types of essay in ielts general training

• Ebooks & Courses
• Practice Tests

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.

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

• Click on the HTML link code below.
• Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Like this page?

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.

• IELTS Writing
• General Writing Test
• Back To Top

 * New * Grammar For IELTS Ebooks

$9.99 each       Full Set   Just   $ 23.97

Find Out More >>

IELTS Courses

Full details...

IELTS Writing Ebook

Discount Offer

$7 each       Full Set Just   $ 21

Find out more >>

Testimonials

“I am very excited to have found such fabulous and detailed content. I commend your good work.”  Jose M.

“Thanks for the amazing videos. These are ‘to the point’, short videos, beautifully explained with practical examples."  Adari J.

"Hi Jacky, I bought a listening book from you this morning. You know what? I’m 100% satisfied. It’s super helpful. If I’d had the chance to read this book 7 years ago, my job would be very different now."  Loi H.

"Hi Jacky, I recently got my IELTS results and I was pleased to discover that I got an 8.5 score. I'm firmly convinced your website and your videos played a strategic role in my preparation. I was able to improve my writing skills thanks to the effective method you provide. I also only relied on your tips regarding the reading section and I was able to get a 9! Thank you very much." Giano

“After listening to your videos, I knew I had to ditch every other IELTS tutor I'd been listening to. Your explanations are clear and easy to understand. Anyways, I took the test a few weeks ago and my result came back: Speaking 7, listening 9, Reading 8.5 and Writing 7 with an average band score of 8. Thanks, IELTS Jacky." Laide Z.

      Contact

      About Me

      Site Map

      Privacy Policy

      Disclaimer

IELTS changes lives.

Let's work together so it changes yours too.

Copyright  © 2024     IELT Jacky     

All Right Reserved

IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia.

The official IELTS by IDP app is here! Download it today.

• IELTS tests IELTS Academic IELTS General Training IELTS UKVI IELTS One Skill Retake LEARN ABOUT THIS TEST What is IELTS Academic? Reschedule or cancel an IELTS test Find a test centre WAYS TO TAKE IELTS ACADEMIC IELTS on paper IELTS on computer IELTS Online LEARN ABOUT THIS TEST What is IELTS General Training? Reschedule or cancel an IELTS test Find a test centre WAYS TO TAKE IELTS GENERAL TRAINING IELTS on paper IELTS on computer LEARN ABOUT THIS TEST What is IELTS UKVI? Reschedule or cancel an IELTS test Find a test centre WAYS TO TAKE IELTS UKVI IELTS on paper IELTS on computer LEARN ABOUT THIS TEST What is IELTS One Skill Retake? Reschedule or cancel an IELTS test READ MORE ABOUT IELTS ONE SKILL RETAKE Where is IELTS One Skill Retake available? FIND THE RIGHT TEST IELTS for study IELTS for work IELTS for migration

English self-assessment tool

Check your language level and get personalised suggestions on how to improve your English and prepare for IELTS.

Get your results

Check your provisional IELTS results online and do more.

Question types in the IELTS General Training Writing test

If you want to work or move to an English-speaking country, you might need to take a General Training test. Kick your preparation off on the right foot and take a closer look at the questions you might see in IELTS Writing on test day.

Content Tags

A quick look at the general training writing test.

Duration: 60 minutes  

The General Training Writing test includes two tasks that are based on topics of general interest.  

Task 1  

You will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation. The letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style.  

Task 2  

You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The essay can be slightly more personal in style compared to an Academic Writing task. You will support your point of view with relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience. 

Task 1: Writing a short letter for a specific purpose

In Task 1 in the General Training Writing test, you are asked to write a letter, where you demonstrate your ability to communicate using English letter-writing conventions. 

You will be given a common, everyday situation such as writing to apologise for missing a friend’s party, or complaining to a company about bad service, writing to give advice to a friend about where to go on holiday, or writing to express your interest in a new job. 

In addition to being given the situation, three bullet points will outline exactly what information you need to include in your letter. You might, for example, have to describe details, give reasons, express likes and dislikes, or make suggestions or recommendations. 

