IELTS Writing gives you 60 minutes for two tasks. Task 1 needs at least 150 words and Task 2 at least 250 words. Because Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1, how you split your time matters. Most people who run out of time lose more marks in Task 2 than they gained in Task 1.
The recommended split
| Task | Time | Minimum words | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task 2 (essay) | 40 minutes | 250 | About two thirds of your Writing band |
| Task 1 (report or letter) | 20 minutes | 150 | About one third |
Tip: many students do Task 2 first. You're allowed to, and it makes sure your most valuable task gets your freshest 40 minutes.
A minute-by-minute plan for Task 2 (40 minutes)
- Minutes 0–5: plan. Identify the essay type, decide your position, and note one main idea and example per body paragraph.
- Minutes 5–8: introduction. Two sentences. See how to write a Task 2 introduction.
- Minutes 8–30: two body paragraphs. About 11 minutes each: main idea, explanation, example.
- Minutes 30–34: conclusion. Restate your position in one or two sentences.
- Minutes 34–40: check. Look for your usual errors: verb tenses, articles (a/the), plurals, subject–verb agreement.
Task 1 (20 minutes)
- Academic: 3 minutes to find the main trends, 2 for the introduction and overview, 12 for the details, 3 to check.
- General Training: 2 minutes to decide tone and plan one paragraph per bullet point, 15 to write, 3 to check. See the letter guide.
Practise under time
Set a 40-minute timer, write a Task 2 essay, then paste it into the free BandIQ Band Check to see your estimated band for each criterion. Doing this twice a week is one of the fastest ways to build speed and accuracy together.
Frequently asked questions
How long is IELTS Writing?
60 minutes for both tasks. The recommended split is 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2.
Can I do Task 2 before Task 1?
Yes. You can complete the tasks in either order, and many candidates start with Task 2 because it carries more weight.
Does Task 2 count more than Task 1?
Yes. Task 2 counts for about twice as much as Task 1 in your Writing band.
What happens if I write under the word limit?
You can lose marks. Aim for about 160–190 words in Task 1 and 260–300 in Task 2.