IELTS Writing Task 1 Question Types
The writing test of IELTS is divided into 2 tasks- task 1 and task 2. As far as task 1 is concerned, Task 1 academic and task 1 general, both are different. IELTS writing task 1 academic belongs to write input which means what you get from the hints and need to explain these hints in the word limit of minimum 150 words. While in the case of task 1 general, you have to write an application or letter.
Task 2 belongs to essay writing in which you have to write an essay in 250 words.
The total time period for IELTS writing is 60 minutes. You have to spend 20 minutes for task 1 because there are just 3 bands for task 1 while 6 bands are for task 2. Therefore, spend your other 40 minutes on task 2. Because task 2 is tougher than task 1 and the word limit is also more than task 1. This article deals with IELTS writing task 1 question types helping you to give a detailed idea about types of questions in IELTS writing task 1. Also read the article IELTS writing assessment criteria for having detailed information about the assessment process.
IELTS writing task 1 academic
There are different types of questions that you face in the IELTS writing test. Hints are given in the test; you just need to understand the given hints and provide perfect answer which is required by examiner. In fact, examiner evaluates your understanding level and intelligent quotient that how well you elaborate all of those hints.
There are following different types of questions in IELTS writing task 1 academic:
- Graph
- Bar chart
- Pie chart
- Table
- Map
- Diagram
Summary: IELTS Writing Task 1 Question Types
The writing test of IELTS- Task 1 and Task 2 are different and the task 1 academic and task 1 general are also different in terms of question types. Task 1 is about the question types related to charts or Graphs in at least 150 words while task 2 refers to write an essay of 250 words.
Task 1 general contains the statement to write a letter in terms of different types of situations asked in the statement of the question while IELTS writing task 1 academic contains the questions related to charts, graphs, or process diagrams with a statement to describe with the minimum word limit of 150 words. In this test, you can face pie charts, graphs, bar charts, tables, maps or diagrams. IELTS sample charts for writing task 1 are given in this article to aware you more about this task. A sample for IELTS writing task 1 general is also provided in this article to familiarize you about the question types and the nature of the question. practicing the samples of IELTS writing task 1 are very helpful to make you expert in writing as well as to get good bands in IELTS writing task 1 test.
Tips and tricks given in the article help you that how to save time in writing test task 1 and how to manage whole test of the writing task 1. Over all, the samples for IELTS writing task 1 and a brief discussion about question types in IELTS writing task 1 is very helpful for the aspirants of IELTS.
IELTS writing task 1 samples are provided in this article to help you in such a way that you can understand all about IELTS academic writing task 1 and sample answers in a precise time period. The IELTS writing task 1 sample questions and their charts will help you to know the structure and nature of the test.
Graph
In this question type, you will face a graph with a statement about that paragraph. In this graph, specific type of information is given to provide information briefly. This graph can be on any type of topic like different types of report graph from different organizations like UNICEF, UN, WHO, IMF, G20, SAARC or FATF etc., stock exchange graph, computational graphs or different types of mathematical calculation graphs.
The graph given in the test provides highlighted points, you have to elaborate these main points in the test. All the features, main ideas, comparisons etc. are clearly needed to be explained. Word limit mentioned in the statement is to be followed in answer.
A graph is given below as a sample to show you which types of graphs are there in IELTS writing test.
The graph below shows the average monthly change in the prices of three metals during 2014. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words. |
This is the example of IELTS writing task 1 line graph.
Bar chart
As like graph, the question types are same in bar chart, just the structure and nature are different as compared to graph, but the content of both types are same. In bar chart, you are given an information to describe which you understood from the statement.
Bar chart is given below as a sample to familiarize you about bar graph.
The chart shows the average number of hours each day that Chinese, American, Turkish and Brazilian tourists spent doing leisure activities while on holiday in Greece in August 2019. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where it is relevant. Write at least 150 words. |
Pie chart
It is also one of the question types, mostly appeared in IELTS writing task 1 academic test to make a report in just a way that all main points and specific information will be provided.
Pie charts mostly cover the topics related to nature like any scientific research by chart related to nature, or any other chart related to solar system, earth, greenhouse effect, global warming, ozone layer or something other.
A statement is given in the test and you have to follow the statement and explain all points according to statement and always remain in limit. Pie chart question sample is given below.
The pie charts below compare the proportion of energy capacity in gigawatts (GW) in 2015 with the predictions for 2040. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words. |
Table
In the table type questions, you will face a table containing information about a topic, it can be report, analysis, comparison or something other. You have to describe all the facts given in the table with clear and concise way that all the aspects will be easily understood. Remember about the word limit and always follow the statement provided with table to tell you exactly what to do.
A sample for Table question is given below:
The tables below show people’s reasons for giving up smoking, and when they intend to give up. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words. |
Map
It is also one of the types of question you can face in the test of IELTS writing task 1 academic. In this type of question, you are given a map and you need to describe the statement. You can face the map of any place in which specific information is given. You have to provide all factual information according to the instructions and statement from the question.
The maps show Pacific Railway Station in 1998 and now. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words. |
Diagram
Sometimes, you can face a diagram related to different topic. Mostly, a number of candidates face a diagram of any processing action but it does not mean, you can also get the same. Different types of other diagrams can be faced by candidates in their test. Therefore, I must recommend to prepare your test from all angles to get desired bands in the test.
In the question type of diagram, you have to describe diagram according to the statement given in the test and always use limited words to describe any question.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The diagrams below show a structure that is used to generate electricity from wave power. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words. |
IELTS writing task1 general
This test is the part of IELTS general. In this test of IELTS writing task 1 general training refers to write a letter in terms to request, complaint, suggest or to explain the situation etc. The word limit for IELTS writing task 1 general is at least 150 words.
The time to spend on such task is 20 minutes, it does not mean to spend exact 20 minutes. The total duration for IELTS writing test is about 60 minutes in which you have to complete both tasks- task 1 and task 2. Task 2 is lengthy one and carries more bands than task 1; due to this reason I suggest you to spend 20 minutes for task 1.
The abilities that are assessed by examiners in the writing task are:
- How candidates engage in communication.
- How well candidates give factual information.
- How they compare the situation of different types.
- How they explain the needs, demands and requests.
- How they explain their views, their complaints or opinions about specific situation.
Sample of IELTS writing task 1 general
The sample is given below to familiarize you about the test of IELTS writing task 1 general.
You are looking for a part time job. Write a letter to company. In your letter: introduce yourself explain which type of job do you like tell him about your experience and skills which you have Begin your letter as follow: Dear Sir/Madam _________ |
Tips for IELTS writing task 1 question types
- Always remember the time period, because you have just one hour to complete the tasks of IELTS writing task 1 and task 2.
- Follow instructions carefully.
- Try to remain in word limit. Do not cross the limit of words.
- Spend 20 minutes for task 1.
- Spend 40 minutes for task 2.
- Don’t forget to spare some time for proof reading.
- Different types of diagrams you can face in the test, so practice all types of charts or diagrams.
In a nutshell- IELTS writing task 1 question types
IELTS writing task 1 is easier than IELTS writing task 2. Task 1 academic and task 1 general both tests are different regarding question types. Task 1 contains questions in which different types of figures and facts related to figure are given to describe.
There are different types of questions in task 1 like graphs, pie charts, diagrams, table or maps. In these types of questions, you have to describe the whole statement according to the figure provided in test. While in case of IELTS writing task 2, you have to write a letter according to the statement given in the test.
The samples of multiple questions in task 1 academic and task 1 general are provided to inform you about the nature and structure of the test, and tips and tricks will help a lot to get good bands in IELTS writing task 1.