You will need use the correct tone in your letter. Tone is the way you communicate with people showing the kind of relationship you have with them. In letters, the tone you use is clearly indicated by a proper salutation and closing and it should also be conveyed by your choice of words or phrasing. 

Letters are usually written in a formal or informal tone. Generally, if the letter is to friends, people you know well, or family, and the reason for writing is positive, the tone is informal. Letters to everyone else and for all complaints or negative messages, should be more formal. 

Task 2: Writing an essay

In Task 2 of the General Training Writing test, you are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, an argument, or a problem. Topics are of general interest such as whether it is better to homeschool children, whether the drinking age should be raised, who is responsible for the care of the elderly or how families could be brought closer together. 

The task instructions give you information about the question telling you how to discuss the topic in your essay. You may be asked to provide factual information, outline and present solutions, justify an opinion or evaluate evidence and ideas. It is important that you complete the task carefully using relevant ideas and examples to support your position. Your ideas should be organised clearly, using paragraphs for each idea. You must write a minimum of 250 words.  

You are assessed on your ability to follow English essay-writing conventions to organise and link information in a coherent way using language accurately and appropriately to express your ideas and opinions. 

Share this article

Grammar 101: Understanding verb tenses

Grammar 101: Affect vs. Effect

Grammar 101: How to use who and whom correctly?

IELTS on Computer vs IELTS on paper: which test is easier?

Grammar 101: Advice vs. Advise

Grammar 101: Belief vs. Believe

Words and phrases commonly misused

There vs Their vs They’re – Learn the difference

The difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training

Too vs To – Learn the difference

• Useful links
• Who accepts IELTS?
• News and articles
• IELTS Masterclass
• Your IELTS results
• IELTS General Training
• IELTS Academic
• IELTS Online
• IELTS by IDP app
• Find a test centre
• Middle East
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Legal notices
• Privacy policy
• Cookie policy
• Copyright 2024 IDP IELTS

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

• Test Information FAQ
• Band Scores
• IELTS Candidate Success Tips
• Computer IELTS: Pros & Cons
• How to Prepare
• Useful Links & Resources
• Recommended Books
• Writing Task 1
• Writing Task 2
• Speaking Part 1 Topics
• Speaking Part 2 Topics
• Speaking Part 3 Topics
• 100 Essay Questions
• On The Day Tips
• Top Results
• Advanced IELTS

IELTS Writing Task 2: Tips, Lessons & Models

Success in IELTS writing task 2 is based on using the right techniques. These free tips, model essays, lessons, videos and information will help develop the skills for writing task 2. This page will teach you how to maximise your IELTS writing task 2 score.

All lessons are on this page are for both GT and Academic writing task 2.

On this page, you will find for free:

• Test Information for Writing Task 2
• Practice essay questions
• Essential tips for IELTS writing task 2
• Free video lessons
• Model essays
• Practice lessons to improve your IELTS essay writing (paraphrasing, skills, ideas, spelling etc

Although some lessons are dated from years ago, all lessons and tips are 100% relevant to IELTS writing task 2 today. 

1. IELTS Writing Task 2 Test Information

Learn about your IELTS writing task 2 test.

• IELTS recommend you spend no more than 40 mins on writing task 2. However, the time is yours to manage as you wish.
• You should write  over 250 words. In the lessons below you will learn about word count and essay length.
• Learn how your total writing score is calculated: Total Writing Score Calculations
• Task Response (25%)
• Coherence & Cohesion (25%)
• Vocabulary (25%)
• Grammar (25%)
• For band score tips and details, see this page: IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Scores 
• Academic writing task 2 is a formal essay. The common types of essays are: Opinion, Discussion, Advantage/Disadvantage, Direct Questions, Solutions. These categorisations will differ from teacher to teacher depending on how they like to teach. See below for 100 IELTS Essay Questions to practise at home.
• GT writing task 2 is the same as Academic IELTS. The essay is written in the same way and the scoring is the same. The only difference is that GT essay questions are often easier and topics are simpler.
• All words will be counted, even small or repeated words. See this page: How Words are Counted
• COMPUTER DELIVERED IELTS: See the following link to read Pros and Cons of Computer Based IELTS : 
• For more information about IELTS test rules and info, see this page: IELTS  Test FAQ

2. IELTS Practice Essay Questions

Practice essay questions to help you prepare ideas for topics in IELTS writing task 2. These questions have been written based on questions reported by IELTS students. They are not IELTS tests.

