55 free guides
IELTS Writing guides
Short, practical guides with examples: every Task 2 essay type, every Task 1 chart, General Training letters, the language examiners reward, and the scores universities ask for.
Need IELTS for something bigger?
Three paths through the guides and tools, in the order most people need them.
IELTS for migration
Visas and points that depend on your scores.
IELTS for studying abroad
Scores, money and the documents that go with your application.
Practical writing
The emails, letters and CVs you write once the test is done.
Strategy
Band 7, timing, the computer test, and getting past band 6.
- How to get band 7 in IELTS WritingWhat band 7 in IELTS Writing really requires, criterion by criterion, the habits that hold most essays at 6 or 6.5, and a four-week practice plan built around writing, checking and rewriting. 10 min read
- IELTS Writing time management: 60 minutes, two tasksHow to divide 60 minutes between IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2, minute by minute, why Task 2 should often come first, and what to do when you are running out of time. 6 min read
- Computer-delivered IELTS Writing: what changes and how to prepareWhat is different about IELTS Writing on a computer, from the on-screen word count to typing speed and editing, and how to change your practice so the exam feels familiar. 6 min read
- Stuck at band 6 in IELTS Writing? Here is what to changeWhy so many IELTS Writing scores stay at 6 or 6.5 after months of practice, the five habits that usually cause it, and the specific changes that move an essay to band 7. 7 min read
Task 2 essay types
How to spot each question type and plan the answer it needs.
- How to write an IELTS opinion essay (agree or disagree)How to answer “To what extent do you agree or disagree?” in IELTS Writing Task 2: choosing a position, a four-paragraph plan, sentence starters for when you are stuck, and a full model answer. 8 min read
- How to write an IELTS discussion essay (discuss both views)How to answer “Discuss both views and give your opinion” in IELTS Writing Task 2: where your opinion goes, a four-paragraph plan, and the mistakes that cost Task Response marks. 7 min read
- How to write an IELTS problem and solution essayHow to answer IELTS Task 2 questions about causes, problems and solutions: matching each solution to a cause, a clear four-paragraph plan, and useful language. 7 min read
- How to write an IELTS advantages and disadvantages essayHow to answer IELTS Task 2 advantages and disadvantages questions, including “Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?” and “Is this a positive or negative development?”. 7 min read
- How to write an IELTS two-part question essayHow to answer IELTS Task 2 questions that ask two separate questions, such as “Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?”, with a plan and model answers. 6 min read
Task 2 writing skills
Planning, introductions, body paragraphs, conclusions and paraphrasing.
- How to write an IELTS Task 2 introductionA two-step method for IELTS Writing Task 2 introductions: paraphrase the question, then give your position. Examples for every essay type and the phrases examiners skip over. 6 min read
- How to write IELTS Task 2 body paragraphsHow to build an IELTS Task 2 body paragraph that scores well: one main idea, a reason, an explanation and a specific example, with a worked paragraph and the common band 6 mistakes. 8 min read
- How to write an IELTS Task 2 conclusionHow to write a short, clear IELTS Task 2 conclusion: restate your position and main reasons without repeating the introduction or adding new ideas. Examples for each essay type. 4 min read
- How to plan an IELTS Task 2 essay in 5 minutesA five-minute planning method for IELTS Writing Task 2: identify the question type, decide your position, then find two reasons and two examples before you write a word. 6 min read
- How to paraphrase the question in IELTS Task 2Practical paraphrasing for IELTS Task 2 introductions: which words to change, which to keep, three safe techniques, and the over-paraphrasing that lowers your vocabulary score. 5 min read
Language
Linking words, grammar, complex sentences and vocabulary.
- Linking words for IELTS Writing, and when not to use themThe linking words that matter in IELTS Writing Task 2, grouped by job, and why too many of them can lower your Coherence and Cohesion score. With examples and better alternatives. 7 min read
- Common grammar mistakes in IELTS Writing, and how to fix themThe grammar mistakes that most often hold IELTS Writing at band 6: articles, agreement, joining words, countable nouns and punctuation, each with a wrong and corrected example. 8 min read
- Complex sentences for IELTS Writing: six safe openersHow to add complex sentences to IELTS Writing Task 2 without adding mistakes: six opening words that create a complex sentence, a mix of sentence types, and the passive and conditional. 6 min read
- IELTS Writing vocabulary: how to raise your Lexical Resource scoreHow to improve IELTS Writing vocabulary the way the band descriptors reward it: precise words, natural collocations and topic vocabulary, not rare words. With topic word lists. 7 min read
- Commonly confused words that cost marks in formal writingThe commonly confused English words that cost marks in essays, applications and formal emails (affect and effect, rise and raise, fewer and less, economic and economical and more), with a quick test for each and British spelling pairs. 8 min read
- Formal vs informal English: three levels, and how to pick oneFormal, neutral and informal English compared, with word swaps, the same message written three ways, the over-formal mistakes that sound old-fashioned, and which level to use in essays, letters, emails and applications. 7 min read
Academic Task 1
Every chart type, processes and maps, and the language of trends.
