IELTS Writing Task 2 Timing: A 40-Minute Plan That Works
Quick answer: Give Task 2 a fixed 40 minutes: 5 to plan, 30 to write about 270 to 300 words, and 5 to check. Consider doing Task 2 first, since it carries more marks, and practice the split with a timer until it feels automatic.↗ Share on X
To avoid running out of time in IELTS Writing Task 2, give it a fixed 40 minutes and split them like this: 5 minutes to plan, 30 minutes to write about 270 to 300 words, and 5 minutes to check. Many test takers do Task 2 first, because it carries more marks than Task 1 and you are allowed to choose the order. Practice this exact split with a timer at least 10 times before test day, so the timing becomes a habit instead of a guess.
The rest of this page shows you how each block works, what to write in each minute, and what to do if you are still behind with 10 minutes left.
How much time do you really have?
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IELTS Task 2 Cohesion: Linking Tricks Examiners Reward →The IELTS Writing test lasts 60 minutes in total, and you manage the clock yourself. Nobody tells you when to move from Task 1 to Task 2.
| Part | Minimum words | Suggested time | Weight in your score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | 150 | 20 minutes | Smaller share |
| Task 2 | 250 | 40 minutes | Larger share (about twice Task 1) |
Because Task 2 counts for more, losing 10 minutes on it hurts you more than losing 10 minutes on Task 1. That is the main reason people run out of time: they polish Task 1 for 30 minutes and then rush the task that matters most.
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Should you do Task 2 first?
For most people who struggle with time, yes. Here is why:
- You protect the bigger score. If time runs short, it runs short on the task worth less.
- Your brain is fresh. Building an argument takes more energy than describing a chart.
- It is allowed. You can answer the two tasks in any order.
The one risk: you might spend 50 minutes on Task 2 and leave only 10 for Task 1. Avoid that with a hard stop. When your watch or the on-screen clock shows 40 minutes gone, finish your sentence and move on, even if your conclusion is short.
If you are taking IELTS on computer, the timer is on screen and there is a word counter. On paper, check the wall clock in the room and learn roughly how many lines your handwriting uses for 250 words, so you do not waste time counting.
The 40-minute plan, minute by minute
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IELTS Task 2 Intro in 5 Steps: The 50-Word Band 8 Formula →Minutes 0 to 5: Plan
Do not skip this. Five minutes of planning saves ten minutes of rewriting.
1. Read the question twice. Underline the topic and the task words, like "discuss both views," "to what extent do you agree," or "what are the causes and solutions."
2. Decide your answer in one sentence. For example: "I mostly agree, because remote work saves time, but it can hurt teamwork."
3. Write two main ideas, one for each body paragraph.
4. Add one example or reason under each idea.
Your plan can be just six or seven short lines. It is for you, not the examiner.
Minutes 5 to 35: Write
Use a simple four-paragraph structure. It is easy to follow and easy to time.
| Paragraph | What goes in it | Target words | Target time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Rewrite the question in your own words + your answer | 40 to 50 | 4 to 5 minutes |
| Body 1 | Main idea 1 + explanation + example | 90 to 110 | 11 to 12 minutes |
| Body 2 | Main idea 2 + explanation + example | 90 to 110 | 11 to 12 minutes |
| Conclusion | Repeat your answer in new words | 30 to 40 | 3 minutes |
That adds up to about 270 to 300 words. Writing much more than that does not earn extra marks by itself, and it eats your checking time.
Check the clock at two points:
- At minute 17, you should be done with Body 1.
- At minute 29, you should be done with Body 2.
If you are behind at either point, cut your example to one sentence and keep going.
Minutes 35 to 40: Check
Use these five minutes for quick fixes, not rewriting.
1. Did you answer every part of the question? If it asked for causes and solutions, you need both.
2. Are you over 250 words? Writing under the minimum can lower your score.
3. Scan for your personal common mistakes, such as missing "the," verb endings, or plural "s."
4. Fix spelling of key words from the question.
What if you are already behind with 10 minutes left?
It happens. Stay calm and follow this order:
1. Finish the paragraph you are in with one clear sentence.
2. Write a short conclusion, even just two sentences. An essay with a conclusion reads as complete. An essay that stops mid-idea does not.
3. Skip the second example in any unfinished body paragraph.
4. Use the last minute to check the word count, not to add fancy vocabulary.
A complete, simple essay usually scores better than a brilliant essay with no ending.
Why do you keep running out of time?
Most timing problems come from one of these habits. Find yours:
| Habit | Sign | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No plan | You stop mid-paragraph to think | Always take the 5 planning minutes |
| Perfect first sentence | You rewrite the introduction three times | Use a simple formula: rephrase + your answer |
| Too many ideas | Three or four body paragraphs | Stick to two main ideas |
| Hunting for big words | Long pauses searching for vocabulary | Use the word you know; accuracy beats rare words |
| Slow handwriting | You only reach 200 words on paper | Practice writing by hand with a timer every day |
| Erasing too much | Messy page, lost minutes | Cross out with one line and keep going |
How to practice so the timing becomes automatic
Reading about timing is not enough. You need to train it. A two-week routine:
1. Days 1 to 3: Plans only. Take five past questions and write only the 5-minute plan for each. Stop at five minutes exactly.
2. Days 4 to 6: Introductions and conclusions. Write ten introductions in 5 minutes each, then ten conclusions in 3 minutes each.
3. Days 7 to 10: Full essays with a timer. One full Task 2 a day in exactly 40 minutes. Note the time at minute 17 and minute 29.
4. Days 11 to 14: Full test conditions. Do Task 2 then Task 1, 60 minutes total, in one sitting. Use the same format as your real test: computer or paper.
After each essay, write down one thing that slowed you down. Fix that one thing in the next essay.
If you can, get feedback from a teacher or a trusted study partner on a few essays. Timing is only half the job; you also need to know if your answers meet the task.
A quick template for your introduction
Many people lose the most time at the very start. A simple pattern helps:
- Sentence 1: Rephrase the topic. "Some people believe that working from home is better for employees than working in an office."
- Sentence 2: Give your answer. "In my opinion, remote work brings clear benefits, although it also creates some problems for teamwork."
That is it. Two sentences, about 40 words, done in four minutes. Save your best ideas for the body paragraphs, where they earn marks.
Your next step
Today, pick one past IELTS Writing Task 2 question, set a timer for 40 minutes, and write a full essay using the 5-30-5 split. Write down the time when you finish Body 1 and Body 2. If you missed minute 17 or minute 29, you now know exactly where your time goes, and that is the part to practice tomorrow.
FAQ
Can I do IELTS Writing Task 2 before Task 1?
Yes. You manage the 60 minutes yourself and can answer the tasks in any order. Many test takers start with Task 2 because it carries more marks.
How many words should I write in Task 2?
At least 250. Aiming for about 270 to 300 words gives you a safe margin without eating the time you need to check your essay.
What should I do if I have 10 minutes left and I am not finished?
Finish the current paragraph with one clear sentence, then write a short conclusion. A complete simple essay usually scores better than an unfinished one.