IELTS general writing task 1 | Format and tips!

IELTS General Writing Task 1 | A brief overview

The IELTS general writing task 1 is the key to measuring your writing abilities to deal with practical, real-life scenarios like requesting information or explaining situations to individuals. The task includes writing a formal or informal letter to the addressee while explaining the given situation.

IELTS general writing task 1 | What is it?

The IELTS general writing task 1 requires you to write a letter to measure your communication skills. You get 20 minutes to respond to a question by writing a 150-word letter to an individual, company, or institution, depending on the requirement. You need to write a letter responding to a given situation and explain it or request information regarding a specific topic.

Your response as an IELTS candidate is 30% of the complete writing score. You will get marked depending on grammar, vocabulary, coherence, cohesion, and task achievement.

IELTS general writing task 1 | Format of letter writing

You get to write either of the three types of letters mentioned below in an IELTS general writing task.
● Formal letter
● Informal letter

Each letter format requires a different writing style that includes
● A starting and closing situation
● Formal and informal expressions
● Multiple grammatical forms

So, before you begin the IELTS general test writing task 1, you must do the following.
● Read the instructions thoroughly.
● Identify the letter type if it is a formal or an informal one.
● Understand its purpose.
● Plan your letter format and start drafting it.

IELTS writing task 1 general training | How to identify the letter’s purpose?

You can recognize a letter’s purpose by checking the following points.
● What is the given situation?
● Do you know the addressee?

You can plan well to write your letter after knowing the IELTS general writing task format structure.

IELTS general test writing task 1 | Band scores and marking criteria

The IELTS general writing task 1 gets assessed depending on a band score of 0 to 9 related to four distinct criteria. Around 2-4 examiners mark the IELTS general writing tasks 1 and 2 to ensure the highest accuracy levels. The assessment criteria remain the same for all IELTS general and academic training.

An examiner evaluates your writing for the writing task 1 assessment depending on the following criteria, each of which weighs 25% of the total marks.

Here are the IELTS writing task 1 general training marking criteria for each assessment criterion.

Task achievement

The examiner uses the task achievement criteria to check the candidate’s accuracy, detail, overview, and information. Here is the assessment from bands 5 to 8.

Band 5: Lack of overview, inadequate coverage of key features, lack of data, and incorrect information.

Band 6: Little overview, adequate coverage of key features, well-selected information, and a few incorrect information.

Band 7: Clear overview, clear key feature highlights, accurate information, and requires development in a few areas.

Band 8: Clear overview, well-illustrated key features, and sufficient coverage of all requirements.

Coherence and cohesion

The examiner uses this criterion to check the candidate’s organization of information, paragraphing, and use of linking words. Here is the assessment from bands 5 to 8.

Band 5: Little organization of details, limited paragraphing, and lack of reference.

Band 6: Coherent data organization, reasonable paragraphing, errors in linking, faulty references.

Band 7: Logical information organization, fine paragraphing, overuse of linking devices, fine references.

Band 8: Logical interpretation of ideas, sufficient paragraphing, effective linking management, and no referencing issues.

Lexical resource

The examiner uses the lexical resource criterion to check the candidate’s use of vocabulary and the number of spelling mistakes. Here is the assessment from bands 5 to 8.

Band 5: Minimal vocabulary range, frequent errors in spelling and word formation, and difficult reading.

Band 6: Ample vocabulary range, utilization of less common words, few errors in spelling and word choice.

Band 7: Sufficient vocabulary range, use of less common words, and occasional errors in spelling and word choice.

Band 8: Wide vocabulary range, skillful use of less common words, and rare or no spelling and word choice errors.

Grammatical accuracy

The examiner uses the grammatical range criterion to check the candidate’s grammar, sentence structure, control of tenses, and the number of mistakes. Here is the assessment from bands 5 to 8.

Band 5: Limited sentence structure, use of complex sentences, frequent grammatical and punctuation, and reading difficulties.

Band 6: Use of complex and simple sentences, few grammar issues and punctuation errors, and clear communication.

Band 7: Multiple sentence structures, error-free sentences, good control over grammar, and few errors.

Band 8: Complex and error-free sentences.

IELTS general writing task 1 tips

You must know how to write the IELTS writing task 1 and general techniques and approaches to get a high score.

• Spend at least 3-4 minutes planning your letter.
• Keep the word count between 160 to 180 because the requirement is 150 words.
• You need not add an address to your letter.
• Pay attention to your tone and style of writing after you identify the letter’s purpose.
• Use at least three points to structure your letter and provide the required information.
• Ensure to add all relevant points to your letter to avoid getting a low band score.
• Use your imagination to decide the names of individuals and fill in personal details on your letter.
• Start your letter by addressing the individual, followed by an opening line.
• Ensure to sign off appropriately after you complete drafting your letter.
• Be careful about the academic language you use in your letter.
• Take care of the spelling and punctuation to ensure accuracy.
• Organize your letter into appropriate paragraphs.

Key takeaways

• The IELTS general writing task 1 helps evaluate your communication skills.
• IELTS general writing task 1 format structure involves writing formal or informal letters.
• Examiners evaluate the IELTS writing tasks via specific band scores.
• IELTS general writing task 1 tips can provide you with the correct approach and techniques to secure a high score.

For guidance on the IELTS writing tasks and other overseas education exams, get in touch with us today!

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FAQs

Q1. What is the validity of my IELTS score?

Answer – Your IELTS score has a validity of 2 years.

Q2. Can a candidate retake an IELTS test?

Answer – You cannot retake a single section of the test. However, you can retake the complete test.

Q3. Can a candidate re-evaluate IELTS general writing test scores?

Answer – A candidate can apply for the Enquiry on Results (EOR) if not satisfied with the test scores.