- How to write IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: the complete guideEverything you need for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: the six visual types, the four-paragraph structure, how to write an overview, how to choose which numbers to use, and how it is marked. 9 min read
- IELTS Task 1 line graph: how to describe trendsHow to write an IELTS Academic Task 1 line graph answer: finding the main trends, grouping the lines, choosing figures, describing projections, and a full model answer. 6 min read
- IELTS Task 1 bar chart: how to compare categoriesHow to answer an IELTS Academic Task 1 bar chart: reading grouped bars, ranking and comparing categories, avoiding a list of numbers, and a model answer with notes. 6 min read
- IELTS Task 1 pie chart: how to describe proportionsHow to write an IELTS Academic Task 1 pie chart answer: proportions versus amounts, comparing two pies, percentage points, fractions, and a model answer. 5 min read
- IELTS Task 1 table: how to find the pattern in the numbersHow to answer an IELTS Academic Task 1 table: finding trends in rows of numbers, choosing which figures to use, grouping rows, and a model answer with notes. 5 min read
- IELTS Task 1 process diagram: how to describe the stagesHow to write an IELTS Academic Task 1 process diagram answer: counting stages, the overview, the passive voice, sequencing words that are not repetitive, and natural cycles. 6 min read
- IELTS Task 1 maps and plans: how to describe changesHow to answer IELTS Academic Task 1 maps and floor plans: the overview, location language, the past perfect passive, proposed changes with would, and model answers. 6 min read
- Language for IELTS Task 1: describing trends and comparing dataThe vocabulary and grammar for IELTS Academic Task 1: verbs and nouns for trends, how to show the size of a change, comparisons, approximations, and the right tenses. 7 min read
General Training letters
Formal, semi-formal and informal letters, complaints, and the phrases for each.
- IELTS General Training Writing Task 1: the complete letter guideHow to write the IELTS General Training Task 1 letter: the three tones, a paragraph plan that covers every bullet point, the right greeting and sign-off, how it is marked, and the mistakes that cost the most. 9 min read
- How to write an IELTS formal letterHow to write a formal letter for IELTS General Training Task 1: when to use one, the format from “Dear Sir or Madam” to “Yours faithfully”, a paragraph plan, formal phrases, and a model letter. 6 min read
- How to write an IELTS semi-formal letterHow to write a semi-formal letter for IELTS General Training Task 1: who it is for, the greeting and sign-off, how polite but personal language sounds, and model letters to a landlord, a manager, a neighbour and a teacher. 6 min read
- How to write an IELTS informal letterHow to write an informal letter to a friend for IELTS General Training Task 1: the greeting and sign-off, natural friendly language that still scores well, a paragraph plan, and model letters. 6 min read
- IELTS letter phrases: openings, purposes and closings for every toneUseful phrases for IELTS General Training letters, sorted by tone: how to open, state your purpose, complain, request, apologise, invite and thank, and how to close, with the mistakes that make phrases sound memorised. 5 min read
- How to write an IELTS complaint letterHow to write a complaint letter for IELTS General Training Task 1: the structure, how to describe the problem with detail, how to ask for a specific solution, firm but polite language, and model complaints. 5 min read
Scores, retakes and admission
University requirements, minimum bands, One Skill Retake and WAEC.
