Thursday, August 12, 2010

IELTS Writing Task 1: graph trends

After your introduction (see last week's lesson), you should write a general summary of the
information in the graph, chart etc.
For graphs that show time periods (years, months etc.):
Look for the overall trend from left to right on the graph. Is there a change from the first
year to the last year?
Do the lines on the graph follow a similar trend, or can you see any differences?

In the paragraph below, I describe the overall trend for all 3 countries. Then I point out a clear
difference in the trends for 2 countries.
Summary of trends:
It is clear from the graph that the proportion of people who use the Internet increased in each
country over the period shown. Overall, Mexico had the lowest percentage of Internet users,
while Canada experienced the fastest growth in Internet usage.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

IELTS Writing Task 1: easy verbs

For IELTS writing task 1, don't worry about using "difficult" verbs or verb tenses. Forget about
continuous and perfect tenses; just use present or past simple.

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Fill the gaps in the graph description with the past simple verbs below.

In 1999, the proportion of people using the Internet in the USA ______ about 20%. The figures
for Canada and Mexico ______ lower, at about 10% and 5% respectively. In 2005, Internet usage
in both the USA and Canada ______ around 70% of the population, while the figure for Mexico
______ just over 25%.

By 2009, the percentage of Internet users ______ highest in Canada. Almost 100% of Canadians
______ the Internet, compared to about 80% of Americans and only 40% of Mexicans.

Verbs:
rose to, were, used, reached, was (x2)

Thursday, August 26, 2010

IELTS Writing Task 1: full essay

The essay below is 151 words long. I've tried to make it as simple as possible, but it's still good
enough to get a band 9.

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The line graph compares the percentage of people in three countries who used the Internet
between 1999 and 2009.

It is clear that the proportion of the population who used the Internet increased in each country
over the period shown. Overall, a much larger percentage of Canadians and Americans had
access to the Internet in comparison with Mexicans, and Canada experienced the fastest growth
in Internet usage.

In 1999, the proportion of people using the Internet in the USA was about 20%. The figures for
Canada and Mexico were lower, at about 10% and 5% respectively. In 2005, Internet usage in
both the USA and Canada rose to around 70% of the population, while the figure for Mexico
reached just over 25%.

By 2009, the percentage of Internet users was highest in Canada. Almost 100% of Canadians
used the Internet, compared to about 80% of Americans and only 40% of Mexicans.

Thursday, December 02, 2010

IELTS Writing Task 1: four pie charts essay

Here is my full essay for a question about 4 pie charts.

Cambridge IELTS book 7, page 101:

The pie charts compare the amount of electricity produced using five different sources of fuel in
two countries over two separate years.

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Total electricity production increased dramatically from 1980 to 2000 in both Australia and
France. While the totals for both countries were similar, there were big differences in the fuel
sources used.

Coal was used to produce 50 of the total 100 units of electricity in Australia in 1980, rising to
130 out of 170 units in 2000. By contrast, nuclear power became the most important fuel source
in France in 2000, producing almost 75% of the countrys electricity.

Australia depended on hydro power for just under 25% of its electricity in both years, but the
amount of electricity produced using this type of power fell from 5 to only 2 units in France. Oil,
on the other hand, remained a relatively important fuel source in France, but its use declined in
Australia. Both countries relied on natural gas for electricity production significantly more in
1980 than in 2000.

(170 words)

Thursday, December 09, 2010

IELTS Writing Task 1: process diagrams

Here is some advice for describing a process diagram. The question I'm using comes from
Cambridge IELTS 6. It's also on this website (go down the page to test 3).

The diagrams below show the life cycle of the silkworm and the stages in the production of
silk cloth.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Advice:
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1. Introduction: paraphrase the question (one sentence).
2. Summary paragraph: write how many steps there are. You could also mention the first
step and the last step (two sentences).
3. Details: describe each step in the diagrams.

Introduction and summary paragraphs:

The figures illustrate the stages in the life of a silkworm and the process of producing silk cloth.

There are four main stages in the life cycle of the silkworm, from eggs to adult moth. The
process of silk cloth production involves six steps, from silkworm cocoon to silk material.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

IELTS Writing Task 1: describing steps

For process diagrams, you will need to describe each step in order.
Click here to see an example process diagram.

