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IELTS General Training Writing Practice Test (PDF with Answers)
Taking a practice test is one of the best things you can do to prepare yourself for the IELTS General Training test. When it comes to writing, though, practice is especially important! In this post, we’ll share an IELTS General Training Writing practice test PDF with answers that you can use to develop your skills before test day. So take a look at the IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Test (with Answers) PDF, then come back when you’ve finished your essay for info about scoring!
Ready to start practicing? In this PDF, you can read the sample questions, write your own essays, and then them to the model essays and scoring advice in the document. Here’s the IELTS General Training Writing practice test PDF for download:
How should I score this practice Writing section?
Once you’ve finished your section, it’s time to score the tasks. First things first: review the band descriptors for Task 1 and Task 2 .
Then, take a closer look at your essays, rereading them to evaluate how well they meet the criteria in each of the four categories.
It can be very difficult to score your own essay objectively, so working with a scoring partner is useful here. That said, if you’re scoring your responses on your own, you can ask yourself the following questions to help determine your band level for each criterion:
- Did your Task 1 word count exceed the 150 word minimum, and did your Task 2 word count exceed the 250 word minimum? If not, do not give yourself full points for “Task Response.”
- Did you address each part of the task? Break down the prompt into different parts. Then, match each part of the prompt to part of your essay. If you did not address one or more parts of the task, do not give yourself full points for “Task Response.”
- Does each paragraph have its own clear topic sentence and supporting details? If not, then take some points away in “Coherence and Cohesion.”
- Do the tasks use adequate transitional language to tie paragraphs together and move from the paragraph to the conclusion? If not, do not give yourself full points for “Coherence and Cohesion.”
- Do you use vocabulary clearly and fluently, avoiding serious errors in word choice, and varying word choice to avoid repetition? If not, your self-score in “Lexical Resource” should not be perfect.
- Do you use grammar with confidence and skill, with no serious mistakes? And do you use a variety of sentence structures? If the answer to any of that is “no,” give yourself a less-than-perfect score in “Grammatical Range and Accuracy.”
Additional Practice Writing Tests for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training
Sitting down to complete this IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Test (with Answers) PDF is a great first step. However, the key to really boosting your score on this section of the IELTS is regular practice. With that in mind, here are more resources where you can find more sample writing tasks for IELTS Writing!
In our IELTS Writing practice test post , you’ll find the full Academic Writing section in PDF form, another in video form, as well as an additional full General Training Writing section! Keep in mind that while the Task 1 question types differ between Academic and General Training tasks, Task 2 is the same in both versions. In other words, no matter which test you’re taking, all of the task 2 prompts in these links are useful practice.
Magoosh’s IELTS Academic Writing practice test is also useful for the same reason! Again, if you’re taking the General Training exam, skip the first task, replacing it with a GT prompt (such as those you’ll find on the Magoosh blog!).
Additional Practice Questions
If you prefer to go through individual questions rather than whole Writing sections, take a look at the following resources! Keep in mind that their usefulness will vary, depending on which test you’re taking. (Also, some of these questions can be found in the PDFs as well, while others are wholly unique.)
- IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Map With Model Answer — When you need practice with map questions specifically for the IELTS, this sample prompt and answer show you what a high-scoring response look like.
- IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Process Diagram with Model Answer — Process diagrams on Task 1 can scare students, but they get a lot easier with practice!
- IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Line Graph with Model Answer (Band 9) — What does a high-scoring response on this common Academic Task 1 task type look like? Our experts show you here.
- IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Pie Chart with Model Answer — When the test asks you to analyze a pie graph, what should you do? This sample prompt and response will help you prepare.
- IELTS Writing Task 2: Causes/Solutions Sample Essay — How can you get a high score on a causes/solution essay? Take a look at this sample prompt and response to find out.
- IELTS Writing Task 2: Agree/Disagree — We also have a sample question and model response for the common agree/disagree question type!
- IELTS Writing Task 2: Advantage/Disadvantage Learn how to discuss advantages and disadvantages with a question and sample response for this variation of Task 2
- IELTS Writing Task 2: Two-Part Essays — With an example question and an example response, learn how to answer two-part IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.
