IELTS Writing,
marked by examiners.
Task 1 (graphs, charts and diagrams) and Task 2 (essay argument) — the two Writing tasks that define most Vietnamese students' overall IELTS band. Every response marked against the real four-criteria rubric by examiner-trained coaches.
The IELTS Academic Writing test — Task 1 (data description) and Task 2 (discursive essay). Marked against Task Response, Coherence, Lexical Resource and Grammar.
Writing is the hardest band to lift — and the most impactful.
IELTS Writing is the skill where most Vietnamese students lose their target band. The global average for Writing is 5.5 — the lowest of any skill. Most Vietnamese IELTS candidates are stuck between 5.5 and 6.5, and the gap from 6.5 to 7.0 is where targeted coaching has the highest impact.
Four criteria, four levers
Every IELTS Writing response is marked against four criteria: Task Response (did you answer the question?), Coherence & Cohesion (is it structured?), Lexical Resource (is the vocabulary range sufficient?), and Grammatical Range & Accuracy (are the sentences varied and correct?). We coach each criterion separately because they improve independently.
Why examiner-trained marking matters
Generic feedback ("good essay, try to use more vocabulary") is useless. Examiner-trained marking tells your child exactly which criterion is holding them back, exactly which sentences dropped a band, and exactly what to change. This specificity is the entire point of Times Edu Writing coaching.
Two tasks. Four criteria. Examiner precision.
We coach Task 1 and Task 2 as completely separate skills, because they are.
Graph / Chart Description
Describing trends, comparisons and key features in 150+ words.
Process / Map / Diagram
Describing stages, changes or spatial relationships.
Opinion Essay
Agreeing/disagreeing with a statement with balanced argument.
Discussion Essay
Discussing both sides of an issue and giving your opinion.
Task Response
Fully addressing the task requirements with clear position.
Coherence & Cohesion
Paragraphing, topic sentences, linking and logical flow.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary range, precision and collocation accuracy.
Grammatical Range
Sentence variety, complex structures and accuracy.
60 minutes. Two tasks. Every word matters.
Time allocation between Task 1 and Task 2 is critical — and most students get it wrong.
Data Description
Describe a graph, chart, table, diagram or map in 150+ words.
Discursive Essay
Write a 250+ word essay arguing a position on a given topic.
Four Criteria
Each task marked on Task Response, Coherence, Lexical Resource and Grammar.
Examiner-Style
Every response marked with band location per criterion and specific improvement notes.
Why even strong students lose marks here.
These are the three traps we see most often — and every one is fixable with focused coaching.
Task 2 under-development
Students who write 200 words instead of 280+ automatically cap at band 6.0 for Task Response. We drill word count targets in week 1.
Memorised phrases
Examiners are trained to detect memorised "band 7 phrases." Students who use them robotically lose marks on Lexical Resource. We teach natural collocations instead.
No position in Task 2
Opinion essays must take a clear position. Students who sit on the fence ("there are advantages and disadvantages") cap at band 5.5 for Task Response.
From diagnostic to test day.
I was stuck at 6.0 Writing for two years. Four months with Times Edu and I hit 7.5. The difference was getting real examiner feedback on every essay — not just "good job."
What families always ask about Writing.
My child is stuck at 6.5 Writing. Can you fix this?
Yes — this is our most common starting scenario. The jump from 6.5 to 7.0 is almost always about fixing 2–3 recurring issues: weak topic sentences, limited vocabulary range or under-development. We identify these in the diagnostic.
How many essays should my child write per week?
We recommend 2 Task 2 essays and 1 Task 1 response per week, all marked with examiner-style feedback. Quality of feedback matters more than volume of writing.
Do your coaches mark to real examiner standard?
Yes — our Writing coaches include former British Council examiners and teachers trained in the IELTS marking rubric. Every response is marked against the exact four criteria with band-specific feedback.
Is 7.0 Writing realistic in 12 weeks?
For students starting at 6.0–6.5, yes — with consistent practice and examiner feedback. The 6.5 to 7.0 jump typically takes 8–12 weeks. The 5.5 to 7.0 jump takes 16–20 weeks.
Ready to boost your Writing score?
Book a free 60-minute Writing diagnostic. Worth $60 — free for the first 50 families.