IELTS Academic writing practice tests

Preparing for your IELTS Academic Writing test

We want you to go into your test feeling prepared. Here you'll find official sample materials for the IELTS Academic Writing test, so you know exactly what to expect.

The Academic Writing test is different from General Training — Task 1 asks you to describe visual information such as a graph, chart, or diagram, and Task 2 is an essay presenting an argument or discussion. Use these official practice materials to:

• understand the IELTS Academic Writing test format and what each task requires
• practise describing data and constructing well-structured academic arguments
• complete full writing tasks under timed conditions
• compare your responses with model answers and identify areas to develop.

Academic Writing Sample tasks

In Part 1, you are presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and are asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event.

In Part 2, you are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem.

Academic Writing Sample task Part 1 (opens in a new tab)

Academic Writing Sample task Part 2 (opens in a new tab)

Even more IELTS Academic - paper sample tests

Academic Writing (60 minutes) 

The Academic Writing test consists of two writing tasks of 150 words and 250 words.

In Task 1, you are asked to describe some visual information (graph/table/chart/diagram). You need to write 150 words in about 20 minutes. In Task 2 you are presented with a point of view or argument or problem. You need to write your response in 250 words in about 40 minutes.