IELTS Writing Task 1 vs Task 2: time, word count and score weighting
Compare Task 1 and Task 2 requirements, recommended time, minimum word counts, and how much each contributes to your Writing band.
By English Grader study guides · AI-assisted educational content · Official sources linked below
The short answer
Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1, so protect enough time for a complete essay while still completing both tasks.
Task 1 and Task 2 at a glance
Academic Task 1 summarises visual information; General Training Task 1 is a letter. Task 2 is an essay in both versions. Guidance recommends about 20 minutes and 150 words for Task 1, then about 40 minutes and 250 words for Task 2.
Related guide: Read the Academic Task 1 chart guide
Why Task 2 needs more time
Task 2 contributes twice as much to the Writing score as Task 1. That does not make Task 1 optional, but it explains the recommended time split.
Related guide: See a worked weighting example
What you can practise in English Grader
The app’s Writing question bank and AI feedback cover Task 2. Use Task 1 articles as study guides without confusing them with the app’s supported tool.
Open Task 2 writing practice →Put this into practice
English Grader’s Writing practice focuses on Task 2 essays, with questions, word count, and detailed feedback.
Guest AI tries are limited to one use per feature per day. Sign in for saved progress. AI feedback and band estimates are practice guidance, not official IELTS results.
Official sources and further reading
Practice examples and study routines are illustrative advice, not official band-scored answers or predictions of exam questions.