Total Writing time: 60 minutes
Academic Writing combines Task 1 (~150 words, ~20 minutes) and Task 2 (~250 words, ~40 minutes). You manage the order yourself. Most trainers recommend Task 2 first because it carries double weight — but Uni Cert also teaches candidates who prefer finishing Task 1 while the visual is fresh. Either order works if you protect Task 2's 40 minutes.
Recommended order: Task 2 → Task 1
Rationale: Task 2 is longer and more demanding. Doing it first prevents a slow Task 1 from stealing Task 2 time.
| Block | Activity | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Task 2 plan | 5–7 min |
| 2 | Task 2 write | 30–33 min |
| 3 | Task 1 plan + write | 18–20 min |
| 4 | Quick proofread both | 2–3 min |
If you choose Task 1 first, set a hard stop at 20 minutes — use a watch.
Task 2 timing breakdown
Minutes 0–5: Analyse prompt; note essay type; draft thesis + two body topic ideas on question paper.
Minutes 5–35: Write introduction, bodies, conclusion. Leave one line between paragraphs for clarity.
Minutes 35–40: Fix article errors, spelling, awkward fragments. Do not rewrite entire paragraphs.
Task 1 timing breakdown
Minutes 0–3: Identify chart type; select overview patterns; choose two groupings.
Minutes 3–17: Write four paragraphs (intro, overview, two bodies).
Minutes 17–20: Check numbers, comparatives, and word count.
Never skip the overview because time is low — write a shorter overview rather than omit it.
Mental planning when time is tight
Even 3 minutes of planning saves 10 minutes of restructuring. Minimum plan:
- Task 2: thesis + two body headings + one example each
- Task 1: two overview bullets + which figures to cite
What to cut when running late
Task 2: Shorten examples, not the conclusion. Never submit without a conclusion paragraph.
Task 1: Reduce number of data points quoted; keep overview + one clear comparison per body paragraph.
Word count speed checks
Learn your handwriting pace in practice:
- How many words per line on the official answer sheet?
- How many lines ≈ 250 words for you?
This reduces panic counting in the exam room.
Transfer and legibility
Write clearly — illegible words may not be credited. If you cross out, do so cleanly. Examiners mark what they can read.
Practice simulation rules
Every full Writing practice should use 60 minutes continuous, no phone timers paused. Alternate Task order weekly to discover your stronger sequence, then commit on test day.
Last-three-minutes protocol
- Confirm Task 2 ≥ 250 words (estimate from lines)
- Confirm Task 1 overview exists
- Fix one recurring grammar error you know you make
Official reference
Academic Writing timing — IELTS Academic test format.