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5 IELTS Writing Task 1 tips

Academic: describe a chart, table, map or process. General Training: write a letter. At least 150 words.

Tips

  1. 1

    Always write an overview

    Without an overview, Task Achievement is capped. Put it in the second sentence.

  2. 2

    Compare, don't list

    “Paper was recycled most, well ahead of glass” beats two separate sentences of numbers.

  3. 3

    Vary your trend language

    Rose, climbed, increased steadily, peaked, levelled off.

  4. 4

    Check the time frame

    Past data needs past tenses; projections need will or is expected to.

  5. 5

    Spend 20 minutes, not more

    Task 2 is worth twice as much.

Mistakes to avoid

  • No overview, which caps Task Achievement.
  • Giving an opinion in an Academic Task 1.