19- How to Prepare for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
10/29/18 • 8 min
In this episode we cover: -How to prepare for the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 -What exactly you’ll be asked to do for the Task 1 section of the Academic IELTS. -Tips on how to analyze the Task 1 visuals -A step-by-step breakdown of how to write a strong Task 1 response
Episode resources and links:The Complete Guide to IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
Learn how to improve your IELTS band score with Magoosh! Use coupon code ieltspodcast to save 20% at ielts.magoosh.com Episode 19 Transcript: How to Prepare for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1Translations: (Tiếng Việt)
Intro:Welcome to the Magoosh IELTS Podcast! This is Episode 19. In this episode, you’re going to learn about how to prepare for the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. Eliot and I will start by discussing what exactly you’ll be asked to do for the Task 1 section of the Academic IELTS. Then we’ll give you some tips on how to analyze the Task 1 visuals, followed by a step-by-step breakdown of how to write a strong Task 1 response.
Don’t forget to visit us at IELTS.Magoosh.com for more great resources to improve your IELTS band score. Use coupon code “ieltspodcast” to save 20% off your IELTS test prep!
Okay, let’s get started!
Body Part 1:Naomi: Today we’re going to talk about what the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 is, and how to prepare for it.
Eliot: Task 1 will ask you to write a brief report, usually about two visuals. You’ll have twenty minutes to analyze what you see and write 150 words about it.
Naomi: That’s not much time -- what strategies can we use to craft an interesting, well-organized response?
Eliot: You’re right, it’s not much time...as with the rest of the IELTS, reading instructions closely is critical. Task 1 will ask you to consider two figures, or sometimes maps or flowcharts.
What are they explaining? How can you summarize the information presented? Can meaningful comparisons be made? You should be careful to focus on material you think is relevant, not your own opinions on what the graphs or visuals say.
Naomi: So it sounds like there are really two parts: interpreting the figure and writing the response.
Eliot: I like to think about it that way, too. With only twenty minutes, it helps to think about how you’ll approach it most effectively.
Naomi: Since this test is meant to measure your English skills, you won’t be asked to do any difficult math to understand the charts, right? You should just focus on accurately reporting the information in the figures and explaining it fluently.
Eliot: Exactly. The first thing to do when gathering your information is read the titles and headings of the graphs.
Naomi: Right, titles and headings often act as summaries of the data in the figures, so they’ll help you figure out what’s important.
Eliot: Next, you should take a look at the units and categories in the visual. Understand what is being measured and how that measurement is expressed by the visual.
Naomi: So it’d be a good idea to ask questions like, “Is the visual dealing with changes over time? Is that in days, months, or years?”
Eliot: Yes. The visuals can also show trends, patterns, or sequences. You can make sense of what these have in common by measuring them in similar ways.
Naomi: So once you know what you’re looking at, you can start thinking about what the information means?
Eliot: Exactly. Think about what kind of story the data tells or what argument it makes. Expressing that story or argument in your answer will show you are able to explain complex ideas in English.
Naomi: So you should try to show that you can decide what in the figure is important and what isn’t?
Eliot: Definitely. Try to explain what was most interesting about the graph to you, like you would explain it in a presentation in class or at work.
Before we find out some other IELTS Writing Task 1 tips, let’s pause for a word from Magoosh.
Midroll:Kevin: Do you want a great IELTS score?Well gues what, Magoosh can help!Here’s what you’ll get with Magoosh:
- In-depth video lessons that cover concepts, pitfalls, and shortcuts
- Over 200 practice questions to help you prepare for your exam
- 24/7 email access to a team of remote tutors ready to answer your questions
Are you ready to improve your score and get into your dream program? Great! We’re ready ...
In this episode we cover: -How to prepare for the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 -What exactly you’ll be asked to do for the Task 1 section of the Academic IELTS. -Tips on how to analyze the Task 1 visuals -A step-by-step breakdown of how to write a strong Task 1 response
Episode resources and links:The Complete Guide to IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
Learn how to improve your IELTS band score with Magoosh! Use coupon code ieltspodcast to save 20% at ielts.magoosh.com Episode 19 Transcript: How to Prepare for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1Translations: (Tiếng Việt)
Intro:Welcome to the Magoosh IELTS Podcast! This is Episode 19. In this episode, you’re going to learn about how to prepare for the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. Eliot and I will start by discussing what exactly you’ll be asked to do for the Task 1 section of the Academic IELTS. Then we’ll give you some tips on how to analyze the Task 1 visuals, followed by a step-by-step breakdown of how to write a strong Task 1 response.
