🕒 You only get 60 minutes for the entire writing test. Spend no more than 20 minutes on Task 1—this gives you enough time for the more heavily weighted Task 2.
🎯 Why Time Management Is Critical
- Task 1 is worth one-third of your overall writing score.
- Spending too much time on Task 1 often leads to rushed, poor-quality writing in Task 2.
- Strategic planning helps you write a clear, complete letter without panic.
✅ Ideal Time Breakdown for Task 1
| Task Phase | Suggested Time |
|---|---|
| ⏳ Analyze the question & identify tone (formal/informal) | 2 minutes |
| 🧠 Plan your structure & ideas (paragraphs, points) | 3 minutes |
| ✍️ Write the letter | 12–13 minutes |
| 🔎 Proofread and edit | 2–3 minutes |
✨ Pro Tip: Use a wristwatch during practice to train your brain to “feel” the time.
🧭 Step-by-Step Time-Saving Strategy
1️⃣ Quickly Analyze the Prompt (2 min)
- Identify the purpose of the letter.
- Recognize whether it’s formal, semi-formal, or informal.
- Underline or highlight the three bullet points.
🎓 Example:
“You are going to move to a new city. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter…”
→ It’s informal.
→ Bullets: moving date, new address, invite visit.
2️⃣ Plan Your Letter (3 min)
- Jot down short notes for each bullet point (just ideas, not full sentences).
- Decide paragraph structure (usually 4–5 short paragraphs).
🧠 Sample Notes:
- Intro: Moving to Karachi
- Bullet 1: Moving on 10th Jan
- Bullet 2: New flat in Clifton
- Bullet 3: Come visit in Feb
3️⃣ Write Efficiently (12–13 min)
- Stick to the plan—don’t overthink grammar or synonyms yet.
- Aim for 150–180 words.
- Write clearly and concisely, using natural transitions.
💬 Don’t worry about fancy vocabulary—clarity is king.
4️⃣ Proofread Like a Pro (2–3 min)
- Check for:
- ✅ Grammar (tenses, punctuation, subject-verb agreement)
- ✅ Letter format (Dear…, Yours sincerely/faithfully/best)
- ✅ Tone and consistency
- ✅ Missed bullet points or awkward phrases
🚨 Common Time-Wasting Traps (Avoid These!)
| ❌ Trap | 🚫 Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Spending 5–6 mins planning | Leaves too little time to write or check |
| Obsessing over perfect phrases | Slows you down; aim for clear, not perfect |
| Writing more than 200 words | Wastes time and may include off-topic content |
| Skipping proofreading | Easy grammar or spelling mistakes lower your band |
🔄 Practice Drill
⏱ Challenge yourself:
Take a real IELTS GT Task 1 question and try to finish the entire letter in 20 minutes, sticking to the time breakdown above.
Repeat this 3 times with different topics—you’ll notice improved speed AND quality.
✨ Final Words
Time management is not just about the clock—it’s about mental discipline. When you train yourself to plan, write, and check efficiently, you’ll not only write a better letter, but you’ll enter Task 2 feeling calm and confident.
🔔 Remember: A well-planned 150-word letter is better than a rushed, 220-word mess.