IELTS Writing Task 1: avoid common mistakes
Here's some advice to help you avoid common mistakes in IELTS
writing task 1:
1. Don't copy the question for your introduction. You should paraphrase the question (i.e. rewrite
it using some different words).
2. Don't forget to separate your paragraphs clearly.
3. Don't forget to write a good summary/overview of the information.
A quick one-sentence conclusion is not good enough. I prefer to put the
overview straight after the introduction, and I try to write 2 sentences describing
the information in general. You won't get a high score if you don't write a
good overview.
4. Don't describe items separately (e.g. 2 lines on a graph). You
should always try to compare things if it is possible to do so.
Instead of describing 2 lines separately, compare the 2 lines at key points.
5. Don't try to describe every number on a chart or graph (unless
there are only a few numbers). A key skill in task 1 is being able to choose the key information and
describe or compare it well. I usually mention around 6 or 7 numbers in my main
paragraphs.
6. Don't spend longer than 20 minutes on task 1. Practise spending 5
minutes on each of your 4 paragraphs. Stop yourself after 20 minutes; remember
that task 2 is worth more marks.