IELTS Academic Writing Test

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

Here’s what I cover on this page:

1) Why choose IELTS Academic?

IELTS Academic is required by universities and professional registration bodies.

You should take the Academic test if you want to apply for a place at a university or other higher education institution in an English speaking country or in a non-native English-speaking country where courses are taught in the English language.

The Academic qualification is also generally preferred by professional bodies in English-speaking countries and required for registration. This is particularly the case in fields such as:

It is different to the IELTS General test which is for people wanting to work in or emigrate to the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada or New Zealand.

2) Important facts

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

3) Test format

Task 1 – You are required to write a short essay based on information contained in one of the following:

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

You will have to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. For example, you may be asked to:

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

There are 5 types of Task 2 essay:

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

Your response to both tasks should be written in a formal style.

4) Skills assessed

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

These are:

Each carries 25% of the marks.

The two parts of the IELTS Academic 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 essay will be assessed in relation to your ability to achieve one or more of the following:

Task 2 – Your essay will be assessed in relation to your ability to achieve 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 Academic Writing test lessons in the menus below.