IELTS Writing Task 1 Bar Chart October 2018

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This IELTS writing task 1 bar chart (October 2018) was reported and reproduced by an IELTS candidate. It appeared in the IELTS test three days ago. You can download a pdf copy below.

IELTS Writing Task 1 October 2018

Download: IELTS Writing task 1 October 2018

Model Answer

A model answer is now available for this writing task 1.

Click here: MODEL ANSWER FOR TASK ABOVE

All the best

Liz

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IELTS Writing Task 1: Introduction Errors

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Introduction Paragraph – learn what mistakes to avoid. The introduction should be short and factual based on the information given. It should also be the quickest part of task 1 for you to write.

Look at the graph and introduction paragraph below. Then answer the questions.

comp-ownership-graph

Source: The above chart was not created by IELTS Liz.

Introduction Paragraph

Look at the introduction below and spot the mistakes.

Introduction: 

The graph give the information about the number of computer ownership by education level in two different years.

Questions:

  1.  How many mistakes are there in the introduction above?
  2. How would you write the introduction?

ANSWERS

Click below to reveal the answers and a model introduction.

Answers
  1. The graph
    1. should be = The bar chart
  2. give
    1. should be: gives (s)
  3. gives the information about
    1. should be = gives information about (no “the”)
  4. the number of
    1. should be = the percentage of / proportion of
    2. also, even if the chart did show numbers, you can’t say “the number of ownership”, you should say “the number of people owning a computer”
  5. computer ownership by education level = copied from graph. Do not copy phrases from the question paper. You can use the words, but change the order or paraphrase where possible.
    1. you should give the number of educational levels shown
    2. you can change the order of information for the purpose of paraphrasing
    3. education levels = levels of education (changing word order is paraphrasing)
    4. use a clause “people who owned …”
    5. use a longer noun phrase “people from five different levels of education”
  6. in two different years = always provide full information. Give the precise dates or the period it covers
Model Introduction

Model Introduction

The bar chart gives information about the proportion of people from five different levels of education who owned a computer in two different years (2002 and 2010).

Model Introduction Comments: As you can see, the first words are not altered because they are not required to be paraphrased. A bar chart is a bar chart. However, the verb is paraphrased and the rest of the information is reworded. As the education levels are length to write, it is possible to give information about how many there are in your introduction. Regarding dates, you can use brackets in IELTS Writing Task 1 and you can see that the dates are given in the brackets in this introduction. 

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IELTS Diagram Paragraphs and Organisation

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IELTS writing task 1 diagrams must be clearly organised with logical paragraphs. This is part of the marking criteria of Coherence and Cohesion which is 25% of your marks. Most IELTS diagrams show a type of process which is divided into stages or given as a cycle. Also remember that writing task 1 is a report, not an essay.

You must organise your IELTS diagram into different paragraphs. Look at the process below and then answer the questions to learn about organising information.

IELTS Water Cycle Diagram:

IELTS_Writing_Sample_Task_1_Water_Cycle

Source: Diagram not designed by IELTS Liz.

Questions 

Learn to analyse and organise your IELTS diagram by answering the following questions:

  1. How many paragraphs would you have in your report?
    1. Tips: Never have only one body paragraph.
  2. What information would you put in each paragraph?
    1. Tip: Use the arrows and always organise the information logically.

Answers

Read the answers very carefully and look at each point given in the diagram. Click below to reveal the answers:

Answers

1. There should be 4 paragraphs for this report.

2. You should put the following information in each paragraph:

  • Introduction: You need to introduce the content of the diagram (the process of the water cycle).
  • Overview: Put the key stages in this statement (a continual cycle of evaporation, cloud formation, rain and water returning to the sea).
  • Body paragraph A: Water in the ocean, evaporation, condensing water vapour and cloud formation.
  • Body Paragraph B: Precipitation, rain or snow, lakes, surface run off, ground water, impervious layer and salt water intrusion. You also need to note that at the water cycle starts again as the water returns to the ocean.
    • For the body paragraphs, you need to describe each stage in detail using full sentences linked together. You should divide the body into two or three paragraphs for all diagrams.

