A 60-minute time plan for IELTS Writing
How to divide 60 minutes between Task 1 and Task 2, which to do first, and what to do if you run out of time.
By IELTSora teaching team · Updated · 2 min read
Task 2 is worth more
Task 2 carries twice the weight of Task 1 in your Writing band. Give it about 40 minutes and Task 1 about 20.
A minute-by-minute plan
- Task 2 (40 min): 5 plan · 30 write · 5 check
- Task 1 (20 min): 3 plan and overview · 14 write · 3 check
Which task first?
You can do the tasks in any order. Many learners start with Task 2 so the more important task gets their freshest thinking. Others like the warm-up of Task 1. Choose one order and practise it, so you don't decide on the day.
If time is running out
Finish with a short conclusion, even one sentence. An essay with a clear conclusion is better than a longer one that stops mid-paragraph. Never leave a task blank: some writing scores more than none.
Practise with a real timer
Timing only becomes automatic with practice. Write at least three full Writing tests, both tasks in 60 minutes, before the exam. Use the timer in IELTSora's writing workspace and note the time you finish each stage: plan, body paragraphs, conclusion, check. After a few attempts you'll know your own pace, and you can adjust the plan. If your planning always takes eight minutes, practise planning faster; if checking finds many errors, protect those five minutes.