Authentic Writing Practice for IELTS Task 1: Get Better Results
Download IELTS PDF | Writing Practice for IELTS Task 1
Here’s a quick guide to help you tackle this IELTS Writing Task 1 question:
Task
Summarise information from the graph about the number of people participating in various activities at a Melbourne social centre from 2000 to 2020. You need to identify and report the key features and compare data points of interest, where appropriate.
Planning (2-3 minutes)
- Look at the graph and identify the overall trends and key features
- Note the activities with the most/least participants
- Identify any significant changes or patterns over time
- Plan your paragraphs: introduction, overview, 2-3 body paragraphs with details
Writing (15-17 minutes)
- Introduction: Paraphrase the question, mention the graph type, topic, location, time period
- Overview: 2-3 general comments on the main trends
- Body paragraphs: Describe specific details, focus on significant features and comparisons
- Conclusion: Not required for Task 1, focus on fully developing your body paragraphs
Language
- Vary vocabulary to describe trends: increase, decrease, fluctuate, remain stable
- Choose precise language for comparisons: “considerably higher than”, “slightly lower than”
- Use past tense for historical data
- Include specific data points to support your descriptions
High Score
- Answer all parts of the task
- Organise information logically with clear progression
- Use a wide range of vocabulary and grammar accurately
- Group and compare data well
Example language
“The graph shows the participation in different activities at a social centre in Melbourne from 2000 to 2020. Sports was the most popular activity throughout the period while reading groups saw the biggest growth. Sports participation ranged from X to Y, peaking in 2010 with Z. The reading group had the lowest participation in 2000 but had a steady increase, surpassing cooking classes by 2015.”
Remember to vary your language, use precise comparisons, and support your statements with specific data from the graph.
During your test prep, make sure to consistently practice writing for IELTS Task 1 writing questions - and time yourself.
The more practice you do the quicker you will be able to identify the key task elements, plan a high-score response, and write it.
Good luck with your exam preparation!