IELTS Writing Task 1 | How to score a band 8 or above?

IELTS Exam | An overview

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized English language proficiency assessment for non-native English speakers. The exam determines your eligibility for further studies, employment, or immigration to English-speaking nations. IELTS has an important section called IELTS Writing Task 1.

There are 2 sections of the IELTS exam – Academic and General Training. The academic exam is utilized for educational objectives, while General Training is for jobs and immigration purposes. It is important to note that the exam’s reading, listening, and writing sections occur in one session. The speaking section is assessed on the same day or seven days before or after the exam.

IELTS is jointly owned and managed by the British Council, IDP Education Australia, and Cambridge English Language Assessment.

IELTS writing task 1 – Academic test

The academic test requires you to practice charts, pies, bar graphs, maps, diagrams, and IELTS writing task 1 tables for the process.

General training test

The general training test only includes letters for writing task 1.

Tips for nailing the IELTS writing task 1

The IELTS writing task 1 can be completed with much ease, given you stick to the right strategies. Here are a few steps that can help you score better in the IELTS writing task – 

1. Read passages carefully

This is one of the most crucial steps to nailing the writing task. If you don’t read and understand the passages correctly, you won’t be able to answer the questions in the right way. There is no substitute nor a shortcut to this step. Take note of the passage’s tonality and keep track of the keywords, which will eventually help you get a deeper meaning of it. 

2. Creating an outline for the essay

A strong structure can explain the fundamental concepts of your essay in detail without exceeding the word limit. On the other hand, a weak structure may lead to a disorganized essay that may prove counterproductive.

Therefore, a structure with a good flow can help you precisely put down your ideas on paper. It will speed up your writing and ensure that you haven’t missed out on anything.

3. Avoid an informal tone

It is crucial to remember and implement this tip for both academic and general training exams. In the General exam, you don’t have to write in a formal style unless you are supposed to work on a formal letter. The other important thing to remember is that, unless advised otherwise, avoid writing in the first or second person.

4. Keep track of the word count

One of the most challenging parts of IELTS writing task 1 is sticking to the word limit. Opposing the popular belief, writing a lesser word count might be more complicated than writing a long one. It is evident that more words provide more room to expand on your ideas, yet the IELTS test permits just 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2.

However, your band score may plummet if you write too little. The word count in IELTS is used to see if you can express yourself clearly with the given word limit.

5. Consistent practice

The only way to get better at writing is to keep practicing it. Practice test books may help you with the same. When it’s time for the actual exam, you’ll know exactly what to expect and do in the exam paper.

6. Opt for a mentor

IELTS writing preparation requires continuous guidance, which is possible with the help of a professional with prior experience. Therefore, look for a mentor who can guide you throughout your preparation and help you reach your desired score.

7. Time management

Efficient time management is essential in all aspects of the exam, whether preparing for it or writing it. Here are some steps that you can inculcate in your study routine –

• Allow 2-3 minutes for planning, selecting, and commenting on the paper.
• Only spend 10-15 minutes drafting responses in the paper. Refrain from adding any additional ideas at this point.
• Allow 2-3 minutes for proofreading and making minor corrections. Receiving feedback on your essay can help you figure out the problem areas in your paper. 

8. Proofreading

Despite being the last step, proofreading is crucial to scoring better. When we write, we make mistakes in grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and other areas that can only be fixed if we take another look at them. Proofreading your work is essential since it allows you to spot errors that can impact your band score in the writing section.

Key takeaways

• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 aims to assess and test English language writing abilities.
• To get a good band, you must pass the test within the time limit and meet all of the qualifications and elements that contribute to the purpose.
• The above-mentioned points are some general tips for achieving a high score. However, there may also be more factors that contribute to a good band, which may vary for each student. 

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. In case of any further assistance, reach out to us or drop a comment below!

FAQs

Q1. How can you best practice IELTS writing task 1?

Answer- You can best practice IELTS writing task 1 with the following steps- 

• Understanding how the test is marked.
• Paraphrasing the question.
• Writing the overview.
• Lastly, take a final glance at your work.

Q2. How many paragraphs are included in IELTS writing 1?

Answer- There are 4 main paragraphs in IELTS writing task 1.

Q3. Can you wear a watch for the IELTS exam?

Answer- No, wearing a watch in the IELTS test room is not allowed.