Example Introduction and Overview

The diagram illustrates the key stages in the water cycle.

Overall, the water cycle is a continual process of water evaporating and forming clouds which then return the water to the land and sea in the form of rain.

  • Note: You can see that the introduction is short and brief. You can see that the overview contains the key words as well as the key stages in summary.
  • It is possible to put these two sentences into one paragraph.

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IELTS Writing Task 1

For writing task 1 model answers and more tips, see this page: IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answers & Tips

All the best

Liz

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Full Model Answer to Bar Chart Lesson

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Creating a Model Answer for IELTS writing task 1.

Many students asked me to write a full model answer for this bar chart which was used in my lessons last week. 

IELTS Complex Bar Chart

 

Source of Bar Chart: https://www.english-in-chester.co.uk

IELTS Bar Chart Model: Sentence Ordering

Put the 10 sentences below in order to make a full band 9 model answer for IELTS writing task 1.

  • A) Teenagers spent 25 hours on watching television in 2002 which increased to almost 40 hours in the final year.
  • B) The other pursuits showed a decrease in hours, except watching DVDs which fluctuated.
  • C) Going to pubs or discos, watching TV, and shopping all showed an increase in the number of hours teenagers spent on these activities.
  • D) The bar chart illustrates how many hours adolescents in Chester spent on seven activities each week between 2002 and 2007.
  • E) While teenagers occupied 10 hours doing homework in 2002, this figure dropped to just over 5 in 2007.
  • F) The number of hours teenagers dedicated to watching DVDs was only 10 hours in first and final years, but reached a peak of over 15 hours in  2004 and 2005.
  • G) Overall, the most popular activity over the period given was watching TV, whereas bowling was the least favourite.
  • H) Bowling was under 5 hours throughout the entire period (declining by about 4 hours in total).
  • I) Both going to pubs or discos, and shopping more than doubled in hours from over 5 to around 15 or slightly above.
  • J) Playing sport fell more dramatically from 10 hours to around 3 hours.

Notice how many sentences are used to create a full model answer. IELTS writing task 1 does not require many sentences. There are NO fixed number of sentences for writing task 1, but you can see that you do not need many to write a high score answer.

Answers

Answers are now available. Please remember the answers also contain the full model answer in the right order. This isn’t just a lesson to complete an exercise, it is a method of helping you understand model answers and to learn from them. Take your time to review your answers and also review the full model.

Click below for the Answers

Answers

D, G, C, B, A, I, E, J, H, F

The bar chart illustrates how many hours adolescents in Chester spent on seven activities each week between 2002 and 2007.

Overall, the most popular activity over the period given was watching TV, whereas bowling was the least favourite. Going to pubs or discos, watching TV, and shopping all showed an increase in the number of hours teenagers spent on these activities. The other pursuits showed a decrease in hours, except watching DVDs which fluctuated.

Teenagers spent 25 hours on watching television in 2002 which increased to almost 40 hours in the final year. Both going to pubs and discos, and shopping more than doubled in hours from over 5 to 15 or slightly above.

While teenagers occupied 10 hours doing homework in 2002, this figure dropped to just over 5 in 2007. Playing sport fell more dramatically from 10 hours to around 3 hours. Bowling was under 5 hours throughout the entire period declining by about 4 hours in total. The number of hours teenagers dedicated to watching DVDs was only 10 hours in first and final years, but reached a peak of over 15 hours in 2004 and 2005.

Word count = 194 (you do not need to write the word count in your test)

Paragraphing Tips

  • It is possible that the last sentence about DVDs could be written as a separate paragraph.
  • Always have an introduction and overview. They must be separate statements.
  • Always divide your body paragraphs into two (or sometimes three) paragraphs.
  • Your body paragraphs should be logical and help to highlight similarities and differences.
  • Learn an empty line between paragraphs to make them clear and easy to see. This is not a requirements, it is a recommendation. If your paragraphs are not easy to see, your score might be lower.

