Writing Task 1 Academic vs General: Key Differences Every IELTS Candidate Should Know

If you're preparing for the IELTS, one of the first things you’ll notice is that the Writing Task 1 is not the same for the Academic and General Training tests. Knowing these differences is essential—not just for better preparation, but also for scoring higher.

In this guide, we break down the key differences between Academic and General Writing Task 1, share Band 9 strategies, and provide sample prompts to help you get ahead.

What Is IELTS Writing Task 1?

In both IELTS Academic and General Training, Writing Task 1 is the first part of the writing section and takes up 33% of your overall writing score. However, the type of writing required is completely different.

📘 Academic Task 1: Describe Visual Data

You are given a graph, chart, table, diagram, or map and must write a 150-word report summarizing and comparing the main trends or features.

Example prompt:
The chart below shows the percentage of households with internet access in three countries from 2000 to 2020.

• Overall trends
• Comparisons
• Significant changes

❌ No opinions or personal experience allowed.

✉️ General Task 1: Write a Letter

You are asked to write a formal, semi-formal, or informal letter based on a given situation. It could involve:

• Making a complaint
• Requesting information
• Apologizing
• Giving advice

Example prompt:
You recently visited a hotel and were unhappy with the service. Write a letter to the hotel manager.

Key Differences: Academic vs General Writing Task 1

Feature	Academic	General
Type	Data description	Letter writing
Tone	Objective, formal	Varies: formal, semi-formal, informal
Skills Tested	Data analysis, summarizing	Tone control, purpose, structure
Use of Opinions	Not allowed	Sometimes necessary
Visual Input	Charts, tables, diagrams	Situational prompt only

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using the Wrong Tone

In General Task 1, not adjusting your tone to suit the context (e.g., writing too formally to a friend) can cost you points.

❌ Misinterpreting Visuals in Academic

Candidates often try to explain why data changes, but your task is to describe, not speculate.

❌ Ignoring Structure

Each type has its expected format:

• Academic: Introduction → Overview → Specific details
• General: Greeting → Purpose → Body → Closing

Band 9 Tips for Each Task Type

💡 Academic Task 1 Tips

• Always include an overview paragraph that summarizes main trends
• Group related data logically—don’t describe point by point
• Use a wide range of comparative structures: “Whereas,” “In contrast,” “Similarly”

💡 General Task 1 Tips

• Identify if the prompt is formal, semi-formal, or informal and adjust your tone
• Cover all bullet points clearly
• Use common phrases:
  • Formal: “I am writing to inform you…”
  • Informal: “Just wanted to let you know…”

Sample Questions to Practice

🧪 Academic:

• The line graph shows the average monthly rainfall in London, Paris, and Rome from 2000 to 2020.
• The table below gives information about the percentage of people using public transport in six cities.

✍️ General:

• Write a letter to your landlord explaining a problem with the heating system.
• You missed a friend’s birthday party. Apologize and suggest a way to make it up.

Final Thoughts: Know Which Test You’re Taking

Understanding whether you're preparing for the Academic or General Training IELTS is crucial. The writing expectations are different, and using the wrong strategy could cost you a full band score or more.

Focus on mastering the specific skills required for your version of Task 1.

🎯 Ready to Boost Your Band Score?

Practice with realistic, examiner-style mock exams for both Academic and General IELTS at 👉 ieltsexam.ai/ielts-mock-exams

Get instant AI feedback, scoring, and sample answers for Writing Task 1 & 2!