IELTS Writing Task 1
IELTS Writing Task 1 Overview
Writing Task 1 asks for at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. What you write depends on your version: a data report (Academic) or a letter (General Training). This lesson sets out both.
Academic vs General Training Task 1
| Version | Task 1 asks you to… |
|---|---|
| Academic | Describe a graph, bar chart, table, pie chart, map or process diagram |
| General Training | Write a letter (formal, semi-formal or informal) |
The rules that apply to both
- Write at least 150 words — under-length answers are penalised.
- Spend about 20 minutes; Task 2 is worth more, so do not overrun.
- Do not give opinions in Academic Task 1 — only report what the data shows.
How Task 1 is scored
Examiners mark four criteria equally: Task Achievement, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource (vocabulary), and Grammatical Range & Accuracy. Covering the task fully and accurately matters more than fancy words.
Task 1 is only one third of your Writing score. Never spend more than 20 minutes on it — protect the 40 minutes Task 2 needs.
Test yourself with our free IELTS practice questions and instant scoring.
Take test →Frequently Asked Questions
How many words for IELTS Writing Task 1?+
At least 150 words. Aim for about 160–190 so you comfortably clear the minimum without wasting time.
Should I give my opinion in Task 1?+
No opinion in Academic Task 1 — just report the data objectively. In General Training letters, your tone and purpose depend on who you are writing to.