Essential Tips to score 7+ in IELTS Writing Task 1
In IELTS Writing test there are two tasks which have to be performed in 60 minutes. Writing task 1 is different for general and academic students but task 2 is same for both test types.
Task 1 for General Training is a letter, whereas in Academic test aspirants are told to analyze a chart, table, map, graph, or diagram. Word limit for both General Training and Academic tests is minimum of 150 words and students are advised to spend no more than 20 minutes on this task, as it is shorter than task 2 and it carries less weight in final scoring. Task 2 for both test types is an essay, with the minimum word limit of 250 words.
In the IELTS writing test, it’s recommended to keep an eye on the watch, as 60 minutes is not a long time to finish two tasks and one can get short of time. To make maximum in this given time you need to be well prepared and sound planning. This will help you meet the four assessment criteria for the final scoring.
So, this was the overview of the IELTS writing test which seems to be easy, but many aspirants find difficulty to reach their desired band scores in spite of practice they don’t improve their scores for those here are Essential Tips to score 7+ in IELTS Writing Task 1.
Tips for General Training task 1 (Letter)
– Keep the target of writing between 160-180 words as this will assure you that you have reached your minimum word limit of 150 words.
– There are three types of letters you might have to write: personal, semi-formal, OR formal. So to get clarity about the type read the instructions carefully before you start writing the letter.
– There are three bullet points which you must include in your letter. If you left any one of it , you will lose points.
– Make sure you don’t spend more than 20 minutes writing the letter.
– Give yourself 3-4 minutes for planning your letter before you start writing.
– Use the relevant kind of language in your letter according to the style (formal, semi-formal, personal) of your letter.
The structure of your letter should be a given below:
1. Opening will differ according to style (Formal: Dear Sir/Madame, semi-formal: Dear Mr Stephen/Ms Stephen, personal: Dear John/Marry)
2. In opening statement you should write the reason of writing your letter.
3. Body paragraph 1 (the first point and details)
4. Body paragraph 2 (the second point and details)
5. Body paragraph 3 (the third point and details)
6. Closing statement (if it is needed)
7. End also depend upon the style of your letter (Formal/semi-formal: Yours faithfully OR yours sincerely etc., personal: All the best/Take care/See you soon)
8. Name (it can be your own name or you can make one up)
Tips for Academic task 1
In the academic task 1 you should write at least 150 words and should not spend more than 20 minutes on it.
– Identify the type of task presented to you (Table, pie chart, Bar graph, line graph). Analyzing and understanding different types of graphs is an important academic skill to score good marks.
– You should write your answer in such a manner that a person who didn’t even saw the graph should know what it represents to.
– Before you start writing identify the type of graph and look for key information and comparisons.
– Use academic language and accurate grammar in your answer.
The structure of your answer:
1. In introduction you should write one sentence to introduce the subject and the graph.
2. Present the information (One or two sentences about the relationship and comparisons of the data in the graph, or about the main trend.)
3. Describe the information (Write about the information with more details and compare.)
4. Conclusion (One sentence to give your answer and the data a conclusion.)
Do not write: Your own opinion on the data or the graph. Only describe the data and the graphics without any personal insight.
