Useful IELTS writing task 1 tips, answers, lessons & videos for success achieving a high score. This page contains all the information and help you need to do well. Learn about the IELTS marking criteria, paragraphing, vocabulary and much more. This page has tips for Academic writing task 1 and GT writing task 1. You can find GT task 1 at the bottom of this page.
On this page, you will find the following for Academic Task 1:
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- Writing Task 1 Test Information
- Writing Task 1 Sample Practice Charts
- Writing Task 1 Tips & Techniques
- Writing Task 1 Model Answers
- Writing Task 1 Practice Lessons
- GT Task 1 (bottom of page)
Go directly to GT Writing Task 1: GT Task 1 Letter
IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic
Overview of the IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic Test:
- You have one hour in total for your whole writing test (both task 1 and task 2).
- IELTS recommend you spend no more than 20 mins on writing task 1.
- You can manage your own time in the writing test. The one hour is yours to use as you wish. If you want to do task 2 first, you can.
- The instructions say “Write at least 150 words”. This means you need to write over 150 words.
- Writing Task 1 is a report, not an essay.
- Writing Task 1 counts for about 33% of your writing marks.
- There are four marking criteria each worth 25%:
- Task Achievement / Coherence & Cohesion / Vocabulary / Grammar
- Band Score Details & Tips for Improvement: IELTS WRITING TASK 1 BAND SCORES EXPLAINED
Types of IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic)
Below are the six types of tasks that can appear in IELTS Writing task 1. You can also get a combination of two tasks together. You will find MODEL ANSWERS and SAMPLE PRACTICE TASKS linked below for each type of writing task 1.
Bar Charts
Charts that compare and contrast data. Data is divided into columns representing categories and compared with between two groups, such as men and women.
Line Graphs
A graph that shows trends of two lines over a period of time. The lines represent numbers in two or more categories. This shows increases, decreases and other changes.
Tables
A table containing data that can be complex with many categories divided into rows and columns. These could be compare/contrast or change over time.
Pie Charts
These show proportions of a whole divided into different categories. Sometimes compare/contrast and sometimes change over time.
Diagrams
It could be a process of how something works or how it is made. Or it could be a cycle such as a life cycle or water cycle. or a cycle. Diagrams contain stages and steps.
Maps
A map of a town/city or report or a floor plan of a building. Describing the layout, position of places and special features on the map. Sometimes there are two maps to compare in different time periods.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Practice Charts
Below is a link to a collection of practice tables, line graphs, bar charts, maps and diagrams for you to practice with at home.
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IELTS Writing Task 1 Tips & Techniques
Although writing task 1 is only worth 33% of your total writing marks, it is often the reason why people struggle to hit band score 7. Task 1 is a report and not an essay. This is important to know because you can learn strategies for report writing more easily that for essay writing. So, take your time to improve your task 1.
ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR WRITING TASK 1
Recent Feature Video: Introduction Paragraph
Writing Task 1 Model Answers
IELTS model answers for charts, graphs, diagrams, maps and tables.. Each sample answer is estimated band score 9. These model answer are there to guide you and to learn from. Think about the content, structure, linking, language, overview, grammar and word count when you review them. Also, read the comments on each page to learn more – some comments are like extra lessons.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Practice Lessons
IELTS writing task 1 free practice lessons to help you develop report writing skills and understand about the requirements of writing task 1 academic. Many of these lessons contain model answers so they really are worth reviewing.
- Table & Pie Charts: Exercise & Model Answer
- Video: Using Accurate Language for Data
- IELTS Diagram Rainwater: Exercise & Model Answer
- Two Line Graphs: Exercise & Model Answer
- IELTS Table Practice: with model answer & extra tips
- IELTS Diagram Paragraphs and Organisation
- IELTS Life Cycle Diagram: Execise & Model Answer
- IELTS Bar Chart: Vocabulary Exercise & Model Answer
- IELTS Line Graph: Vocabulary Exercise
- IELTS Diagrams: Grammar Exercise
- IELTS Line Graph: How to Describe Guidelines
- IELTS Line Graph: Vocabulary & Model Answer
- Task 1 Improving Line Graph Introduction Paragraph
- IELTS Map: Comparison Exercise
- IELTS Two Charts Practice: Pie Chart & Bar Chart
- IELTS Bar Chart: Exercise & Model Answer
- IELTS Diagram Water Supply: Model Answer
- IELTS Bar Chart: Introduction & Overview Practice
- IELTS Frog Diagram: Introduction & Overview Exercise & Model Answer
- Introduction Paragraph: Correcting Errors
- IELTS Bar Chart Sample Answer
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IELTS GENERAL TRAINING (GT) Letter – WRITING TASK 1
For IELTS Writing Task 1 General Training, you will be asked to write a letter (not a report on a chart).
Read below for an overview:
- You have one hour in total for your whole writing test (both task 1 and task 2).
- IELTS recommend you spend no more than 20 mins on your writing task 1 letter.
- You can manage your own time in the writing test. The one hour is yours to use as you wish. If you want to do task 2 first, you can.
- The instructions say “Write at least 150 words”. This means you need to write over 150 words. On average, you should aim for your letter to be between 170 and 190 words. A shorter letter does not allow enough detail for a high score.
- GT letters have different aims, styles and tones, for example formal or informal. See the essential tips below for information.
- Writing Task 1 counts for about 33% of your writing marks.
- There are four marking criteria each worth 25%:
- Task Achievement / Coherence & Cohesion / Vocabulary / Grammar
- Task Achievement is about completing the letter and fulfilling the aims of the letter.
- Coherence & Cohesion is about the structure, organisation and linking methods of information in your letter.
IELTS GT Sample Practice Letters
Below is a link to a collection of practice letters which show the range of formal, informal and all the different aims of letters so that you can practise at home.
Sample Practice Letters for GT IELTS
IELTS GT Letter Essential Tips
The following links are for IELTS candidates who are preparing for the General Training Writing Test. Your task will be asked to write a letter. You will not be writing a report as in the Academic Test. Use the links below to help you prepare:
10 Essential Tips for IELTS Letter Writing
How to Improve your IELTS GT Letter
Differences between GT & Academic Writing
Using the bullet points properly
IELTS GT Model Letter Answers
- Apology Letter: Model Answers Formal & Informal
- Amendment Letter: Model Answer 2017
- Complaint Letter: Model Answer
- Complaint Letter: Error Correction
- Letter to a Friend: Model Answer
- Invitation Letter: Model Answer
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