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All the best, Liz

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Organising Information – Bar Chart

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Learn how to organising information into logical paragraphs for IELTS Writing Task 1. Deciding  which categories go into which paragraphs is crucial for a high score. Below is a practice lesson with a bar chart typical of IELTS Writing Task 1 to show you how to do this. Bar charts are common in IELTS writing task 1 academic paper.

How to Organise Information – IELTS Writing Task 1

Coherence and Cohesion, which is 25% of your marks. This marking criterion is about:

  1. logical order of information using paragraphs
  2. logical order of information inside paragraphs
  3. linking words

This is one area of that people often forget which greatly impacts their score. So, you must spend time during your planning stage to think about how you plan to organise data. You can read more about the marking on this page: IELTS WRITING TASK 1 MARKING CRITERIA WITH TIPS.

Some people find it difficult to decide which categories and what data should go into what paragraphs, particularly if there is a lot of information given in the task. Remember, writing task 1 is not an essay, it is a report which needs to be concise and highly organised.

Check your organisation skills

The bar chart below shows the hours per week that teenagers spend doing certain activities in Chester from 2002 to 2007.

Source of Bar Chart: https://www.english-in-chester.co.uk

QUESTIONS FOR YOU

  1. How many paragraphs would you have?
  2. How would you organise the categories into body paragraphs? Which categories go into which body paragraphs?

ANSWERS

The answer to this lesson is now available.

CLICK HERE FOR ANSWERS: Answers to bar chart organisation

All the best

Liz

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Is the Overview Important in IELTS WT1? Answers

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Overview (Academic Paper): Tips, Videos and Answers

Do all types of writing task 1 have an overview?

Yes. ALL TYPES of writing task 1 for the academic paper should have an overview. The types are listed below.

  1. bar chart
  2. pie chart
  3. table
  4. line graph
  5. map
  6. diagram (process)

All the above types MUST have an overview.

What is an Overview?

  • An overview is a statement or statements which contain all the key features in the task given to you.
  • It is important that the key features are collected in one overview and not put in different places.
  • An overview will contain all features – this means if you have two charts, there is only one overview which contains the key features for both tasks.
  • You are marked on your ability to choose the key features. Each task will be different.

Is the Overview Important?

Yes. It is the most important paragraph in your writing task 1 for the academic paper.

The overview is marked in the marking criterion of Task Achievement. This criterion counts for 25% of your writing task 1 marks. The examiner will look specifically for an overview in all types of writing task 1 (academic). See below:

Band 5 = no clear overview

Band 6 = presents an overview

Band 7 = presents a clear overview

You can see that your score will go up or down depending on your overview. If you miss the overview, you will get Band 5 or below in Task Achievement. If you are aiming for band 7, 8 or 9, you must have a clear overview with key features well selected and highlighted.

Learn more about the band score requirements of IELTS writing task 1 on this page: Band Score Tips & Info Writing Task 1

Overview or Conclusion?

See this video about the difference between an overview and a conclusion.

[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/zjzuxyVlkR8″]

Paragraphing: Where to put the overview?

See this video lesson to learn about the paragraphs for writing task 1, including where the overview should be put.

[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/TzLyARGcTEA”]

Model Writing Task 1 Answers

See this page to take a look at model answers for all types of IELTS writing task 1. You will see the overviews for ALL types of writing task 1. Model Answers and Tips: IELTS Writing Task 1

Hope this was useful 🙂

All the best

Liz

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IELTS Complaint Letter: Model

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Below is a model IELTS complaint letter which is estimated at band score 9. People taking the GT writing paper will be expected to write a letter for their writing task 1. That letter should be over 150 words. Complaint letters are one of the most common types of letters that you can be expected to write. This letter topic has appeared a number of times in the IELTS test.

You bought a TV a week ago but when you got home you discovered it did not work properly. You called customer service to report the problem but you have not yet received any help.

Write a letter to the company and in your letter:

  • introduce yourself
  • explain the problem
  • and state what action you would like from the company

Model IELTS Complaint Letter Band 9

The letter below will show you how to organise information into paragraphs and extent information to create a high band score IELTS complaint letter. Note that this is a long letter. People who are below band 9 should not aim for this. It is usually better to aim between 170 and 190 words. Long letters also don’t increase your score. However, I wanted to show you examples of how ideas can be expanded and for this reason, this sample letter is longer than normal.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing this letter to report the faulty TV that I purchased from your company on Tuesday last week.

