IELTS Writing Task 1

Studying abroad comes with the prerequisite of mastering the internationally accepted language in the world - English. IELTS has been used as a trusted method of checking your language proficiency. IELTS is the International English Language Testing System that many governments, employers, and universities around the world trust.  

What is IELTS Writing Task 1?

In IELTS Writing Task 1 you will be asked to summarise a visual content that is presented to you. There might be only one visual or more than one visual. But you must remember that you have to give a complete summary based on both visuals. These visuals are represented in the form of charts.

Format and Structure of IELTS Writing Task 1

The format of IELTS Writing Task 1 is split into two sections:

• Academic Writing:

The structure of IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 is based on report writing and not on essay writing. You need to have this pointer in mind, that you are furnishing a report for the examiner. Reports need to be concise, precise and organised.

• General Writing:

The structure of IELTS General Writing Task 1 is based on letter writing. The letter could be formal, informal, and semi-formal. This test needs to be completed within 20 minutes. You need to have some pointers in general. They are: start and end the letter properly, and the subject of the letter needs to be precise and concise.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Question Typed

There are seven types of questions that have been asked in the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. They are:

• Bar Chart
• Line Graph
• Table
• Pie Chart
• Process Diagram
• Map
• Multiple Graphs

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Tips

There are methods in which you need to prepare for the IELTS writing task. Let us see how to prepare for IELTS writing task 1. Some of the tips that you might need while you are writing your IELTS writing task 1 are:

• To find the most common mistakes that you make.
• Read the questions carefully before you answer the questions.
• Paraphrase the questions before answering them.
• Practice the IELTS answer sheets.
• Spend time organising your answers.
• Practice writing overviews.
• Practise writing legibly
• Avoid passing opinions
• Avoid using the same words from the questions.
• Avoid using informal language.
• Avoid using sign language. 

IELTS General Writing Task 1: Question Type

In the IELTS General Writing Task 1, you are asked to write a letter that explains the situation in a formal, informal, or semi-formal mode. The recommended time that is given for this task is 20 minutes. The number of word count needs to be 150 words. If you have the habit of writing in detail, then you need to practice precise writing.

It is possible to get a high score in IELTS Writing Task 1. Some pointers need to be kept in mind. Valuation of the answer is based on the following criteria:

• Task accomplishment
• Maintaining a logical consistency
• An unusual way of explaining terms is been used
• Ability to use precise grammar

IELTS General Writing Task 1: Tips

Some tips need to be followed while writing the IELTS General Writing Task. Some of them are:

• You need to read and understand the question properly. Go through the instructions carefully, and breaking them into sections will help you to write the letter within the word count limit.
• Planning the outline of the letter before you start writing it will help you to focus on the main point that needs to be covered in the letter.
• You need to decide on the tone of the letter. You need to decide whether you want a formal, informal, or semi-formal mode. 

How to Prepare for IELTS Writing Task 1?

IELTS is a standardised test that determines your proficiency level in the language. The scores are taken into consideration when you apply for any of the foreign universities. When you prepare for IELTS Writing Task 1, some pointers need to be kept in mind. They are as follows:

• Understanding the writing task 1 properly.
• Practice tests. You can have some mock tests done before taking the actuals.
• You need to understand the marking criteria that have been set for each band. The examiner will mark you on the following basis:
  • Whether the given task is completed
  • Whether the answers and the way you have answered them are logical, connected, and consistent.
  • Whether the language you have used is standardized and consistent throughout.
  • Whether the grammatical usage has been accurate. You need to use the right tenses and punctuation marks accurately.

• You need to have a proper understanding of the six main types of charts that are given for the tests. You need to practice writing reports based on the charts. Some pointers on approaching the charts are:
  • The introduction statement needs to be given in a detailed manner.
  • Identify the key features of the chart. Some leads would be finding the highest and the lowest categories. And at the same time, you need to find the significant difference in both these categories.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Writing Task 1

Some of the common IELTS Writing Task 1 mistakes that need to be avoided while writing are:

• Not able to write a clear overview of the visual content that is been presented to you.
• Trying to write on all aspects of the chart will exceed the word count limit of 150 words and also exceed the time duration of 20 minutes.
• You need not explain a detailed version of the chart. A precise and accurate description of the chart will help.
• Present the information logically absorbed by you.

IELTS exam is one of the most important competitive exams to check your competence level in the English language. We have given you all the information we know in writing the IELTS Writing Task 1. In case you want more information on the same, contact our AECC counsellors, and they will be able to give you enough guidance on the same.

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