- The Discussion IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Type — Learn how to discuss both sides of an issue in IELTS Writing Task 2 with a question and example response.
More Resources for IELTS Writing
Finally, make sure you’re prepared for the official IELTS exam by familiarizing yourself with the IELTS, from task types to the question types you can expect to see on the exam! Once you’ve finished the IELTS General Training Writing practice test PDF with answers, take a look at the following to polish your writing even more.
- What do you need to know about IELTS Writing? Make sure you have the basics covered with this overview of the IELTS Writing tasks .
- Taking the Academic test? Here’s your complete guide to IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic) .
- No matter which test you’re taking, make sure you’re prepared for the second task with the complete guide to IELTS Writing Task 2 !
- What types of questions can you expect to see on IELTS Writing Task 2? Find out with our guide to Task 2 question types !
- Looking to practice with Academic Task 1? Here are sample Academic Task 1 prompts you can use for this!
- Taking the General Training test instead? Enjoy Task 1 tips for writing a great letter !
Magoosh’s IELTS Essay Scoring Service
Last but not least, you may want to consider getting your essays scored by Magoosh IELTS instructors. Subscription prices and plans can be found at this page for Magoosh IELTS Essay grading .
Most Popular Resources
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- Complete Guide to IELTS Vocab
Rachel is a Magoosh Content Creator. She writes and updates content on our High School and GRE Blogs to ensure students are equipped with the best information during their test prep journey. As a test-prep instructor for more than five years in there different countries, Rachel has helped students around the world prepare for various standardized tests, including the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT, and she is one of the authors of our Magoosh ACT Prep Book . Rachel has a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature from Brown University, an MA in Cinematography from the Université de Paris VII, and a Ph.D. in Film Studies from University College London. For over a decade, Rachel has honed her craft as a fiction and memoir writer and public speaker. Her novel, THE BALLERINAS , is forthcoming in December 2021 from St. Martin's Press , while her memoir, GRADUATES IN WONDERLAND , co-written with Jessica Pan, was published in 2014 by Penguin Random House. Her work has appeared in over a dozen online and print publications, including Vanity Fair Hollywood. When she isn't strategically stringing words together at Magoosh, you can find Rachel riding horses or with her nose in a book. Join her on Twitter , Instagram , or Facebook !
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IELTS – Sample Papers for General Training Writing
IELTS – Sample Papers for General Training Writing. General Training Writing Sample Tasks with Comments and Answer Keys
IELTS – Sample Papers for General Training Writing.
General Training Writing
Duration: 60 minutes.
The General Writing test consists of two writing tasks of 150 words and 250 words.
In Task 1, test takers are asked to respond to a situation by writing a letter, for example, requesting information or explaining a situation.
In Task 2, test takers write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. Below are samples of Task 1 and Task 2.
Please note that test takers for IELTS General Training take a different Writing test in IELTS Academic.
Test format – General Training Writing
60 minutes Topics are of general interest. There are two tasks:
- Task 1 – you will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information, or explaining the situation. The letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style.
- Task 2 – you will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The essay can be fairly personal in style.
IELTS General Training Writing description
Ielts general training writing in detail.
A detailed look at the paper with links to related resources.
IELTS General Training Writing – How it’s marked
Marking and assessment.
Writing responses are assessed by certificated IELTS examiners. All IELTS examiners hold relevant teaching qualifications and are recruited as examiners by the test centres and approved by the British Council or IDP: IELTS Australia.
Each task is assessed independently. The assessment of Task 2 carries more weight in marking than Task 1.Scores are reported in whole and half bands. Detailed performance descriptors have been developed which describe written performance at the nine IELTS bands. They are available on the How IELTS is scored page. The descriptors apply to both the Academic and General Training versions and are based on the following criteria.
Task 1 responses are assessed on:
- Task achievement
- Coherence and cohesion
- Lexical resource
- Grammatical range and accuracy.
