IELTS writing templates cheat sheet

Why templates work

IELTS graders score writing on four criteria: task response, coherence, lexical resource, and grammatical range. Three of those four reward structure. A good template hands you that structure before you even start thinking about content — freeing your brain to focus on vocabulary and ideas. Every 7.0+ writer we coach at Lougha uses some version of the templates below.

Task 1 template (describe the chart)

Task 1 asks you to describe visual data — a bar chart, line graph, pie chart, or process diagram. You have 20 minutes and 150 words. Use this four-paragraph structure.

Intro paragraph: paraphrase the question prompt in one sentence, then give a one-sentence overview of the main trend. Example stem: "The graph illustrates how [X] changed between [year A] and [year B]. Overall, it is clear that [key trend]."

Body paragraph 1: describe the highest / most striking trend with two or three supporting data points. Example stems: "The most notable change was...", "This figure rose sharply from X to Y between...", "By 2020, the number had reached its peak at..."

Body paragraph 2: describe the remaining features. Group similar trends together. Example stems: "In contrast, [category] remained relatively stable...", "A similar pattern can be observed for...", "Meanwhile, [category] experienced a gradual decline..."

Task 2 template (opinion essay)

Task 2 asks you to argue a position in 40 minutes and 250 words. This carries two thirds of your overall writing band. Use a strict four-paragraph structure.

Intro (3-4 sentences): start with a broad background sentence on the topic, narrow to the debate, then state your thesis clearly. Example stems: "In recent decades, [topic] has become a subject of intense debate.", "While some argue that X, others believe that Y.", "In my view, [your position], and this essay will explain why."

Body 1 (5-6 sentences): present your strongest reason. Use a topic sentence, explain it, give one concrete example, then link back to the thesis. Example stems: "The primary reason I hold this view is...", "To illustrate, consider the case of...", "This clearly demonstrates why..."

Body 2 (5-6 sentences): either give a second reason OR acknowledge the counter-argument and refute it. Counter-argument stems: "Some may argue that...", "Admittedly, there is merit in this view, however...", "The flaw in this reasoning is..."

Conclusion (2-3 sentences): restate your thesis in fresh words and add one final thought. Example stems: "To conclude, the evidence strongly suggests that...", "While both sides have merit, the balance tips in favor of...", "Ultimately, societies that [adopt X] stand to benefit significantly."

High-scoring phrases you can memorize

• It is often argued that...
• A compelling case can be made for...
• There is no denying that...
• This is not to say that...
• One could reasonably contend that...
• From my perspective...
• It stands to reason that...
• This phenomenon can be attributed to...
• A case in point is...
• Contrary to popular belief...
• On a broader scale...
• It is worth noting that...
• The evidence strongly suggests that...
• In light of these considerations...
• All things considered...

Memorize three phrases from each category and rotate them across your practice essays. Graders notice lexical variety — recycling the same "I think" and "very important" caps you at a 5.5 no matter how good your ideas are.