Here are my 2 main paragraphs describing the steps:

At the beginning of the process, clay is dug from the ground. The clay is put through a metal
grid, and it passes onto a roller where it is mixed with sand and water. After that, the clay can be
shaped into bricks in two ways: either it is put in a mould, or a wire cutter is used.

At the fourth stage in the process, the clay bricks are placed in a drying oven for one to two days.
Next, the bricks are heated in a kiln at a moderate temperature (200 - 900 degrees Celsius) and
then at a high temperature (up to 1300 degrees), before spending two to three days in a cooling
chamber. Finally, the finished bricks are packaged and delivered.

Note:
Look at the use of passive verbs e.g. is dug, can be shaped, are placed.
I divided the stages into 2 paragraphs to make the essay easier to read.

Thursday, January 06, 2011

IELTS Writing Task 1: comparisons

Yesterday I looked at this question with my students. When describing a line graph:
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- Do not describe each line separately.

- You must compare the figures.

Here is an example of how to compare the 4 lines for the year 1990:

In 1990, almost 90% of 14 to 24 year olds went to the cinema at least once a year. Cinema
attendance was about 30% lower than this among people aged 25 to 34 and 35 to 49, while the
figure for those aged over 50 was the lowest, at only 40%.

If you can write comparisons like this, you will get a very high score. Try using my comparison as a
model to help you compare the figures for 2010.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

IELTS Writing Task 1: 'consumer durables' table

Yesterday I looked at the following question with my students.

The table below shows the consumer durables owned in Britain from 1972 to 1983.

Here's our essay plan:

1. Introduction: paraphrase the question

2. Overview: highest = TV, biggest change = telephone and central heating
3. Describe figures for the 4 items with highest percentages
4. Describe figures for the 4 items with lowest percentages

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We did paragraph 3 as an example:

In 1972, 93% of British homes had a television, and this increased to 98% in 1983. The majority
of homes also had a vacuum cleaner and a refrigerator. These consumer durables were owned by
over 90% of households by the end of the period. Washing machines were the fourth most
common item, with 66% of households owning one in 1972, rising to 80% of households in
1983.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

IELTS Writing Task 1: active & passive for processes

When describing a process, verbs may be 'active' or 'passive'.

Active: A chicken lays an egg.

Passive: An egg is laid (by a chicken).

We often use the active to describe a natural process and the passive to describe a man-made
process. The sentences below come from this lesson. I've underlined the active and passive
verbs.

Life cycle (natural process):

The adult moth lays its eggs.

The silkworm larva produces silk thread.

Production of silk cloth (man-made process):

The cocoon is boiled in water.

The silk thread is unwound, twisted and then dyed.

Thursday, March 03, 2011

IELTS Writing Task 1: 'table' essay

The table below gives information about the underground railway systems in six cities.

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Full essay (band 9):

The table shows data about the underground rail networks in six major cities.

The table compares the six networks in terms of their age, size and the number of people who
use them each year. It is clear that the three oldest underground systems are larger and serve
significantly more passengers than the newer systems.

The London underground is the oldest system, having opened in 1863. It is also the largest
system, with 394 kilometres of route. The second largest system, in Paris, is only about half the
size of the London underground, with 199 kilometres of route. However, it serves more people
per year. While only third in terms of size, the Tokyo system is easily the most used, with 1927
million passengers per year.

Of the three newer networks, the Washington DC underground is the most extensive, with 126
kilometres of route, compared to only 11 kilometres and 28 kilometres for the Kyoto and Los
Angeles systems. The Los Angeles network is the newest, having opened in 2001, while the
Kyoto network is the smallest and serves only 45 million passengers per year.

(185 words)

Thursday, March 10, 2011

IELTS Writing Task 1: 'natural process' diagram

Some of my students are working on the following question:

The diagram below shows the water cycle, which is the continuous movement of water on,
above and below the surface of the Earth.
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Here are some tips:

1. Introduction: Paraphrase the question. You could use the words 'natural process'.
2. Summary: Say how many steps there are, and mention the first and last steps. You can
choose where the cycle begins, but I'd start from the ocean.
3. Details (2 paragraphs): Describe the process step by step. You don't have to mention
every word shown on the diagram, so don't worry if you don't understand 'salt water
intrusion'.
4. No conclusion: It's a description, so there is nothing to conclude.

Note:
Verbs will be active, not passive e.g. "water evaporates", not "water is evaporated".

