IELTS Writing Task 1: Common Types of Question

This article provides an overview of the seven common types of questions in IELTS Writing Task 1. Don't miss it if you want to improve your band score!

Most of us know that IELTS is sort of a test that assesses our English ability in terms of four skills: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Therefore, there is no way for you to beat this exam unless you work your butt off and put in maximum effort.

Out of the 4 skills, Writing is considered to be the hardest one for Vietnamese candidates due to differences in the way think, express, and prioritize our ideas. Anyhow, the IELTS Academic Writing test is divided into 2 sections, IELTS Writing Task 1 and 2. In order to do well in Task 1, you will need to be aware of the common types of questions in this section. No more beating around the bush, let’s get right into this article to find out what they are.

1. Key points about IELTS Writing Task 1

1.1. Basic requirements in Task 1

• In IELTS Writing Task 1, you will be given a chart(s), diagram(s), graph(s) or a table(s) and be asked to write a paragraph of at least 150 words to describe it. Writing too short will cause you to lose your points.
• On the other hand, writing more than 150 words is fine, your marks will not be deducted. However, you had better not do that in case you run out of time to finish Task 2, which is much longer. Notably, Task 2 will be double in points so you have to manage your time efficiently.
• You are asked to describe and compare the data. There could be more than just one chart; nevertheless, they are related to each other to some extent.
• Besides charts and tables, sometimes in the exam, you will see a process, or a diagram of an object’s structure and you will have to describe them as well.

1.2. Important notes while doing Task 1

• If you digress from what you are required to write about, your mark will be negatively affected.
• Your answer must be displayed in the format of an essay or paragraphs, not bullet points.
• The words used in your answer should be formal and academic.
• Rather than trying to list out all the details that you are able to see, focus on the striking features, changes, and differences or important data.
• The total time you get for the Writing section is 60 minutes so you should spend at most 20 minutes for Task 1.
• Plagiarism will be taken into account as cheating. If you do this, you will face deduction in your scores or other forms of punishment.

1.3. Marking criteria

• Task achievement: Your ability to complete the task (25%)
• Coherence and Cohesion: How the sentences are connected and related to each other (25%)
• Lexical resource: Your vocabulary usage (25%)
• Grammatical range and Accuracy: Your ability in using different tenses and how exactly they are (25%)

Your answer will be marked based on 4 criteria above, so try to swot up on it and optimize your performance while taking the test. Another thing you could do to better prepare yourself is to be aware of all the types of questions you may see in the exam as to figure out how do deal with them.

2. Seven common types of questions in IELTS Writing Task 1

2.1. Line graph

In this type of question, you will be given one, or more than one graph. Line graph is a graphical presentation of objects. For each object, there will be a line that connect points and represents its changes over time. If there is only one line, it will be easier to describe. When the number of line increases, however, it will be more complex since you will not only have to describe, but also compare lines with each other. Line chart is kind of versatile and common in IELTS Writing. You will be required to write a paragraph of at least 150 words to describe, compare, or highlight the trends in the graph.

Example

Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS 11 – Test 3 – Writing Task 1

2.2. Bar chart

This type of question will present one or more charts where the data is displayed in vertical or horizontal bars. It is typically used to emphasize the comparison between objects. Depending on each bar chart, either the vertical or horizontal bars will indicate the data of different subjects. Still the same requirements, you will have to write at least 150 words in a paragraph to describe, compare or point out the changes or the trend on the bar chart.

Example

Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS 12 – Test 7 – Writing Task 1

2.3. Pie chart

The pie chart is divided into many sectors, each representing statistics (in percentage) for a factor. Together, these sectors illustrate the components of a larger whole. For example, consider a pie chart showing the dietary ratios of Vietnamese people in February 2016 across different age groups: 15-20, 20-25, 25-30, and 30-35. This kind of chart is therefore used to display the percentage each group contributes to the overall picture and allows you to analyze and compare these groups with each other. As a result, you will be able to assess the importance or the domination of these factors.

Each factor is displayed in a different color. The names and corresponding colors will be listed in a note beside or below the chart.

You will be asked to describe, compare and contrast the data in a 150 word-paragraph.

Example

Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS 11 – Test 1 – Writing Task 1

2.4. Table

There will be one or more tables containing data on a specific topic. Your job is to write a paragraph of at least 150 words to analyze and compare the statistics provided in the tables (or describe trends and changes over time, …)

Example

Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS 10 – Test 2 – Writing Task 1

2.5. Map

Compared to the other types of questions mentioned earlier, the one featuring maps tend to appear less frequently. However, just because it is less common doesn't mean you won't see it on the test. Be cautious.

For this type, you will write a 150 word-paragraph to describe the map. There are 2 main formats:

• One map: You are asked to describe a map of a random place, usually in the present. Actually, this format rarely appears in the IELTS Writing Task 1 because there is usually only one map, leaving little room for comparison or contrast.
• Two maps: This format is more likely to show up on the test. You will typically be presented with two maps of the same location, possibly depicting different timelines or projects. Let's look at an example:

“You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The maps below show the city of Amsterdam in 2006 and 2010.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.”

Since the times depicted are not identical, you should be able to use the tenses flexibly and point out the changes of the given place in different timelines.

Example

Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS 17 – Test 1 – Writing Task 1

2.6. Process

The image of a process will be given in the exam, this process could be a natural process such as the lifespan of an animal, or an artificial process like manufacturing or nourishing. You are responsible for writing a 150 word-paragraph to describe that process. In detail, you have to mention all the steps or phases in order without missing one. The steps will be displayed using arrows.

Example

Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS 12 – Test 8 – Writing Task 1

2.7. Multiple charts

In IELTS Writing Task 1, you may encounter prompts asking you to write a paragraph of at least 150 words describing two or more different types of charts and graphs, such as pie charts with bar charts or line graphs with pie charts. In some cases, test takers may feel very confused and unsure with what to do. However, there is no need to feel that way because the charts will be related to each other.

Example

Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS 11 – Test 4 – Writing Task 1

In conclusion, this article has shown you a pretty clear vision of the common question types in IELTS Writing Task 1. Remember to practice these 7 types and keep in mind that you should complete this task in only 20 minutes.

---