The IELTS writing section is divided into 2 sections, both having different weightage of the score but seemingly equal importance.
Task 1 and task 2 of the IELTS writing section assesses a candidate’s different set of skills from identifying vital information to systematically putting it together.
Although both should be taken equally seriously, IELTS writing task 2 holds 3/4th weightage of the writing section making it the more significant one of both. Let’s see what’s the difference between IELTS writing task 1 and IELTS writing task 2.
1. FORMAT:
As far as the format is concerned, IELTS writing task 1 vs task 2 are two sides of the same coin. Both are marked based on a similar system but require the use of different skills.
IELTS writing task 1 for the academic test is a report writing on the given visual of the diagram, graph, table or chart. For task 1 of IELTS general, the candidate needs to write a letter based on a given situation.
On the flip side, IELTS writing task 2 for both general and academic tests are similar. Candidates need to portray their essay writing skills in a conventional paragraph structure based on a given argument or point of view.
2. WRITING STYLE:
For academic task 1, language should be kept formal. The first two lines should summarise the visual in brief for example, “the diagram above illustrates how honey bees constitutively produce honey from nectar”. Continuing therefore candidates should locate and include all vital information and organize it using their vocabulary, grammar and other language skills.
For general training task 1, a candidate should follow the standard ethics of letter writing. Varying from semi-formal to formal, a relevant letter addressing the concerned subject is expected.
For IELTS task 2, being relevant and coherent is again the key. It could mainly be divided into three or five paragraphs. With the introduction in the first paragraph, main body in the second, third and fourth and conclusion in the final, an ideal essay is written.
For both of the tasks though, editing is a must. Without editing, you may leave your writing vulnerable to silly and preventable mistakes.
3. TIME:
The total time assigned for the writing section is 60 minutes for both academic and general IELTS. That means you have an hour to complete both tasks 1 and 2. However, it is highly suggested to utilize your time in the following manner:
| TASK NO. | TIME TO WRITE MAIN BODY(min) | TIME FOR EDITING(min) | TOTAL(min) |
| 1 | 15 | 5 | 20 |
| 2 | 30 | 10 | 40 |
4. WORD LIMIT:
IELTS writing task 1 and task 2 should be written in a minimum of 150 and 250 words respectively. Utilizing words less than that would penalize your score adversely. Even though you can go beyond the word limit, make sure you don’t invest more time than necessary. Spending more time on any one task will either:
- Leave you less time for editing, causing easily repairable mistakes to remain
- Give you less time for task 2 which factually carries more importance than task 1
Both situations are not desirable. Thoughtfully spend time on both of the tasks in a way that timeframe would fit perfectly into the requirements of the task.
Along with these major differences in the comparison of IELTS writing task 1 vs task 2, our experts also suggest avoiding personal opinions and experiences in task 1 and sticking to the topic while writing. On the other hand, IELTS writing task 2 expects personal opinions and experiences with knowledge to support your content.
Our PTE experts guide you smartly to prepare for these both writing tasks without investing time separately for preparing for each task. Our extensive courses and test series are all set to help you score the highest bands in IELTS writing task 1 & 2! Get in touch with our PTE team today and reserve your seats for the upcoming batches!