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IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer, Topics, Question Types, Score

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The IELTS Writing section is comprised of two tasks, with Task 1 accounting for 33% of the overall score. The main criteria used to evaluate Task 1 are Task Achievement, Vocabulary, Coherence and Cohesion, and Grammatical Accuracy.

While IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 focuses on infographic-related questions, IELTS General Writing Task 1 requires letter writing. Both tasks are evaluated on a score range of 0-9. The time allotted for IELTS Writing Task 1 is 20 minutes.

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

The primary objective of IELTS academic writing task 1 is to assess candidates' ability to comprehend and interpret graphs, charts, tables, and other types of infographic content. For Writing Task 1, test-takers must provide an analytical explanation of a bar or line graph or pie chart. The essay structure for Task 1 consists of three sections: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.

Typically, IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 topics feature economic, social, or statistical data related to a particular region or community. The word count for Task 1 is set at 150 words.

Here are the steps to write IELTS Writing Task 1 in bullet points:

  • Familiarize yourself with the marking criteria for Writing Task 1.
  • Utilize a broad vocabulary range.
  • Carefully craft the overview paragraph.
  • Review your grammar and sentence structure for Writing Task 1.

Here are the steps to start IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 in bullet points:

  • Study the examiners' marking criteria to understand what they expect from your essay.
  • Review IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 samples to gain a clear understanding of the structure, format, and necessary information to include.
  • Start the essay with a paraphrase of the question in the first paragraph.
  • Include significant factual details to improve the quality of the essay.
  • Proofread the essay to ensure there are no errors.

Should IELTS Writing Task 1 have a conclusion?

  • Experts advise against writing a conclusion for IELTS Writing Task 1
  • Word limit for IELTS Writing Task 1 should be used cautiously
  • Conclusion is just an overall short report of the graphics
  • Instead of a conclusion, it is better to write an overview to give the examiner an idea about the graphic

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Question Type

IELTS academic writing task 1 comprises of different types of infographics and the major ones are:

IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie Chart

Check Model Answer Here

IELTS Writing Task 1 Line Graph

Check Model Answer Here

IELTS Writing Task 1 Bar Graph

Check Model Answer Here

IELTS Writing Task 1 Table

Check Model Answer Here

IELTS General Writing Task 1

IELTS general writing task 1 is focused on examining if the candidate who is planning for immigration/work abroad is even capable of general communication. Since letters are the most chosen form of communication for general issues, task 1 of general writing comprises letter-writing. IELTS general writing task 1 requires the candidates to write a formal, semi-formal, or informal letter based on situations that are expected while residing abroad. Here also, it is recommended to not exceed the 20 minutes time and write more than 150 words.

IELTS General Writing Task 1 Question Types

IELTS general writing task 1 question types include three main types:

Formal Letter

The formal letter is addressed to people with whom the test-taker is acquainted within a formal way – landlord, boss, municipal authorities, etc.

IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Formal Letter Sample
IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Formal Letter Sample

Semi-formal Letter

 A semi-formal letter is directed to a person you share a close relationship with. The motive of the letter is to have a formal conversation regarding a topic;

IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Semi-formal sample

IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Semi-formal Sample

Informal Letter

An informal letter is addressed to a person with whom you share a close relation with regard to a personal or social situation. You can be a bit more companionable and ask other questions or tell other things apart from the bullet points and this will state that you both are known to each other from beforehand.

IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Informal Sample

IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Informal Sample

IELTS Writing Task 1 Score

The calculation process of IELTS writing task 1 score is based on the four main marking criteria with the following weightage of total score:

Will be marked based on:

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

Human rater and computer evaluate the writing task 1 and 2 following IELTS Band Descriptors. IELTS writing task 1 is also marked out on a scale of 0 - 9. Therefore if a candidate secures,

  • Task Achievement: 7
  • Coherency: 8
  • Vocabulary: 7
  • Grammatical accuracy: 9

The total would be 7+8+7+9= 31/4= 7.75.

Is 6.5 in IELTS Writing Good?

It might happen that you don’t score a 7 or 8 band in the first attempt and end up getting 6.5 it is because your preparation needs to be stronger. It is quite acceptable for a beginner to score a 6.5 on their first attempt but continuous practice and proper IELTS writing tips will result in a higher score. Study the IELTS writing task 1 table for a better understanding of the score.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Preparation Tips 

Practising from IELTS writing practice papers is the most important IELTS writing preparation tip. Apart from that, the following preparation tips should help you with score improvement:

  1. Evaluate the question before answering it, start with the IELTS writing task 1 topics 2020 to score well in the section
  2. Focus and write only about the facts that matter in the case of Academic writing. For general, only consider the relevant points
  3. Never paraphrase or explain the graph presented to you for writing task 1
  4. Examiners want good vocabulary, grammar, and coherence in the report 
  5. Always write in simple or compound sentences for this section
  6. Only good use of grammar can help you score 7.5 in this section 

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

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