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Using a Checklist for Academic Task1

IELTS Podcast

Release Date: 03/17/2025

How To Get a Band 9 in Academic Task 1 show art How To Get a Band 9 in Academic Task 1

IELTS Podcast

In this tutorial, you get  information about how to score a band 9 in your academic task 1 for your . Ellen goes through each of the band descriptors and helps you interpret what is needed to reach the best score possible.

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Academic task 1: Describing a natural process show art Academic task 1: Describing a natural process

IELTS Podcast

In this tutorial we are going to take you through how to describe a Natural Process in task 1 writing and a Natural Process is more closely linked to animals, the weather, growing trees or plants and marine life and this tutorial will show you: Where to start in understanding and interpreting the picture.  Which language to use to connect your ideas and link the stages in the process together. How to improve your coherence.  Grammatical suggestions to score really highly in this task by using the passive voice and participle clauses. Following these tips will ensure your response to...

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Are you struggling to break through the language barrier in your IELTS speaking exam? Do you find yourself repeating the same basic descriptors when talking about people, struggling to express nuanced thoughts about personalities and characters? You're not alone—and more importantly, you're just moments away from transforming your speaking skills. The secret weapon in your IELTS arsenal isn't just grammatical perfection or pronunciation—it's vocabulary. Specifically, vocabulary about people, personalities, and human characteristics. This isn't just another language learning tip; it's a...

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His 6.5 blocked him going to Canada show art His 6.5 blocked him going to Canada

IELTS Podcast

How Rohan Overcame IELTS Writing Challenges to Achieve His Dream Many IELTS candidates face a frustrating roadblock: scoring 6.5 in writing when they need a 7.0. This was exactly the challenge Rohan from Mumbai, India, encountered. He needed to improve his IELTS score to qualify for Canadian immigration. After multiple attempts, he discovered and transformed his writing skills. This is his story. The Struggle: Stuck at 6.5 in Writing Rohan had already attempted the IELTS test three or four times before turning to IELTS Podcast. His scores in listening (8.5) and reading (8.5) were strong, and...

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How to write formal letters (part 2) show art How to write formal letters (part 2)

IELTS Podcast

The aim of this tutorial is to help you: -Understand the questions and the setting or context for the letter. -Think about what to write – how to use the prompts that you are given in the question rubric. -Understand how to start and how to finish your letters – with IELTS you cannot make mistakes on this! -How to get your letter in a logical order which will help your coherence. -How to use great grammar but make it sound natural Click here to get the full tutorial https://www.ieltspodcast.com/ielts-writing-task/task-1-general-letter-2/ Mastering IELTS General Training Letters: A...

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How to Write Formal Letters (part 1) show art How to Write Formal Letters (part 1)

IELTS Podcast

In this tutorial we cover how to:   Understand the questions and context for the letter. Think about what to write – how to use the prompts that you are given in the question rubric.  Work out how creative to be? Is it ok to make up lots of strange facts and information?  Understand how to start and how to finish your letters – this is so important and at IELTS level you cannot make mistakes on this!    Click  to listen to the full tutorial:  Click  to read the full transcript.

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Using a Checklist for Academic Task1 show art Using a Checklist for Academic Task1

IELTS Podcast

Preparing for the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 can be a daunting experience, especially if you're unsure of what examiners are looking for. In a recent episode of the , hosts Ben Worthington and Daphne provided a comprehensive checklist to help you ace this task. This article summarises their key points, offering practical advice and examples to guide your preparation.   1. Paraphrase the Rubric   The first step in tackling Academic Task 1 is to paraphrase the rubric. Instead of copying the question word-for-word, demonstrate your language skills by rephrasing it. For example,...

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Playing The IELTS Examiner show art Playing The IELTS Examiner

IELTS Podcast

In this podcast, our essay corrector Ellen puts YOU in the driver’s seat as you review a student’s essay with her, deciding what band score the essay should get.  With the band descriptors as your guide, you will learn How the introduction makes a first impression on the examiner How mistakes and missteps can influence the examiner along the way How some strong arguments, precise vocabulary and accurate grammar can redeem your score How important the last impression your essay leaves is In the end, you will see how challenging the task of the examiner is and all the elements they...

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IELTS Vocabulary The Future of Public Transportation show art IELTS Vocabulary The Future of Public Transportation

IELTS Podcast

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How to Answer Map Questions (Vocabulary List Included) show art How to Answer Map Questions (Vocabulary List Included)

IELTS Podcast

In this tutorial, you’ll learn How an IELTS examiner would look at one of the more usual Task 1 questions - MAPS! I love map questions but many students are unfamiliar with them and so might panic in the exam!  How to understand what is needed and what clues to look for before you start writing. Examples of good grammar and key useful vocabulary from our review of 2 students' essays - one Band 6 and one Band 7-7.5 as our examples.  How you can practice by looking at another kind of map question.  Really important vocabulary needed for...

