IELTS Writing Answer Sheet: Format, Word Counts and a Printable Practice Sheet
On paper-based IELTS you write both Writing tasks by hand on a lined answer sheet: Task 1 needs at least 150 words in about 20 minutes, Task 2 at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. Nothing written outside the lined area is marked, and no separate paper is provided for your final answer. You can print a free practice sheet below and write on it under exam timing.
Last updated: 2026-07-31
IELTS Writing at a glance
Both tasks are completed in one 60-minute session, with no extra transfer time.
| Task 1 | Task 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum words | 150 | 250 |
| Suggested time | ~20 minutes | ~40 minutes |
| Weight in your Writing band | About one third | About two thirds |
| Academic | Describe a chart, graph, map or process | Essay responding to an argument or problem |
| General Training | Write a letter | Essay responding to an argument or problem |
| Lines at ~10 words/line | ~15 lines minimum | ~25 lines minimum |
What the answer sheet actually is
Paper-based IELTS gives you a lined booklet for Writing, with a separate sheet for Task 1 and Task 2. You get the question paper and the answer sheet; rough notes can go on the question paper, but only what is written in the lined answer area is marked.
Computer-delivered IELTS has no answer sheet at all — you type into a box that shows a live word count. That single difference changes how you should practise. If you are sitting the paper test, practising only by typing hides two problems you will meet on the day: your handwriting speed, and not knowing how long 250 of your words actually is.
Word counts, and why going under costs you most
Task 1 requires a minimum of 150 words and Task 2 a minimum of 250. These are minimums, not targets. Official IELTS guidance says answers below the minimum are penalised, so it is one of the easiest avoidable ways to lose marks.
Task 2 is worth roughly twice Task 1 in your Writing band, so the 20/40 minute split matters. Candidates who overrun on Task 1 tend to lose more marks on Task 2 than they gained on Task 1.
Going far over length is not directly penalised, but it costs time and usually accuracy. A 400-word Task 2 written in a rush generally scores lower than a controlled 280-word one.
The line-counting trick (do this before your test)
You cannot count words reliably in an exam, and trying wastes minutes. Instead, learn your own average: write three full lines of normal handwriting, count the words, divide by three. Most candidates land somewhere between 8 and 12 words per line.
Now you only need to count lines. If you average 10 words a line, 250 words is 25 lines — a length you can see at a glance rather than calculate. Memorise your approximate line target before test day.
This only works if you practise on paper with consistent handwriting size. It is the main reason to print an answer sheet rather than type.
Print the practice sheet
The printable practice sheet has one page for Task 1 and one for Task 2, with numbered lines and a box to record your words-per-line average. Print it, set a 60-minute timer, and write both tasks by hand.
It is a Langujet practice sheet, not a copy of the official form — line counts are for practice, and the real answer sheet may differ in layout. Use it to train timing, length and legibility, which is what actually transfers to the exam.
When you have written a response, you can have it graded free against the four official criteria and get sentence-level corrections back.
Common questions
Written a practice answer? Get it graded free
Submit your Task 1 or Task 2 response and get a band estimate across all four official criteria, sentence-level corrections, and a short list of what to fix next.
Langujet is an independent preparation platform and is not affiliated with IELTS, the British Council, IDP, Cambridge Assessment English, ETS, TOEFL, or any other test provider. Exam formats and requirements can change — always confirm current details on the official test website.