IELTS Writing Task 1 - Some DOS And Don'ts

1. Which of these is the most important:

Accurate grammar

Range of vocabulary

Coherence and cohesion

Task achievement

All of them

All of them are equally important in both parts of the writing paper. Do not just focus on grammar and vocabulary - remember coherence and answering the question - they account for 50% of the marks

Explanation

All of them are equally important in both parts of the writing paper. Do not just focus on grammar and vocabulary - remember coherence and answering the question - they account for 50% of the marks

2. You should include all the information in the chart/graph/table.

True

False

You cannot include everything - you only have 150+ words. You need to include all the RELEVANT information

Explanation

You cannot include everything - you only have 150+ words. You need to include all the RELEVANT information

3. You should start writing after

2 minutes

4 minutes

6 minutes

8 minutes

It depends on you

There is no correct answer here really. How long you leave for thinking and planning is a matter of personal choice. I strongly suggest, however, you leave as much time as possible - 8 minutes is not too long.

Explanation

There is no correct answer here really. How long you leave for thinking and planning is a matter of personal choice. I strongly suggest, however, you leave as much time as possible - 8 minutes is not too long.

4. You shouldn't copy words from the question

True

False

It is sometimes okay

It is true that you should not copy whole phrases from the question, but you can use individual words from the question. For example, there is no good synonym for the word "broadband": it is better to copy this word than to make up your own incorrect variation.

Explanation

It is true that you should not copy whole phrases from the question, but you can use individual words from the question. For example, there is no good synonym for the word "broadband": it is better to copy this word than to make up your own incorrect variation.

5. You need to write a separate introductory paragraph and conclusion paragraph in IELTS task 1

True

False

This is not an essay. You need to have an introductory statement but you do not need a separate paragraph: it can be a sentence.

Explanation

This is not an essay. You need to have an introductory statement but you do not need a separate paragraph: it can be a sentence.

6. You need to plan your ideas in IELTS task 1 writing

True

False

The task is to describe. Any ideas/opinions are not relevant

Explanation

The task is to describe. Any ideas/opinions are not relevant

7. You must write about 150 words

True

False

You must write AT LEAST 150 words. If you write less than this you will be penalised

Explanation

You must write AT LEAST 150 words. If you write less than this you will be penalised

8. You should always write about the important trends.

True

False

The language of trends is only relevant to graphs with a time element. Sometimes the graphs are static and do not show a change over a period of time.

Explanation

The language of trends is only relevant to graphs with a time element. Sometimes the graphs are static and do not show a change over a period of time.