Problem: candidates prepare topics when the test examines skills — then meet an unfamiliar question with no transferable method. Answer in brief: IELTS Writing tests four criteria across two tasks (task achievement/response, coherence/cohesion, lexical resource, grammatical range/accuracy); every preparation choice should target a criterion directly. This guide explains the testing logic with criterion-targeted tips, and IELTS Writing — Course 2 teaches the module across 10 topic sections.
Understanding the module: two tasks, four criteria
Task 1 (150+ words, 20 minutes suggested, one-third of marks): describe visual information or write a letter — selection and overview tested. Task 2 (250+ words, 40 minutes, two-thirds): essay responding to a viewpoint or problem. Four criteria apply to both (worded per task): achievement/response, coherence/cohesion, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy. Time split follows marks: Task 2 earns double, so it gets double minutes.
What each criterion actually tests
Achievement/response: did you do the job — overview present? all parts answered? position clear? Coherence/cohesion: can a reader follow without effort — paragraphing, linking, referencing? Lexical: precise, varied, correctly collocated words — not rare ones. Grammar: range plus accuracy — complex sentences that work, not complex sentences attempted. Each criterion needs deliberate practice; practising “writing” generally improves none specifically.
Prepare by criterion supervised? The full IELTS Writing — Course 2 teaches the module with testing logic and overview tips across 10 topic sections with 9 lessons and mock tests. Explore the course →
Overview tips that work (and why)
- Overview first in Task 1 — targets achievement directly; no overview caps the criterion.
- Position in sentence one of Task 2 — targets response; examiners should never hunt your view.
- One idea per paragraph with a topic sentence — targets coherence mechanically.
- Learn collocations, not words — targets lexical precision (“pose a threat”, not “make a threat”).
- Five perfect complex sentences beat fifteen attempted — targets grammar range with accuracy.
Three tips that do not work
Memorised whole essays: mismatch tasks and read as template — penalised, not rewarded. Rare vocabulary stuffing: unnatural collocations damage lexical scores. Writing more words: length without coverage adds faults, not marks; bands reward completion, not volume.
FAQs
How should I split the hour?
20 minutes Task 1, 40 minutes Task 2, each including 2–3 checking minutes. Task 2’s double weight earns double time — never rob it for Task 1.
Is there a penalty for under-length?
Under-length almost always means uncovered content, which caps achievement/response directly. Count during practice until bands feel automatic.
What is in the course?
Ten topic sections on the module, testing logic and overview tips, with 9 lessons and 5 complete mock tests.
The matching course
IELTS Writing — Course 2 starts where preparation should: what the test examines and how each criterion is won — 10 topic sections, 9 lessons, 5 mock tests. If you prepare topics, switch to criteria here.
Sources and note
- IELTS Writing format and public band descriptors per ielts.org — Writing format. Check current guidance before the test.
- Course details verified from its public staging page (read-only): 10 topic sections, 9 lessons, 5 mock tests.
- Criterion summaries are general guidance; descriptors govern marking.
Put this into practice
Compare these course outlines and choose the practice that matches your next goal.
