Non-native English speakers planning to work, study or migrate to an English-speaking country must prove their English proficiency by taking IELTS. The writing section differs for Academic and General Training IELTS. However, both tests have two tasks in the writing section. The writing section assesses the candidate’s vocabulary and ability to construct sentences without repetition. Moreover, it checks one’s grammar skills through this task. Each of these is evaluated on a band score of 0 to 9.
Here is a thorough guide on IELTS writing tasks 1 along with samples, tips and much more.
Academic and General Writing Task: An Overview
In IELTS Academic, the writing module includes Task 1 and 2 and candidates must finish both these tasks within 60 minutes. Like the Academic format, the General Training consists of two tasks. The time limit is the same for both Academic and General.
Assessment Criteria for Academic and General Training Writing Tasks
The marking criterion remains the same for both Academic and General Training. They are:
- Range of grammar and its accuracy
- Lexical resource
- Task achievement or response to a task
- Cohesion and coherence
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Academic Writing Task Pattern
In task 1 IELTS academic, a graph, picture, a diagram will be given, and candidates must describe this in their own words. One can also get the diagram of a machine or process, which must be explained for writing task 1 academic 2021. On the other hand, in writing task 2, the candidate must respond to the problem presented. However, the topics may vary from immigration, environment, culture and technology. Here, they must present their opinion or may be asked to discuss opposing views. Apart from that, they may be asked to write on advantages, disadvantages, offer a solution to a given problem etc. However, it is best not to exceed the stipulated word limit as this may not leave one time to re-read or revise their essay. In addition, one’s possibility of achieving a high band score may be reduced if the candidate cannot finish the IELTS writing task 1 and 2.
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How to Write Academic Task 1?
Task 1 IELTS academic writingrequires the candidate to answer agraph, chart, table, process, map or diagram. Here, one may present the main features of the visuals mentioned above and make comparisons where needed. It must have these:
- Introduction– The candidate must paraphrase the question and explain it in their own words. This can also include dates and times. For example, the Y-axis represents the female birth rate. Candidates can take this approach while writing task 1 graph.
- Overview– The overview will have developments in recent years, trends or any differences. For instance, one can write ‘ To summarise’ or ‘Overall’.
- Key features and data– The candidate must explain the data in detail.
- Conclusion- This should analyse the candidate’s point of view about why they feel that the developments or trends happened.
Candidates, after receiving the question booklet, must plan their essays. They can allot 5 minutes for writing down the keywords and elaborate on them later. They should aim to complete the writing within 10 minutes and spend the next 5 minutes proofreading and editing their essay.
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Academic Task 1 Writing Samples
Even though it is important to incorporate the above pointers in task 1 IELTS academic writing, candidates must follow theIELTS task 1 academic sample answers diligently.
General Writing Task Pattern
For IELTS writing task 1, candidates must respond to a situation by writing letters. These letters are of various types for GT IELTS task 1:
- Complaint
- Application
- Inform
- Apologise
- Request
In addition, there are different styles of a letter which candidates must be conversant with:
- Formal
- Semi-Formal
- Informal
These letters have very subtle differences, whose outlines are given below:
| Formal | Semi-Formal | Informal |
| Candidates are writing it for business dealing, education, or the professional workspace. | For example, a candidate knows the person, a colleague, but may not be close to them. | A candidate knows the person to whom they are writing the letter. |
| It begins with ‘Dear Sir Madam’ | One can begin with ‘Dear Mrs Chatterjee’, ‘Hope you are doing well.’ | The greetings are usually, ‘Dear Mom’, ‘Dear Tom.’ |
| The letter ends with ‘Yours faithfully, Yours sincerely.’ | One can end their letter with, ‘Sincerely Yours’ or ‘Yours Truly.’ | The ending can be ‘Take care’, ‘See you soon, ‘All the best’ |
| The letter should be formal | The tonality continues to be formal and polite | The tonality will be very informal, such as ‘I’m writing to inform you about the Christmas party being held in my house this year.’ |
| There should not be any usage of contractions such as ‘can’t’ or ‘don’t.’ | These can be invitations, explanations and apologies. | These letters form in the same category of semi-formal letters |
How to Write General Writing Task 1
Candidates must follow a set structure while attempting to draft a letter for IELTS task 1 general. They should follow the structure underlined below for easier understanding:
- Salutation (Dear Sir Madam, Dear Lucy)
- Opening statement (Purpose behind writing the letter)
- Paragraphs 1 and 2 (Should include details about the circumstance)
- Paragraph 3 (An elaborate discussion before the letter ends)
- Closing statement
- Signing off (Yours sincerely, Your faithfully)
- Name
One can use phrases for: Letter to Complain
- I am dissatisfied about
- I am writing you to complain
- I am writing to explain my annoyance about
Letter to Apply
- Please find my CV attached below
- If you have any questions, please do not be hesitant to contact
- I am writing to apply for the position of
- My recent job was
- I believe I have the relevant experience required for the job
- My responsibilities included
Letter to Inform
- Thank you for your kind invite, but I will not be able to join
- I am writing as a response to your invitation
- It would be delightful to have you here at the party
Letter to Apologise
- I am writing to apologise
- I do apologise for the inconvenience caused
- I hope that this will not be a problem for you
Letter to Request
- Would it be possible for you to
- It would be great if you take into consideration
- I strongly suggest that you consider
The writing section is one of the most challenging areas of the IELTS exam. However, this comprehensive guide on IELTS writing tasks 1 with vocabulary, structure and samples will help students nail the exam with ease. Students aspiring to pursue a foreign degree can now easily finance their dream. Aspiring candidates can get financial assistance with low-interest rates, minimum documentation and convenient terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the provided time for answering the Writing Section in the IELTS General Training?
Ans: The Writing section of the IELTS General Training lasts for 60 minutes. Candidates must finish both tasks within the stipulated time.
2. How are the letters marked in General Writing Task 1?
Ans: Examiners mark GT IELTS task 1 based on four parameters:
a. The tonality of the letter
b. Format and structure
c. Sentence construction and vocabulary
d. Presented in a coherent manner
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