve a high score.

Letter Writing Structure  – Find out how to use this   easy to   learn letter structure to write a high-scoring letter. Includes a model answer.

How To Plan a Letter  – Learn a simple 5 step process & 6 part letter structure. Also, help to understand the question & generate ideas.

Formal or Informal  – How to decide what type of letter to write. Sample questions & 2 model letters.

Letter Writing Vocabulary  – Learn useful phrases to help you achieve a high score. Also, know how to start & end your letter.

How To Write an Informal Letter  – Step-by-step instructions, simple 4 step plan & 6 part letter structure, model letter.

How To Write a Formal Letter  – Step-by-step instructions, simple 4 step plan & 6 part letter structure, model letter.

Letter Topics  – Learn the 7 most common letter topics   & other popular subjects. Includes 20 sample questions.

IELTS General Writing Task 2 – Essay

IELTS Writing Task 2  – T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know.

The 5 Types of Task 2 Essay   – How to recognise the 5 different types of Task 2 essays. 15 sample questions to study and a simple planning structure for each essay type.

Understanding Task 2 Questions  – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 2 Essay  – Discover why essay planning is essential & learn a simple 4 step strategy, the 4 part essay structure & 4 methods of generating ideas.

How To Write a Task 2 Introduction  – Find out why a good introduction is essential. Learn how to write one using a simple 3 part strategy & discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Main Body Paragraphs  – Learn the simple 3 part structure for writing great main body paragraphs and also, 3 common mistakes to avoid. 

How To Write Task 2 Conclusions  – Learn the easy way to write the perfect conclusion for a Task 2 essay. Also discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

Task 2 Marking Criteria  – Find out how to meet the marking criteria in Task 2. See examples of good and poor answers & learn some common mistakes to avoid.

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IELTS Speaking Part 1: Types, Commonly Asked Topics & Tips

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Bonus IELTS Speaking part questions with Answers

“Prepare to impress in IELTS Speaking Part 1 with this 2024 edition guide. Explore the structure, common questions, and detailed expert strategies. “

In this blog, we'll dive deep into the nuances of IELTS Speaking Part 1, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect and how to prepare effectively, from exploring the types of questions to sharing valuable tips and addressing the crucial parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

What is IELTS Speaking Part 1?

IELTS Speaking Part 1, also known as the "Interview" section, is the first part of the IELTS Speaking test. In this section, the examiner will ask you a series of questions about familiar topics related to your personal life, interests, and experiences. The format is relatively straightforward: you will engage in a short conversation with the examiner, who will ask you questions and expect you to provide comprehensive yet concise responses.

Know about the ‘ Introduction to IELTS Speaking. ’

Types of Questions in IELTS Speaking Part 1

Before we jump right into the topics and questions, it's essential to understand the different types of part 1 speaking questions. The questions can be broadly categorized into the following:

Open-ended questions

These questions require you to provide detailed responses, allowing you to showcase your ability to express yourself fluently and coherently.

Follow-up questions

Based on your initial response, the examiner may ask follow-up questions to probe further or clarify certain points.

Situational questions

These questions may present hypothetical scenarios or situations, requiring you to express your thoughts and opinions.

Here are two helpful interview videos that provide an overview of the IELTS Speaking Part 1:

• IELTS Speaking Practice Test 2024 | BAND 7.0 | FULL IELTS Speaking Interview 2024
• IELTS Speaking Practice Test 2024 | BAND 6.0 | FULL IELTS Speaking Interview

Commonly Asked IELTS Speaking Topics Part 1

In IELTS Speaking Part 1, the questions typically revolve around familiar topics related to your personal life, hobbies, and interests.

Below listed are some of the commonly asked IELTS speaking topics of part 1:

Work and Study

• Your job or studies
• Your typical day
• Your future plans
• Skills and qualifications

Home and Family

• Your family members
• Your living situation
• Household chores and responsibilities
• Childhood memories

Hobbies and Interests

• Sports and activities you enjoy
• Books, movies, or TV shows you like
• Music preferences
• Travel experiences

Daily Life and Routines

• Your morning routine
• Eating habits and food preferences
• Weekend activities
• Transportation and commuting

Remember, these topics serve as a general guide, and the actual questions may vary depending on your specific context and the examiner's approach.

Explore the numerous topics in Speaking Part 1. First impressions count. Don’t miss out on creating your best impression. Do practice these questions -  Speaking Part 1 Topics

Do you panic when you introduce yourself or when someone asks you a question about your habits and lifestyle? Do take a look at them and boost your confidence -  Band 8 Sample Answers

Tips for Nailing IELTS Speaking Part 1 in 2024

To excel in part 1 speaking questions, it's essential to be well-prepared and adopt effective strategies. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

• Practice speaking fluently

Example: Engage in regular conversations with friends or join an English-speaking club to build confidence and fluency.

• Expand your vocabulary

Example: Read extensively, listen to English audio/video materials, and learn new words in context to enhance your lexical range.

• Provide detailed responses

Example: When asked about your hobbies, don't just say "I like reading." Instead, elaborate on the types of books you enjoy, your favorite authors, and why you find reading fulfilling.

• Stay relevant

Example: While it's essential to provide comprehensive responses, ensure that your answers remain relevant to the question asked.

• Maintain a positive attitude

Example: Approach the test with confidence and a friendly demeanor. Remember, the examiner is evaluating your English proficiency, not your personality.

• Use appropriate body language and eye contact

Example: Maintain eye contact with the examiner, nod to show understanding, and use natural gestures to enhance your communication.

