IELTS Writing Task 1 Tips

IELTS writing task 1 contains two question types - academic and general. IELTS writing test contains two parts: IELTS writing task 1 and writing task 2. In the IELTS academic writing task 1, you need to write a minimum of 150 words in the duration of 20 minutes. There are different question types in the writing task 1:

• Pie chart
• Bar chart
• Line graph
• Process diagram
• Map
• Table
• Multiple graphs

Check the IELTS writing task 1 types to understand the pattern of the questions.

Check the following IELTS writing task 1 tips to answer these question types effortlessly and get a high band score.

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Marking criteria for IELTS academic writing task 1

Students taking the IELTS academic writing task 1 need to be aware of the following 4 marking criteria based on which your writing test will be evaluated.

• Task achievement - 25%
• Lexical resources (vocabulary) - 25%
• Coherence and cohesion - 25%
• Grammatical accuracy and range - 25%

Check the IELTS writing band descriptors to get the complete understanding.

Tips to solve IELTS writing task 1

If you’re aiming for band 8 and above in the IELTS writing task 1, then you need to follow the below writing task 1 tips that are shared by the IELTS experts.

Tip 1: Read the instruction carefully

Reading the instructions carefully is one of the factors that is often repeated by the experts but neglected by the IELTS candidates. In the academic writing task 1, the most important instruction that students need to concentrate on is the term ‘at least 150 words’. 

Tip 2: Understand the question type

In the writing task 1, the question type will be pretty straightforward. You need to figure out which question type you’re going to answer. For each question type, be it map, diagram, graph, chart you need to select the main features and do comparisons.

Tip 3: Understand the language to be used in the essay

In the IELTS academic writing task 1, you’re required to take the main features by comparing the given question types. Using simple terms will not make you achieve a high band score. Use the appropriate language, right words while writing the essay. Use words like ‘the graph, map, chart shows, the significant difference is, to summarise, etc’.

Tip 4: Time management

You need to complete the writing task 1 in 20 minutes with at least 150 words. Take a few minutes to understand the question and finalise your main features. And then, plan how you’re going to write the essay and in which paragraphs you’re going to mention the main features. After writing your essay, ensure you’ve time for proofreading for the spelling and grammar errors.

Tip 5: Use adequate vocabulary

While writing the introduction, and overview of your essay, you need to use the vocabulary to give variation which in turn will help you to showcase your language skills. Ensure that you practice vocabulary that is relevant to the particular question types. For instance, in maps you can use the cardinal directions like north, south, north east etc to describe the place your main features are situated in.

Tip 6: Grammatical accuracy

Grammatical accuracy is one of the marking criteria that evaluators consider while analysing your essay. Making minor errors will end-up in getting a lower band score. Focus on your grammatical mistakes and also your grammar.

Tip 7: Paraphrasing

While writing the introduction, it’s recommended to paraphrase the given question. You can paraphrase the question with the synonyms. Ensure you’ve included every main detail that the essay question shows.

Tip 8: Follow the essay structure 

Each question type of the academic writing task 1 has the same format. After analysing the question and identifying the main features you need to start with the introduction. Introduction, overview, discuss about 2 or 3 main features in the body paragraph.

Tip 9: Use the right tense

In the IELTS writing task 1 academic, you’re required to compare the given map, chart or graph. While spotting the main features you need to focus on the tense you’re comparing. The given question type can be in past and present year or in present and future. Hence, you need to use the tenses accordingly.

Tip 10: Follow the word count

IELTS writing task 1 word limit is at least 150 words. However, you cannot identify the word count in the exam. For that, you can practise writing the essay in the official answer sheets of the IELTS. This will make you aware of the number of sheets you need to write an essay with 150 words.

Tip 11: Organise the data 

You’re required to write the main features of the given question type in the body paragraph. You need to select which main features you’re going to discuss in the essay. And, there needs to be connectivity between the main features you describe in that paragraph. Remember, coherence and cohesion is also one of the factors in scoring your essay.

Tip 12: Regular practice 

If you’re aiming to score band 9 in the IELTS writing test, then making a preparation plan and practising regularly is the best way to achieve it. Allocate separate preparation time for each question type. Practice with the right source of resources. Take frequent mock tests to analyse your performance.

Following these task 1 tips will help you to answer the writing task 1 questions in a better way which can help you to achieve a high band score.

Strategies to solve the IELTS academic writing task 1

Below are some of the strategies that IELTS experts often suggest for the aspirants to crack the test with the band score 9 in the IELTS test.

Comprehend the given questions

The first thing you need to do is to pay attention to the question type. This academic writing task 1 question image itself clearly shows whether it is map, chart, graph, or others. However, in some cases it will have the combination of the two different question types. In that case, you need to plan how you’re going to compare the question and figure out the main features.

Plan your essay structure

The essay needs to be included with the elements: introduction, overview, body paragraph 1 and 2. Your introduction should be a brief outline of what you’re going to discuss about the essay. You can rephrase the question with different synonyms and give the introduction. Your body paragraphs need to carry the 2 or 3 main features. You can choose which features can be discussed first and second. And summarise your essay by including the focused main features.

Memorised answers will not be effective

On the internet, you will see many sample answers for the question. However, it is not said that writing the same answers will help you to get a band score of 9. Analyse and understand the given question and write the essay in your own language with appropriate words.

Clear and on point overview 

Your body paragraphs only carry detailed explanation. Be it your introduction or overview you need to cover the main details of the essay not more than that. The overview needs to have the information of the main features which you’re going to describe in the further paragraphs.

Recheck the answers 

Planning your time for proofreading is essential. While proofreading make sure you go through each line of the essay and check for the grammar, spelling and punctuation. Also, check the continuity between sentences and the points. Check the right vocabulary and the linking words were used in the essay. Doing these will help you in eliminating the mistakes that make you lose the expected band scores.

Summary 

Hope the IELTS writing task 1 tips mentioned in the article will be useful for you to make the preparation wiser. The above-stated IELTS writing tips and tricks are suggested by the IELTS experts, considering it will help you to achieve a high band score.

FAQ

1. How can I improve my writing task 1 in IELTS?

To improve your writing skills in the IELTS you need to practice learning vocabulary that are related to the question types. Analyse the question, identify the main features, give an introduction and overview, keep in mind the word limit to write better.

2. How do I answer an IELTS writing task 1?

• Spot the main features
• Select 2 or 3 main features
• Discuss the main features in the body paragraphs
• Mention the features and outline of the essay in the overview
• Stick to the word limit
• Use range of vocabulary

3. Does task 1 need a conclusion?

Task 1 requires an overview not conclusion. You need to give the overview in the second paragraph after introduction. 

4. Can we use firstly secondly in IELTS writing?

Yes, you can use the linking words like firstly, secondly, finally in the IELTS writing test. Ensure that you haven’t overdone it.

5. How many paragraphs are there in IELTS writing task 1?

In the IELTS writing task 1, there are 4 paragraphs involved. Introduction, overview, main body paragraph 1 and main body paragraph 2.