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IELTS-General-Writing-Test-01-Practice-Test

Date: October 02, 2026

IELTS General Training Writing Practice Test

Familiarize | Experience | Test | Review

This practice test is designed to reproduce the structure and writing demands described in the IELTS General Training Writing study material. Complete both tasks in one 60-minute sitting.

Test Instructions

Total time:
60 minutes
Number of tasks:
2
Weighting:
Task 2 is weighted x2

Task 1: Spend about 20 minutes and write at least 150 words.

Task 2: Spend about 40 minutes and write at least 250 words.

Important: Write each answer as a complete piece of connected text. Do not write your answer as notes or bullet points. Keep your response relevant to the task and use your own words.




Before You Begin: Writing Review

Paragraphs

Build each paragraph around one central idea. A useful paragraph normally contains a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding or transitional sentence. Keep the paragraph unified and connect ideas logically.

Complete Sentences

Use complete sentences containing a subject and predicate, expressing a complete thought. Begin sentences with a capital letter and finish them with appropriate punctuation. Avoid sentence fragments.

Thesis Statement

For an essay, use a focused central argument or main point. Your thesis should make your position clear and should be supported by reasons, evidence, or examples in the body of the essay.

Writing Style

For Task 1, choose a personal, semi-formal, or formal style according to who you are writing to and how well you know that person. For Task 2, write a clear semi-formal or neutral discursive essay.

Writing Task 1 — Letter

Recommended time: 20 minutes

Minimum length: 150 words

Standard Formal Letter Structure

A standard formal letter should follow a clear, professional structure. Use the following components when organizing your letter:

  1. Sender’s Address:
    Write your full address at the top. It may be right-aligned or left-aligned depending on the style, but block format keeps everything on the left.
  2. Date:
    Leave a blank line and write the full date
    (e.g., September 28, 2026).
  3. Recipient’s Address:
    Leave a blank line and write the recipient’s name, title, and organization on the left side.
  4. Subject Line:
    Write a short, clear statement telling what the letter is about.
  5. Salutation:
    Use a formal greeting such as
    “Dear Mr. [Last Name],” or
    “Dear Dr. [Last Name],”.
    Avoid vague openings.
  6. Body Paragraphs:

    • First Paragraph:
      Introduce yourself and state why you are writing.
    • Middle Paragraph(s):
      Give the main details, facts, or background.
    • Last Paragraph:
      State what action you expect or need next.
  7. Complimentary Close:
    End with a professional sign-off such as
    “Sincerely,” or “Yours faithfully,”
    followed by a comma.
  8. Signature:
    Leave about four blank lines for your handwritten signature,
    then type your full name.

Situation:

You recently joined a fitness centre near your home. Although you are satisfied with some of its facilities, you have experienced several problems with the changing rooms and the availability of exercise equipment.

Write a letter to the manager of the fitness centre.

In your letter:

  • explain when you joined the fitness centre and why you chose it
  • describe the problems you have experienced
  • say what you would like the manager to do

Write at least 150 words.

You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter appropriately.


Word count: 0 / minimum 150
Task 01 Answer Letter

IELTS General Writing Task 1 – Formal Letter Example

The following is an example of a formal letter suitable for IELTS General Training Writing Task 1. The response addresses all three points in the prompt: explaining when and why the writer joined the fitness centre, describing the problems experienced, and requesting appropriate action from the manager.

Example Formal Letter

Dear Sir or Madam,

Subject: Concerns Regarding Changing Rooms and Exercise Equipment

I am writing to express my concerns about several problems I have experienced since joining your fitness centre. I became a member at the beginning of September because the centre is conveniently located near my home and offers a wide range of exercise facilities. I was also impressed by the reasonable membership fees and the modern appearance of the gym.

Although I am satisfied with the swimming pool and fitness classes, I have encountered several issues with the changing rooms. In particular, some of the lockers have broken locks, and the showers are frequently untidy. On two occasions, there was also no hot water available. These problems make it difficult for members to change and shower comfortably after exercising.

In addition, there does not appear to be enough exercise equipment available during busy evening hours. I usually visit the gym after work, between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m., and I often have to wait for treadmills and weight-training machines. This significantly reduces the amount of exercise I can complete during my visit.

I would appreciate it if you could arrange for the damaged lockers and showers to be repaired and ensure that the changing rooms are cleaned more frequently. I would also suggest purchasing additional exercise equipment or introducing a booking system for popular machines during peak hours.

Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to hearing how you intend to address these issues.

Yours faithfully,
Michael Thompson

Word Count: Approximately 240 words

Why This Response Works

This response follows an appropriate formal letter structure. The opening paragraph introduces the purpose of the letter and explains when and why the writer joined the fitness centre. The middle paragraphs clearly describe the problems with the changing rooms and exercise equipment, while the final paragraphs propose reasonable solutions and explain what action the writer would like the manager to take.

The response also uses a professional tone, complete sentences, logically organized paragraphs, appropriate linking expressions, and a range of formal vocabulary. These features support the IELTS assessment criteria of Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

Task 1 Self-Review








Writing Task 2 — Essay

Recommended time: 40 minutes
Minimum length: 250 words
Weighting: This task contributes twice as much as Task 1.

