Do’s and Don’ts for IELTS Writing Task 1
Do’s
Identify Common Mistakes
Find out your most frequent mistakes. When practicing, note down the four or five errors you make often, then focus on fixing them. This helps you become more efficient in your writing. You can also use grammar checking tools like Grammarly to spot mistakes.Read the Instructions Carefully
It may seem obvious, but many students overlook this step. Take a minute to read the question carefully and make sure you fully understand what it asks. Familiarize yourself with different types of Task 1 questions to save time during the exam.Paraphrase the Question
Avoid copying the question directly into your response. Paraphrase it using synonyms to show the examiner your ability to rephrase. For example:Question: The graph below shows the number of cinema-goers in the UK from 1998 to the present, with projections to 2018.
Paraphrase: The diagram illustrates the cinema attendance in the United Kingdom from 1998 to the present, with forecasts extending to 2018.
Use Signposting Language
Use phrases that guide the examiner through your writing, such as:“The chart shows…”
“One notable trend is…”
“Another significant change is…”
These phrases help the reader follow your ideas clearly.
Practice Using IELTS Answer Sheets
Practicing with the official IELTS answer sheets helps you get used to the space available for writing and ensures you stay within the required word count. This also familiarizes you with the exam format.Know How to Describe Changes
Use advanced vocabulary to describe changes, such as:“Minimal,” “gradual,” “moderate,” “significant,” “dramatic,” etc.
This will help you earn higher marks for Lexical Resource.
Plan Your Answer
Take time to organize your response before writing. Structure your answer into clear paragraphs (paraphrase, overview, details, details). Planning helps you provide a clear, coherent response.Write a Strong Overview
Your overview should summarize the main features without referencing specific numbers. Identify trends (e.g., increases, decreases, fluctuations) and mention them in general terms.Choose the Right Tense
Use the correct tense when describing the data. If it’s past data, use past tense; for future data, use future tense. Incorrect tenses can lower your score.Support with Accurate Data
In the details paragraphs, make sure to refer to data correctly. Only mention relevant data that supports your description of the key trends or features.
Don’ts
Don’t Mix Up Percentages and Numbers
Use appropriate words for percentages (e.g., “higher percentage of…”), and words like “many,” “few,” or “more” for numbers. Using them incorrectly can confuse the meaning.Don’t Give Your Opinion
Task 1 is about describing the data, not discussing your personal opinions. Do not speculate or explain reasons for the trends unless explicitly mentioned in the diagram.Don’t Use Bullet Points or Abbreviations
IELTS writing requires complete sentences. Bullet points and abbreviations are not acceptable and will affect your score.Don’t Include Every Single Detail
Don’t waste time writing about every small detail. Focus on the key features and trends—usually 2-3 points. Writing about unnecessary details won’t help and could reduce your score.Don’t Copy from the Question
Never copy the wording of the question or data from the diagram directly into your answer. The examiner will not count these words, and it will affect your score.Don’t Overuse Linking Words
Using too many linking words like “in addition,” “however,” and “moreover” can make your writing sound forced and unnatural. Limit them to about 6-7 in your response to ensure you don’t overdo it.Don’t Have Messy Handwriting
Illegible handwriting can cost you marks. If your handwriting is hard to read, the examiner won’t be able to assess your writing correctly.Don’t Use Informal Language
This is an academic test, so avoid using slang, colloquial language, or phrasal verbs. Stick to formal writing styles.Don’t Focus Only on Bar and Line Graphs
IELTS Writing Task 1 often includes other formats like pie charts, maps, and process diagrams. Don’t just practice bar and line graphs—be prepared for all question types.Don’t Panic
If you come across a diagram or chart you don’t understand, don’t panic. Just focus on describing what you see based on the data given. The IELTS exam is testing your English skills, not your knowledge of the topic.