Overview
IELTS Writing Task 1 is an important part of the writing test whether you are applying for Academic or General. The purpose of this task is to check a candidate's ability to describe and analyse visual information and to deliver the information clearly and logically.
Typically, the exercise is aimed to assess the candidate's ability to write in an academic or semi-formal manner, utilising proper syntax and terminology.
In this article, we have explained the complete details of IELTS Writing Task 1. If you are going to appear in an upcoming exam, read the information below to understand the test.
IELTS Writing Task Format
The task format of the IELTS Writing Task for Academic and General is different.
For Academic Writing Task – The total time of the writing task is 60 minutes, divided into 20 mins for Task 1 and 40 mins for Task 2. Candidates must explain the visual information presented to them in task 1, such as graphs, charts, tables, diagrams, etc. in their own words. The word limit for this task is 150 words.
For General Writing Task – The total time of the General Writing Test is the same as academic Writing Task 1 for General IELTS, it is based on situations, for example, writing a letter or explaining a certain situation in your own words.
How to Prepare IELTS Writing Task 1
The Writing Task is conducted in both Academic and General IELTS. So, it is important to prepare well for it whether you are going abroad to study or work.
Below, you can check tips to prepare for IELTS Academic and General Writing Task 1.
Tips for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
Here are some tips for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 that will help you to get a good band score in the exam.
Know the Marking of the IELTS Test
First, you should know the marking criteria to prepare for the IELTS Exam. It is important to know what examiners look for and how they mark your score before preparing.
There are 4 criteria to mark your score in the IELTS Writing Test.
Task Achievement - To what extent have you completed your task?
Coherence and Cohesion – What is the logic of the idea, and how have you presented it to express your idea?
Lexical Resource – How many words have you used that have close association and relevancy to the topic?
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – How many grammatical errors have you made, or what is your task accuracy?
All the criteria mentioned above will define your English proficiency. If you focus on all of these criteria, then you can get a good band score in the IELTS Academic Writing Task.
Paraphrase the question
Paraphrasing the question is a way to re-write with different words from which the meaning of the sentence will not be changed while writing in your own words..
Candidates who want to boost their scores must know about paraphrasing as it is an essential part of the IELTS Writing Test.
There are 3 methods of paraphrasing that you can use in the IELTS Test –
Using synonyms
Changing the order of words
Changing the word form
If you use these methods to paraphrase, then you will have a high chance to score well in the exam.
Write the overview
When you see any topic, the first thing you will make is an overview. It is always the main part of every content or task as it defines the whole task in 3-4 sentences (It is the summary of the main points).
If you write an impressive, engaging overview that is clear and coherent, then it will be easy to achieve a band score higher than 6 in IELTS Writing Task 1.
Support the Main Features
Focusing on the main features is important to score high in the IELTS Writing Exam. It will help the examiner to know your skills.
Check Your Work
Lastly, check your complete work, grammar mistakes, focus points, spelling, and the meaning of each line and then submit it.
Tips for IELTS General Writing Task 1
Below, we are providing some tips for IELTS General Writing Task 1 that will help you to get a good band score in the exam.
Marking Criteria of General Writing Task
The marking criteria for IELTS General Writing is the same as Academic Writing. The examiner will mark you based on 4 points. Check the details here.
Write a Letter in Formal or Informal As Asked
In IELTS General Writing Task 1, the questions will be based on formal or informal letters. So, deciding whether the question asked in the exam is formal or informal is important.
If they ask to write an informal letter like writing to a friend, then you must write accordingly. If they ask to write a formal letter, then focus on the formal writing.
Take a New Paragraph for Each Bullet Point
Write one paragraph per bullet point to avoid mixing ideas and present each idea with clarity. It will be easy to understand for the examiner.
Your Letter must be Signed off
Make this simple. You should include a sign-off appropriate for the tone of your message, followed by your name.
Re-check Your Work
Before submitting your task, recheck it to confirm that your letter is error-free and accurate.
Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Writing Task 1
Many candidates fail to get a good IELTS Band Score. The common mistakes are -
Failure to Write a Clear Overview
Attempting to Write About Everything
Complicates the Question
Not Organising Thoughts Logically
Incorrectly Describing Data
Candidates need to avoid such mistakes in IELTS Writing Task 1 to get a good band score.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Questions
Take a look at some sample questions for both academic and general writing task 1 to know the type of questions.
Academic Writing Task 1 Sample Questions
Here, we have provided you with the sample questions for Academic Writing Task 1 that will help you know what questions will be asked in the exam.
Q1. Report Writing - The graph below shows average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per person in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal between 1967 and 2007.
Q2. Report writing: The chart below shows the number of male and female research students studying six science-related subjects at a UK university in 2009.
General Writing Task 1 Sample Questions
Below, you can check some sample questions for General Writing Task 1. These types of questions will be asked in the exam.
Informal Letter Sample Questions
Q1. You're going on vacation next week and need to ask a friend to care for your dog while you're gone.
Send a letter to a friend. According to your letter,
Specify the length of your absence
Inform them of what has to be done
Specify how you intend to reward them
Q2. Your international friend will be visiting you next month. Write a letter to your friend. According to your letter,
Inform them of what they must bring
Inform them of their plans for the duration of their visit
Warn them about certain potentially difficult situations
Formal Letter Sample Questions
Q1. You recently learnt of an internship opportunity at a local firm you are interested in.
Write a letter to the company's director. According to your letter,
Please introduce yourself
Describe how you found out about the internship
Describe why you are qualified for the internship
Q2. You reside in an apartment block but are experiencing issues with your neighbours' behaviour. Send a note to the building management informing him or her of the problem. According to your mail,
Describe yourself
State the problem as it relates to your neighbours' behaviour
Provide ways to cope with the problem
You can practise the IELTS Sample Questions at PrepareIELTS (PI). Our experts have designed the questions and created mock test papers to help students prepare for the IELTS Exam. You can get the papers by login here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the IELTS Writing Task is an important part of getting a more than 6 band score in the exam. If you prepare well and practise mock tests or sample test questions, then you will understand the type of questions and make your chances high to get a good score.
We hope we provided you with helpful insight into IELTS Writing Task 1. If you need further guidance, please contact Prepare IELTS (PI) expert counsellors. Our team of education experts is dedicated to providing you with the best guidance in preparing for the IELTS Exam.
You can get on a one-to-one free counselling session online via our platform. Contact us at info@prepareieltsexam.com or call us at +91 9773398388.