In Your IELTS exam, the IELTS writing task 1 plays a big role and contributes to one-third of the overall IELTS writing score. With it weighing 33% of your total writing marks, it gets really important for you to ace it. But how? Below in our blog, we will talk about everything you might need to know to prepare well for writing task 1 and increase your band score!
Overview of IELTS Writing Task 1
As mentioned above, the IELTS writing task 1 is an important part of the IELTS writing section. Here, you will be given some visual information and you will have to write a summary about it in 150 words. This section aims to assess your written English communication skills. Generally, you will have to describe visual pieces such as graphs, charts, maps, and diagrams. Below are some things you should know about task 1 so that you can prepare accordingly:
1. You will only get 1 hour to complete the whole writing part of IELTS. This includes both parts 1 and 2.
2. It is a good practice to complete your IELTS task 1 in 20 minutes.
3. Make sure you write it as a report and not like an essay in the academic part 1.
4. Even though you are required to write 150 words as per the instructions, but it is advised to write around 170-180 words.
5. In task 1, there are four marking criteria, mainly grammar, coherence and cohesion, task achievement, and vocabulary.
The IELTS Task 1 Structure
The IELTS Task 1 is designed to test your ability to analyse and describe data clearly. To effectively complete your writing task 1 academic and score better marks, there is a structure that you can follow. Below, we have mentioned the structure for you as well as how you can ace it.
1. Introduction: Here, you will have to describe the visual given to you in brief. You can do this by stating what the visual is about and paraphrasing the question. For example, “The bar chart below shows the population of various cities in the USA.”
2. Overview: Once you are done writing task 1 introduction, you should give a general overview of the visual. You can do this by identifying the main points and then summarizing its key features. However, keep in mind that you should avoid mentioning unnecessary details and only stick to the overall picture.
3. Body: Lastly is your body paragraphs. Here you should focus on key details and write about them with the help of supporting data. One great way to nail this part is by using specific figures, percentages, and comparing various parts of the visuals.
Types of IELTS Writing Task 1
You can receive various types of questions in writing task 1 IELTS. Below, we have mentioned the main five types so that you can tailor your preparation accordingly. Also, keep in mind that while you can get any one of these in your task 1 IELTS, there have been instances where students were given a combination of two of these tasks together.
Bar Graph
The bar graphs in IELTS are generally used to compare and depict contrasting data. In this type of IELTS writing task 1, the data will be divided into two columns. Both of these columns will represent two different aspects of a related entity.
Line Graphs
In task 1 you can also get line graphs which will show two lines denoting a trend over a period of time. These lines will generally show either decreases or increases in one or two categories.
Pie Charts
In Pie charts, you will be shown different components of a single or related entity. Sometimes, these pie charts will also show a comparison of something that has changed over time. Also, remember that pie charts are a little hard to master as compared to others. So, make sure that you take up a few extra IELTS practice test online to get better at it.
Maps
Fourth type of writing task 1 IELTS is maps. Here you will be given a map of city, town, or even a floor plan of a building. Most of the time, these maps will either be describing the layout or specific features of a place or it’ll be comparing two different periods.
Diagrams
In diagrams of writing task 1 academic, you will be shown either a sequence of events or a process of how something works. Additionally, you can even get a diagram of a cycle, for example, a life cycle or water cycle.
Tips for Acing Writing Task 1 in IELTS
In IELTS, writing task 1 academic is there to assess your ability to interpret visual information and articulate it clearly in written form. So below are some tips that can help you to make the most of your response:
1. The first and foremost is to understand the task requirement. Make sure that you identify what kind of task it is as each task has a different requirement. Also, make sure that while writing your answer, you keep the tone formal and avoid giving your opinion.
2. The next tip for task 1 IELTS is to try to analyse the visual data for at least 2-3 minutes. This can help you understand the patterns and processes shown in the chart or the diagram. Once you find patterns or important points, make sure to note them down and use them in your answer.
3. Another great tip for IELTS writing task 1 is to structure your response. The more well organised your response is the easier it’ll get for your examiner to clearly understand you. You can do this by breaking down the details logically and then focusing on the specific trends.
4. Focus on grammar and clarity in writing task 1 of IELTS and try to avoid grammatical errors like subject-verb agreement issues.
5. Lastly, but perhaps the most important one is to practice. Make sure you take up a few extra IELTS writing mock test to familiarize yourself with all the task types.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the IELTS writing task 1 is an important part of the IELTS writing section that you can’t ignore. If you are struggling with your IELTS test preparation and want a trusted guide, then you can contact our experts at Gradding.com. They have comprehensive resources and expert-led coaching which can help you ace not just IELTS but other English language tests as well. For an immersive learning experience, they also provide tools like an online PTE mock test, helping you stay exam-ready at all times.