Standard Four-Paragraph Structure

1. Introduction

Recommended Length: 1 Paragraph / 30–50 words

  • Sentence 1 – Paraphrase:
    Rewrite the prompt’s background statement using different words and synonyms.
  • Sentence 2 – Thesis / Outline:
    State your clear position, opinion, or an outline of what will be discussed.

2. First Body Paragraph

Recommended Length: 1 Paragraph / 90–100 words

  • Topic Sentence:
    Introduce the first main point or side of the argument.
  • Explanation:
    Explain why this point is true or expand on the idea.
  • Example:
    Provide a specific, real-world example or illustration to support your point.

3. Second Body Paragraph

Recommended Length: 1 Paragraph / 90–100 words

  • Topic Sentence:
    Introduce the second main point, counter-argument, or second side of the argument.
  • Explanation:
    Explain and develop this second point clearly.
  • Example:
    Support the point with a relevant example.

4. Conclusion

Recommended Length: 1 Paragraph / 30–40 words

  • Summary:
    Restate the main ideas or summarize the core discussion.
  • Final Stance:
    Reiterate your final opinion or verdict using fresh wording.
    Do not copy the introduction verbatim.

Essay Prompt:

Some people believe that employers should allow employees to work from home whenever possible. Others believe that employees are more productive and work better as a team when they work in a shared workplace.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.


Word count: 0 / minimum 250
View Answer Key

IELTS General Writing Task 2 – Essay Example

Essay Question

Some people believe that employers should allow employees to work from home whenever possible. Others believe that employees are more productive and work better as a team when they work in a shared workplace.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from
your own knowledge or experience.

Example Answer

The growth of digital technology has made working from home a practical option for many employees, leading some people to argue that employers should permit remote work whenever possible. Others maintain that employees are more productive and cooperative when working together in a shared workplace. While both arrangements have advantages, I believe a flexible combination of remote and office work is generally the most effective approach.

On the one hand, working from home can provide employees with greater flexibility and eliminate unnecessary commuting. Workers who do not have to travel to an office each day may have more time for their personal responsibilities while also beginning work with more energy. Furthermore, employees performing tasks that require concentration may be more productive in a quiet home environment where interruptions can be controlled. For example, a software developer who spends several hours writing and testing computer code may complete individual assignments efficiently from home while communicating with colleagues through video meetings and online collaboration tools.

On the other hand, a shared workplace can make communication, teamwork, and problem-solving easier. Employees can discuss unexpected issues immediately rather than arranging online meetings or waiting for written responses. Face-to-face interaction may also help colleagues develop stronger professional relationships and allow new employees to learn directly from experienced staff. For instance, a marketing team developing a new campaign may benefit from meeting in person because team members can exchange ideas, review designs, and make decisions together. In my view, these advantages are particularly important for collaborative projects, training, and work that requires frequent communication.

In conclusion, remote work can offer valuable flexibility and improve productivity for independent tasks, whereas shared workplaces provide important opportunities for communication and teamwork. Therefore, I believe employers should adopt a flexible approach that combines home and office work according to the responsibilities of each position.

Word Count: Approximately 320 words

Why This Response Works

This essay directly addresses both sides of the question and presents a clear opinion. The introduction paraphrases the original topic and establishes the writer’s position. The first body paragraph explains the advantages of working from home and supports the argument with a relevant example. The second body paragraph examines the benefits of a shared workplace and provides another practical example. Finally, the conclusion summarizes both arguments and restates the writer’s position without simply repeating the introduction.

Four-Paragraph Structure

  1. Introduction: Paraphrase the question and clearly state the position or main argument.
  2. First Body Paragraph: Explain the advantages of working from home and support the main point with an example.
  3. Second Body Paragraph: Explain the advantages of working in a shared workplace and support the argument with an example.
  4. Conclusion: Summarize the main arguments and clearly restate the writer’s final position.

IELTS Assessment Focus

When reviewing an IELTS General Writing Task 2 response, students should consider whether the essay fully answers the question, develops its arguments with relevant reasons and examples, organizes ideas logically, uses an appropriate range of vocabulary, and demonstrates accurate and varied grammatical structures.

Task 2 Self-Review









Assessment Criteria

Use these four criteria when reviewing both answers.

Criterion What to Review
Task Achievement / Task Response How accurately, appropriately, completely, and relevantly you answer the task. Task 1 focuses on achieving the purpose of the letter; Task 2 focuses on developing the argument and supporting it with evidence or examples.
Coherence and Cohesion How clearly and fluently ideas are organised in a logical order and connected using appropriate cohesive devices such as linking words, pronouns, and conjunctions.
Lexical Resource The range of vocabulary and how accurately and appropriately vocabulary is used.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy The range of grammatical structures and how accurately and appropriately they are used.

Final Check

Before submitting, make sure both tasks are complete, relevant to their prompts, written as connected text, and meet the minimum word counts.

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