The DOs and DONTs of IELTS Writing Task 1

You should ALWAYS: 

• Read the task and the instructions carefully.
• Do some brain storming and plan your response before you actually start writing.
• Stick to the information which is given on the graph/ pie chart /table. Using outside information is a serious offence!
• Present the information logically and coherently.
• Mind your grammar. Remember the rules of subject and verb agreement, rules related to count nouns and mass nouns, prepositions, comparatives….
• Use a variety of vocabulary. Never repeat key words and phrases. The idea is not to use heavy weight words but words which add variety to your writing.
• Write a minimum of 150 words. That sounds a very trite advice but then it is here that many students make mistakes.
• Complete the task in 20 minutes

You should NEVER:
 

• Use outside information. Its an excercise on report writing. Using outside information may be penalised.
• Give opinions. Save your opinions for Task 2.
• Write anything less then 150 words. You will be penalised for doing so.

If you found this information useful please let me know. If you have any questions please feel free to ask me.
In the next post I will be talking about the DOs and DONTs of writing Task 2.