A Former Examiner's Beginner's Guide to IELTS Writing | Test Format, Sample Questions, and First Steps for Studying

When deciding to take the IELTS exam, many non-native English speakers find the Writing section to be the most daunting.

"I don't think I can get the score I need for studying abroad (Band 6.0–6.5)."

"I can't even imagine what kind of questions will be on the test."

Do you share these concerns? The truth is, IELTS Writing is not about writing with "flair"; it's a test that's more like a puzzle you solve by following the "marking criteria (the rules)."

In this article, based on the expertise of ELT, home to former IELTS examiners, we will explain the test structure, provide concrete examples of past questions, and outline a study method for beginners to reach their target score in the shortest time possible.

What You'll Learn in This Article

• Test Overview: Time allocation, word count, and the differences between the computer-delivered and paper-based tests
• Sample Questions: See what types of graphs and topics actually appear on the test
• Marking Criteria: What do former examiners look for when scoring your paper?
• Study Method: A 3-step approach you can start today

1. The Basics of IELTS Writing

The Writing section consists of two tasks.

[Table 1] IELTS Writing Test Overview

Advice from a Former Examiner:

The biggest mistake beginners make is spending too much time on Task 1. Since Task 2 is worth twice as many points, it's a golden rule to move on to Task 2 after 20 minutes, even if you haven't finished Task 1.

2. What Kind of Questions Appear? (Sample Questions by Module)

IELTS has two modules: "Academic" (for study) and "General Training" (for immigration/work), and the content of Task 1 differs significantly between them.

Task 1: Objectively Reporting Facts (20 minutes)

[Academic] Describing a chart or diagram

You will summarize objective facts from a graph, chart, or map. You must not include any personal opinions like "I think..."

• Sample Question:

  The chart below shows the number of men and women in further education in Britain in three periods and whether they were studying full-time or part-time.

  (Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.)

[General Training] Writing a letter

You will write a letter appropriate to a given situation, addressed to a friend, landlord, manager, etc.

• Sample Question:

  You recently bought a piece of equipment for your kitchen but it did not work. Write a letter to the shop manager.

  (In your letter, explain the problem and say what you would like the manager to do.)

Task 2: Logically Presenting an Opinion (40 minutes) *Common to both modules

[Common to both] Essay Writing

You will logically state your opinion on a social topic. This tests your ability to persuasively explain "why you think so" in response to a question with no single right answer.

• Sample Question:

  Some people think that strict punishments for driving offences are the key to reducing traffic accidents. Others, however, believe that other measures would be more effective. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

3. What Former Examiners Look For: The 4 Marking Criteria

This is the most important part. IELTS is not graded based on an examiner's "feeling" but is systematically scored according to four publicly available marking criteria.

1. Task Achievement / Response

   What they look for: Have you answered all parts of the question? (For Task 2, did you address "both views" and "your own opinion"?)

2. Coherence & Cohesion

   What they look for: Is the paragraphing appropriate? Does the logic flow, or does it jump around? Are connecting words like "Firstly" and "However" used naturally?

3. Lexical Resource

   What they look for: Are you repeating the same simple words (e.g., good, bad, think)? Are you using natural collocations (word combinations) suitable for the topic?

4. Grammatical Range & Accuracy

   What they look for: Are you using complex sentences (e.g., with relative clauses or conditionals), not just basic English? How few errors are there?

Advice from a Former Examiner:

Beginners often try to use "difficult vocabulary (Lexical Resource)" and end up making mistakes. However, when aiming for Band 6.0, the most important criteria are "Task Achievement (answering the question)" and "Coherence & Cohesion (paragraph structure)." If you focus on these two, you won't go far wrong.

4. A 3-Step Study Method for Beginners

If you just start writing without a plan, you'll get frustrated. Follow these steps.

Step 1: Learn the "Structure (Template)"

IELTS Writing has a set structure. Don't write in your own style at first; learn the template.

• Task 1 Structure: Introduction (Paraphrase) → Overview (General summary) → Detail 1 → Detail 2
• Task 2 Structure: Introduction (State opinion) → Body 1 (Reason 1) → Body 2 (Reason 2) → Conclusion

Step 2: Copy Model Answers (Without a Timer)

Try copying the "Model Answers" found at the back of the official practice materials. This will help you internalize the rhythm of the writing, such as "Oh, this is a good phrase to use," or "This is how I should structure my paragraphs."

Step 3: Get Professional Feedback

This is the fastest way to improve. Writing is a subject where it's impossible to grade your own work accurately.

Expressions that are "grammatically correct but sound unnatural to a native speaker" are impossible to spot when studying alone.

For Those Serious About Improving Their Score: Why You Need Guidance from a Former Examiner

The most crucial factor in achieving your target score in IELTS Writing is understanding how an examiner perceives your current writing.

• Is your structure good, but your vocabulary unnatural?
• Is your English clean, but your arguments off-topic?

This is something that standard textbooks and AI-powered correction tools cannot accurately assess.

Why Choose ELT

ELT is unique in Japan, with all instructors being native speakers, many of whom are former IELTS examiners or hold qualifications in English language teaching.

• An Examiner's Perspective: Instructors who know the "inside story" of the marking criteria will correct your essays from an examiner's point of view.
• Deep Understanding of Common Learner Challenges: We expertly correct issues common among Japanese learners, such as unnatural direct translations and logical gaps.

Before you spend months struggling on your own, why not get a professional perspective?

Start by signing up for a free trial lesson.