Over 100 IELTS Essay Questions

3. Essential IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips

The most important writing tips for a strong IELTS essay in writing task 2. Learn about the recommended essay length, how to plan your essay, when to give your opinion and how to write an introduction etc.

How many paragraphs for an IELTS essay? : Essay structure

Key Linking Words List : Academic Vocabulary

Types of IELTS Essays : Main Essay Types in Writing Task 2

Video:  How to write an introduction paragraph : Complete lesson

Essay Planning Tips : How to plan your IELTS essay

Common Essay Topics : 20 Most Common Essay Topics

Video:  Essay Length Advice : How long should your essay be?

Video:  Official Writing Answer Sheet Tips : Using the answer sheet

When to give your opinion : Opinion Essay Tips

Video  Using the last 5 minutes : Exam technique tips

Video: Paraphrasing Tips

Finding Ideas : Developing ideas for essay topics

4. More Video & Tips for Writing Task 2

• Deleting Words in your Essay
• Should I indent the first word of my paragraphs?
• 10 sentences to avoid in your IELTS essay
• Video:  How to add examples to your essay
• Tips: Under Words Penalty
• Do advantages outweigh disadvantages tips?
• Video:   How to give your opinion
• Can you use quotes, idioms or proverbs in your essay?
• Handwriting: Using cursive writing or not
• Essay Questions from 2016
• Writing a Long Introduction: Good or Bad?
• Video : Single-sex & Mixed Schools 
• Video : Grammar – How to Add a Clause
• Video : Grammar – Connecting Sentences
• Video : Conclusion Linkers
• Video : Discussion Essay Useful Language
• Video : Using the Last 5 Minutes Tips
• Video : Should Ideas be Interesting?
• New Essay Topics for 2023

All Free IELTS Writing Task 2 Videos Lessons

5. Model Essays

Sample essays for IELTS writing task 2. These high score model essays will help you understand how to answer the essay questions and how to structure your writing.

• Agree Disagree Opinion Essay: Health
• Advantages & Disadvantages Essay: Language
• Cause  Solution Essay: Crime & Punishment
• Direct Questions Essay: Happiness
• Opinion Essay: Social Media
• Discussion Essay: Work
• Direct Questions Essay: Family
• Direct Questions Essay: Art
• Positive or Negative Development: Social Media
• 2 Model Essays about Economy & Money /Buildings
• Model Essay & Question for Topic of Education
• Two Question Essay: Technology

6. Practice Lessons for Writing Task 2

Develop your IELTS writing skills and get useful ideas for many essay questions. Lessons are in order of date and new lessons will be added over time.