Task 2 responses are assessed on:
- Task response
Performance descriptors
Task achievement This assesses how appropriately, accurately and relevantly the response fulfils the requirements set out in the task, using the minimum of 150 words. General Training Writing Task 1 is a writing task with a largely predictable output in that each task sets out the context and purpose of the letter and the functions the test taker should cover in order to achieve this purpose.
Coherence and cohesion This assesses the overall clarity and fluency of the message: how the response organises and links information, ideas and language. Coherence refers to the linking of ideas through logical sequencing. Cohesion refers to the varied and appropriate use of cohesive devices (for example, logical connectors, pronouns and conjunctions) to assist in making the conceptual and referential relationships between and within sentences clear.
Lexical resource This refers to the range of vocabulary the test takers have used and the accuracy and appropriacy of use in terms of the specific task.
Grammatical range and accuracy This refers to the range and accurate use of grammar, as manifested in the test takers’ sentence writing.
Task response In both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training versions, Task 2 requires test takers to formulate and develop a position in relation to a question or statement. Ideas should be supported by evidence, and examples may be drawn from the test takers’ own experience. Responses must be at least 250 words in length. Scripts under the required minimum word limit will be penalised.
The other three assessment criteria (Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy) are the same for Task 1 and Task 2.
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- Prepare for IELTS
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Free online IELTS General Training Writing practice test - paper
You will be allowed 1 hour to complete two tasks in the IELTS General Training Writing test.
The two parts of this practice Writing test are presented on two separate web pages. Make sure you move swiftly from one page to the next so that your practice is as realistic as possible. If you prefer to work offline, download the test paper.
In the actual test you will do your writing in an answer booklet.
The total time allowed for the IELTS General Training Writing test is 60 minutes. Time yourself and allow just one hour to complete both parts. Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.
Writing task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on task 1
- write in a personal, semi-formal or formal style
- write at least 150 words
Writing task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on task 2
- give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own knowledge or experience
- write at least 250 words
Instructions to candidates
In the actual test you will be given the following instructions:
- do not open this question paper until you are told to do so
- write your name and candidate number in the spaces at the top of this page
- read the instructions for each task carefully
- answer both of the tasks
- write at least 150 words for task 1
- write at least 250 words for task 2
- write your answers in the answer booklet
- write clearly in pen or pencil; you may make alterations, but make sure your work is easy to read
At the end of the test, hand in both the question paper and your answer booklet.
Once you have completed both tasks, review your work. Download the model answers to see good examples of how to complete the Writing test.
2023 IELTS General Writing Task 1 (Letter) With Answers
- describe what you lost and why it was important to you
- how the employee helped you find it
- and explain how you felt after recovering it.
- provide the details of your shipment
- describe the damage
- say what action you want the company to take.
- say what you like about the cafe
- suggest an improvement to the cafe
- explain the benefits of your suggestion.
- say how you found out about the plans
- explain what problems your neighborhood will face
- suggest some possible solutions to those problems.
- tell him/her of the incorrect information
- give him/her the correct information
- explain why they should correct it.
- say what article you are writing about
- explain which facts were incorrect
- suggest how to correct them.
- apologize for canceling the meeting
- explain why you couldn't be there
- suggest an alternative day when you could meet.
- tell him/her about the problem with your photos
- say which photo you would like him/her to send you
- explain why you need this photo.
- give the details of your train trip
- describe the luggage you left on the train
- say what actions you want him/her to take.
- describe the public event
- explain why you think he/she would like the event
- tell him/her about the other activities you can do.
- let him/her know when and where the presentation will take place
- tell him/her what equipment you will need
- explain how he/she can help you.
- describe how the course benefited you
- explain why you would like to delay your return
- suggest a date when you would like to come back.
- explain why you are writing
- describe the damage to your car and express your feelings about it
- recommend what steps he/she should take to resolve the situation.
- describe your achievements in the past year
- say what areas/skills you need to improve on
- suggest a plan to improve those skills/areas.
- explain why you would like to help
- tell them how you can help
- let them know when you are available.
- describe the problem that you had
- explain how the receptionist helped you
- suggest ways to prevent the problem from happening again.
