IELTS Writing Task 1 - Samples & Everything You Need to Know

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Cyril Zachariah
Updated on Mar 13, 2023 8:20 AM IST

One of the better ways to improve your gasp over this section of the test is to take up IELTS Writing Task 1 samples and attempt as many as possible during the preparation stage. On this page, we have highlighted the Writing Task 1 samples for the exams as well as other important information that will help you achieve high scores in the section.

Towards the end of the page, you will find the relevant IELTS Writing Task 1 samples and their corresponding answers. However, we recommend going through the entire page to understand how you can answer any IELTS Writing task 1 question that may pop up during the actual exam this year.

IELTS Writing Task 1: Overview

One of the best ways to equip yourself with the best techniques and accuracy is to practice IELTS Writing Task 1 Samples. Carrying 33% of the entire writing score, candidates will be given 20 minutes to answer all the questions. Therefore, practising this section before attempting the actual test may help improve your speed and accuracy, thus, leading to a better result.

Among the differences seen between the Academic and General Training Tests, one of the major differences include the IELTS Writing Task 1. Therefore, it is important to first understand the differences seen in the two IELTS exams before diving deeper into the writing section of the tests.

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Difference Between Academic and General Training IELTS Writing Task 1

The table highlighted below will walk you through the major differences between the two types of IELTS exams: Academic Writing and General Training Writing Task 1: 

IELTS Writing Task 1: Academic

IELTS Writing Task 1: General Training

Candidates have to describe, summarise or explain visual information in 150 words.

Candidates have to write a letter in not more than 150 words.

The task includes visual information like graphs, pie charts, maps, etc and sometimes a combination of two diagrams/graphs can also be used.

It requests information, complaints, apologies etc.

The tone is formal.

The tone can be formal, semi-formal and informal.

Check out the detailed difference between IELTS Academic and General Training, here.

IELTS Writing Task 1 for Academic

The writing task 1 of the IELTS Academic exam requires you to write a summary of at least 150 words in response to a specific graph, table, chart, or method (how something works, how something is done). This task assesses your abilities to choose and report key aspects, describe and compare data, recognise the importance and trends in factual information, and describe a process. 

The different types of graphs that can come in the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 are listed below:

  • Pie chart 

  • Tables 

  • Map 

  • Process diagram 

  • Bar graph

  • Line graph 

  • Combination of 2 or more 

Structure of IELTS Writing Task 1

In IELTS Academic writing task 1, there is a certain format for describing a task. The framework or the structure for the IELTS academic writing task 1 having 150+ word description is as follows:

  • Introduction 

  • Overview 

  • Body Paragraph(s)

Let us understand each of these sections a little more:

Introduction 

The answer to the IELTS writing task 1, like an essay, needs an introduction. Remember the following when writing an introduction:

  • This paragraph should concentrate on the graph/bar chart/table/process/map, and so on.

  • You must read and comprehend the question before writing this paragraph.

  • Instead of using the exact words given in the question, rephrase it.

  • Using synonyms for the key phrases in the question may get you bonus points!

  • If a time frame is specified in the question, do not forget to mention it in your paragraph.

Overview

The overview paragraph of the IELTS writing task 1 lives up to its name. In general, you must be able to recognize the major aspects and concentrate more on them in order to receive a high band. Consider the following when writing an overview:

  • This is the most important paragraph.

  • Determine the graph's essential features (highest point, lowest point, etc.)

  • Concentrate on the qualities that stand out in relation to the others.

Body Paragraph 

The body paragraph must include information that describes and highlights the features that have been identified. If there are multiple graphs, add the paragraphs accordingly. Remember the following when writing a body paragraph of the IELTS writing task 1:

  • The number of paragraphs is determined by the information/data provided.

  • To compare and describe the data, use relevant vocabulary.

  • Check to see whether the graphs follow a pattern (mainly line graphs/bar charts) and make a note of it.

IELTS Writing Task 1 for General Training

Candidates are asked to reply to a specified problem with a letter requesting information or explaining a scenario in the IELTS writing task 1 of the IELTS General Training Writing test. It is recommended that candidates spend approximately 20 minutes on Task 1, which requires applicants to compose at least 150 words. Candidates are evaluated based on their abilities to:

  • Elicit and deliver general factual information 

  • Express opinions (views, complaints etc.)

  • Engage in personal correspondence.

  • Elicit and deliver general factual information

IELTS Writing Task 1 Samples and Answers

Now that you have a brief idea of the IELTS Writing Task 1 and what it is all about, here are some IELTS Writing Task 1 samples that will help you prepare better for this task: 

IELTS Writing Task 1: Sample Question 1

IELTS Writing Task 1 Samples

IELTS Writing Task 1: Sample Answer 1

IELTS Writing Task 1 Samples

IELTS Writing Task 1: Sample Question 2

IELTS Writing Task 1 Samples

IELTS Writing Task 1: Sample Answer 2

IELTS Writing Task 1 Samples

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Strategy for IELTS Writing Task 1

Post evaluating and going through all the above-mentioned IELTS Writing Task 1 samples, elucidated below are some important strategies and tips that will help you to improve your scores in IELTS Writing Task 1 of IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests.