Don’t forget to visit us at IELTS.Magoosh.com for more great resources to improve your IELTS band score. Use coupon code “ieltspodcast” to save 20% off your IELTS test prep!
Okay, let’s get started!
Body Part 1:Naomi: Today we’re going to talk about what the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 is, and how to prepare for it.
Eliot: Task 1 will ask you to write a brief report, usually about two visuals. You’ll have twenty minutes to analyze what you see and write 150 words about it.
Naomi: That’s not much time -- what strategies can we use to craft an interesting, well-organized response?
Eliot: You’re right, it’s not much time...as with the rest of the IELTS, reading instructions closely is critical. Task 1 will ask you to consider two figures, or sometimes maps or flowcharts.
What are they explaining? How can you summarize the information presented? Can meaningful comparisons be made? You should be careful to focus on material you think is relevant, not your own opinions on what the graphs or visuals say.
Naomi: So it sounds like there are really two parts: interpreting the figure and writing the response.
Eliot: I like to think about it that way, too. With only twenty minutes, it helps to think about how you’ll approach it most effectively.
Naomi: Since this test is meant to measure your English skills, you won’t be asked to do any difficult math to understand the charts, right? You should just focus on accurately reporting the information in the figures and explaining it fluently.
Eliot: Exactly. The first thing to do when gathering your information is read the titles and headings of the graphs.
Naomi: Right, titles and headings often act as summaries of the data in the figures, so they’ll help you figure out what’s important.
Eliot: Next, you should take a look at the units and categories in the visual. Understand what is being measured and how that measurement is expressed by the visual.
Naomi: So it’d be a good idea to ask questions like, “Is the visual dealing with changes over time? Is that in days, months, or years?”
Eliot: Yes. The visuals can also show trends, patterns, or sequences. You can make sense of what these have in common by measuring them in similar ways.
Naomi: So once you know what you’re looking at, you can start thinking about what the information means?
Eliot: Exactly. Think about what kind of story the data tells or what argument it makes. Expressing that story or argument in your answer will show you are able to explain complex ideas in English.
Naomi: So you should try to show that you can decide what in the figure is important and what isn’t?
Eliot: Definitely. Try to explain what was most interesting about the graph to you, like you would explain it in a presentation in class or at work.
Before we find out some other IELTS Writing Task 1 tips, let’s pause for a word from Magoosh.
Midroll:Kevin: Do you want a great IELTS score?Well gues what, Magoosh can help!Here’s what you’ll get with Magoosh:
- In-depth video lessons that cover concepts, pitfalls, and shortcuts
- Over 200 practice questions to help you prepare for your exam
- 24/7 email access to a team of remote tutors ready to answer your questions
Are you ready to improve your score and get into your dream program? Great! We’re ready ...
Previous Episode
18- What Is a Good IELTS Score?
In this episode, you’re going to learn all about IELTS band scores, including
- how the scores are calculated
- what’s considered a “good” score
- what the different band scores mean
- what IELTS score you should aim for
- IELTS Writing
- IELTS Reading
- Learn more about IELTS Scores
(Translations: русский, македонски, Tiếng Việt)
Welcome to the Magoosh IELTS Podcast! This is Episode 18. In this episode, you’re going to learn all about IELTS band scores, including how the scores are calculated, and what’s considered a “good” score in different parts of the world. First Eliot and I will discuss what the different band scores mean, and then we’ll talk a little more about what IELTS score you should aim for depending on what your academic and professional goals are.
Don’t forget to visit us at IELTS.Magoosh.com for more great resources to improve your IELTS band score. Use coupon code “ieltspodcast” to save 20% off your IELTS test prep.
Okay let’s get started!
Naomi: Today we’re going to talk about different scores you can get on the IELTS, and what those scores mean.
Eliot: When you take the IELTS, you will be given a score between 1 and 9 on each section of the test--as well as on the test as a whole.
Naomi: So let’s start from the top. Eliot, can you tell our listeners what a 9 on the IELTS means? How are these scores calculated?
Eliot: Well it varies a little from section to section (you can find rubrics for the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections on our website--we’ll put a link in the show notes), but in general, scoring 9 on the IELTS means that you are completely fluent in English. You understand everything and you don’t really make mistakes. You’re an English expert!
Naomi: What about an 8? Is that pretty similar to a 9?
Eliot: An 8 is very close to a 9--it means you’re basically fluent, but you might make a few mistakes, in especially tricky or unfamiliar situations. Maybe you’re not an “expert”--but you’re very, very good at English!
