How Many Types of IELTS Writing Task?

IELTS Writing has 14 task types in total: 9 types in Task 1 and 5 types in Task 2.

Task 1: 9 Types

Academic Task 1 (6 types) Candidates describe and analyze visual data:

• Line Graph

• Bar Chart

• Pie Chart

• Table

• Map

• Process Diagram

General Training Task 1 (3 types) Candidates write letters in different styles:

• Formal Letter

• Semi-Formal Letter

• Informal Letter

Task 2: 5 Types

Both Academic and General Training candidates write the same essay types:

• Opinion Essays

• Discussion Essays

• Problem-Solution Essays

• Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

• Two-Part Questions (Direct Questions)

Understanding these 14 task types helps candidates structure their responses correctly, choose the appropriate tone, and achieve higher scores in IELTS Writing.               

Task 1 Types Overview: Academic & General Training

Task 1 has 9 types in total, with Academic Task 1 consisting of 6 types and General Training Task 1 consisting of 3 types.

Academic Task 1

In the Academic module, Task 1 requires candidates to describe and analyze visual information. This may include:

1. Line graphs (e.g., population growth over decades)

2. Bar charts (e.g., sales figures for different products)

3. Pie charts (e.g., market share percentages)

4. Tables (e.g., survey results)

5. Maps (e.g., changes in a town layout over time)

6. Process diagrams (e.g., stages of recycling or food production)

Tips:

a. Emphasize objective description rather than personal opinion

b. Highlight trends in the data

c. Compare different sets of data

d. Summarize key features clearly

For example, you may need to explain how sales figures changed over time, compare two sets of data, or describe the stages of a manufacturing process.

To see sample questions for each task type, visit IELTS Writing Task 1 Samples & Examples (Band 9 Answers).

General Training Task 1

In the General Training module, Task 1 is letter writing. Candidates may be asked to write:

1. A formal letter (to a company, institution, or authority)

2. A semi-formal letter (to someone you know but in a professional context)

3. An informal letter (to a friend or family member)

Tips:

a. Choose the right tone (polite, neutral, or friendly).

b. Follow a clear structure (greeting, body, closing).

c. Communicate purpose effectively (request, inform, explain).

Question Example: “I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the service provided…” (formal)

Question Example: “Hey John, thanks for inviting me to your party…” (informal)

The challenge lies in tone and format. You must demonstrate appropriate style, clear structure, and effective communication. For instance, a formal letter might require polite requests or complaints, while an informal letter could involve sharing personal experiences.

a. For practical strategies, check How to Do IELTS Writing Task 1? 

b. Start your journey today with The Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic & General).

Task 2 Types Overview: The 5 Types of Essays

Task 2 has 5 major types of essay questions: Opinion Essays, Discussion Essays, Problem-Solution Essays, Advantages & Disadvantages Essays, and Two-Part Questions (Direct Questions). Task 2 is the same for both Academic and General Training candidates. Let’s break down the 5 types:

1. Opinion Essay (Agree or Disagree)

Question Example: “Do you agree or disagree with the following statement…?”

Approach: Take a clear position and defend it with arguments and examples.

Tip: Avoid being neutral.

Question Example: “Some people believe technology makes life easier. Do you agree or disagree?”

Agree: Technology saves time and improves communication.

Disagree: Over-reliance causes stress and reduces human interaction.

Curious how Band 8+ candidates build powerful arguments? Check out our IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion Essay samples

2. Discussion Essay (Discuss Both Views)

Question Example: “Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”

Approach: Present both sides fairly, then state your own opinion.

Tip: Balance is key. Show understanding of both perspectives.

Question Example: “Some people think children should start school early, while others believe they should begin later. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

View 1: Early schooling builds discipline.

View 2: Later schooling allows natural development.

Your opinion: Choose one side, but acknowledge the other.

Learn how to craft well-balanced discussions: Explore our IELTS Writing Task 2 Discussion Essay examples

3. Problem-Solution Essay

Question Example: “What are the problems caused by X? What solutions can be suggested?”

Approach: Identify causes, explain consequences and propose realistic solutions.

Tip: Avoid vague solutions like “the government should do more.”

Question Example: “Traffic congestion is a growing problem in cities. What are the causes and solutions?”

Problems: Overpopulation, poor public transport.

Solutions: Expand metro systems, encourage carpooling.

Learn how to organize clear cause-and-solution arguments: Explore our IELTS Writing Task 2 Problem/Solution essay samples

4. Advantages & Disadvantages Essay

Question Example: “What are the advantages and disadvantages of…?”

Approach: Present both pros and cons, then give a balanced conclusion.

Tip: Develop points with reasoning, not just lists.

Question Example: “What are the advantages and disadvantages of online learning?”

Advantages: Flexibility, accessibility.

Disadvantages: Lack of social interaction, technical issues.

Conclusion: Benefits outweigh drawbacks if managed well.

Discover how to analyze pros and cons like a pro: Explore our IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantage/Disadvantage samples

5. Two-Part Question (Direct Questions)

Question Example: “Why is X happening? What measures can be taken?” or “What are the causes of X? Do you think it is positive or negative?”

Approach: Answer each question directly, usually in separate paragraphs.

Tip: Address both parts fully; missing one lowers your score.

Question Example: “Why is obesity increasing? What can be done to tackle this problem?”

Causes: Fast food, sedentary lifestyle.

Solutions: Public health campaigns, exercise programs.

Learn how to effectively answer multiple questions: Check out our IELTS Writing Task 2 Two-Part Question samples.

IELTS Writing Practice Resources

For a deeper understanding of these strategies, explore our comprehensive Task 1 guide, Task 2 guide, and step-by-step writing techniques — these resources provide analysis, model essays, and practical methods to help you aim for Band 8 and beyond.

Put these tips into action, practice interactively with IELTS Writing AI, an intelligent platform that offers instant feedback, personalized scoring, and realistic IELTS-style prompts to help you improve faster and write with confidence.

Start your journey today with Band 9 Task 2 samples from the 2025 Library.

Summary

Recognizing and mastering all 14 IELTS Writing task types — 9 from Task 1 (6 Academic and 3 General Training) and 5 from Task 2 — is the foundation of IELTS Writing success. Once you understand how each type works and practice with real IELTS-style questions, you can write with clarity, relevance, and confidence. With consistent practice, feedback, and exposure to Band 9 samples, along with tools like the IELTS Writing Essay Checker, you’ll develop the skills needed to achieve your desired IELTS Writing Band 7, 8, or even 9.