• New Essay Topics in 2023 (these are new topics only. You also need to prepare all common topics as well)
• IELTS Essay Topics Prediction 2022
• Grammar Test : Using “the” with countries and nationalities
• Paraphrasing Practice 1
• Paraphrasing Practice 2
• Paraphrasing Practice 3
• Essay Questions for 2017 – questions reported in the test this year.
• Using Passive Voice for Giving Opinions
• Essay Ideas: Employment Competition
• Writing Skills: Paraphrasing Practice
• Writing Skills: Improving Sentences (2)
• Essay Ideas: The Importance of History
• Essay Ideas: Housing & Trees 
• Essay Ideas: International Aid
• Essay Ideas: City Transport
• Essay Ideas: Salaries
• Essay Ideas: Function of Schools
• Essay Ideas: Female Staff in Senior Positions
• Writing Skills: Punctuation Practice
• Writing Skills: Linking Word Practice
• Essay Ideas: Littering in Cities
• Listen and Write Dictation: Natural Disasters
• Discussion Essay with Feedback: Music Topic
• Writing Skills: Improving Sentences: Ebooks Topic
• Essay Ideas: Banning Mobile Phones
• Two Question Essay with Feedback: Judging Business Success
• Essay Ideas: Tourism and Local Communities
• Essay Ideas: Traffic & Pollution
• Writing Skills: Improving a Thesis Statement
• Writing Skills: Improving Sentences (1)
• Essay Ideas: Handwriting Skills
• Essay Ideas: Promoting to Children
• Essay Ideas: Older or Younger Leaders
• Writing Skills: Introduction Feedback
• Writing Skill: Opinion Essay Introduction Feedback
• Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Body Paragraphs
• Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Introduction
• Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Finding Main Points
• Writing Skills: Thesis Statement
• Essay Ideas: Public Services .

………………

Free Subscribe to Receive New Posts by Email

Type your email…

Advanced IELTS Lessons & E-books

Recent Lessons

Ielts speaking part 2 topic water sports: vocab & model answer, ielts liz personal update 2024, ielts model essay -two questions essay type, ielts bar chart of age groups 2024, ielts topic: urban planning.

Click Below to Learn:

• IELTS Test Information

Copyright Notice

Copyright © Elizabeth Ferguson, 2014 – 2024

All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

• Click here:  Privacy Policy 
• Click here: Disclaimer

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2024 · Prose on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

• IELTS General Writing Task 2: Essay questions

There are several types of essays in IELTS General Writing Task. The differences are in the questions that come after the topic. The structure of your answer depends on the type of essay.

1. Opinion Essay

To what extent do you agree with this statement? How far do you agree or disagree?

2. Agree / Disagree Essay

After leaving school or university, young people should choose a job or career that they love, rather than one that pays the best salary. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Discuss both these views and give your own opinion

3. Two points of view + your opinion

Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

4. Advantages / Disadvantages Essay

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? What are the advantages and disadvantages…?

5. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

6. Negative / Positive development

What are the possible causes of this situation? Is this a negative or positive development? Why is this so and do you think this is a positive or negative development?

7. Two Questions (Mixed) Essay

Today a lot of different cultures and ethnic groups live together in one country. Why is this so and do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Universities should provide students with the skills they will require in order to succeed at their future jobs. How far do you agree or disagree with the above opinion? What are some of the job skills that employers look for in new employees?

8. Problem-Solution Essay

What are the problems and what solutions can you suggest for solving these problems?

9. problems and Causes Essay

People who live in big cities face a range of problems in their daily life. What are the main problems people in cities have, and how can these problems be solved?  

• You are here:  
• Prepare for IELTS
• IELTS Writing
• How to check IELTS Results
• IELTS Academic and IELTS General: differences and similarities
• Computer delivered IELTS
• IELTS Band Scores and English levels comparison chart
• IELTS Exam: Test structure and Format
• Essay Structure
• Detailed Analysis
• Academic Task 1
• Academic Task 2
• IELTS Vocabulary
• IELTS Listening
• IELTS Reading
• IELTS Speaking
• IELTS Writing Course
• Punctuation Guide
• Teacher Training: How to Teach IELTS
• Teacher Training: IELTS Writing for Teachers
• IELTS Training Sessions for Teachers

IELTS General Writing Task 1: Letter samples, phrases and tips.

Home  »  IELTS General Task 1 » IELTS General Writing Task 1: Letter samples, phrases and tips.

The  general writing task 1 exam evaluates the test taker’s writing skills in responding to a complaint, requesting information or explaining a certain situation in a letter.

IELTS general writing task 1 sample letters to make a complaint

General task 1 informal letter samples

IELTS Letter Writing General Task 1 – training and overview

Letter writing in English consists of standard phrases and structures, most of which are outlined below in this tutorial.

Below we have a large list of questions, IELTS letter samples and phrases to help you with your online IELTS preparation . For more help with IELTS writing, take a look at our range of  writing tasks .

