IELTS Writing Task 1 - Charts Lesson

Overview

This lesson is designed to help you effectively answer IELTS writing task 1 questions, specifically those involving charts. It covers common problems, different types of chart questions, examiner expectations, structure, and how to identify main features.

Common Problems

1. Not knowing which information to include.
2. Lack of awareness of examiner expectations.
3. Including opinions and conclusions.
4. Improper structure.
5. Inaccurate use of grammar for data description and comparisons.
6. Limited vocabulary.
7. Ineffective overview.
8. Copying phrases from the question.
9. Lack of supporting data for descriptions and trends.
10. Writing one long paragraph.

Different Kinds of Chart Questions

• Types:
  1. Line Chart
  2. Bar Chart
  3. Pie Chart
  4. Proportional Bar Chart
• Static vs Dynamic Charts:
  • Static: Shows data from one time period.
  • Dynamic: Shows change over time, requiring different tenses.

What IELTS Examiners Expect

1. Task Achievement: Accurate reflection of relevant information.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Clear, fluent, and structured responses.
3. Lexical Resource: Appropriate and varied vocabulary.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Correct grammar and varied sentence structures.

Structure

• Introduction (Paragraph 1):
  • Paraphrase the question.
• Overview (Paragraph 2):
  • Overview of main features without numbers.
  • General comparisons if needed.
• Details (Paragraphs 3 & 4):
  • Provide supporting details for each main feature.

Writing Tips

• Avoid writing a conclusion.
• Practice with the four-paragraph structure for consistency.

Identifying Main Features

• Focus on prioritizing significant features such as:
  • High/low values
  • Erratic/massive changes
  • Volatile or unchanging data
  • Major trends and notable exceptions
• Avoid overthinking; simple features are acceptable.

Sample Answer

• Discusses levels of charitable donations in Britain.
• Shows overall trends and specific differences between age groups over time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Read the question carefully.
2. Analyze the data.
3. Identify main features and possible comparisons.
4. Plan using the proposed structure.
5. Write and paraphrase the introduction.
6. Draft a summary or overview paragraph.
7. Support ideas with detailed paragraphs.
8. Use varied vocabulary.
9. Check grammar and ensure a minimum of 150 words.
10. Ensure clarity for someone to recreate the graph based on your writing.