The challenge

Do you want to know if you’re ready to take the IELTS Writing test? First, try to answer these questions:

1. What is the minimum number of words you need to write for Writing Task 1?
2. What are the five points the examiner is looking for in IELTS Writing?
3. How should you divide your time between Task 1 and Task 2?

If you can’t answer these three questions confidently, you are not ready to take IELTS. The easiest way to fail to get the band score you need is to go into the test without fully understanding what is required of you. This applies to all the tests, not just IELTS Writing! So, how can you familiarise yourself?

Answers

Let’s start by answering these questions.

1. What is the minimum number of words you need to write for Writing Task 1?
   150 words.
2. What are the five points the examiner is looking for in IELTS Writing?
   The assessment criteria covers: fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and relevance.
3. How should you divide your time between Task 1 and Task 2?
   The IELTS Writing test lasts 60 minutes, and is in two parts. Part 2 accounts for two-thirds of the points, so you should spend two-thirds of the time on it: that’s 40 minutes. You can find everything you need to know about IELTS Writing Task 2 here.

The solution

Now you know the answers to some basic questions about the test. But that’s not enough to prepare you for what’s to come. One really important thing to do before you start your preparation is finding out your weak areas. What do you struggle with? Which section makes you feel the least confident? Figure out what you need to spend the most time on, then you can put together a study plan.