60 minutes, 2 tasks. Task 2 counts roughly twice as much as Task 1 — time allocation matters more than long sentences.
Chart / map / process (Academic) or a letter (General Training), ≥150 words. Describe; keep opinions out.
An essay, ≥250 words, worth about twice Task 1. Argument, structure and position matter most.
You type on screen and the system shows a live word count; keep 3–5 minutes for a final check.
Under 150 (Task 1) or 250 (Task 2) is heavily penalised. The live counter is bottom-right — watch it.
Most do Task 1 then Task 2; if you prefer, start with the heavier Task 2 — but don't overrun.
One idea per paragraph: intro — 2–3 body — conclusion. Examiners read structure before vocabulary.
Final 3–5 minutes: tenses, plurals, spelling, subject–verb agreement. Small errors cost the most.
Circle the instruction words (discuss / agree / compare) and the scope. Going off-topic costs more than grammar.
Spend one minute listing 3–4 points so you never run dry mid-essay.
Use connectors where transitions belong, not stacked. Natural flow beats stiff templates.
Pair each claim with a concrete example or figure — more persuasive, and it fills the word count honestly.