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More Episodes

Preparing for the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 can be a daunting experience, especially if you're unsure of what examiners are looking for. In a recent episode of the IELTS Podcast, hosts Ben Worthington and Daphne provided a comprehensive checklist to help you ace this task. This article summarises their key points, offering practical advice and examples to guide your preparation.

 

1. Paraphrase the Rubric

 

The first step in tackling Academic Task 1 is to paraphrase the rubric. Instead of copying the question word-for-word, demonstrate your language skills by rephrasing it. For example, if the question states, "The graph below shows the number of visits to two music sites on the web," you could write, "The line graph illustrates how many times two music websites were visited over a 15-day period." This shows the examiner that you can use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures.

 

2. Write a Clear Overview

 

Your overview is a crucial part of your response. It should summarise the main trends or features of the data without going into too much detail. Avoid using phrases like "to conclude," as this is more appropriate for Task 2. Instead, use words like "overall" to introduce your summary. For example, "Overall, both music websites experienced an upward trend in visits, with Music Choice being more popular than Pop Parade for most of the period."

 

3. Summarise, Don’t List

 

One common mistake is listing every piece of data instead of summarising the key points. Remember, the task asks you to "summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features." Focus on the most significant trends, such as peaks, troughs, or notable changes, rather than describing every minor fluctuation.

 

4. Stick to the Data

 

It’s essential to report only the information presented in the graph or chart. Avoid adding personal opinions or external knowledge. For instance, if you notice a dip in website visits on a particular day, don’t speculate that it was due to poor weather or a public holiday. Stick to the facts provided in the data.

 

5. Include All Important Data

 

While summarising, ensure you don’t omit any crucial information. For example, if you’re describing a pie chart, make sure you mention every segment, even if it’s only briefly. Grouping similar data points can help you cover all the information without listing every detail.

 

6. Compare Data

 

Comparing data is a key skill in Task 1. Instead of simply listing information, highlight similarities and differences. For example, "While Music Choice saw a dramatic increase in visits between days 9 and 11, Pop Parade experienced a more gradual rise over the same period."

 

7. Organise Your Response

 

A well-organised response is easier to follow and scores higher in coherence and cohesion. Plan your essay into clear paragraphs, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the data. Use linking words like "while," "whereas," and "in contrast" to connect your ideas smoothly.

 

8. Highlight Striking Features

 

Identify and mention any striking features in the data, such as the highest or lowest points, or any anomalies. These details can make your response stand out and demonstrate your ability to analyse the data effectively.

 

9. Avoid Repetition

 

Vary your vocabulary and sentence structures to avoid repetition. For example, instead of repeatedly using the word "visits," you could use terms like "clicks," "visitor numbers," or "followers." This not only makes your writing more engaging but also showcases your language proficiency.

 

10. Use a Range of Grammar and Vocabulary

 

Demonstrate your command of English by using a variety of grammatical structures and vocabulary. For instance, instead of writing "Music Choice is more popular," you could say "Music Choice being more popular than Pop Parade." This use of participle phrases and comparative structures can boost your score.

 

11. Use the Correct Tense

 

Ensure you use the appropriate tense for the data. If the graph shows past data, use the past tense. For example, "The number of visits increased over the 15-day period." Consistency in tense is crucial for accuracy.

 

12. Use Appropriate Linking Devices

 

Linking words and phrases like "while," "whereas," and "in contrast" help to connect your ideas and improve the flow of your writing. Avoid using Task 2 language, such as "on the one hand," as it’s not suitable for Task 1.

 

13. Check for Mistakes

 

Always proofread your work before submitting it. Look out for common errors, such as incorrect verb forms, noun-verb agreement, and factual inaccuracies. If you’re unsure about your writing, consider using the IELTS Writing Correction Service to get detailed feedback.

 

14. Follow the Rubric

 

Ensure your response meets all the requirements of the task. Summarise the information, report the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. If you’ve missed any of these elements, add them before finalising your answer.

 

15. Aim for 150-180 Words

 

While the official IELTS guidelines don’t specify a word count, aiming for 150-180 words is a good practice. This ensures you have enough content to fully address the task without being overly verbose.

 

Final Thoughts

 

By following this checklist, you can approach IELTS Academic Task 1 with confidence. Remember, practice is key. Use resources like the IELTS Academic Task 1 Online Course to refine your skills and get personalised feedback. With the right preparation, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired band score.

 

For more tips and resources, visit IELTSPodcast.com and sign up for their free eBook, packed with sample essays, vocabulary lists, and expert advice.