Should I Indent my Paragraphs in IELTS Writing?

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Many students ask me if they should indent the first sentence in a paragraph for IELTS writing task 1 and task 2. Let me explain …

In the old days, before the days when most people used computers, it was common to leave a space at the start of each paragraph. This helped the reader to know which sentence is part of a new paragraph and which is not. Nowadays, however, we don’t use this practice.

Currently, when writing by hand or typing on computers, you should leave one line empty between each paragraph rather than indenting. So, when you write your IELTS essays or your writing task 1, just start your sentences at the beginning of the line and when you have a new paragraph, miss one line.

Leaving one empty line between paragraphs is the easiest way for examiners to see your paragraphs. If the examiner can’t see your paragraphs, you will get a lower score because 25% of your marks (Coherence & Cohesion) relates to the use of paragraphs.

Can I indent and leave a line between paragraphs?

It is not necessary to indent. Just aim to leave one line empty between the paragraphs without an indentation. This isn’t a rule, it’s a recommendation. Leaving one line empty between paragraphs makes them very easy for the examiner to see and avoids problems with misunderstanding.

Will I lose marks if I indent my paragraphs?

No. It’s not wrong to indent but it’s better to leave one line empty instead. The key is making your paragraphs very clear for the examiner to recognise and having one empty line is much clearer.

Do I need paragraphs?

Yes, you need paragraphs. The examiner will be marking you on your use of paragraphs as part of the marking criterion of Coherence and Cohesion which counts for 25% of your marks. Your score will be reduced if you don’t use paragraphs or could be reduced if the examiner can’t see them easily.

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Future Prediction Model Answer

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Below is an IELTS table with dates in the future and past for writing task 1. This means you will need to use a combination of tenses to write this table task. IELTS Tables in writing task 1 can be complicated because of of all the data given to you. The model answer below shows you how to organise information and write an answer with different grammar tenses.

IELTS Table: Past & Future  Dates

IELTS Table Model Answer

Note: I’ve highlighted examples of future forms to show the options you have for presenting future predictions.

The table gives information about the proportion of the population aged 65 years and over in 3 countries (Canada, Germany and the UK) in 1988, 2000 and an estimated percentage for 2030.

Overall, the population of elderly people is predicted to rise in all three countries over the period given. The highest percentage of older people was in Germany, which is forecast to continue to remain the highest for the entire period, while the lowest proportion can be seen in the UK.

Between 1988 and 2000, the aging population of Canada and Germany went up by around 5% to 20.67% and 25.32% respectively. The UK, on the other hand, showed relatively little change in the proportion of its population who were 65 years old and above remaining at just under 15% in both years.

By 2030, it is expected that the population of people aged 65 and above will increase by approximately 5.5% in all three countries. The percentage is predicted to reach 30.42% in Germany, 26.35% in Canada and 20.35% in the UK.

(176 words)

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Table with Future Predictions

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The IELTS table below shows information with both past and future predictions. This IELTS writing task 1 table appeared in the exam recently and has been reproduced as accurately as possible with data provided by a student called Oyon (April 16th). This table is the IELTS academic writing test.

I will post a model answer for the table below next week.

If you want to try this task 1 table with future predictions, please post your writing in the comments box below. However, I am not currently available to comment on your writing. This will solely be for the purpose of practice and to compare with my model when it is published.

IELTS Table with Future Predictions

ielts table future predictions

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IELTS Tips: How words are counted

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Learn how your words are counted in IELTS. This page explains about counting words, numbers and symbols. You need to know how words are counted for IELTS listening, reading and writing. If you make mistakes with the number of words, you can lose points which can affect your band score.

How words are counted in IELTS

1. Numbers, dates and time are counted as words in writing. For example 30,000 = one word  /  55  = one word  /  9.30am = one word / 12.06.2016 = one word. “Six million” is counted as two words in IELTS writing. In listening, 30,000 is counted as one number and 9.30AM is also counted as one number.

2. Dates written as both words and numbers are counted in this way: 12th July = one number and one word in IELTS listening and as two words in IELTS writing.

3. Symbols with numbers are not counted. For example, 55% = one number (the symbol “%” is not counted as a word). However, if you write “55 percent” it is counted as one word and one number.

4. Small words such as “a” or “an” are counted. All prepositions, such as “in” or “at” are also counted. All words are counted.

5. Hyphenated words like “up-to-date” are counted as one word.

6. Compound nouns which are written as one word are also counted as one word. For example, blackboard = one word.

7. Compound nouns which are written as two separate words, are counted as two words. For example, university bookshop = two words.

8. All words are counted, including words in brackets. For example in IELTS writing, “The majority of energy was generated by electricity (55%).”. This sentence is counted as 9 words. The number in brackets is counted. Brackets can be used in IELTS Writing Task 1, but not in IELTS Listening or IELTS Reading.

9. Some people have asked me if words such as “the” are counted only once regardless of how many times they are used. It is best to illustrate: “The man walked into the shop for the newspaper” = 9 words.

10. Contractions are counted as: it’s = one word / it is = two words.

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Answer for IELTS Writing Task 1 2016

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The IELTS model answer below is for a recent IELTS writing task 1 which was reported in early 2016. The two pie charts and bar chart are illustrated beneath the report. Further down the page, you will also find examiner comments and a download link for this model answer and task. Also note the useful links provided for more IELTS writing task 1 lessons. This is for the IELTS writing task 1 academic test.

