How well you understand the context and describe it in your own words, enables you to achieve a good band score in the IELTS writing test. But before taking the test, you need to understand the Academic as well as General sections in the writing module. They may appear similar, but there are lots of differences.

Both sections consist of IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2. It would help if you attempted them within a limited time. There are, however, some doubts that appear in the minds of every aspirant.

Let us analyze some IELTS Writing Task FAQs listed as follows:

1. How different is General IELTS Writing Task 1 from Academic IELTS Writing 1?
2. Differentiate between General IELTS Writing Task 2 and Academic IELTS Writing Task 2?
3. Elaborate on Academic Writing Task 1. How are you evaluated?
4. Is it compulsory for you to paraphrase questions in the writing tasks?
5. Can't I use the same words of a question in my answer?
6. Should I give my opinions before the start of IELTS Writing Task 2 introduction?
7. Describe the word count of Academic and General Tasks 1 and 2?
8. Do I need to stick to the word count of 150 and 250 for both tasks?
9. Is it advantageous to add conclusion at the end of Tasks 1-2?

1. How different is General IELTS Writing Task 1 from Academic IELTS Writing 1?

Every test taker must understand the vital differences between both tasks. You have to explain a particular situation in the passage form in General Writing task 1. You can write it in a personal way.

In contrast, in Academic Writing Task 1, your style of writing has to be more formal while mentioning what a particular diagram or graph is all about through a report. If you explain its different processes or stages, it helps you to ace your scores. Make no mistake of exaggerating but stick to the point.

Both tasks are 150 words each. Fewer words will not be accepted.

2. Differentiate between General IELTS Writing Task 2 and Academic IELTS Writing Task 2?

The question is described as the most essential IELTS Writing Task FAQ. You will be told to explain an argument, point of view or a problem through an essay in General and Academic tasks. Even though these tasks involve discursive essays, there is a minute difference between them. You must ensure that you write a more formal answer for an Academic IELTS Writing Task 2. Whereas, the writing style in General IELTS Writing Task 2 can be more personal.

3. Elaborate on Academic Writing Task 1. How are you evaluated?

You are allotted 20 minutes to write 150 words. The word limit has to comprise a detailed description of different processes of a graph, diagram, table or a chart and explain data. Make it a point to practice before taking the test and count the number of words. Do not fall short of 150. Otherwise, you will be penalized.

How well you write, is determined by different performance descriptors. These include Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Grammatical accuracy and range, Lexical resource etc. It would help if you were logical when answering a particular question. Correct use of words and phrases with the right usage of vocabulary is needed to achieve a good band.

4. Is it compulsory for you to paraphrase questions in the writing tasks?

It is necessary to paraphrase them. Never use the same phrases or words. The best practice is to understand the question and write it in own words without altering connotation of a sentence. You can always write it differently by keeping in mind what the sentence has to convey.

5. Can't I use the same words of a question in my answer?

Well, your answer has to be unique with new words. You must explain a particular question without changing its meaning. The more your answer is paraphrased and paragraphed, the better it is for you. With less time in hand, you need to start preparing now.

6. Should I give my opinions before the start of IELTS Writing Task 2 introduction?

First and foremost, you need to introduce a particular topic. It should be a concise introduction. Never give your opinions in Writing Task 2, beginning. You can explain it in the middle portion of the essay to avoid repetitions.

Every test taker has to be clear in his objective and answer as per the relevant question put forth. The more you stick to the topic while describing a situation in any task, the better it is for you.

7. Describe the word count of Academic and General Tasks 1 and 2?

The word limit for Academic and General Tasks 1 is 150 words, and it is 250 words for Academic and General Tasks 2. It is Task 1 comprising 3-4 small paragraphs, whereas Task 2 includes 4-6 paragraphs. Both tasks have to explain the significance of relevant topics.

8. Do I need to stick to the word count of 150 and 250 for both tasks?

Yes, it would help if you stuck to the IELTS Writing word counts. You will not be penalized if you exceed 160 in IELTS Writing Task 1 and 260 words in Task 2. Don't make the mistake of writing fewer words.

9. Is it advantageous to add conclusion at the end of Tasks 1-2?

It is a good practice to end each task with a conclusion. Summarize everything in simple words. There are no such rules that you must add a conclusion. A lot depends on your writing style.

Conclusion

It is test takers who have to work on several problematic areas while explaining situations or graphs through essays, passages etc. With the help of our IELTS Tutorials Exam Practice App, you can get the desired results in IELTS Academic and IELTS general writing tests. Adopt the right strategies and techniques now.