Naomi: Okay, I’ll take 7. A score of 7 on the IELTS means that you’re good at English, but you do make mistakes sometimes. The difference between a 7 and an 8 would be that 8s really only make mistakes in extremely difficult situations.
Eliot: A score of 6 means you’re a “competent” English user. You know English well enough to navigate some fairly complex language, and even though you make some mistakes, you generally know your way around the language--and you definitely know the basics.
Naomi: A band score of 5 means you’re a “modest” English user. You definitely make mistakes, but you’re still able to understand overall meaning in most situations, especially ones that you’re familiar with.
Eliot: If you score a 4, you would be considered a “limited” English user. You can really only understand basic English in familiar situations, and beyond that you have problems understanding or expressing yourself.
Naomi: A 3 means you’re an extremely limited English user. You can only understand and communicate small amounts in very basic situations.
Eliot: If you score a 2, this means you had a very difficult time understanding or communicating much at all.
Naomi: And a 1 means you had no ability to use or understand English except for a few words here and there.
Eliot: You can also get a 0 if you don’t answer any questions at all, but we figure if you’re putting in the time to listen to this podcast, that’s definitely not going to happen.
Naomi: Okay, so now that we know what each score me...
Next Episode
20- Four IELTS Academic Reading Strategies
In this episode, you’re going to learn about the IELTS Reading Section,. We'll cover:
- Four important Academic IELTS Reading strategies
- The difference between the Academic and the General Training IELTS
- Tips for the Academic Reading IELTS
- What types of questions will be on the test
Welcome to the Magoosh IELTS Podcast! This is Episode 20. In this episode, you’re going to learn about the IELTS Reading Section, including four important Academic IELTS Reading strategies. First your IELTS teacher Eliot and I will discuss the difference between the Academic and the General Training IELTS, then we’ll give you some tips for the Academic Reading IELTS, and we’ll end by talking a little bit about what types of questions will be on the test.
Don’t forget to visit us at IELTS.Magoosh.com for more great resources to improve your IELTS band score. Use coupon code “ieltspodcast” to save 20% off your IELTS test prep!
Okay, let’s get started!
Part 1:Naomi: Today we’re discussing some basic information you should know for the IELTS Reading test--including four useful strategies to help you get a good score!
Eliot: The first thing to know is the IELTS Reading Test can actually be one of two versions: the Academic version or the General Training version.
Naomi: So, there are two versions of the IELTS?
Eliot: Yes. Different programs and universities will require one version or the other, so make sure to check which version you should take!
Naomi: But both tests evaluate your English reading skills, so they should have a few things in common, right?
Eliot: That’s true! The Speaking and Listening sections are exactly the same. The reading and writing selections are really where you’re going to see the important differences between the two tests.
Naomi: That makes sense. The Academic version of the IELTS is supposed to show how comfortable you are with jargon and technical language, so the readings they choose will probably use more advanced vocabulary than the General Instruction version, right?
Eliot: Exactly. If you plan on taking the Academic version, having a large vocabulary will definitely help you out. You can expect to see sections from academic journals, technical charts and graphs, and textbooks, but also newspapers and magazines.
Naomi: And the General Training version is more like what you would encounter in everyday life?
Eliot: Yes, think advertisements and short magazine articles at the beginning, then more work-related texts in the second section. The last section will be a little more abstract and academic -- that’s the trickiest part of the General Training version.
Naomi: Since these selections are usually from sources like newspapers and magazines, would reading regularly in English help expand your vocabulary?
Eliot: Yes that’s a great idea--and we also have practice tests at Magoosh.com to help you prepare for the specific vocabulary you may encounter!
Naomi: So Eliot, now we know the differences between the Academic IELTS and the General Training IELTS. What are some strategies students can use for taking these tests?
Eliot: The first strategy is to skim each passage for 3 to 5 minutes before looking at the questions. Since you only have sixty minutes to get through the Reading section, pacing is going to be important for staying on track to finish. If you skim the texts before reading the questions, you’ll already have a basic idea of where to look in the text for answers.
Naomi: I think it helps to set a framework for how much time you’ll spend on each section -- because the test is sixty minutes long and has three sections, you should try not to spend more than twenty minutes on each one.
Eliot: That’s a great idea. You could spend three minutes skimming the test before looking at the questions, so you know where to look in the section for the answers you need.
The reading test has 40 questions, and although some are easier or more difficult, they’re all worth one point. It makes sense to move on if you’re having trouble answering one and co...
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