IELTS Module 4 of 6
Module 4: Writing (Task 1 & Task 2)
Master task response, organization, and language range.
Module 4 of 6
Module Objectives
- Differentiate Task 1 vs Task 2 requirements.
- Use strong paragraph structure and cohesion.
- Apply band descriptors for self-checking.
Article / Lesson Notes
- Task 1: summarize visual data clearly and objectively.
- Task 2: develop argument with reasons/examples.
- Use linking devices without overloading repetition.
📄 Complete Guide: IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Introductions (Band 9 Tips)
Writing a strong introduction in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 is one of the first steps to achieving a high score. The introduction sets the tone for your entire response — and if you start well, you’re already on your way to a Band 9. This lesson breaks down what makes a great introduction, common patterns you can use, and proven strategies to impress examiners.
🎯 What Is Writing Task 1?
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you are given a graph, chart, table, map, or process diagram and asked to summarize the information in your own words. The goal is to:
- Present an overview of the data
- Highlight important trends
- Report key details accurately — all within 150 words and 20 minutes.
🧠 Why the Introduction Matters
The introduction is your first chance to show the examiner that you:
- Understand the visual information
- Can paraphrase accurately
- Can write clear and fluent English
✍️ What an Effective Introduction Contains
A Band 9 introduction should:
- Paraphrase the question — rewrite the prompt using different words and structures without changing the meaning.
- Include all necessary information — what the chart shows, where the data is from, and the time frame (if given).
🧩 Common Introduction Patterns
- Pattern 1: Paraphrase + Overview — e.g. “The chart demonstrates… The data compares… Over the period shown…”
- Pattern 2: Paraphrase + Context + Overview — e.g. “The diagram illustrates… This represents… Between X and Y…”
🧠 Examples of Strong Introductions
Line Graph: “The line chart illustrates how internet usage in homes changed across five nations between 1998 and 2018.”
Bar Chart: “The data highlights the tourist visits to four different areas in the year 2019.”
🔎 Key Tips to Score Higher
- Use a wide range of vocabulary — avoid repeating words from the prompt.
- Avoid adding your opinion — Task 1 is factual, not argumentative.
- Keep it concise and accurate — 2–3 short clear sentences.
- Practice with real visuals from official IELTS materials.
📊 Benefits of a Great Introduction
- Helps you organize your writing
- Sets up your overall structure
- Earns higher scores in Task Achievement and Coherence
Use the patterns above repeatedly in practice until you can write them quickly on test day.
Video Lesson
Watch the playlist starter and recommended lessons for this module.
Video Lessons
🎥 IELTS Writing Masterclass – Essential Video Lessons
To help students achieve higher band scores in IELTS Writing, we have carefully selected expert video lessons that explain key strategies, common mistakes, and high-scoring techniques. These lessons are designed to strengthen your understanding of Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2 step-by-step.
📘 Video 1: IELTS Writing Task Strategy & Structure
This lesson focuses on understanding the correct structure for IELTS Writing tasks. Many students lose marks because they do not organize their ideas clearly. In this video, you will learn:
- How to structure your introduction properly
- How to develop strong body paragraphs
- How to write clear and logical conclusions
- How examiners assess your writing
📊 Video 2: Common Writing Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
This lesson explains the most frequent mistakes IELTS students make in Writing.
- Why memorized essays reduce your score
- How to avoid repeating vocabulary
- Common grammar errors that lower band scores
- How to improve Task Response
- What examiners look for in high-band answers
✍️ Video 3: Advanced Writing Techniques for Higher Bands
This lesson focuses on improving your writing to reach Band 7, 8, or even 9. You will discover:
- How to expand ideas effectively
- How to use linking words naturally
- How to demonstrate strong vocabulary range
- How to write complex sentences accurately
- How to present balanced arguments
📌 How to Use These Lessons Effectively
- Watch each video carefully and take notes.
- Practice writing using the techniques taught.
- Compare your writing with model answers and rewrite weak paragraphs.
🎯 Recommended Study Plan
Week 1: Focus on structure and essay organization.
Week 2: Practice avoiding common mistakes.
Week 3: Apply advanced techniques in timed practice essays.
Repeat this cycle until you feel confident writing full essays within 40 minutes.
Practice
- Write one Task 1 response and one Task 2 response.
- Use the checklist to self-score coherence/grammar.
- Revise one paragraph for lexical improvement.
IELTS Writing Task 2: How Long Should Your Paragraphs Be?
One of the most common concerns for IELTS Writing Task 2 students is paragraph structure — especially how long each paragraph should be. Striking the right balance helps improve clarity, organization, and overall band score.
This guide breaks down the ideal paragraph lengths for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays and explains how to structure your writing for academic success.
🧠 What Is IELTS Writing Task 2?
In Writing Task 2, you are asked to write a formal essay in response to a question or statement. You must present a clear position, support your ideas with examples, write at least 250 words, and complete it within 40 minutes. Understanding paragraph length and structure helps you write more effectively and improves coherence and cohesion.
📌 Typical Essay Structure
A strong Task 2 essay normally has four main parts:
- Introduction
- Body Paragraph 1
- Body Paragraph 2
- Conclusion
✍️ Paragraph Length Guidelines
Introduction
Your introduction should be short and clear — normally 2–4 sentences. It should paraphrase the question, state your main position (if required), and briefly outline your essay. Recommended length: 30–50 words.
Body Paragraphs
Body paragraphs are the heart of your essay. Each should contain one main idea, explanation, and example. Recommended length: 80–120 words per body paragraph. This gives enough space to introduce, explain, and support the point.
Conclusion
Your conclusion should restate your position and summarize key points without adding new ideas. Recommended length: 30–60 words.
🧠 Why Paragraph Length Matters
Paragraphs that are too short may be underdeveloped and hurt your Task Response score. Paragraphs that are too long can lose focus and reduce clarity. Balanced paragraph length helps present ideas clearly and logically.
🪄 Tips for Strong Paragraphs
- Stay on topic: each paragraph should focus on one clear idea
- Use linking words (furthermore, however) to improve cohesion
- Avoid irrelevant details and keep sentences clear
- Use examples that directly support your point
📊 Visual Breakdown (Example)
| Paragraph | Approx. Words |
|---|---|
| Introduction | 30–50 |
| Body Paragraph 1 | 80–120 |
| Body Paragraph 2 | 80–120 |
| Conclusion | 30–60 |
Final advice: keep paragraphs focused, fully develop ideas in the body, and practice timed essays regularly.
Additional Video Lessons
Further explanations and worked examples for Task 1 and Task 2.
Mini Quiz (Instant Feedback)
Assignment
Submit Writing Task 2 (minimum 250 words) and checklist.