Ch3. IELTS Writing — Task 1 Graphs & Task 2 Essay Strategy
IELTS Writing Scoring Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement/Response | 25% |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 25% |
| Lexical Resource | 25% |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 25% |
Task 1: Graph/Diagram Description (20 min, 150+ words)
By Chart Type
| Type | Core Description Focus |
|---|---|
| Line graph | Change over time, trends |
| Bar chart | Comparisons between categories |
| Pie chart | Proportions and composition |
| Table | Numerical comparisons, highest/lowest |
| Process diagram | Sequential steps |
Task 1 Template
Paragraph 1 (Overview):
"The [chart type] illustrates/shows [what] [in/over period/conditions]."
Paragraph 2 (Overall trend):
"Overall, [most notable trend 1 or 2 features] can be observed."
Paragraph 3 (Specific data group 1):
"In terms of [first category], [specific figures + comparison]."
Paragraph 4 (Specific data group 2):
"Regarding [second category], [figures + trend]."Key Vocabulary for Data Description
Increase: rise, grow, climb, surge, jump, increase sharply/gradually Decrease: fall, drop, decline, decrease, dip, plummet Stable: remain stable, plateau, level off, stay constant Peak/Bottom: peak at, reach a high of, bottom out at
Task 2: Opinion/Argument Essay (40 min, 250+ words)
Essay Types
| Type | Question Format |
|---|---|
| Opinion/Agree-Disagree | ”To what extent do you agree or disagree?” |
| Discussion | ”Discuss both views and give your own opinion” |
| Problem-Solution | ”What causes this? What solutions exist?” |
| Advantage-Disadvantage | ”Discuss advantages and disadvantages” |
Opinion Essay Structure
Introduction (2–3 sentences):
Background context + your clear position
Body 1 (Reason 1 + Example):
Topic sentence → reason → specific example
Body 2 (Reason 2 + Example):
Topic sentence → reason → specific example
Optional: Counterargument + Rebuttal
Conclusion:
Restate position + summaryBand 7+ Vocabulary Strategies
- Synonyms for common words: good → beneficial, advantageous, substantial; bad → detrimental, adverse, harmful
- Academic phrases: “Research indicates that…”, “It is widely acknowledged that…”
- Varied transitions: Furthermore, Nonetheless, Notwithstanding, Consequently
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Next: IELTS Speaking — 3-part interview preparation and strategies for Parts 1, 2, and 3.
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