IELTS Writing Task 1, Simon

IELTS Writing Task 1-(Simon IELTS)

1. Introduction: write one sentence to introduce what the graph shows. Just paraphrase the question statement (i.e. change a few words).

2. Summary: describe 2 main things e.g. the overall trend for all 3 countries, and the biggest change that you can see.

3. Details: compare all 3 countries in 1940, then in 1990.

4. Details: describe the dramatic increase predicted for Japan, and compare all 3 countries in 2040.

Explanations:

1. Structure - 4 paragraphs: introduction, overview, 2 specific details

2. Paraphrasing - proportion of the population = percentage of people (find more examples)

3. Overview - overall trend, then biggest change

4. Selecting key information - first year (1940), middle years (1990, early 2000s), end of period (2030 to 2040)

5. Comparing - in each country, most dramatic, and, compared to, by contrast, while, slightly lower, respectively (analyse my sentences to learn how to use these words correctly)

6. Verbs - compares, increases, is expected to see, were, rose, remained... (look carefully at the use of tenses)

It's possible to read model essays quickly and learn a little. It's also possible to spend a long time studying them carefully and learn a lot!

IELTS Writing Task 1: comparisons

You can use "compared to", "compared with" and "in comparison with" in the same way. For example:

• Prices in the UK are high compared to / with / in comparison with (prices in) Canada and Australia.

• Compared to / with / in comparison with (prices in) Canada and Australia, prices in the UK are high.

When writing about numbers or changes, I find it easier to use "while" or "whereas":

• There are 5 million smokers in the UK, while / whereas only 2 million Canadians and 1 million Australians smoke.

• Between 1990 and 2000, the number of smokers in the UK decreased dramatically, while / whereas the figures for Canada and Australia remained the same.

IELTS Writing Task 1: 'in' and 'by' with dates

Look at the following description:

In 2002, the cost of an average house in the UK was around £130,000. By 2007, the average house price had risen to almost £190,000, but it fell back to just under £150,000 in 2008.

Notice the verbs used with "in" and "by":

• I used "in" with the past simple (was, fell).

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• I used "by" with the past perfect (had risen) to give the idea that the increase had happened in the years leading up to 2007.

• To avoid worrying about "by + past perfect" you could write: "Between 2002 and 2007, the average house price rose to..."

IELTS Writing Task 1: to, by, with, at

Several people have asked me to explain how to use to, by, with and at when describing numbers. Here are some examples to give you a basic idea of the differences:

1) Use to when describing what happened to the number:

In 2008, the rate of unemployment rose to 10%.

2) Use by when describing the amount of change between two numbers:

In 2009, the rate of unemployment fell by 2% (from 10% to 8%).

3) Use with to give the idea of 'having' the number:

Obama won the election with 52% of the vote.

4) Use at to add the number on the end of a sentence:

Unemployment reached its highest level in 2008, at 10%.

IELTS Writing Task 1: paraphrasing

The easiest way to start your Task 1 essay is by paraphrasing the question. Paraphrasing means writing something in a different way (using your own words).

Here are some simple changes you can make:

• graph = line graph

• chart = bar chart

• diagram = figure

• shows = illustrates (or 'compares' if the graph is comparing)

• proportion = percentage

• information = data

• the number of = the figure for

• the proportion of = the figure for

• people in the USA = Americans

• from 1999 to 2009 = between 1999 and 2009

• from 1999 to 2009 = over a period of 10 years

• how to produce = the process of producing

• in three countries = in the UK, France and Spain (i.e. name the countries)

Tip: "The figure for / figures for" is a great phrase …