Writing Mock: Task 1 & Task 2 Self-Assessment

Real-world analogy

What is it?

A Writing mock test is a timed simulation of the IELTS Writing test where you complete Task 1 (graph/letter description, 150+ words, 20 minutes) and Task 2 (essay, 250+ words, 40 minutes) under real conditions. Self-assessment means grading your own work using the official IELTS band descriptors across four criteria: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

Real-world relevance

Professional IELTS examiners are trained for days to apply the band descriptors consistently. While self-assessment is never as accurate as an examiner, research shows that students who regularly self-assess using the official criteria develop a much better understanding of what examiners look for and improve faster than those who just write without reflection.

Key points

• Setting Up a Writing Mock Test — Simulate real conditions: 60 minutes total, Task 1 (20 minutes for 150+ words) and Task 2 (40 minutes for 250+ words). Write on paper with a pencil or type on a computer matching your test format. No dictionary, no grammar checker, no going over time. Set separate timers for each task.
• Understanding the Four Assessment Criteria — IELTS Writing is scored on four criteria, each worth 25% of your Writing band: Task Achievement/Response (did you answer the question fully?), Coherence and Cohesion (is it logically organized?), Lexical Resource (vocabulary range and accuracy), and Grammatical Range and Accuracy (sentence variety and correctness).
• Self-Assessing Task Achievement — Ask: Did I fully address all parts of the question? For Task 1: Did I describe the key features and make comparisons? Did I write an overview? For Task 2: Did I present a clear position? Did I support it with relevant examples? An incomplete response to the question caps your score at Band 5-6 no matter how good your English is.
• Self-Assessing Coherence and Cohesion — Read your essay aloud. Does each paragraph have a clear topic sentence? Do ideas flow logically from one to the next? Are linking words (however, moreover, in contrast) used naturally — not forced? Check: can someone who has not read the question understand your argument just from your essay?
• Self-Assessing Lexical Resource — Highlight every word you used. Count how many topic-specific and less common words appear. Did you use the same word more than 3 times? Did you paraphrase the question or copy it word-for-word? Check for spelling errors. Band 7+ requires some less common vocabulary used accurately with natural collocations.
• Self-Assessing Grammar — Underline every sentence. Count how many are simple (one clause), compound (two clauses with and/but/or), and complex (with because/although/which/if). Band 7+ requires a mix of all three with majority being error-free. Circle any grammar errors you can spot. Common killers: subject-verb agreement, article errors, run-on sentences.
• Using the Official Band Descriptors — Download the official IELTS Writing band descriptors from ielts.org. For each criterion, read the descriptions for Bands 5, 6, 7, and 8. Honestly place your essay at the level that matches best. Your overall Writing score is the average of all four criteria scores. Be brutally honest — overestimating helps nobody.
• The Improvement Cycle — After self-assessment, rewrite the SAME essay addressing every weakness you found. Then compare version 1 and version 2 side by side. This rewrite-and-compare method is more effective than writing a new essay on a different topic because you can see exactly what improved. Aim to rewrite 2-3 essays per week.

Code example

============================================
  WRITING MOCK TEST PROTOCOL
============================================

TIMING:
  Task 1:  20 minutes  |  150+ words
  Task 2:  40 minutes  |  250+ words
  Total:   60 minutes  |  NO extra time

TASK 2 IS WORTH DOUBLE the marks of Task 1.
Always do Task 2 first if you struggle with time.

