IELTS Writing: What is Task Achievement and Task Response?

The IELTS Writing test is divided into two parts: Task 1 and Task 2. This applies for both the Academic test and General Training test.

Your answers in Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2 are assessed against the following criteria:

• Task achievement (for Task 1) or Task response (for Task 2)

• Coherence and cohesion

• Lexical resource

• Grammatical range and accuracy

Each task is assessed independently, and Task 2 carries more weight in marking than Task 1. Getting to know the meaning of each assessment criteria can help you in preparing for your IELTS test.

In this article, we will get to know the meaning and differences between Task Achievement and Task Response in IELTS Writing.

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For Task 1 of both Academic and General Training Writing tests, the Task Achievement criterion assesses how fully, appropriately, accurately and relevantly the response fulfils the requirements set out in the task, using a minimum of 150 words.

Academic Writing Task 1

For this task, you will be given a page with a chart, graph or diagram, and will then have to analyse the data and interpret it in your own words.

The Task Achievement criterion assesses the ability to summarise the information provided in the diagram by:

• selecting key features of the information.

• providing sufficient detail to illustrate these features.

• reporting the information, figures and trends accurately.

• comparing or contrasting the information by adequately highlighting the identifiable trends, principal changes or differences in the data and other inputs (rather than mechanical description reporting detail).

• presenting the response in an appropriate format.

Read our guide to the IELTS Academic Writing: Task 1

General Training Writing Task 1

For this task, you will need to write a letter based on a given situation. The letter could be formal or informal and would be about a request, explanation or a viewpoint supporting the situation.

The Task Achievement criterion assesses the ability to:

• clearly explain the purpose of the letter.

• fully address the three bullet-pointed requirements set out in the task.

• extend these three functions appropriately and relevantly.

• use an appropriate format for the letter.

• consistently use a tone appropriate to the task.

Read: IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 - How to write a letter

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the same for both Academic and General Training. This involves a formal essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem which you need to discuss, using a minimum of 250 words. Ideas should be supported by evidence, and examples may be drawn from a candidate’s own experience.

In Task 2, Task Response includes how well you develop your argument in response to the task, giving evidence and examples which may be from your own experience.

The Task Response criterion assesses:

• how fully the candidate responds to the task.

• how adequately the main ideas are extended and supported.

• how relevant the candidate’s ideas are to the task.

• how clearly the candidate opens the discourse, establishes their position and formulates conclusions.

• how appropriate the format of the response is to the task.

Read: IELTS Writing Task 2: 8 steps towards a band 8

It's important to understand the different assessment criteria in the IELTS Writing test to be able to prepare and achieve the scores you need.

If you are aiming for a particular band score, or want to improve your marks in general, you can access our wide range of IELTS Preparation Resources and prepare by taking an IELTS Practice Test.

For those who want premium coaching, you can try IELTS Writing Assist -- an official IELTS mock Writing test from IDP Education for test takers who need to boost their Writing score. You will complete an official mock writing test online and receive personalised feedback from an IELTS Expert. You get a detailed report on your writing skills indicating your strengths and weaknesses, and strategies for improvement via an action plan.