2.2. Academic and General Training Writing
See exactly what Task 1 asks on your version, and what stays the same.
The short version
Task 2 is the same on both versions.
Task 1 is completely different.
Academic Task 1 describes a chart, map or process.
General Training Task 1 is a letter.
The essay does not change
Task 2 is an essay on both versions. The question types, the length and the marking are identical. Most of your Writing preparation counts either way.
Task 1 changes completely
This is the one place in IELTS where the two versions share nothing. What you write, who you write it to, and what good looks like are all different.
What Task 1 asks
You describe visual information: a bar chart, line graph, table, pie chart, map or process diagram. You report what it shows. You never give an opinion, and you never explain why the trend happened.
You write a letter. It may be formal, semi-formal or informal. The task tells you who it is to and what three things it must cover. Tone is a real part of the mark.
What they actually look like
The three prompts below are everything the test gives you for each task. The Task 1 chapters show you what to write about them.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The chart below shows daily cycle trips to work in three towns in 2014 and 2024.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
This is all the test gives you: a chart, a unit, and two years. The Academic Task 1 lessons show you what to write about it.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The main pool at your local leisure centre has been closed for three weeks.
Write a letter to the centre manager. In your letter:
- say how the closure has affected you
- explain why you need the pool
- say what you want the manager to do
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
Write at least 150 words.
This is all the test gives you: a situation, a reader, and three bullets. The General Training Task 1 lessons show you how to cover each bullet and choose the right tone.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people think city centres should ban private cars on weekdays. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
The task line sets the shape
The essay question is a single sentence or two, followed by a task line. A task line such as To what extent do you agree or disagree? decides the shape of your essay. The Task 2 lessons cover each shape, and this same question comes back throughout the course.
Tips
- Only study your own Task 1
There is no benefit in learning the other version. The two share no vocabulary and no structure.
- Task 2 practice is never wasted
Whichever version you sit, two thirds of your Writing mark comes from the same essay.
Quiz time3 questions
Three quick questions on the two versions.
What stays the same
Choose the task that does not change.
Which task is the same on both versions?
General Training Task 1
Choose what you write.
What is General Training Task 1?
Academic Task 1
Choose what you must not do.
In Academic Task 1, what should you never do?
Recap
Task 2 is an essay on both versions.
Academic Task 1 describes a visual. General Training Task 1 is a letter.
Study only the Task 1 that belongs to your version.
Next: the four things an examiner scores your writing on.