============================================
  SELF-ASSESSMENT RUBRIC
============================================

CRITERION 1: Task Achievement (25%)
  Band 5: Only partially addresses the task
          Format may be inappropriate
          Position is not always clear
  Band 6: Addresses the task adequately
          Main ideas are relevant but underdeveloped
          Position is clear but conclusions may be unclear
  Band 7: Addresses all parts of the task
          Clear position throughout
          Main ideas well extended and supported
  Band 8: Sufficiently addresses all parts
          Well-developed response with relevant examples

CRITERION 2: Coherence & Cohesion (25%)
  Band 5: Limited organization, inadequate paragraphing
          Overuses or underuses linking words
  Band 6: Information arranged coherently
          Paragraphing used but not always logical
          Linking words sometimes inaccurate
  Band 7: Logically organized with clear progression
          Each paragraph has a clear central topic
          Linking words used flexibly
  Band 8: Sequences information skillfully
          Paragraphing is well managed
          Cohesion rarely draws attention

CRITERION 3: Lexical Resource (25%)
  Band 5: Limited vocabulary, frequent errors
          May use wrong word forms
  Band 6: Adequate vocabulary for the task
          Some errors in word choice/spelling
          Attempts less common vocabulary
  Band 7: Sufficient range for flexibility
          Less common items with some awareness of style
          Occasional errors in word choice
  Band 8: Wide range used fluently and flexibly
          Skillful use of uncommon vocabulary
          Rare errors in spelling/word formation

CRITERION 4: Grammatical Range & Accuracy (25%)
  Band 5: Limited range of structures
          Frequent grammatical errors
  Band 6: Mix of simple and complex sentences
          Some errors but meaning is clear
  Band 7: Variety of complex structures
          Majority of sentences are error-free
          Good control of grammar and punctuation
  Band 8: Wide range of structures
          Majority error-free
          Rare minor errors only

============================================
  SELF-ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
============================================

After writing, answer these questions:

Task Achievement:
  [ ] Did I answer ALL parts of the question?
  [ ] Did I provide a clear overview? (Task 1)
  [ ] Is my position clear throughout? (Task 2)
  [ ] Did I use specific examples/data?
  My score: ___/9

Coherence & Cohesion:
  [ ] Does each paragraph have ONE main idea?
  [ ] Do ideas flow logically from start to finish?
  [ ] Are linking words used naturally (not forced)?
  [ ] Could a stranger follow my argument?
  My score: ___/9

Lexical Resource:
  [ ] Did I paraphrase the question (not copy it)?
  [ ] Did I use topic-specific vocabulary?
  [ ] Did I avoid repeating the same words?
  [ ] Are my collocations natural?
  My score: ___/9

Grammar:
  [ ] Do I have a mix of simple/compound/complex?
  [ ] Are most sentences error-free?
  [ ] Did I check subject-verb agreement?
  [ ] Did I check articles (a/an/the)?
  My score: ___/9

Estimated Band = Average of 4 scores
Example: (6 + 7 + 6 + 7) / 4 = 6.5

Line-by-line walkthrough

1. 1. The timing breakdown shows Task 1 gets 20 minutes and Task 2 gets 40 minutes — matching the real test
2. 2. Task 2 is worth double the marks, so if you are running low on time, prioritize Task 2
3. 3. The rubric shows Band 5 through Band 8 descriptions for each of the four criteria
4. 4. Task Achievement checks whether you actually answered what was asked with enough detail
5. 5. Coherence and Cohesion checks logical flow, paragraphing, and natural use of linking words
6. 6. Lexical Resource checks vocabulary range, paraphrasing ability, and spelling accuracy
7. 7. Grammar checks sentence variety (simple, compound, complex) and error frequency
8. 8. The checklist converts the rubric into practical yes/no questions you can apply immediately

Spot the bug

IELTS Writing Task 2 Plan:

Time: 40 minutes for 250 words

Paragraph 1: Introduction (copy the question, then state opinion)
Paragraph 2: Reason 1 with example
Paragraph 3: Conclusion (repeat introduction)

Self-assessment: I used linking words in every sentence = Band 7 Coherence

Explain like I'm 5

Fun fact

Hands-on challenge

More resources

• IELTS Writing Band Descriptors (Official) (IELTS Official)
• Free IELTS Writing Practice Tests (British Council)
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answers (IELTS Liz)
• IELTS Writing: How Examiners Score Your Essay (E2 IELTS)