- express your interest
- ask for details of the work that needs to be done
- describe the equipment
- explain how it might be helpful in your workplace
- offer help in purchasing it.
- explain how they helped you
- say what you will miss the most about the area where you lived
- invite them to visit you at your new home.
- describe what the problem was
- tell what the swimming pool staff have done about it
- suggest your own solution to the problem.
- explain the details of your purchase
- describe the problem that you have with it
- suggest what can be done about it
- explain what the problem is
- suggest how it can be fixed
- say what you would like the landlord to do about it.
- tell your landlord that you are leaving and explain why
- thank your landlord for being helpful
- recommend your friend as a prospective tenant.
- describe why you go to this gym
- say what part of this gym you recommend
- explain why you think it is suitable for your friend
- describe what the problem is
- tell how it is affecting your work
- say what you want them to do about it.
- describe your qualification and degree
- provide some details of the course
- explain how this course will help you in the future.
- give the details of the flight
- explain what the problem with the food was
- say what the airline should do about it.
- tell what the problem is
- explain why it causes inconvenience
- suggest a possible solution to it
- say what actions you might take if the need arises.
- when you stayed and in what room
- describe the item you left behind
- what you would like the manager to do about it.
- thank her/him and tell the dates of your holiday
- explain how he/she enters the house
- describe what you expect him/her to do.
- say when and where you will meet him/her
- explain where he/she will stay
- tell him/her about the other arrangements you made.
- describe the course
- explain whether or not you liked the course, and why
- provide some suggestions for improvement.
- how you lost the certificate
- why you need it now
- what you want the principal to do.
- describe the item you lost
- explain why you weren't happy with the customer service
- say what action you would like the company to take.
- how you know about that place
- what suggestions you would like to make
- why you are offering these suggestions.
- give the details about your order
- suggest what you want the company to do for you
- describe the details of your holiday
- explain what the tour guide did that was helpful
- suggest how the manager may reward the tour guide.
- describe the problems
- explain why should solve the problems
- and give your suggestions on how to solve the problems.
- explain your travel plans
- describe the interesting places you plan to visit
- ask for suggestions for sightseeing options.
- give details of your booking
- explain what changes you need to make
- ask for some special arrangements to be made for your business meetings.
- explain how you knew about the plans
- describe the negative effect of the construction on your neighborhood
- suggest a possible solution to the problem.
- how you know about this city/town
- what information was incorrect
- what the editor should do about this.
- give some details about the job
- mention how you came across the job opportunity
- explain why you feel the job would be suitable for your friend
- what you have done for the company in the year you worked there
- what changes you would like to recommend
- what training you require
- describe why you want to work in that country
- tell him/her about your skills and experience
- ask some questions related to work (e.g. wage/salary)
- describe why you want to take the course
- explaining how it will be beneficial to the company
- tell who will be managing your work in your absence.
- describe how you know the city/town
- tell what the problems are
- suggest what you want the editor to do.
- describe the event
- explain why you think he/she would be interested in it
- suggest an arrangement to meet there with him/her.
- describe what the accident was
- explain when it happened
- suggest how the damage can be fixed.
- explain the situation
- tell him/her how you are affected by this
- suggest what you want the landlord to do.
- why you need it
- what you expect the principal to do.
- explain what you like about his new house
- tell him/her what you enjoyed most during your staying
- suggest when and where you could meet next time with her/him.
- giving the details about the equipment
- explain the damage
- suggest what you want the manager to do.
- what the reason is
- how you tried to contact him
- give an alternative plan to meet him sometime.
- describe the problem
- what they said while reporting the problem
- what you want the manager to do.
- explain why you need that job
- give the details what you can do for the company
- suggest the time that you can work.
- what course you want to take
- why you want to take the course
- how financial assistance can help you.
- introduce of yourself and colleagues
- give information about the business meeting
- tell other requests you might have.
- details of your stay
- the items you left behind
- ask them to take care of your house
- explain why you will be away.
- describe what the website is
- explain why the website is interesting in
- tell how this website will help him/her.
- explain what the mistake is
- suggest how to correct that mistake.
- say why you think he/she would be interested
- suggest an arrangement to meet there with him/he.