• Clarify if needed

Example: If you don't understand a question, politely ask the examiner to repeat or rephrase it.

• Manage your time effectively

Example: Be mindful of the time and avoid prolonged pauses or rambling, as this may negatively impact your fluency score.

• Practice with sample questions

Example: Familiarize yourself with sample questions and practice responding to them within the time constraints.

• Stay calm and focused

Example: If you stumble or make a mistake, don't dwell on it. Maintain your composure and move on to the next question.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions and Answers - Topics

So here is the list of topics for IELTS speaking part 1 questions and answers:

• Topic: advertisements
• Topic: bags
• Topic: Celebrities
• Topic: Chocolate
• Topic: cooking food
• Topic: dream
• Topic: flowers
• Topic: hats
• Topic: holidays
• Topic: hometown
• Topic: House
• Topic: jobs
• Topic: mirrors
• Topic: noise
• Topic: politeness
• Topic: public transport
• Topic: Study
• Topic: Walking
• Topic: sports
• Topic: rain with
• Topic: teachers
• Topic: Birds
• Topic: bringing things
• Topic: dreams
• Topic: drinking water with
• Topic: Fashion
• Topic: food
• Topic: handwriting
• Topic: holiday
• Topic: jewellery
• Topic: leisure time
• Topic: names
• Topic: patience
• Topic: Photography
• Topic: rain
• Topic: robots
• Topic: Television
• Topic: toys
• Topic: weather
• Topic: reading

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions with Band 9 Sample Answers

Below are the links to score Band 9 in Speaking Part 1 with sample answers.

• Topic: Music
• Topic: travel festival
• Topic: accommodation
• Topic: travel
• Topic: running
• Topic: makeup
• Topic: street markets
• Topic: alone
• Topic: efficiency
• Topic: Morning
• Topic: physical exercise
• Topic: Dance
• Topic: shoes
• Topic: Sleep
• Topic: parks and public gardens
• Topic: animals pets
• Topic: City
• Topic: crowded places
• Topic: neighbors
• Topic: Pollution
• Topic: sharing
• Topic: sunglasses
• Topic: Swimming
• Topic: tea coffee
• Topic: housework
• Topic: film movie
• Topic: social network
• Topic: rubbish garbage

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Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking Part 1 is to be well-prepared, confident, and able to communicate effectively in English. With dedicated practice and the right strategies, you can ace this section and increase your chances of achieving your desired IELTS score.

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IELTS scoring in detail

Understanding ielts test scores.

When you receive a Test Report Form you will see the test taker's overall test score as well as their scores for the Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections of the test.

Overall band score

The overall band score is the average of the four section band scores rounded to the nearest half band.

Understanding overall band scores

Ielts band score: 9 skill level: expert.

• The test taker has fully operational command of the language.
• Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding.

IELTS Band Score: 8 Skill Level: Very good

• The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage.
• They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well.

IELTS Band Score: 7 Skill Level: Good

• The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations.
• They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.

IELTS Band Score: 6 Skill Level: Competent

• The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings.
• They can use and understand reasonably complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

IELTS Band Score: 5 Skill Level: Modest

• The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes.
• They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.

IELTS Band Score: 4 Skill Level: Limited

• The test taker's basic competence is limited to familiar situations.
• They frequently show problems in understanding and expression.

IELTS Band Score: 3 Skill Level: Extremely limited

• The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations.
• There are frequent breakdowns in communication.

IELTS Band Score: 2 Skill Level: Intermittent

• The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

IELTS Band Score: 1 Skill Level: Non-user

• The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.

IELTS Band Score: 0 Skill Level: Did not attempt the test

• The test taker did not answer the questions.

Section band scores

The IELTS Listening test contains 40 questions. Each correct answer is awarded 1 mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

Here are the average number of marks scored at different levels of the IELTS scale in Listening section. The precise number of marks needed to achieve these band scores will vary slightly from test version to test version.

Marks out of 40

• Band Score 5: Listening 16
• Band Score 6: Listening 23
• Band Score 7: Listening 30
• Band Score 8: Listening 35

The IELTS Reading test contains 40 questions. Each correct answer is awarded 1 mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

The IELTS Academic and General Training Reading tests are graded on the same scale. The Academic Reading test may contain texts which feature more difficult vocabulary or greater complexity of style. It is usual that a greater number of questions must be answered correctly on a General Training Reading test to secure a given band score.

Here are the average number of marks scored at different levels of the IELTS scale in Academic Reading, and General Training Reading sections. The precise number of marks needed to achieve these band scores will vary slightly from test version to test version.

• Band Score 5: Reading 15 
• Band Score 6: Reading 23 
• Band Score 7: Reading 30 
• Band Score 8: Reading 35

General Training

• Band Score 4: Reading 15
• Band Score 5: Reading 23
• Band Score 6: Reading 30
• Band Score 7: Reading 35

Examiners use assessment criteria to award a score for each of the following four criteria:

• Task achievement (for task 1) and task response (for task 2)
• Coherence and cohesion
• Lexical resource
• Grammatical range and accuracy.

Each task is assessed independently. The criteria are weighted equally and the score on the task is the average. The assessment of Task 2 carries more weight in marking than Task 1.

Find out more about the key assessment criteria (PDF 111 KB - 4 pages)  and how examiners assess the Writing section .

Examiners use assessment criteria to award a score for each of the following four areas:

• Fluency and coherence
• Grammatical range and accuracy
• Pronunciation

Each of the criteria carry equal weighting and the overall average gives the IELTS score for Speaking. Find out more about the key assessment criteria and how examiners assess the Speaking section .

IELTS test types

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