- IELTS score requirements by country: overall and Writing minimumsOfficial IELTS admission examples from universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, the USA, Ireland and New Zealand, with the minimum Writing score each one asks for and why the overall band is not enough. 7 min read
- IELTS 6.5 overall but Writing 5.5: do you meet the requirement?Got IELTS 6.5 overall but 5.5 in Writing? How to check your university's minimum for each skill, and what to ask about pathways, One Skill Retake, a re-mark or a full retake before you pay for another test. 6 min read
- What does IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0 mean?IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0 means two separate conditions. Worked score profiles that meet or miss it, how the overall band is rounded, and similar wording that means something different. 5 min read
- IELTS Writing One Skill Retake: check acceptance before you bookWho can take IELTS Writing One Skill Retake, the 60-day rule, what the retake includes (both tasks), which universities accept it, and how it compares with a re-mark or a full retake. 6 min read
- IELTS for nurses: the NMC and AHPRA scores, combining two tests, and IELTS or OETThe IELTS and OET scores nurses need for the UK (NMC) and Australia (AHPRA), how combining two test sittings really works, the floor scores that can rule a test out, and how to choose between IELTS and OET. 9 min read
- IELTS for a UK work visa: the B2 rule, IELTS for UKVI, and the care worker routeThe English level you need for a UK Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa since 8 January 2026, the IELTS for UKVI score that meets it, who is exempt, and why the overseas care worker route is closed. 8 min read
- IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Duolingo: which English test will your visa or university actually accept?Which English tests the UK, Canada and Australia accept for visas and immigration, which universities accept Duolingo and TOEFL, and how to choose between IELTS, PTE, TOEFL and Duolingo before you pay. 8 min read
- What your IELTS Writing score is worth in CRS pointsHow many CRS points a half band in IELTS Writing is worth for Canada Express Entry, why CLB 9 in all four skills changes your skill transferability points, and what each half band gains. 8 min read
- IELTS for Australian skilled migration: Competent, Proficient or Superior, and what each is worthThe IELTS scores for Competent, Proficient and Superior English in Australia's skilled migration points test, what each level is worth, why your lowest skill decides it, and the August 2025 test changes. 7 min read
- How much IELTS costs in Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Kenya, and how not to pay twiceCurrent IELTS fees in Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Kenya from the official IDP pages, the extra cost of IELTS for UKVI and One Skill Retake, and how to avoid paying for a second full test. 6 min read
- The IELTS score you need for a PGWP: CLB 7, CLB 5, and the test mistakes that get refusedThe English score Canada's post-graduation work permit needs since November 2024: IELTS General Training 6.0 in each skill for university graduates, CLB 5 for college, plus the test rules that catch graduates out. 7 min read
- Can WAEC or WASSCE replace IELTS for UK university admission?Some UK universities accept WAEC or WASSCE English instead of IELTS. Examples with the grade they ask for, the course exceptions, the visa question, and what to send admissions before you book a test. 6 min read
Applying abroad
Statements of purpose, scholarship essays and the other writing that goes with your application.
- How to write a statement of purpose for a master's that doesn't sound like everyone else'sHow to write a statement of purpose for a master's in the UK, Canada, the USA or Australia: the five questions it must answer, a weak paragraph rewritten, the one test every sentence should pass, and how long it should be. 10 min read
- Chevening essays: how to write the four answers, and the IELTS deadline most applicants missHow to write the four Chevening essays (leadership, networking, study plans, career plan), what each one is really testing, a weak answer rewritten, and why your IELTS timing can still cost you the award. 11 min read
- How to email a professor or potential supervisor (and when not to)How to email a professor about a master's or PhD: who you should actually contact, a subject line and template that get replies, the formal phrases that read oddly to UK and North American academics, and when to follow up. 9 min read
- Canada study permit letter of explanation: what the officer is checking, and how to answer itHow to write the letter of explanation (study plan) for a Canadian study permit: the questions visa offices ask, what officers check, a weak answer rewritten, proof of funds, and the mistakes behind common refusals. 10 min read
- UCAS personal statement 2026: how to answer the three questionsThe new UCAS personal statement for 2026 and 2027 entry: the three questions, the 350 and 4,000 character rules, how to split your characters, a weak and a strong answer to each, and what international applicants should add. 9 min read
- Australia Genuine Student (GS) questions: how to answer them, with examplesThe four Genuine Student questions in the Australian student visa form, what each one is really asking, what to put in 150 words, the evidence that backs each answer, and an illustrative answer to each. 9 min read
- How to ask for a recommendation letter: what your referee needs, and two emailsHow to ask a lecturer or an employer for a recommendation letter for a master's, scholarship or job abroad: who to ask, when, the referee pack that gets you a specific letter, and two emails you can adapt. 7 min read
- UK CV and cover letter: the format for international applicantsHow a UK CV differs from a CV written in Nigeria, India, Pakistan or elsewhere: what to leave out, the section order, achievement bullets, how to state your right to work, and a one-page cover letter example. 9 min read
- UK vs Canada vs Australia: what a student visa costs before tuitionThe money each country makes a student show, the visa and health fees, and the total before tuition and travel, side by side for the UK, Canada and Australia, with the official figures and the date they were checked. 7 min read
Learn from full essays
Model answers for every essay type, with notes on why they work and band 6 versions to compare.