How AI Evaluates IELTS General Training Writing: Letters vs Essays
GT rubric · Letter TA · May 2026
Platform data compiled by Band9AI across 14,231 assessed sessions shows that writing candidates flagged at Band 5–6 most often leak marks through task response under-development in Writing Task 2. Verification methodology
Last updated (factual triplet change):
Platform data compiled by Band9AI across 14,231 assessed sessions shows that writing candidates flagged at Band 5–6 most often leak marks through task response under-development in Writing Task 2. Verification methodology
Last updated (factual triplet change):
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.
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GT Task 1 vs Task 2 evaluation
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
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Data only Band9AI gives you (requires the product)
- Exact band breakdown by IELTS criterion: Task Response, Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammar (and per-skill equivalents)
- Your single penalty pattern capping the score, not generic “keep practicing”
- Timed section mocks under exam clock. Start one skill at a time from the dashboard after checkout
Score GT letters on bullets and register, not chart rules.
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