IELTS Writing guide

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How Do I Practise Typing for the IELTS Computer-Delivered Writing Test?

Updated 2026-11-06

How to practise typing for IELTS on computer: what the Writing screen gives you, how fast you need to type, a practice routine with spell check off, and where to practise on an exam-style screen.

The short answer

To practise typing for the IELTS computer-delivered Writing test, type full timed essays on a screen with spell check and autocorrect turned off, use an on-screen word counter instead of estimating, and do regular 60-minute sessions that cover Task 1 and Task 2 on one clock.

There is no required typing speed. You must write at least 400 words in 60 minutes, 150 for Task 1 and 250 for Task 2, so accurate typing and quick editing matter more than raw speed.

What the Writing screen gives you

Knowing the screen in advance lets you practise the same habits.

  • The question is on the left and one answer box is on the right. A live word counter shows "Words: N" under the answer box.
  • Task 1 and Task 2 share one 60-minute timer at the top of the screen, and you decide how to split the time. IDP says the timer flashes when 10 and 5 minutes are left.
  • There is no spell check, grammar check or autocorrect.
  • Basic editing works, including copy and paste to move text, according to IDP.
  • Your answers are saved as you type, and the test closes when time runs out.

How fast do you need to type?

If you spend about 10 minutes planning and 5 minutes checking, you have about 45 minutes to type at least 400 words, which is about 9 words a minute of finished text. Most candidates aim higher, at about 170 to 190 words for Task 1 and 270 to 300 for Task 2, which is about 10 to 11 words a minute.

To measure your speed, type an essay answer for 10 minutes without stopping, count the words and divide by 10. If you are well below these figures, practise typing until the timing feels comfortable.

A typing practice routine

  • Turn off spell check and autocorrect wherever you practise, and keep a list of the words you misspell.
  • Type one full Task 2 essay in 40 minutes, then one full 60-minute session with both tasks, each week.
  • Practise editing with the keyboard: select a sentence, cut it and paste it elsewhere, so moving text is quick on test day.
  • Watch the word counter as you write, so you meet the minimum without padding.
  • If you normally use a non-English keyboard layout, ask your test centre which layout it uses and practise on that layout.
  • Leave the last few minutes to reread for typing errors such as missing letters and doubled words.

Common questions

  • How fast do I need to type for the IELTS computer-delivered Writing test? There is no required speed. You need at least 400 words across both tasks in 60 minutes, which is about 9 words a minute of finished text after planning and checking time.
  • Is there spell check in the IELTS computer-delivered Writing test? No. There is no spell check, grammar check or autocorrect, so practise with them turned off.
  • Can I copy and paste in the IELTS computer-delivered Writing test? Yes. Basic editing, including copy and paste, is available according to IDP.
  • Where can I practise on a screen like the real test? ieltswrites has a free Writing simulator with the same layout: the question on the left, the answer box on the right, a live word count and a timer. It needs a desktop browser.

Put it into practice: write your next essay on a 1:1 copy of the computer-delivered exam screen, then get an AI band score.

Start a free practice test

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ieltswrites is an independent practice tool and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, IELTS, the British Council, IDP or Cambridge University Press & Assessment. IELTS is a registered trademark of its owners.