IELTS Model Answer, Reported 2016

The pie charts give information about how the world’s water is distributed, whereas the bar chart illustrates the percentage of water used in agriculture, domestic use and industry in three countries (Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Canada).

Overall, salt water makes up an overwhelming majority of the world’s water. Fresh water is made up of mainly water from ice and glaciers. While most water in Egypt and Saudi Arabia is used for agriculture, in Canada it is predominantly used for industry.

The pie charts show that 97% of global water is salt water compared to a mere 3% which is fresh water. Water from ice and glaciers accounts for 79% of all fresh water as opposed to ground water and surface water (20% and 1% respectively).

In terms of the use of water, both Egypt and Saudi Arabia use almost 80% of their water for agriculture in comparison to domestic usage and industry which account for approximately 15% and 10% respectively. The reverse is seen in Canada where only 10% of water is used for agriculture and domestic purposes in contrast to industry, which uses 80% of water in Canada.

Words = 189

IELTS Writing Task 1 Charts Jan 2016

Download this writing task 1 with model answer: IELTS Writing Task 1 Charts & Model 2016

Examiner Comments:

The information is well organised into logical paragraphs. The overview paragraph contains the key features of all charts. Information is accurate and no irrelevant information is given. There is a flexible range of linking devices for showing comparisons. Vocabulary is well used and this report contains complex sentence structures.

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Reported IELTS Writing Task 1 Charts for January 2016

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The IELTS writing task 1 charts were reported on January 9th by two students (Kirush and Adam). This shows two pie charts and a bar chart illustrating world water distribution and usage. Follow the link for a model answer to the 2016 IELTS writing task 1 below.

Reported IELTS Writing Task 1 Jan 2016

Download the PDF file for the charts below: Recent IELTS Writing task 1 2016

IELTS Writing Task 1 Charts Jan 2016

Model Answer for above charts

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IELTS Invitation Letter for GT Writing Task 1

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Below is a model answer for an IELTS invitation letter. This particular invitation letter was reported in the IELTS exam last week. The aim of the invitation is a public event. Other invitations can sometimes include holiday invites, private celebration invites or even formal invites from a business perspective.

Instructions:

Writing Task 1: Write a letter to your friend who lives in another country and in your letter:

  • a. Invite him/her to a public event in your country.
    b. Describe the public event.
    c. Explain about other plans you have for your friend when he/she will visit.

IELTS Invitation Letter Model Answer

Hi Dave,

How have you been since we last met?

I thought I’d drop you a line and see if you fancy coming over for Bonfire night which is on November 5th.

Bonfire night is a great event in England, particularly in my hometown. It starts as soon as the sun has set because the event is held around a huge bonfire. As the weather is cold, the bonfire adds wonderful warmth. On the fire, there’s a guy which represents Guy Fawkes, a man who once tried to blow up Parliament. On top of that there’s also fireworks and a chance to cook your own food on the fire, which I’m sure you’ll love.

While you’re over, we’ll be able to do a trip to London as I know you’ve always wanted to visit. The Christmas lights will have been switched on by then and they are amazing. You’ll also be able to visit the Christmas markets and do all your Christmas shopping.

I really hope you’ll be able to come over. It won’t be the same without you.

Write back soon,

Sandra

Words = 183

More IELTS Letters:

Model Complaint Letter

Essential Tips for IELTS Letter Writing

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IELTS Water Supply Diagram Process

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The IELTS diagram below shows two diagram processes in two different time periods – present and future. The diagram was reported in the test twice and will likely appear again as IELTS do recycle writing tasks. This is also known as an IELTS Process.

For diagrams, you must pay attention to key stages of the process. All IELTS writing task1 reports will have an overview and this includes diagrams. The overview is the key paragraph and must summarise the key stages but without writing a list. See the model answer below to learn about this.

IELTS Diagram Process: Water Supply Systems

Below you will find a band score 9 model answer for an IELTS Diagram/Process.

IELTS Diagram Process Water Supply Writing Task 1

IELTS Diagram Model Answer

Note: When you read the model answer below, pay attention to the different tenses used. See if you can spot the future passive voice.

The diagram illustrates the way the water supply system currently works in Australia and how the system will be changed in the future.

Overall, although both systems use the dam as a water supply, the present system returns both storm and waste water directly or indirectly to the river, whereas the future system plans to recycle both forms of water.

The current water supply system shows that water is stored in a dam before being transferred to a city to be used by households, shops and factories. From the city, storm water is directed straight into the river, by contrast waste water is sent to a water treatment plant to be processed. After the waste water is treated, it is safe to be released into the river.

Regarding the future water supply system, water will be brought from the dam for the same uses as in the present. However, both the storm water and waste water from the city are to be directed to the water treatment plant for processing after which they will both be recycled for use in the city. It is planned that no water will be released back into the river.

195 words

Three Key Points:

  1. The introduction provides a paraphrase of the rubric given. It is a short, functional paragraph.
  2. The overview summarises the diagram without getting lost in detail and without forming a list of stages. The overview is sufficiently developed for a high score.
  3. The body paragraphs are well organised with flexible linking which allows for accurate, complex sentence structures as well as a logical order of information. Tenses are used flexibly to show present and future information. As with most diagrams, the passive voice is used alongside the active voice. Vocabulary and collocations are used with accuracy and flexibility.

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