Useful hints for IELTS Writing Task 1

SKILLS FOR THE WRITING MODULE

TASK ONE

In Task 1 of the Writing Module, candidates are given about 20 minutes to write a minimum of 150 words. You are asked to look at a diagram, table, graph or short piece of text and describe the information in your own words. There are three important steps which one should follow: preparation, writing and editing. These steps will be helpful to write a coherent and well organized essay in the time given.

Preparation (about 2 minutes)

One must spend 2-3 minutes working out exactly what is going to be done. Attention must be paid to the following points:

§  Study the question carefully. Most Task 1 writing involves writing a report which describes some information given. You may wish to note the instructions with a high-lighting pen.

§  Think carefully about the topic. Outline some pertinent points.

§  Ensure that your ideas are arranged logically.

Writing (about 15 minutes)

When writing a Task 1 report, include:

§  introductory sentence

§  body paragraphs (1-3)

§  concluding sentence (optional)

Introductory sentence

The introductory sentence explains what you are describing, for example:

‘The table compares the population growth and interstate migration in each Australian state for 12 months to the end of 1994.'

‘The graph shows the growth of computers in Australia between 1975 and 1995.'

‘The pie chart represents the proportion of gases contained in natural gas.'

Body paragraphs

When discussing the data presented in the task, identify significant trends and give examples that relate directly to the given information to support your statements. If you are explaining a process or an object and how it works, you need to group your information so that it follows a definite logical order.

Remember that the use of verbs expressed in the present passive voice is often appropriate when giving a description of a process or procedure,                                                  for example:

‘Coffee beans are pulped to remove their casing. They are then soaked in water, rinsed thoroughly and dried. After the beans are sorted, they are roasted in a kiln and blended. Next, they are packed and dispatched to shops and supermarkets.'

Concluding sentence (optional)

A simple concluding statement could include any of the following, where relevant:

§  significant comments

§  a potential solution

§  an overall summary of the ideas

§  future implications.

Editing (about 2 minutes)

Make sure that you have followed the instructions carefully. Be sure that you have written what you intended and that no important ideas are missing.

In the last few minutes, check for obvious errors, such as spelling or grammatical errors.