IELTS Academic Writing Sample Tasks 2023 - Writing Task Formats and Sample Prompts

Sep 29, 2026

IELTS Academic Writing sample tasks describe two writing formats with recommended time limits and word-count requirements. Task 1 focuses on summarising visual data such as charts, graphs, tables, and diagrams using about 150 words in around 20 minutes. Task 2 requires writing an argument or response to a point of view with about 250 words in around 40 minutes. The document also provides sample candidate scripts and examiner commentary, plus marking criteria across the IELTS bands.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages26

Reading Time1 h 6 min

AccessFree to download

Academic Writing Sample Task 1A

Writing Task 1

Academic Writing Sample Task 1B

Writing Task 1

Academic Writing Sample Task 1C

Writing Task 1

Academic Writing Sample Task 2A

Writing Task 2

Academic Writing Sample Task 2B

Writing Task 2

Sample Candidate Writing Scripts and Examiner Comments

Assessment criteria and marking notes

IELTS Academic Writing Sample Tasks The IELTS Academic Writing test includes a variety of tasks. In Task 1, test takers are asked to describe some visual information (graph/table/chart/diagram) in their own words. They need to write 150 words in about 20 minutes. In Task 2, they respond to a point of view or argument or problem. They need to write 250 words in about 40 minutes. Read the details of each task type on our Test format page. Contents Academic Writing Sample Task – 1A ................................................................................ 3 Academic Writing Sample Task – 1B ................................................................................ 4 Academic Writing Sample Task – 1C ................................................................................ 5 Academic Writing Sample Task – 2A ................................................................................ 6 Academic Writing Sample Task – 2B ................................................................................ 7 Sample Candidate Writing Scripts and Examiner Comments....................................... 8 Academic Writing Sample Task – 1A – Sample Script A ................................................. 9 Academic Writing Sample Task – 1A – Sample Script B ............................................... 10 Academic Writing Sample Task – 1B – Sample Script A ............................................... 11 Academic Writing Sample Task – 1B – Sample Script B ............................................... 12 Academic Writing Sample Task – 1C – Sample Script A ............................................... 13 Academic Writing Sample Task – 1C – Sample Script B ............................................... 14 Academic Writing Sample Task – 1C – Sample Script C ............................................... 16 Academic Writing Sample Task – 2A – Sample Script A ............................................... 18 Academic Writing Sample Task – 2A – Sample Script B ............................................... 19 Academic Writing Sample Task – 2A – Sample Script C ............................................... 21 Academic Writing Sample Task – 2B – Sample Script A ............................................... 23 Academic Writing Sample Task – 2B – Sample Script B ............................................... 25 Academic Writing Sample Task – 1A WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 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. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words. Academic Writing Sample Task – 1B WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The graph below shows radio and television audiences throughout the day in 1992. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words. Academic Writing Sample Task – 1C WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The diagram below shows the process by which bricks are manufactured for the building industry. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words. Academic Writing Sample Task – 2A WRITING TASK 2 You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Children who are brought up in families that do not have large amounts of money are better prepared to deal with the problems of adult life than children brought up by wealthy parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words. A

FAQs

What are the required word counts and time limits for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 and Task 2?

Task 1 requires at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. Task 2 requires at least 250 words in about 40 minutes.

What does IELTS Writing Task 1 ask test takers to do?

Task 1 asks test takers to describe and summarise information from a visual input such as a graph, table, chart, or diagram, making comparisons where relevant.

How is Task 2 assessed in the IELTS Academic Writing module?

Task 2 is assessed independently with criteria including Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and it carries more weight than Task 1.

Sep 29, 2026

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