IELTS Academic 

  • Get a good understanding of how the task is marked: Knowing the marking criteria will enable you to provide the examiner with precisely what they require.

  • Always paraphrase the question: The question should be paraphrased in the first paragraph. You can accomplish this by employing synonyms.

  • Write a quick overview: Pick three or four of the primary aspects and write about them in general, without mentioning any data.

  • Do not forget to support the key features: Support the important features in a new paragraph using data from the information provided to you.

  • Check your word count and work: Examine your report for spelling, punctuation errors and most importantly the word count. Check that the information you provided is likewise correct!

IELTS General Training 

  • Get a good understanding of how the task is marked: As suggested above also, the very first tip or strategy to excel in the IELTS Writing Task 1 of the General Training test is to actually get a good understanding of how the task is marked. 

  • Determine whether the letter should be formal or informal: This section is simple. If you are asked to write to a ‘friend’ or a ‘family member’, you must write an informal letter. If you are asked to write to someone else, you should draft a formal letter. 

  • Discuss each bullet point: For each bullet point, start a new paragraph. This makes your letter easier to read and comprehend.

  • Remember to sign off your letter at the end: Don't make this too complicated. Simply include a sign-off appropriate for the tone of your letter and your name beneath.

  • Always double-check your work: Make sure your letter is free of grammar and language errors and that you have not exceeded the word count.

Skills Required to Excel in IELTS Writing Task 1

With a clearer understanding and knowledge pertaining to the IELTS Writing Task 1 samples and strategies, let us now understand the important skills needed to excel in the section. Outlined below are some of the skills needed to excel in IELTS Writing Task 1, subsequently leading to a higher score:

  • Learn to draft an overview paragraph: The overview paragraph should contain a brief gist of the key aspects and elements of the entire written piece. Therefore, the first key skill necessary is to have the ability to draft an overview paragraph with all the important details included.

  • Learn to paraphrase the question: Another skill that could come in handy is the ability to paraphrase sentences to create unique sentences. Having the ability to paraphrase the question within the essay will help the examiner understand that you have understood the topic and are able to incorporate the same in your essay.

  • Learn to write complex sentences: While, the common route taken sees candidate keeping their sentences simple, having the ability to create complex sentences to put your thoughts through can be enough to make you stand out.

  • Remember the word count: One of the more important things to keep in mind is adhering to the word limit assigned for each essay. While some may find themselves exceeding the word limit, others may find themselves falling too short of the same. Inability to adhere to the word limit may cost you marks under ‘Task Achievement’.

  • Prepare a checklist: A technique used by writers is creating a checklist of all the pointers that should be included in an essay. Candidates can also adopt this technique to their IELTS Writing Task 1. This will not only help them remember all the points to add to the essay but also help them save time while writing.

  • Use synonyms wisely and effectively: Repetitive words and phrases can often make an essay too tiresome to read. Therefore, a healthy usage of synonyms should help you keep the essay interesting and lively. However, candidates should first develop their vocabulary and understanding of English grammar before experimenting with synonyms.

  • Editing and rechecking your work: Another important skill that all candidates should possess is an eye to spot mistakes, also known as editing and rechecking your work. To ensure that you get the best score possible, it is important to recheck your work carefully, spotting mistakes that could cost your a good score.

Important Points to Remember for IELTS Writing Task 1

Listed below are some of the important points that you must keep in mind while preparing for your IELTS Writing tasks using the above-mentioned IELTS Writing Task 1 samples. 

  • The IELTS Academic Writing task 1 requires candidates to write a report/short paragraph on a data set, map, or process. Applicants in the IELTS General Training Writing test will be required to write a letter.

  • You must complete your work in 150 words.

  • IELTS Writing Task 1 should take no more than 20 minutes.

  • Task 1 accounts for one-third of your total IELTS Writing score.

  • You will be evaluated in four different areas:

    • Task Achievement: 25%

    • Coherence and Cohesion: 25%

    • Lexical Resource: 25%

    • Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 25%

  • The most important thing is that you can exhibit your ability to communicate coherently in English.

  • The secret to excelling in IELTS Writing Task 1 is knowing what the examiners want and offering precisely the same to them.

Pro Tip: Grammar and vocabulary together account for 50% of your IELTS Writing Task 1 score. As a result, you must identify and correct your standard grammar and vocabulary errors. This is the most effective approach to improve your score in these portions of the exam. Use the IELTS Writing Task 1 samples to hone your writing skills.

We hope that the IELTS Writing Task 1 samples provided above, along with important strategies, tips, and tactics, will assist you in completing your IELTS Writing Task 1 (for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training exams).

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