IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: How to Achieve a 7+ Score?

There is a difference between what to present and how to present and this is something that you need to master when preparing for IELTS Academic Writing Task.

Here we will take a look at what an academic writing task is and how you can score 7+.

What is the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1?

Academic writing task requires you to comprehend the bar, chart, data, and write a summary of at least 150 words.  Yes, you can write above 150 words but make sure to write at least 150 words.

If you are thinking 149 words will do, then you are wrong. It should either be exact 150 or more than that. Well, a summary of 150 words is more than enough to get your point across.
The task aims to test your English communication skills.  It tests your ability to select, write the main features, compare, and identify the significance of the factual information. 

As a part of the task, you will need to write the summary which should cover-

• An introduction
• Overview
• Body Paragraphs 

How should you start the summary paragraph?

Always remember while starting the paragraph, you can paraphrase the question and then begin with the overview of the chart or the data given to you.  You can use the keywords given in the data (date, time, and place in the introduction given in the question).

The overview should summarize what you see in the diagram. It should summarize:

• Trends
• Changes
• Development
• Noticeable features

You need to elaborate 2-3 key features in the body paragraphs using nice vocabulari and sentence stuctures.

To conclude the summary, state the main points to support your point and give your opinion or suggest a plan of action.

What are the assessment criteria for Academic Writing task 1?

There are 4 parameters for the assessment of the Academic Writing task:

• Task Achievement
• Coherent and Cohesion
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy

These criteria share equal weightage for the assessment.

For achieving a 7 plus band score you need to cover the requirement and provide a complete overview of the trends. Highlight the key features of the data and present the data in a presentable decorum.

Use a good range of cohesive devices in proportionately.

The aspirants share flexibility in using vocabulary in the task.  The use of common lexical devices in sync with the right style and collocation is something that confirms a good score.
Furthermore, the aspirant needs to have a good hold over grammar with minimal scope for mistakes.
The task tests your English writing abilities and paying attention to these points will help you achieve the desired score.

What style should you use in academic writing task 1?

The task demands the best display of your writing skills within 200 words, or 150 to be specific.  While writing, remember to use a formal writing style.

Below is the basic structure you should follow while framing your answer.

Introduction + Body Para 1 +Body Para 2+ Overview

                                Or

Introduction + Overview+ Body Para 1+Body Para 2

Common Graphics to Comprehend under Academic Writing task 1

Under the academic writing section, you will find any of the below graphics:

• Bar graph
• Line graph
• Pie chart
• Table Chart
• Process diagram
• Map
• Multiple graphs

Tips to Score Well In IELTS Academic Writing Essay:

The tips below will help you in scoring well in the IELTS Academic writing essay:

• Analyze  the question
• Identifying the primary features
• Introduction
• Overview
• Streamlined paragraphs

In the introduction, you need to paraphrase the question.

For writing the paragraph, you can break the issue into 2 to make two paragraphs.  You can write about the trend in the first one and highlight the other major point in the second paragraph.  The second paragraph should seem blended with the first one or a contradicting one.

In overview, refrain from adding any facts or figures. You just need to understand the question and interpret it in your words.

Top Academic Writing Vocabulary Tips

• Make your overview strong and presentable by using words like as a general trend, as is observed, Generally, In common, as an overall trend, Overall, as is presented, and more.
• Likewise, you can use different words in the body paragraphs like identical to, exactly the same, almost the same as, nearly the same as, the reverse is the case, practically the same as, precisely the same, etc.
• In language, you can use different synonyms for Increase, decrease, or no change as per the data.
• For a time, you can use duration, between, from, over the period, over the next/previous day, and year.
• For mentioning percentage in academic writing, you can use words like one out of five, ten percent of, one out of two, one half of, 50% of, etc. 

So, this is how you can achieve the desired score in your IELTS Academic Writing task 1.For more information, Subscribe to Unlock IELTS with Richa on YouTube and open doors to success. `