International English Language Testing System/Writing Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1

The IELTS Writing Task 1 is the first part of the IELTS writing exam which involves writing about a diagram (Academic Module) or a letter (General Training). In this task a candidate is expected to write a minimum of 150 words within the recommended 20 minutes.

The writing is graded using four different categories according to the IELTS band descriptors (from the British Council). This involves grading based on answering of the question (Task Achievement), organization and flow (Coherence and Cohesion), vocabulary, and grammar.

Steps to Answer Task 1 (Academic) Questions

- Write an introduction paragraph with a paraphrase of the question and a sentence providing a general overview about the obvious trends in the diagram. - In your body paragraph(s), include all key points noticed in the diagram with details (numbers/figures) - Do not write any irrelevant details, such as opinions or guesses. Only report what you see in the diagram. - Make some comparisons between different data. - A conclusion paragraph is not necessary. - write at least 150 words.

To get a higher band score, be sure to:

- Use a variety of complex sentence structures with appropriate tenses. - Write well formed paragraphs with clear topic sentences. Keep each paragraph focusing on one topic. - Link ideas together with a variety of transition devices (transition signals, transitional phrases). - If referring to previously mentioned ideas, try not to repeat vocabulary. Try using pronouns (it/that) or other referencing strategies. - Do not miss any key points. - Explain using data. - Show vocabulary range by avoiding repetition (using synonyms) and by using less common word choices that native English speakers typically use.

Here are some example IELTS writing questions from Online English Success, including for both task 1 and task 2.