Active IELTS - Writing Task 2
Welcome to the Active IELTS Writing Task 2 page.

Here you will find:

  • A guide to the question
  • Tips and hints on how to answer
  • Free downloads - practice questions, model answers and useful vocabulary

This page looks at Writing Task 2. You can use the links to go straight to other sections of the
writing exam page.







Although the writing exam is very different for the General Training and the Academic IELTS,
there are some important things to remember for both versions:

Practising

  • Practise writing by hand. You might not have done it for a while

  • As you practise, make sure your handwriting is clear. If the examiner cannot read your
    writing, you will lose marks

  • Practise writing following the time limits (20 minutes for task 1 and 40 for task 2), and
    without a time limit, so you can focus on language

  • Make sure your paragraphs are very clear - this is important. If necessary, leave a line
    between each paragraph you write

  • Find someone to read your work, even if they can't correct it. Ask them if it is clear.

In the exam

  • Plan your time. You shouldn't use more than 20 minutes for task 1 and 40 for task 2

  • Make sure you finish. A writing answer missing some detail is better than an answer
    which is not finished

  • You have time in both tasks to plan - 5 minutes in task 1 and 5-10 in task 2. Use this
    time well. A planned answer is always better

  • If you need to correct your work, either erase it or put one clean line through it (this can
    save time). Keep your work tidy to create a good impression

  • If you have time, check spelling and punctuation



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