Introduction
In the IELTS writing task 1 you will need to describe a table, line graph, bar chart, pie chart or diagram in your own words. You will get 20 minutes to write 150 words.
IELTS writing task 1 marking criteria for academic and general training
Before starting with writing task 1 it is important to understand the marking criteria of this task. It is marked on the four criteria mentioned below.
Task achievement (Academic)
This criterion checks if the response has at least 150 words and is complete, appropriate, accurate and relevant to the given task.
It checks whether the test taker can
- Identify the key features of the task.
- Provide sufficient details about these features.
- Report Accurate figures and trends.
- Compare the data points.
- Identify and highlight trends and changes in trends.
- Use the appropriate format to respond.
Task achievement (General training)
It checks whether the test taker can
- Explain the purpose of the letter with clarity.
- Address the requirements of the task completely.
- Use the correct format for the letter.
- Maintain the correct tone throughout the task.
Coherence and Cohesion for task
Coherence means something that fits together well. This criterion checks whether the response is organised and developed well and whether the information presented is linked logically.
Cohesion means using the appropriate cohesive devices like pronouns, conjunctions etc. to connect the sentences properly.
This checks whether the test taker can
- Properly write in paragraphs while writing about the topic.
- Sequence ideas logically across paragraphs.
- Logically organise and progress the response.
- Appropriate use of discourse markers to help structure the information in a response e.g. firstly, secondly, finally
Lexical resource
This criterion checks the range, accuracy and appropriateness of the vocabulary a test taker uses to respond to a task.
It checks
- Range of words used. are they repeated or are synonyms used to ensure freshness to the text.
- The vocabulary used is appropriate and accurate to the given topic.
- Use of precise words and expressions for the given topic.
- Use of appropriate colocations, idioms and phrases.
- Errors in spelling.
- Errors in word formation.
Grammatical range and accuracy
This criterion checks the grammatical range a test taker uses when writing at the sentence level.
It accesses
- The sentence range, appropriateness and structure.
- Grammatical errors in the response.
- Accurate use of simple, compound and complex sentences.
- Correct use of punctuation.
IELTS academic waiting task 1 types
In the IELTS academic writing task 1, you have 7 different question types; you can get any of these in your exam.
- Line graph
- Table chart
- Pie chart
- Bar graph
- Process diagram
- Map
- Multiple graphs
Line graph
Source: Official IELTS website www.https://ielts.org
Table chart
Pie chart
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
Write at least 150 words.
Process diagram
Source: Official IELTS website www.https://ielts.org
Bar graph
Source: Official IELTS website www.https://ielts.org
Map
The maps below show the village of Stokeford in 1930 and 2010.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Multiple graphs
The pie chart shows the main reasons why agricultural land becomes less productive. The table shows how these causes affected three regions of the world during the 1990s.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
