In IELTS on computer, the Writing test is typed instead of handwritten, and the screen shows a word count as you type. The tasks, timing and marking criteria are the same as on paper. Your best preparation is to practise typing full answers under time, plan before you write, and leave time to check your text. Always confirm the current format on the official IELTS website.
What stays the same
IELTS is run by the British Council, IDP IELTS and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Computer-delivered and paper-based IELTS test the same skills and are marked to the same standard. The Writing test has two tasks: Task 1 and Task 2, with Task 2 counting for more of the Writing score. For Academic, Task 1 describes visual information such as a chart or process. For General Training, Task 1 is a letter. Both versions use Task 2 for an essay.
The marking criteria are also the same: Task Achievement or Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Your score depends on what you write, not on how fast you type.
What changes on a computer
- You type your answer instead of writing it.
- A word counter shows on screen. Use it as a guide to check you meet the minimum word counts, but do not obsess over it.
- Editing is easier: you can insert, delete and move text without crossing out.
- Spelling is not corrected for you. Check the test rules on what tools are available, as these can differ.
- You may be sitting in a room with other candidates typing at the same time, so noise can be a factor. Practise with some background sound.
Check the rules before test day
Details such as the keyboard layout, available functions like copy and paste or undo, the scratch paper provided and how the timer shows can vary. Look at the official IELTS website, or the practice tests offered by your test centre, to see the current interface. Do not rely on a forum post from years ago.
Tip 1: plan before you type
Spend 3 to 5 minutes on Task 2 planning. Write a one-line answer to the question, two or three main points, and an example for each. Typing without a plan produces text that is easy to add to but hard to organise. Use scratch paper if it is provided.
Tip 2: manage your time
| Task | Suggested time | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | About 20 minutes | 2 min plan, 15 min write, 3 min check |
| Task 2 | About 40 minutes | 5 min plan, 30 min write, 5 min check |
These are common recommendations. The test gives 60 minutes in total, and you decide how to divide it, but because Task 2 carries more weight, do not spend too long on Task 1.
Tip 3: type for accuracy
A fast typist who makes many errors loses marks for grammar and spelling. Aim for a speed where you rarely need to correct. Around 30 to 40 words per minute is workable for the required lengths, but you will find it far easier at 40 and above, since the thinking time is what is limited. Check your level with our free typing test at /typing-test.
Tip 4: keep your paragraphs visible
Press Enter to start a new paragraph and keep paragraphs clearly separated. A wall of text makes it hard for you to check your structure and for the examiner to see it.
Tip 5: leave time to proofread
- Look for missing articles (a, the), subject-verb agreement and tense slips.
- Check spelling of words you use often.
- Make sure your conclusion actually answers the question.
- Check the word count against the minimum: at least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 for Task 2.
Tip 6: practise under realistic conditions
- Choose a sample question from an official past test or practice material.
- Set a timer and type on a normal keyboard, not a phone.
- Stop when time is up, even if you are mid-sentence.
- Review your answer against the band descriptors and note errors you repeat.
- Retype weak paragraphs from memory.
Mistakes to avoid
- Writing far over the word count. Extra words add errors and use time.
- Memorising model essays. Examiners are trained to spot them, and they may not fit the question.
- Starting to type before understanding the question. Underline the key words first.
- Ignoring the computer interface until test day.
Task 1 and Task 2 quick reminders
Task 1 Academic: describe the main trends or stages, group related information and avoid giving opinions. Task 1 General Training: match the tone of the letter to the reader, cover every bullet point and keep a clear opening and closing. Task 2: answer every part of the question, give a position that stays consistent, and support each main point with an explanation or example.
Computer or paper?
Many candidates choose the computer option if they type comfortably, since editing is easier and answers are neat. If you type slowly or find screens tiring, paper may suit you better. Check availability and conditions with your test centre.
Practice habit for the last two weeks
Do one full typed Writing test twice a week under timed conditions. Between those, drill planning: take a question, spend five minutes writing a plan with a position and two examples, then compare with a sample answer. Read model essays for structure and vocabulary, but write in your own voice.
How Type to Study can help
Type to Study has an IELTS page and a Type mode where you type over lessons while words per minute and accuracy are shown, which builds comfort with the keyboard on academic vocabulary. The Q&A mode lets you type model answers until you can write them from memory. It supports your practice but does not replace official materials, and it cannot score IELTS writing bands.