IELTS Writing Task 1 in the IELTS Academic exam can be challenging as it requires careful analysis of the figures and presenting only the important highlights in your writing. If you have been scoring below Band 6 in IELTS Writing Task 1, you need to address several flaws to achieve at least Band 7. Let’s explore what you can do to improve your IELTS Writing Task 1 score in the Academic module.

1. Analyze Before Writing:

One common mistake made by candidates in the IELTS exam is not analyzing the question properly and immediately starting to write. This can cause you to overlook important key features necessary to score a minimum of Band 7 in IELTS Writing Task 1. For example, when describing a bar chart, read the question carefully to understand the main information presented in the chart, as this will help you write an appropriate introduction. Pay attention to the x-axis and y-axis to identify the units that need to be mentioned along with the figures, and be aware of any mathematical differences.

For instance, if the graph has x-axis values of 2010, 2012, and 2014, note that there is a difference of 2 years. You can use the term “after 2 years” while describing the trend.

2. Mention Only Important Features:

Some students mistakenly believe that they need to describe every detail in IELTS Writing Task 1 to meet the minimum word count. Instead, focus on analyzing the diagram and highlighting important insights.

For example:

Percentage of children interested in Science subject: 50% (1990) → 60% (2000) → 70% (2010) → 80% (2020)

Rather than including all the details, you can summarize the trend as follows:

The graph shows a consistent increase in children’s interest in the Science subject, rising from 50% in 1990 to 80% in 2020, with an increment of 10%.

3. Paraphrase, Compare, and Contrast:

Paraphrasing is an important skill in IELTS Writing Task 1. Use synonyms, change word order, or convert active to passive voice, but avoid copying the question as it is. Additionally, make comparisons to identify similarities in the trends presented in bar charts or line graphs. Also, highlight any significant differences in the graph.

For example:

Consumption of food is gradually increasing in Country A, while it is declining in Country B.

4. Reviewing at the End:

Proofreading your work is crucial as it allows you to identify and correct mistakes related to grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, tense, spelling, and more. Take 1-2 minutes at the end to review your IELTS Writing Task 1 response to make a significant difference in your band score performance.