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Pick TwoActivity

IELTS Academic Writing practice: Task 1 and Task 2

IELTS Academic5 topics200 questions

The Academic Writing paper is sixty minutes for two tasks that are not worth the same. Task 1 asks for 150 words describing data or a diagram; Task 2 asks for 250 words of argument and carries twice the marks. These five pages work on the specific habits each task rewards.

What this paper asks of you

  • Writing 150 words in twenty minutes for Task 1 and 250 in forty minutes for Task 2.
  • Including an overview in every Task 1 answer, before the detail.
  • Selecting and grouping data rather than listing every figure.
  • Using accurate trend, comparison and process language.
  • Answering the exact Task 2 question, including two-part prompts.
  • Holding one position from introduction to conclusion.
  • Developing two ideas properly rather than listing four.
  • Linking ideas with connectors that match the logic, without over-linking.
  • Paraphrasing the prompt so that nothing is copied into your word count.
  • Leaving time to check articles, plurals and subject-verb agreement.

Task types, one page each