IELTS Academic Writing: Task 1 Overviews and Task 2 Argument
The Writing domain has two tasks in 60 minutes. Task 1 asks you to describe visual information in at least 150 words; Task 2 asks for a discursive essay of at least 250 words. Task 2 carries twice the weight of Task 1. The paper tests task response, organisation, vocabulary and grammatical control under time pressure.
Task 1 rules
- Spend about 20 minutes. Write an introduction that paraphrases the prompt, an overview, and two body paragraphs.
- The overview is essential: state the main trend, difference or stage without listing every number.
- Do not give opinions or explain causes unless the prompt asks.
- Select and group key features; quote figures accurately.
Task 2 rules
- Spend about 40 minutes. Answer every part of the question and keep a clear position.
- Use 4–5 paragraphs: introduction, 2–3 developed body paragraphs, conclusion.
- Support each idea with explanation and a specific example; do not just list ideas.
- Under-length answers are penalised, so aim for 260–290 words rather than exactly 250.
Assessment criteria
Both tasks are judged on Task Achievement/Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Task 1’s criterion is Task Achievement; Task 2’s is Task Response.
Worked example
Task 1 line graph: car ownership per 1,000 people in three countries, 2000–2020. A weak answer lists every data point. A strong overview says: “Car ownership rose in all three countries; Country A remained highest throughout, while Country C grew fastest from the lowest base.” Reasoning: the overview generalises the trend and makes a comparison. The body can then group A and B as high and relatively stable, and C as the rapid riser, quoting 2000 and 2020 figures only where they support the point.
Traps that cost marks
- No overview in Task 1, which limits Task Achievement.
- A memorised introduction that does not answer the exact question.
- Task 2 discussing both sides without stating your own position.
- Overusing linking phrases instead of developing ideas.
- Copying long phrases from the question.