The two tasks
You have 60 minutes for two tasks.
- Task 1 (at least 150 words). On the Academic test you describe a chart, table, process or map. On General Training you write a letter, which may be formal, semi-formal or informal.
- Task 2 (at least 250 words). An essay responding to an opinion, a problem, a discussion of two views, or a mixed question. Task 2 counts for more of your Writing band than Task 1.
A sensible split is about 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 for Task 2. Many students reverse the effort without noticing, polishing a graph description and then rushing the essay.
The four criteria
Each task is marked on four criteria, each worth a quarter of the score:
- Task Achievement (Task 1) or Task Response (Task 2): did you answer every part of the question, with a clear position and developed ideas?
- Coherence and Cohesion: is the writing logically organised, with paragraphs that each have a clear job and linking that is accurate rather than decorative?
- Lexical Resource: is your vocabulary precise, varied and natural, with correct collocation and spelling?
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: do you use a mix of sentence structures, and how many errors are there?
Knowing these turns vague advice into something you can check yourself against.
Common mistakes, and why they cost marks
Students across India, including many in Bengaluru and the wider Bangalore region, often share a few habits picked up from school essays, office email and exam guides. None of them is a sign of poor English, but each one holds a score down.
- Memorised openings. Phrases such as "In this modern era of globalisation" or "This is a burning issue in today's world" are easy for examiners to spot and add nothing. Paraphrase the actual question instead.
- Introductions that are too long. Two or three sentences are enough: restate the topic and give your position. A long introduction steals time from your body paragraphs.
- Indian-English usage. Expressions that are normal at work in India can read as errors in IELTS. "Revert back" (revert already means go back), "discuss about" (just "discuss"), "cope up with" ("cope with"), "do the needful", "prepone", and "kindly do" in an essay are common examples. In General Training letters, "Hope you are doing good" is better as "I hope you are well".
- Overusing linkers. Starting every sentence with "Moreover", "Furthermore" or "Hence" lowers Coherence and Cohesion rather than raising it.
- No overview in Task 1. On Academic Task 1, a clear overview of the main trends is essential for band 6 and above. Listing every number is not an overview.
- Sitting on the fence in Task 2. If the question asks for your opinion, state it clearly and keep it consistent.
Practising Writing around a full-time job
IELTS Writing practice needs uninterrupted time, which is scarce if you work in one of the tech parks on the Outer Ring Road or travel daily from Yelahanka or Kengeri. A realistic rhythm:
- Two weekday evenings: one Task 1 or one Task 2, timed, with no editing after time is up.
- Weekend: read your feedback, rewrite one weak paragraph, and note recurring errors.
- Every day: five minutes on grammar or vocabulary from English Improvement, or a word from Daily Vocabulary.
Type your practice if you plan to take the computer-delivered test, and handwrite if you will take it on paper. Speed and word count feel different in each.
How AI feedback and teacher sessions help
IELTS Learning has 104 Writing prompts, covering Academic charts, tables, processes and maps, General Training letters, and every Task 2 essay type. When you submit a response, you receive an AI-estimated band for each of the four criteria, with feedback on what to change.
That fast feedback lets you write more often, which is the single biggest driver of improvement. Use it to find patterns: if Lexical Resource is always your lowest score, focus there.
When you want a human view, Book a Teacher gives you a 1-to-1 online session of about 20 minutes, from ₹299. A good use is to bring an essay the AI has already marked and ask the teacher about the one criterion that will not move.
Start writing
Pick a Task 2 prompt this week, write it in 40 minutes, and compare the result against the four criteria above. IELTS Writing practice in Bengaluru does not need a classroom; it needs regular timed writing and honest feedback. Create an account to get started, and look at the blog for weekly Writing tips.