Thursday, April 14, 2011

IELTS Writing Task 1: 'water cycle' essay

Several people have asked me for the full essay for this question, so here it is!

The diagram below shows the water cycle, which is the continuous movement of water on,
above and below the surface of the Earth.

The picture illustrates the way in which water passes from ocean to air to land during the natural
process known as the water cycle.

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Three main stages are shown on the diagram. Ocean water evaporates, falls as rain, and
eventually runs back into the oceans again.

Beginning at the evaporation stage, we can see that 80% of water vapour in the air comes from
the oceans. Heat from the sun causes water to evaporate, and water vapour condenses to form
clouds. At the second stage, labelled precipitation on the diagram, water falls as rain or snow.

At the third stage in the cycle, rainwater may take various paths. Some of it may fall into lakes or
return to the oceans via surface runoff. Otherwise, rainwater may filter through the ground,
reaching the impervious layer of the earth. Salt water intrusion is shown to take place just before
groundwater passes into the oceans to complete the cycle.

(156 words, band 9)

Thursday, March 24, 2011

IELTS Writing Task 1: 'before and after' diagram

Several students have asked for help with the following type of question.

The diagrams below are existing and proposed floor plans for the redevelopment of an art
gallery.

Here's my advice:

1. Introduction: paraphrase the question

2. Summary: the main changes to the gallery (entrance and use of space)
3. Paragraph comparing entrance, lobby, office, education area
4. Paragraph comparing use of space for exhibitions

I'll show you my full essay for this diagram next week.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

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IELTS Writing Task 1: 'building plans' essay

Here is my full essay for last week's question.

The first picture shows the layout of an art gallery, and the second shows some proposed changes
to the gallery space.

It is clear that significant changes will be made in terms of the use of floor space in the gallery.
There will be a completely new entrance and more space for exhibitions.

At present, visitors enter the gallery through doors which lead into a lobby. However, the plan is
to move the entrance to the Parkinson Court side of the building, and visitors will walk straight
into the exhibition area. In place of the lobby and office areas, which are shown on the existing
plan, the new gallery plan shows an education area and a small storage area.

The permanent exhibition space in the redeveloped gallery will be about twice as large as it is
now because it will occupy the area that is now used for temporary exhibitions. There will also
be a new room for special exhibitions. This room is shown in red on the existing plan and is not
currently part of the gallery.

(178 words, band 9)

Thursday, May 26, 2011

IELTS Writing Task 1: always the same method

Students worry about how to describe diagrams, but the basic method is always the same:
introduction, summary of main points, specific details.

Look at the following question for example:

The diagrams below show some principles of house design for cool and for warm climates.

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Although this question is different from the normal graph/chart questions, you should structure
your answer in the same way. Try to write 4 paragraphs:

1. Introduction: paraphrase the question.

2. Summary: describe the main differences - the design of the roof and windows, and the
use of insulation.
3. Details: compare the roof design and use of insulation.
4. Details: compare the window design and how windows are used during the day and at
night.

I'll write the full essay for next week's lesson.

Thursday, June 02, 2011

IELTS Writing Task 1: house design essay

Here is my full essay for last week's question:

The diagrams show how house designs differ according to climate.

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The most noticeable difference between houses designed for cool and warm climates is in the
shape of the roof. The designs also differ with regard to the windows and the use of insulation.

We can see that the cool climate house has a high-angled roof, which allows sunlight to enter
through the window. By contrast, the roof of the warm climate house has a peak in the middle
and roof overhangs to shade the windows. Insulation and thermal building materials are used in
cool climates to reduce heat loss, whereas insulation and reflective materials are used to keep the
heat out in warm climates.

Finally, the cool climate house has one window which faces the direction of the sun, while the
warm climate house has windows on two sides which are shaded from the sun. By opening the
two windows at night, the house designed for warm climates can be ventilated.

(162 words, band 9)

Thursday, June 09, 2011

IELTS Writing Task 1: selecting

The following bar chart has a total of 24 bars. It's impossible to describe 24 pieces of information
in only 20 minutes, so you need to select.

A simple rule is to select at least one key thing about each country. Here are some examples:

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Britain: highest spending on all 6 products, give the figure for photographic film.
France: second highest for 3 products, but lowest for the other 3.
Italy: Italians spent more money on toys than on any other product.
Germany: lowest spending overall, similar figures for all 6 products.

