Milan Patel

AVOID THESE MISTAKES TO SCORE WELL IN THE IELTS WRITING TASK 1

Avoiding these mistakes is not a big hurdle to pass; concentration and a bit more of practice can help you achieve a good score in the IELTS Writing Task 1. 

IELTS writing task 1 is one of the tasks that you cannot ignore if you are planning to score well in the IELTS Academic writing. About 1/3rd of your writing marks depends on your performance in the IELTS Writing Task 1.

This task involves questions that are in the form of a pie chart, graph, table or simply a diagram; all these containing some information or data.

The goal of IELTS Writing task 1 is to access your skills of understanding and identifying the relevant information from this type of question and then asks you to summarize, describe or explain the given information in your own words.

In this task, the question given is to be answered in at least 150 words, and you are given 20 minutes to complete answering the question.

To score maximum marks avoid these common mistakes: -

1. Follow ideal word limit

Though you are allowed to exceed 25-30 words in each question in the IELTS writing task 1, still it is advisable for you to maintain the word limit.

IELTS requires you to focus on completing the task with short and crisp answers in a way that it speaks out the entire vital information given in the question. These short answers will depict a picture of your language efficiency or language skills. Moreover, less time consumed in answering this task will leave you with more time for the upcoming tasks.

      2. Tracking the time

Remember! The time allotted for the IELTS writing task 1 must be limited to 20 minutes.

Now, this is where many test-takers make a mistake! Unable to manage time in Task 1 leaves them with lesser time for the IELTS Writing Task 2, as you are given a total of 60 minutes for IELTS Writing Task 1 & Task 2.

The experts believe that splitting your 20 minutes into four slots of 5 minutes can be helpful to complete the task in the stipulated time.

Slot1: The first five minutes:

Spend the first five minutes to understand the given information in the question. While doing so, write down information to form a one or two-line introduction.

Slot2: The second five minutes:

After understanding every information, write a paragraph that speaks out the summary of the information.

Slot3: The third five minutes:

Add on to the information in the third paragraph in detail explaining the information provided in slot2.

Slot4: The final five minutes:

Write down the supporting information for the given information in the above slots and run a check through it to find out the obvious spelling and grammatical errors.

       3. Do not answer in First-person

Do not start any information with your point of view or by addressing yourself. You are only required to share the information provided in the given graph, chart, and/or tables.

       4. Do not repeat the question

While writing the introduction, it is more important to remember that ‘Do not repeat the Question’. You should rephrase the question without altering the meaning conveyed.

       5. Not every information is important

It is observed that often the IELTS exam taker tend to make a common mistake –the mistake of reporting everything they see.

Yes! It is not essential to include every bit of information that is visible or indicated in the charts, graphs or tables that are given in the question.

IELTS tests your ability to understand and identify the most relevant information. The best information presented is generally considered appropriate where you include 5 to 6 points of information. So, it means that you can add 3 points of data each in slot 3 and slot 4.

To avoid making these mistakes, the ultimate solution is to practice well. For regular practice, you can take help of apps like IELTS tutorials –Writing App, which you can access from anywhere at any time.

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