My name is John Davidson and I am one of your frequent customers. I live in Woodstock and have been using your services and buying your products for the last 11 years.

On Tuesday, 12th June, I visited your store to purchase a TV. I bought a Toshiba LED TV which has the code 40L675B40. On purchasing this TV, I was assured that this was the latest model and the best there was to buy. However, when I got home I discovered that not only did the remote controls not work but also the quality of the picture was not as good as promised, in fact it was quite blurry. I called your customer service department immediately on Tuesday and they assured me that my TV would be replaced or fixed within two days. I am disappointed to say that this has not happened and I have received no communication since then.

I am exceedingly displeased with both the quality of the product I purchased from your company as well as the poor  service I have received since. I hope this problem will be resolved promptly. I expect to receive a replacement TV or have my current TV repaired but only if it could be fixed within a day.

I look forward to hearing back from you immediately.

Yours faithfully,

Mr J H Davidson

Recommended for GT IELTS Writing Task 1

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Essential Tips for IELTS GT Letters: Writing Task 2

Practice IELTS Letters to practice at home

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IELTS Diagram: Model Answer Band Score 9 with Tips

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This IELTS diagram model answer is estimated at band score 9. It is possible to have a diagram in your IELTS writing task 1 academic paper. A diagram is also known as a process. The diagram shown below is from IELTS Cambridge Book 8, Test 3.

IELTS Diagrams

IELTS Diagrams come in two types:

Type 1: Diagram about a Cycle

This could be about a nature cycle or a life cycle.

Type 2: Diagram about a process

This could be a process of how to make something or how something works.

They both have the same techniques, the same layout, the same language, the same linking devices – everything is the same.

How to Tackle an IELTS Diagram

  1. Write an introduction from the description given. This is a short, factual introduction.
  2. The overview summarises the key stages of the diagram.
  3. The body paragraphs should be organised with stages in a logical order.
  4. Don’t miss any stages. You will be marked down for missing a stage.
  5. Paraphrase only when necessary and only when you know the word you plan to use is perfect. The biggest reason for vocabulary errors in IELTS writing is over-paraphrasing and poor paraphrasing. You don’t need to change all words.
  6. Using linking words to connect stages and to highlight the order that things happen.
  7. The instructions tell you to write over 150 words, but to get a high score, you should aim for about 170-190 words depending on the task given. If you write over 210 words you are likely to be marked down for getting lost in detail instead of focusing on key features.

IELTS Diagram Model Answer

The diagram below shows the stages and equipment used in the cement-making process, and how cement is used to produce concrete for building purposes.

IELTS Diagram Process

  • Source: IELTS Cambridge English Test Book

Diagram Model Answer

The diagrams illustrate the steps and equipment involved in the production of cement and the way in which cement is then used to make concrete.

Overall, limestone and clay pass through four stages before being bagged ready for use as cement. Cement is then combined with three other materials to create concrete. While the process of making cement uses a number of tools, the production of concrete is simpler and requires only a concrete mixer.

In the first stage of making cement, limestone and clay are crushed together to form a powder using a crusher. This powder is then combined in a mixer before passing into a rotating heater which has constant heat applied at one end of the tube. The resulting mixture is ground in order to produce cement. The final product is afterwards put into bags ready to be used.

Regarding the second diagram, concrete consists of mainly gravel, which is small stones, and this makes up 50% of the ingredients. The other materials used are sand (25%), cement (15%) and water (10%). These are all poured into a concrete mixer which continually rotates to combine the materials and ultimately produces concrete.

Comments: This diagram gives a concise introduction. The overview contains key features of both diagrams and also highlights the connection between them. The body paragraphs are organised well and linking devices are used flexibly and accurately. Each body paragraphs explained the steps of each process in a logical order. Complex sentences are accurate and there is also passive voice used. Collocations are well used.

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