IELTS Writing Task 1: Everything You Should Know

Table below suggests what is expected from the candidate for each type of question in IELTS Writing Task 1-

Writing Task 1 is all about report writing. In this task you will have to write a report on the given topic. You will have to write min. 150 words. You will get 20 minutes to complete your report.  You will get less score in case you are writing under-word limit. 

For distributing time righteously in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - complete each task in 20 minutes. Out of these 20 minutes, spend time on - 

1. Understanding the Task (2 minutes)- Spend about 2 minutes to analyse the main trends, patterns or changes in the visual data given on screen.
2. Planning (2 minutes)-  Take 2 minutes to decide the structure of your writing and identify 2-3 key features or trends to discuss.
3. Writing the Response (14 minutes)- Allocate about 14 minutes to write your answer. Start with introduction, follow by overview highlighting the highest or the most critical feature.
4. Reviewing (2 minutes)- Use the last 2 minutes to eliminate any typo in your writing.

Summary of Time Allocation

Three steps of writing IELTS Writing Task 1 report are - 

1. Analyse image to understand data in it. 

    

2. Write report. Include introduction, overview and detailed body paragraphs supporting overview. 

    

3. Review report to eliminate typos and mistakes. 

1. Use clear comparisons and linking words with words like "while", "whereas", "in contrast", "similarly" and "on other hand".

2. Be objective and avoid opinions-  IELS Writing Task 1 requires you to brief data without adding personal opinions or interpretations.

3. Use different vocabulary- Avoid repeating words & phrases,  use synonyms instead. For eg.,- instead of repeating "increase" - use its alternatives like - rise, growth, upward trend or climb.

4. Focus on significant trends- Aim to describe most important trends and changes rather than mentioning every single number. 

5. Write in formal language- Avoid informal language. 

6. Practice writing within time limit- Regular practice within 20-minute timeframe helps you develop sense of pacing. This ensures you can complete task comfortably within exam time.

7. Avoid overly complex language- Keep sentences clear and precise. Overly complex structures can lead to errors, so - prioritise clarity over complexity. 

8. Be consistent with units of measurement-  If units (like percentages, years, and millions) are provided, consistently refer to them. For instance, use “in millions” if data is in millions, and avoid converting units unnecessarily.

9. Make sure that you “Proof-read” - take final 3-4 minutes to look for any spelling mistakes or correct/incorrect question markings.

10. Ensure your response follows the desired format and contains main idea and critical details.

     

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