IELTS Writing General Task 1: Sample letters to make a complaint

Useful general task 1 phrases to make a complaint.

IELTS Letter samples for Task 1: to make an application

Ielts task 1 formal vocabulary to make an application.

IELTS General Letter Writing Samples: How to write an invitation

Ielts writing task 1 vocabulary to invite or reply to an invite.

IELTS General Letter Writing Samples: Answers to advise

Ielts writing task 1 vocabulary to advise.

IELTS sample letters / answers to apologise

General letter writing task 1 gt vocabulary to apologise.

Writing task 1 sample letters: answers to make a request

Ielts general writing task 1 vocabulary to make a request.

General task 1 informal letter samples and answers

Ielts general writing task 1 vocabulary for informal letters.

General Writing Task 1 sample answer to inform

A letter to inform is used whenever the sender (you) would like to inform the receiver of some information. The information you wish to convey could be related to just about anything. Below is a list of topics or concepts your letter may cover:

The body – Once the introduction is complete you need to write the reason for your “inform letter”.

VIDEO: IELTS Band 9 Sample General Task 1 and Vocabulary

More ielts writing task 1 tutorials.

For more help with your IELTS preparation , take a look at our tutorials:

Take a look at our free IELTS sample task 1 GT letters ebook(PDF)

Frequently asked questions (faqs), how can i practice ielts letter writing, is there letter writing in ielts academic.

No, letter writing (often an email) is only in the IELTS General exam so no need to practice that if you are doing IELTS Academic. In IELTS General, it takes the place of the diagram, map or process in task 1.

What is a formal letter in IELTS?

How can i get an 8 in ielts writing general, how do you write a general writing task 1, how do i get my ielts writing checked online.

If you are serious about improving,  IELTS writing essay correction  can give you feedback on your essays in 24h, getting your work corrected will help you identify errors (grammatical range and accuracy) and improve much faster. Raza jumped from 6.5 to 7.5 using this exact course

How long will this online course take?

What is the success rate of the ielts online course.

Get instant access to free practice tests, exercises, and tips – Download the IELTS Prep App

We will be providing regular updates on IELTS test venue openings, free preparation resources, paid products and services, and news related to IELTS. To get these latest updates, sign-up today.

You may unsubscribe at any time by following the unsubscribe link in any communication we send you. We will process your personal information based on your consent.

More information:

Data protection

Privacy notice

Which best describes you?*

IELTS test taker

Teacher (IELTS, ESL)

Academic professional (non-teacher)

Immigration professional (consultant, lawyer)

To subscribe to receive updates please tick this box and click the "receive updates" button.

Learn all about the IELTS General Training Writing test

Home >> Learn all about the IELTS General Training Writing test

8th Aug 2023 |

By British Council Canada

Learn the general details of the module, what type of questions it includes, and how to practice your writing skills.

Before you take the exam, it is important that you are familiar with the format of the IELTS General Training , the type of questions you will encounter, the time allocated for each stage, and some tips that you can apply from home. Therefore, we will tell you everything you need to know about the writing module.  

Prepare for the test by practicing with some sample exercises and understanding the aspects you need to consider before taking the IELTS General Training.    

What is the w riting module about?  

In the writing module, your ability to generate ideas, organize them in a written structure, and the accuracy and range of your vocabulary to answer the questions will be evaluated. It lasts for 60 minutes and consists of two types of tasks; in the first one, you must write more than 150 words, and in the second one, you must write more than 250 words.  

First task: write a letter with a specific purpose  

In the first task, you will be presented with a situation, and you will have to write a letter in which you interpret, describe, or respond in your own words to the event. The style is flexible and can be personal, formal, or neutral, but you will be evaluated based on your ability to maintain correspondence, gather additional information, and express your opinions and judgment regarding the context.  

The situations you will encounter are common, for example, writing a letter to a local newspaper about a developing news story or requesting a rental agency to visit you to discuss a water supply issue in your house. You must write more than 150 words in this stage, otherwise, you will be penalized. The approximate time to complete this task should not exceed 20 minutes.  

