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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Syllabus, Topics, Question Types, Preparation Tips, and Score

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IELTS writing task 1 constitutes 33% of the total score of IELTS writing. The main criterion on which IELTS writing task 1 is measured are - Task AchievementVocabularyCoherence and Cohesion, and Grammatical accuracy.

Check: Get IELTS Prep Guide

While IELTS academic writing task 1 deals with infographic-related questions, the IELTS general writing task 1 deals with letter writing. Both IELTS academic and general writing task 1 are marked on a score range of 0 - 9. For IELTS academic writing task 1, candidates need to write a report on the analysis of pie chart, bar graph, line graph or chart. 

Also, check out: IELTS Exam Pattern

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Structure

The main purpose of the IELTS academic writing task 1 is to test the reasoning and analytical skills of the candidates who are gearing up to study abroad. Now, abroad universities have a distinct manner of teaching which is not cliched. They expect their students to meticulously analyze bars/graphs/tables/flow-charts/diagrams and more.

The IELTS writing task 1 academic topics 2020 shows how diversified the question types are. The following diagram explains the IELTS academic writing task 1:

IELTS Writing Task 1 Doables

In the IELTS Academic writing task 1, candidates are required to write a short report by analyzing information provided in the chart, graph, tables, or a combination of these. The type of diagram can be any and it can be easy or complicated.

For writing task 1 Academic, candidates have to depict the graphical representation and need to write a report in 150 words in 20 minutes. It will be better if the candidates don’t exceed the word limit because there is no extra credit for writing extra. The IELTS academic writing task 1 samples is a great helper in this regard.

Check out: IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Task Focus: The candidates’ ability to select and describe the main features by comparing data is evaluated through this task.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Question Types

The IELTS academic writing task 1 consists of 6 question types and they are:

  • Charts
  • Graphs (bar, pie, line or any)
  • Tables
  • Maps
  • Diagram
  • Or a combination of any of these

Few IELTS Academic Writing task 1 sample questions are mentioned below 

  1. Line graph IELTS Samples 
  1. Pie Chart IELTS
  1. Bar chart IELTS

 

Check out: IELTS Writing Practice Papers

The IELTS academic writing task 1 question should include:

  • Explanation of the image
  • Summarizing the key features from the image
  • Pointing out the similarities and differences from the image
  • Explain the function from the image

The diagram can be of a machine, device, or process and the candidates will be asked to explain how it works. The IELTS writing task 1 samples academic with answers is a great way to receive guidance. A comparison of data is very common in the questions of IELTS academic writing task 1, so the candidate needs to practice these types of questions more.

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic Topics 2020

In most cases, IELTS writing task 1 academic topics are taken from the socio-economic background. Whether bar chart or pie chart task 1 IELTS usually comprises data taken from the sales of commodities, or living styles of a particular community. Most of these academic topics are taken to make the test-takers well aware of data and graphs. 

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Score

IELTS academic writing task 1 score is measured on the basis of four components as mentioned below:

  • Task achievement (25%)
  • Coherency (25%)
  • Vocabulary (25%)
  • Grammatical Accuracy (25%)

Marks can be deducted for generalized content, off-topic content, poorly connected sentences, irrelevant sentences, and plagiarized content in this task. There is a penalty for exceeding the word count as well as for not meeting the word count.

How do I Start IELTS Academic Writing Task 1?

For a good IELTS band score, it is recommended to follow the proper structure for this task.

Note: An answer booklet will be given and the candidates need to write their IELTS academic writing task 1.

  1. A general and crisp introduction;
  2. The opening sentence must be in connection with the image as well as to the question made;
  3. Body paragraphs can be termed as overview and candidates can write the exact values from the picture by quoting these. This paragraph must not contain any generic sentence – it will be a direct answer to the question.
  4. The candidates are free to make the body paragraphs precise, but these must contain relevant sentences, facts, and figures.
  5. Remember, the subjective conclusion is not needed here as this task only looks for the ability of the candidates to understand and write about the graphical image given.
  6. This writing task requires to be written in an academic or semi-formal or neutral style.

To check how IELTS academic writing task 1 is constructed, the candidates can check the IELTS writing solved papers.

How can I Improve my IELTS Academic Writing Task 1?

Writing Task 1 Academic is slightly different than the Writing task 1 general question types, apart from studying the IELTS academic writing task 1 sample, it is important to remember the following IELTS writing tips:

  1. Candidates should first notice if the question requires a comparison or summary, then accordingly deal with it;
  2. Remember, for the comparison questions, giving a general summary by interpreting the data of the image is not the requirement of this task – the candidates have to answer the question followed by the image. They need to check for similarities and differences in response to the question.
  3. The picture may represent a wide array of data, out of which, you need to pick the relevant ones. You have to sort the information given here and this is not an easy thing to do. Regular practice of IELTS writing can help here.

So, that’s all about IELTS academic writing task 1. Yes, it is a difficult task but with proper practice, the candidates can easily score well in this task.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

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