In the IELTS writing test, you get asked to write two pieces of writing: task one and task two. You are asked to do so within an hour. Advisably, candidates spend 40 minutes on task two and 20 minutes on task one. However, the management of that depends fully on you. Personally, I spend about 30 minutes on task two (including the planning stage). I utilize the remainder of the time to thoroughly study the chart and write a well-developed piece of writing. I take a longer time going back to the chart after nearly every sentence to make sure I am on track while the flow of ideas in task two once decided at the beginning of writing does not require as many interruptions to review whether I am on track or not. So, this is personal, and it, fully, depends on your practice and study. 

Remember that task two weighs double task one. This means that if you achieve band 7 in task one and band 5.5 in task two, the overall band is 6. (5.5+5.5+7 divided by 3) 

There are two types of the IELTS writing task one: academic and general training. 

In the academic test, you are asked to report a chart or a diagram while in the general training, you are asked to write a letter. 

• Academic

• General Training

You are asked to write at least 150 words. But, we usually recommend that you exceed this minimum and write between 170 words and 200 words. This can keep you safe and help you achieve high in the task achievement criterion from the band descriptors.

How to achieve band 7+

Let us take a look at band 7’s band descriptor to fully understand what you need to work on so you could achieve band 7 in the IELTS writing task one.

• Task Achievement
  • The response covers the requirements of the task.
  • The content is relevant and accurate – there may be a few omissions or lapses.
  • The format is appropriate.
  • (Academic) Key features which are selected are covered and clearly highlighted but could be more fully or more appropriately illustrated or extended.
  • (Academic) It presents a clear overview, the data are appropriately categorized, and main trends or differences are identified.
  • (General Training) All bullet points are covered and clearly highlighted but could be more fully or more appropriately illustrated or extended. It presents a clear purpose. The tone is consistent and appropriate to the task. Any lapses are minimal.
• Coherence and Cohesion
  • Information and ideas are logically organized and there is a clear progression throughout the response. A few lapses may occur.
  • A range of cohesive devices including reference and substitution is used flexibly but with some inaccuracies or some over/under use
• Lexical Resource
  • The resource is sufficient to allow some flexibility and precision.
  • There is some ability to use less common and/or idiomatic items.
  • An awareness of style and collocation is evident, though inappropriacies occur.
  • There are only a few errors in spelling and/or word formation, and they do not detract from overall clarity.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy
  • A variety of complex structures is used with some flexibility and accuracy.
  • Grammar and punctuation are generally well controlled, and error-free sentences are frequent.
  • A few errors in grammar may persist, but these do not impede communication.

Put simply, for you to achieve band 7, you need to read the task carefully and cover all its aspects while writing. Also, you need to write in advanced vocabulary with no repetition. Indeed, complex structure is crucial. And, using linking words is as important as all the other areas.

So, stick around for in-depth content.