Writing Task I Tips (Academic)

In the IELTS writing module, writing task 1 contains 33% of weight age with 150-word counts.  And in this article, we will share some vocabulary related to writing task 1 along with some all the types of format. That helps you in achieving the desired scores in your writing module.

Word Limit:  At least 150 words (spend about 20 minutes).

Weight age: 33%

Different types of visuals to write a descriptive text.

 Visuals maybe:

Ø  Line Graph (Single or Multiple Lines)

Ø  Bar Chart (Horizontal or Vertical )

Ø  Pie Chart  (Single or More)

Ø  Table (Multiple Columns and Rows)

Ø  Multiple Chart (Combination of two Charts/Graphs)

Ø  Process (Natural or Manual)

Ø  Flow Chart

Ø  Diagram

Ø  Map (Past, Present or Future)

 

FORMAT OF TASK:

Introduction:

1.      Focus on the formulation of the task (static// dynamic):  Dynamic charts show data over time and static charts show data at just one point in time.

2.      Report the information accurately and in the correct order.

3.      The first, the introductory paragraph should be only ONE sentence. (WHAT-WHERE-WHEN logic: WHAT the graph illustrates, as well as WHERE and WHEN the data are set.)

Overview/overall:

1.      Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Aim to identify groups of data, maximums, minimums, peaks, and patterns.

Ø  Dynamic graphs 

·         Changes in data from start to end

·         Changes in the degree of data (up, down, constant, or fluctuate)

·         Any significant difference

·         Overall increase/decrease

·         Peaks/lows

Ø  Static graphs:

·         the highest/lowest values

·         the most noticeable differences

·         Any similarities

·         Any significant exceptions

Body paragraphs: only the essential information from the visual, minimums, maximums, trends, comparisons, contrasts. Group relevant information by topic:

·         minimums and maximums

·         comparison and contrast

·         Trends.

·         Use appropriate and various transitions /cohesive devices / connectors

·         Describe what happened not why it happened. 

Things to avoid in task 1:

Ø  Don’t waste too much time on Task 1

·         2-3 minutes for planning.

·         10-15 minutes for only writing.

·         2-3 minutes for proofreading 

Ø  Don’t describe everything you see. Don’t make a point of writing every single figure from the graph: only choose and report the numbers that illustrate the comparisons.

Ø  Do not reuse the exact words from the Task 1 question

Ø  Do not use any informal vocabulary

Ø  Don’t give your opinion or speculate.

Ø  Don’t use bullet points, notes, or abbreviations.

Ø  Don’t overuse linking words or signposting language.

Ø  Don’t have messy handwriting.

The task is marked on the basis of four criteria

1.    Task Achievement

2.    Lexical Resource

3.    Grammatical Range

4.    Coherence & Cohesion

Writing Task I Grammar and Vocabulary:

There are two ways to describe trends:

·      Noun phrase+ verb+ adverb 

Example: The stock market rose gradually.

·      There+ be+ adj. + noun+ in+ noun phrase

     Example: There was a gradual rise in the stock market.

Adjectives: Gradual, moderate, modest, slight, dramatic, steep, steady, significant, considerable, rapid.

Nouns: Variation, decline, fall, peak, fluctuation, increase, growth, rise, decrease.

Verbs: Rise, increase, fall, grow, jump, climb, drop, decline, go down.

Adverbs: Gradually, steadily, slowly, rapidly, moderately, slightly, significantly.

Another way used in this is fractions; Example: By September, the price of oil has halved.

Comparisons, Fractions, Percentages:

Comparisons:

·         More/few/less + noun + than

            For example a few weeks ago, plastic was preferable than paper.

·         of one syllable -er + than

            Example: A higher number of people preferred public transport than taxis.

·         More/less + adj. of more than one syllable + than

            Example: Taxis were more popular then public transport.

·         Of one syllable -EST.

            Example: The highest % of commuters preferred taxis.

·         The most/least + adj. of more than one syllable.

            Example: The least popular mode of transport was buses.

Fractions:

73%- nearly three quarters

51%- just over a half

49%- just under a half

32%- nearly a third

3%- a tiny fraction

50%- exactly a half

26%- roughly one quarter

49%- around a half

24%- almost a quarter

Proportions

70%- a large proportion         71%- a significant majority

15% a small minority           3%- an insignificant minority

Process chart:  

Natural Process is more closely linked to animals, the weather, growing trees or plants and marine life while Manual Process is more linked to manufacturing or production of commodities.

Understand the process:  Find the start and the end of the process. Count a number of stages and understand what each stage does and the relationship it has with the stage before and after it.

·         Where does the process start and where does it end?

·         How many stages are there?

·         Is it a man-made process or a natural process?

·         Is it a cyclical (in a circle) or linear (one start point and one endpoint) process?

·         Are there any materials that need to be added to the process?

·         What is produced?

·         What does each stage of the process do?

·         What are the relationships between each stage?

Introduction: Paraphrase the question.

Overview: Describe what is happening generally in 2 sentences.  (Nature of process along with beginning and end of the process)

Body paragraphs: Divide the process in two and write two separate paragraphs detailing each stage of the process.

 Detail Each Stage of the Process:

·         say what each stage does

·         what it produces

·         if any materials are added

·         And/or discuss the relationship with the previous or subsequent stages. 

Sequencing the Process: By using language like:

·         Firstly

·         First of all

·         Secondly

·         After that

·         From this

·         Where

·         Following that

·         Subsequently

·         Before that

·         In turn

·         Then

MAPS:

There are different types of questions regarding maps.

·         Describe a map in a present-day

·         Describe a map in a past-day.

·         Along with that, describe two maps, one in present another one in the future.

·         Describe two maps one in the past and another in the present

·         Describe three maps one in the past, another in the present and future.

Format for maps:

Introduction: paraphrasing of question

Overview: major noticeable changes and development in the year

Body paragraphs: detailed changes (general and specific) in the provided areas.

Adverbs and Prepositions

·         North/South/East/West

·         Upstairs/Downstairs

·         Clockwise/Anticlockwise

·         To the north/To the south/To the east/To the west

·         Across the road

·         Before you get to

·         In the middle of = in the center of

·         Just beyond = a little beyond = just past

·         Inside/Outside

·         To the left of/ To the right of

Verbs

·         Go up/Go down

·         Start by

·         Is located = is situated = lies = there is = is

·         Run through = cross = pass through = go through

·         Cross = pass over = cut across

Nouns

·         Crossroad = intersection = junction

·         Hosing area = residential area = sleeping area

·         Entrance = doorway

·         Path = way

·         Roundabout

·         Area = field = zone

·         Site = place = location

·         Edge = boundary = end = fringe

Buildings: Demolished, Knocked-down, Flattened, Replaced with, Renovated, Built, Constructed. Developed into, Extended, Relocated to

Trees and Forests: Cleared, Cut-down, Chopped-down, Removed, Planted

Roads, Bridges, and Railway lines: Constructed, Built, Extended, Removed

Leisure facilities: Opened, Set up, Developed.