- recommend a city
- suggest a few jobs that your friend could do
- give some opinions about making friends with the locals.
- tell him/her where did you go and what you are doing there (job)
- describe your feeling
- invite your friend to come.
- tell him your name and where you are living
- suggest what you want him to do for it.
- what facilities you want
- why you want them
- what suggestions you can give
- describe the gift
- tell how it will be delivered
- explain why you chose it.
- apology for it
- explain what you will busy for on that date
- suggest to him/her an alternate time to come.
- what you heard about the inconvenience from the staffs
- how you feel about it
- what suggestion you can give
- tell when and where the presentation will deliver
- describe your arrangements
- say him/her what equipment you need.
- describe the job
- explain the reason you leave
- tell him/her why you recommend the job to them.
- tell him/her why you want to take a vacation
- describe your plan
- invite him/her to go with you.
- introduce yourself and your company
- ask the availability of their rooms
- tell him/her that your every arrangement and needs.
- why you think the rent shouldn't be increased
- what you will do if it is increased.
- apology about the issue
- tell how it got damaged
- say you are going to fix this issue.
- accept the invitation and suggest preferable dates
- tell them what your talks will be about
- and what equipment you require them to arrange.
- state what the problem
- tell why you are disturbed
- suggest how to solve the problem.
- explain the problems
- say what benefits a parking area would bring to the company
- when you could start
- what you could do
- why you want to help.
- say why you are free
- how you can help
- ask questions about the new house.
- express your apology
- why you could not meet
- making arrangements to meet him.
- give details of the accommodation
- tell what he should bring with him
- suggest sightseeing places he could visit.
- why you ride a bicycle to work
- what the problem is with the parking
- what your suggestions are.
- what book it was
- how helpful the book was
- explain why you couldn’t return it in time.
- describe what kind of website you want
- say when you want the website to be done
- explain how important the website is to you.
- give your feedback for the last festival
- tell him/her what you can do for the new festival
- suggestions about the new festival.
- explain why you want to take a day off
- suggest how your work could be covered while your are away.
- where the restaurant located
- what you had for the meal
- why do you recommend this restaurant to others.
- thank the company for the opportunity that you joined it
- tell the reason for your resignation
- confirm the time you are leaving
- describe the tour
- tell what you liked about the tour guide
- recommend manager ways/methods to appreciate the tour guide
- When the best time to visit your town is
- Where the interesting places to visit are
- Where to find cheap accommodation
- what the presentation was about,
- why the presentation was important
- how the book helped you.
- Details of how you won the prize
- What the prize you are going to get
- What actions you expect to be taken.
- where and when you move there
- the differences between your new place and the previous place
- why you move there.
- say what you will do to help your friend
- suggest how your work could be covered while you are away.
Learn structure and more questions by topics of IELTS general writing :
IELTS general writing samples :
Questions of other IELTS General test sections :
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Sample General Training Writing Test. Practice Test. IELTS USA ... At the end of the test, hand in both this question paper and your answer booklet.
Download our IELTS Practice test materials to sample the reading, writing, ... types of IELTS test to choose from, IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training.
There are two tasks on this question paper. Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score. Academic Writing. 1 Hour
IELTS writing general task 2 evaluates how well the candidate can communicate daily things. Candidates can avail these practice sessions in the form of IELTS
Get ready for exam day with the IELTS General Training Writing practice ... In this PDF, you can read the sample questions, write your own
Test takers may write on the question paper but this cannot be taken from the test room and will not be seen by the examiner. IELTS General Training Writing in
4 Face-To-Face Classes of 4 hours each – covering IELTS Listening, Reading, Writing &. Speaking – it addresses Academic (AC) and General Training (GT) IELTS.
Practise online with our free IELTS General Writing practice tests. The tests will help familiarise you with the IELTS Writing exam and improve your score.
The two writing questions are marked out of 9 according to the following ... The IELTS Academic and General Writing Modules are similar in some ways.
These questions are excellent samples to mock IELTS general letter writing test and give valuable clues and ideas to prepare other popular topics. We have