Preparing for the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re unsure of what examiners are looking for. In a recent episode of the IELTS Podcast, hosts Ben Worthington and Daphne provided a comprehensive checklist to help you ace this task. This article summarises their key points, offering practical advice and examples to guide your preparation. 1. Paraphrase the Rubric The first step in tackling Academic Task 1 is to paraphrase the rubric. Instead of copying the question word-for-word, demonstrate your language skills by rephrasing it. For example, if the question states, “The graph below shows the number of visits to two music sites on the web,” you could write, “The line graph illustrates how many times two music websites were visited over a 15-day period.” This shows the examiner that you can use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures. 2. Write a Clear Overview Your overview is a crucial part of your response. It should summarise the main trends or features of the data without going into too much detail. Avoid using phrases like “to conclude,” as this is more appropriate for Task 2. Instead, use words like “overall” to introduce your summary. For example, “Overall, both music websites experienced an upward trend in visits, with Music Choice being more popular than Pop Parade for most of the period.” 3. Summarise, Don’t List One common mistake is listing every piece of data instead of summarising the key points. Remember, the task asks you to “summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.” Focus on the most significant trends, such as peaks, troughs, or notable changes, rather than describing every minor fluctuation. 4. Stick to the Data It’s essential to report only the information presented in the graph or chart. Avoid adding personal opinions or external knowledge. For instance, if you notice a dip in website visits on a particular day, don’t speculate that it was due to poor weather or a public holiday. Stick to the facts provided in the data. 5. Include All Important Data While summarising, ensure you don’t omit any crucial information. For example, if you’re describing a pie chart, make sure you mention every segment, even if it’s only briefly. Grouping similar data points can help you cover all the information without listing every detail. 6. Compare Data Comparing data is a key skill in Task 1. Instead of simply listing information, highlight similarities and differences. For example, “While Music Choice saw a dramatic increase in visits between days 9 and 11, Pop Parade experienced a more gradual rise over the same period.” 7. Organise Your Response A well-organised response is easier to follow and scores higher in coherence and cohesion. Plan your essay into clear paragraphs, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the data. Use linking words like “while,” “whereas,” and “in contrast” to connect your ideas smoothly. 8. Highlight Striking Features Identify and mention any striking features in the data, such as the highest or lowest points, or any anomalies. These details can make your response stand out and demonstrate your ability to ...
