How AI Evaluates IELTS General Training Writing: Letters vs Essays
GT rubric · Letter TA · May 2026
Direct answer
IELTS General Training Writing requires AI to apply two different task models—not Academic chart rules. GT Task 1 is a letter scored on Task Achievement: purpose, tone, format, and all bullet points. GT Task 2 is an essay scored like Academic Task 2 (TR/CC/LR/GRA). Most generic AI wrongly asks GT letters for "overviews" and data comparisons, inflating or deflating scores. Calibrated tools must detect module and task type first.
GT Task 1 vs Task 2 evaluation
GT Task 1 letter Task Achievement—bullets, register, purpose
GT Task 2 essay Task Response—same as Academic essay
Not Academic Task 1 No overview of trends or data selection
What AI must check on GT letters
| Element | Formal letter | Informal letter |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | Dear Sir/Madam + purpose | Dear [Name] + warm tone |
| Bullets | All three fully developed | All three, natural voice |
| Register | No contractions, polite requests | Contractions OK, chatty closings |
| Closing | Yours faithfully/sincerely | Best wishes, See you soon |
Wrong register alone can cap Task Achievement—see Academic vs General AI evaluation.
Common AI failures on GT
- Applying Academic Task 1 "overview" rule to letters
- Scoring informal letters as "too casual" without context
- Missing bullet points buried in long paragraphs
- Using Academic vocabulary praise on GT practical tasks
GT-specific AI practice protocol
- Label each submission: GT Task 1 letter or GT Task 2 essay.
- Task 1: tick each bullet explicitly before scoring.
- Task 2: use standard TR/CC/LR/GRA framework.
- Never mix Academic chart feedback into GT prep.
Key takeaways
- GT Task 1 = letter Task Achievement, not chart analysis.
- GT Task 2 = same essay rubric as Academic.
- Generic AI misapplies Academic Task 1 rules to letters.
- Module-aware scoring is required for accurate bands.
FAQ
No—GT Task 1 letters use Task Achievement, not data overviews.
Bullet coverage, register, purpose, and letter format.
Same TR/CC/LR/GRA as Academic Task 2—only Task 1 differs.
Score GT letters on bullets and register—not chart rules.
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