There are 2 tasks. The candidates are required to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2.

There are 2 parts.

In Task 1, the candidates are presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and are asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in their own words. They may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event.

In Task 2, the candidates are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem.

The issues raised are of general interest to, suitable for and easily understood by test takers entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration. Responses to Task 1 and Task 2 should be written in an academic, semi-formal/neutral style.

In both tasks, the candidates are assessed on their ability to write a response which is appropriate in terms of:

• content
• the organisation of ideas
• the accuracy and range of vocabulary and grammar.

In Task 1, depending on the task type, the candidates are assessed on their ability to organise, present and possibly compare data; to describe the stages of a process or procedure; to describe an object or event or sequence of events; to explain how something works.

In Task 2, depending on the task type, the candidates are assessed on their ability to present a solution to a problem; to present and justify an opinion; to compare and contrast evidence, opinions and implications; to evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or an argument.

The candidates are assessed on their performance on each task by certificated IELTS examiners according to the IELTS Writing test assessment criteria (Task Achievement/Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy). The public version of the assessment criteria can be found at www.ielts.org/criteria.

Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.