Writing is where most learners lose marks — usually not because of English, but because of structure. Task 2 counts for about two-thirds of your Writing score, so start there. Task 1 differs: Academic asks you to describe a chart, graph, or process; General Training asks you to write a letter.

Task 2 — The 4-paragraph structure that always works

  1. Introduction (2 sentences): paraphrase the question, then state your position clearly.
  2. Main paragraph 1: one idea, explained, with an example.
  3. Main paragraph 2: second idea, explained, with an example.
  4. Conclusion (1–2 sentences): restate your position in new words. No new ideas.
Sample question: Some people believe university education should be free for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
“It is often argued that governments should pay the full cost of university tuition. While free education sounds fair, I largely disagree, because students who benefit directly from higher salaries should contribute towards the cost of their degrees. It goes without saying that no talented student should be blocked by poverty — which is why support should target those who need it most, rather than everyone.”

Why it works: the question is paraphrased (not copied), the position is unmissable, and the reason clause does the explaining. Plan before you write — the guide How to plan any essay in 5 minutes shows you how.

Task 1 — Academic: describe the data

Three moves: paraphrase the chart title, write an overview (the 2–3 biggest trends, no numbers), then split the details into two paragraphs. The overview is the single most important paragraph — without it, Task 1 cannot reach Band 7.

Task 1 — General Training: the letter

Cover every bullet point in the task, match your tone to the reader (formal for a manager, friendly for a friend), and use a clear paragraph for each bullet.

Before you finish — the 2-minute check

  • Did I answer the actual question, all parts of it?
  • Is my position the same in the introduction and the conclusion?
  • Does every paragraph have exactly one main idea?
  • Did I write at least 150 words (Task 1) and 250 words (Task 2)?

Your practice task: write only the introduction for the sample question above — paraphrase plus position, two sentences. Then compare it with the model.