I'll write a full essay about this chart for next week.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

IELTS Writing Task 1: bar chart essay

Here's my full band 9 essay for last week's question:

The bar chart compares consumer spending on six different items in Germany, Italy, France and
Britain.

It is clear that British people spent significantly more money than people in the other three
countries on all six goods. Of the six items, consumers spent the most money on photographic
film.

People in Britain spent just over 170,000 on photographic film, which is the highest figure
shown on the chart. By contrast, Germans were the lowest overall spenders, with roughly the
same figures (just under 150,000) for each of the six products.

The figures for spending on toys were the same in both France and Italy, at nearly 160,000.
However, while French people spent more than Italians on photographic film and CDs, Italians
paid out more for personal stereos, tennis racquets and perfumes. The amount spent by French
people on tennis racquets, around 145,000, is the lowest figure shown on the chart.

Note:
- I tried to keep the essay short (154 words) by selecting carefully.

- It's difficult to change spend, but I used spending, spenders and paid out.

Thursday, September 01, 2011

IELTS Writing Task 1: line graphs
Line graphs always show changes over time. Here's some advice about how to describe them:
Try to write 4 paragraphs - introduction, summary of main points, 2 detail paragraphs.
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 For your summary paragraph, look at the "big picture" - what changes happened to all of
the lines from the beginning to the end of the period shown (i.e. from the first year to the
last). Is there a trend that all of the lines follow (e.g. an overall increase)?
You don't need to give numbers in your summary paragraph. Numbers are specific
details. Just mention general things like 'overall change', 'highest' and 'lowest', without
giving specific figures.
Never describe each line separately. The examiner wants to see comparisons.
If the graph shows years, you won't have time to mention all of them. The key years to
describe are the first year and the last year. You should also mention any 'special' years
(e.g. a peak or a significant rise/fall).
Start describing details (paragraph 3) with a comparison of the lines for the first year
shown on the graph (e.g. In 1990, the number of...).
Use the past simple (increased, fell) for past years, and 'will' or 'is expected/predicted to'
for future years.
Don't use the passive (e.g. the number was increased), continuous (e.g. the number was
increasing), or perfect tenses (e.g. the number has increased).
Thursday, September 08, 2011
IELTS Writing Task 1: process diagrams
Process diagrams show how something is done or made. They always show steps/stages. Here's
some advice about how to describe them:
Try to write 4 paragraphs - introduction, summary of main points, 2 detail paragraphs.
Write the introduction by paraphrasing the question (rewrite it by changing some of the
words).
For your summary, first say how many steps there are in the process. Then say
where/how the process begins and ends (look at the first and last stages).
In paragraphs 3 and 4, describe the process step by step. Include the first and last steps
that you mentioned in the summary, but try to describe them in more detail or in a
different way.
You could describe the steps in one paragraph, but it looks more organised if you break
the description into two paragraphs. Just start paragraph 4 somewhere in the middle of
the process.
Mention every stage in the process.
Use 'sequencing' language e.g. at the first / second / following / final stage of the process,
next, after that, then, finally etc.
Times (e.g. past dates) are not usually shown, so use the present simple tense.
It's usually a good idea to use the passive e.g. 'At the final stage, the product is delivered
to shops' (because we don't need to know who delivered the product).
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Thursday, October 20, 2011
IELTS Writing Task 1: tables
Tables seem difficult when they contain a lot of numbers. Here's some advice:
Try to write 4 paragraphs - introduction, summary of main points, 2 detail paragraphs.
Before you start writing, highlight some key numbers. Choose the biggest number in each
category in the table (i.e. in each column and row). If the table shows years, look for the
biggest changes in numbers over the time period. You could also mention the smallest
numbers, but you can ignore 'middle' numbers (neither biggest nor smallest).
For your summary paragraph, try to compare whole categories (columns or rows) rather
than individual 'cells' in the table. If you can't compare whole categories, compare the
biggest and smallest number. Write 2 sentences for the summary.
In your two 'details' paragraphs, never describe each category (column or row) separately.
The examiner wants to see comparisons. Try to organise the numbers you highlighted
into 2 groups - one for each paragraph (e.g. highest numbers for all categories together,
and lowest numbers together).
Describe / compare the numbers you highlighted - include at least 3 numbers in each
paragraph.
Use the past simple for past years, and 'will' or 'is expected/predicted to' for future years.
If no time is shown, use the present simple.

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