Do you read IELTS Writing forums?
Do you wonder if you can trust the answers posted there?
In this series, we answer questions that were posted on IELTS forums.
This way you know you are getting answers you can trust!
#1: Writing Task 1 question
I went through some of the online resources and I realized that there may be times when there will be a combination of data (eg. table + bar chart / line graph + pie chart etc.). In these situations, do we describe the data separately (eg. one paragraph per chart) or do we attempt to draw links between the two sets of data?
When charts show unrelated data, you will describe them separately.
Comparisons can only be made if the data is related.
Task 1 strategy
Draw a line separating the information into two groups.
Write about each group in its own paragraph.
For example, imagine you have a task that has two graphs or charts.
One shows numbers of books checked out at libraries and one shows genres of these books.
In this case, draw a line between the two graphs or charts.
Number of books from different libraries will be detailed in the first body paragraph.
Information about book genres will go in the second body paragraph.
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What should be in the overall trend?
You must include an overall trend in every Task 1 essay.
For this type of essay, information for both charts must be included.
Band 9 overall trend: Overall, the most massive amount of books were loaned by Ryeslip and the most paltry number were borrowed at Church Mount and West Eaton, while fiction was by far the most popular genre.
#2: Writing Task 1 question
For opinion questions (“to what extent do you agree / disagree?), where there are two sides to a question, must we include points from both sides, or can we just fully agree or disagree in our paper?
You must cover all parts of the question in your essay.
You have 2 options with this type of essay.
You can write an argument essay, addressing both sides or you can write an opinion essay with a concession.
Let’s look at an example and share how you’d do each.
Example Task 2
The government’s investment in arts, music and theatre is a waste of money. Governments should invest these funds in public services instead.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
#1: Argument essay
- Introduction restating the topic with your opinion and a thesis statement
- First body paragraph is about the side you don’t agree with
- Second body paragraph is about the side you agree with
- Conclusion
#2: Opinion essay
- Introduction restating the topic with your opinion and a thesis statement
- First body paragraph is about the side you agree with
- Second body paragraph starts with a concession acknowledging the other side and providing one reason people might believe that. Then the rest of the paragraph is the side you agree with: “However, I maintain that… because [reason] + details/examples”
Don’t miss the rest of the series!
This is a 4-part series!
Scroll up for Part 1 with answers to forum questions about Listening.
If you missed it, you should also check out Part 1 with answers to Reading forum questions.
Stay tuned this Friday for the final installment answering Speaking questions!
Takeaway
Be careful when reading IELTS forum questions and answers.
You don’t know who is posting this information!
When you join 3 Keys IELTS, you are immediately admitted to our community!
There, you can ask all your IELTS questions and get answers you trust!
What questions do you have from today’s episode?
Please leave a comment below.