Second task: write an essay  

On the other hand, in the second task, you will have to respond to a topic, an argument, or a problem by writing an essay . In this stage, you need to expand a bit more, as you will have to propose solutions and opinions and, if applicable, question some presented ideas.  

The themes of the second task involve deeper issues such as the environmental crisis, care for the elderly, prohibition measures in public spaces, and the reasons behind the increasing distance between family members. It is important to support your argument with examples from your personal life and write a response using a broader and more complex vocabulary than in the first task.  

Regarding the evaluation criteria, examiners will pay attention to the coherence of your ideas, the accuracy, and your ability to respond appropriately to each situation . The second task carries more weight than the first one, as its length and difficulty are higher.  

Discover some tips on how to get a Band 7 qualification in the IELTS.  

Examples of exercises to practice at home  

To give you an idea of the writing module in the IELTS General Training, here are two examples of exercises that can help you study from home. Practice by answering the questions and addressing the problems they present.  

• Example exercise Task 1   

You live in a room in college which you share with another student. However, there are many problems with this arrangement, and you find it very difficult to work. Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college.   

In the letter: describe the situation, explain your problems, why it is difficult to work and say what kind of accommodation you would prefer.   

Write at least 150 words.   

You do NOT need to write any addresses.   

Begin your letter as follows:   

Dear Sir or Madam…  

• Example exercise Task 2  

In Britain, when someone ages they often go to live in a home with other senior people where there are nurses to look after them. Sometimes the government must pay for this care.   

Who do you think should pay for this care, the government or the family?   

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

Write at least 250 words.  

Tips to take advantage of the time in your test  

With a duration of 60 minutes, you need to make the most of your time and be effective in responding the two tasks. You should be specific, make decisions based on criteria, and ensure coherence in all the ideas you want to communicate.  

That’s why we’re here to provide you with some tips to keep in mind when taking the writing module:  

• Make a brainstorming session before starting to write: Before drafting your response, write down everything that comes to mind about the theme of each task. In the end, you can choose which path to take and how to develop your response.  
• Communicate in a direct and simple manner: Although the writing module assesses the breadth of your vocabulary, it is not necessary to use complicated and obscure words. The more concrete and precise your text is, the better the evaluator will understand it. Avoid irrelevant information that has nothing to do with the problem.  
• Read your text aloud: One of the simplest ways to detect errors is to read the text aloud. This way, you also identify issues with writing or unnecessary changes in rhythm.  
• Learn to use connectors: On the contrary, however, in addition , among others, are some of the connectors you should learn so that your text feels natural and well-written.  

• Avoid long sentences at all costs: Separating ideas and giving them closure is an attribute you should learn so that your sentences do not become too lengthy. Keep your text in a concise and simple structure.  
• Practice different styles of writing: Write formal, informal, and personal texts to practice from home. This way, you can know how to handle any situation that is presented to you in the IELTS General Training.  
• Read, write, and seek feedback : Three golden rules for those who want to study from home for this module. It may seem obvious, but only by following these three instructions can you improve and achieve a good score in the writing stage. You can seek the assistance of another person to read what you wrote, so you can hear another point of view on how to approach the text.  

Enter and do the IELTS General Training through the British Council.  

Related articles:  

• A Guide to Moving to Canada  
• Last Minute IELTS Preparation Tips

Summary/round up

Information

Previous Post

Learn about the advantages of taking the ielts.

4th Aug 2023 |

Learn how to prepare for the IELTS exam

30th Aug 2023 |

• Preparing for IELTS
• Practice tests
• Free online IELTS Writing practice tests
• Free online IELTS General Training Writing practice test - paper

IELTS practice General Training Writing test - Task 2

This is the second section of your IELTS General Training Writing test. You should spend about 40 minutes on it.

Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that teaching children at home is best for a child’s development while others think that it is important for children to go to school.

Discuss the advantages of both methods 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.

You have now reached the end of your Writing test; download the answers and see how well you have done.