The article sheds light on the possible mistakes you could make in the IELTS writing task 1 academics exam and ways to avoid them. Keep reading to learn how to attempt task 1 with complete accuracy. 

Understanding Writing Task 1

In your IELTS writing task academics, you are going to come across two questions. The questions are divided into two tasks. We are trying to understand Task 1 here. 

Writing task 1 needs to be completed in about 20 minutes, so you have more time for the second task. The total time for the tasks is 60 minutes. In the first task, you will be required to write the answer with atleast 150 words. 

IELTS writing task 1 in your academics exam is a test based on different types of questions, wherein the information will be provided to you in the form of bar graphs, line graphs, tables, pie charts or a process diagram. 

The pictorial representation forms the first part of the questions. In the second part, you will be offered certain information that is a direct reflection of the graphs/images presented earlier. The third part of the question will tell you the exact task, wherein you will be required to summarise your findings and compare your reflections based on the data given in the first two parts of the question. 

Below is given an example of a type of question that could form a part of your Writing Task 1.

In the question, you will be required to summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features by making comparisons.The bar graph is giving you information about the total number of phone calls made in the UK in terms of minutes of calling, which are further divided into three categories. 

The question will comprise three parts, wherein you will be asked to summarise your findings in atleast 150 words.

The information given in the question is provided with respect to the bar graph. The bar graph forms the pictorial representation of the same question and the third part of the question will ask you what needs to be done. 

You are required to summarise your findings and write atleast 150 words on the same. 

Mistakes to avoid in IELTS writing task 1 academics 

1. Not understanding the question completely. 

The number one mistake an aspirant could make is to not understand or analyse the question completely. 

Always take 1-2 minutes with the question, studying it with accuracy before you begin writing your answer. Read the instructions carefully and the data provided in the question image. Understand what needs to be done and what is being said. Look for ideas to form your answer properly through this understanding. 

To illustrate: In the example presented above, if you do not understand the right values presented on the bar graph or miss out on reading the years the information is spread out in, you could get your data analysis wrong and could write the wrong answer. 

Understanding the right information is integral to getting the right band score. If you do not get your basics right, the answer might be wrong and you could lose your desired band score on the basis of task response and accuracy. 

The only way to correct this mistake is to spend some calm time with the question and analyse it correctly, with all the little details and you are good to go! 

2. Writing explanation for the data 

The third part of the question clearly asks you to summarise your findings. Therefore, if you are writing in detail about the question, it is not going to produce a brief, summarised answer. Simply report how significantly the data is changing and what could be the possible explanation behind this change. 

You do not have to go ahead and copy every little detail of the data presented. If you do, you are not only overtly complicating your answer, but you are also increasing your word limit. Along with the same, you are also simply copying the question as it is. You do not have to do that. 

You have to write about why things are the way they are. Therefore, try to not include the exact information for the data presented in the question or frame the details out as they are. 

3. Not writing an overview 

Overview is a significant part of the complete answer you are trying to write. Therefore, never forget to write an overview. 

The overview can be a simple and short paragraph that explains to the examiner about the integral aspects that you are going to discuss in your answer. The overview paragraph should not talk in detail about the data, rather it should talk about a general idea of the features you are trying to shed light on. 

Presenting a clear overview is an important part of your answer for task 1. 

4. Adding and mentioning every little detail 

Talking about the information presented in the question does not entail you explaining every little detail. Just like you should not exactly present the question, as it is, as stated above in point 2, you should not add every little detail in terms of the question. 

Be selective when it comes to presenting your answer. Not every single change is significant. Minimal changes in the data can be avoided. You should talk about the significant trends and changes. Summarise the trends, be brief with the details you provide in the answer. 

5. Not planning your answer 

When it comes to answering task 1, you must ensure you are planning your answer before you begin writing. Not planning your answer could lead to losing grip right in the middle of writing your answer. 

Organise your answer beforehand. Attempt only after taking a minute or two with your question understanding and framing. 

Introduce your answer, then give your overview of what you are aiming at writing. Then talk about the main features in detail and your answer will be done. 

Keep the answer simple and short, yet informative. It should be easy to understand and read. 

If you do not plan and organize your answer correctly, you could lose your desired band score on the basis of task accuracy and completion parameter as well as task coherence parameter. 

Follow our YouTube channel “Unlock IELTS with Richa” for more such great tips and tricks to crack your upcoming IELTS exam in an easy way. All the best!