IELTS Writing Task 1: you don't need a conclusion

You don't need to write a conclusion for IELTS writing task 1. You need to write an "overview" of the information.

But why don't you need to write a conclusion? What's the difference between a conclusion and an overview?

First, a conclusion is really a final judgement, decision or opinion. This is perfect for the task 2 essay, but task 1 asks you to write a description without analysis or opinions. On the other hand, an "overview" is a simple description of the main points. It is a summary of the information shown in the graph or chart.

Second, a conclusion should be at the end of a piece of writing. An overview or general summary could go either at the end or near the beginning. Personally, I think it's a good idea to describe the main features of the graph or chart near the beginning of your essay.

So, my suggested essay structure for task 1 looks like this:

1. Introduction: what does the chart show?
2. Overview / summary: what are the most noticeable features?
3. Specific details: try to write 2 paragraphs.

Comments

[cagla]

Hi Simon,

I want to mention that three weeks ago I changed my writing style in task 1 by following this advice from your old courses and I was surprised by having it written in 20 minutes because before it was taking at least 40 minutes to complete. Shortly, I realized that it is not magic :) Writing from general to specific is really making it much easier.

Thanks for your help!
I learn a lot here!

[Luaa]

I agree with Cagla, me too have the same experience ! thanks alot

[Abbas]

Thank you so much Simon. It was so useful.

[vipul]

what about general training task 1?

[Anna]

Q.In many countries, children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard this as completely wrong, while others consider it as valuable work experience, important for learning and taking responsibility. What is your opinion on this?

Here is my introduction for this essay

Some people are of the opinion that chidren should not be involved in any sort of part-time or paid job, while others consider it highly beneficial as it improves the overall development of children. Personally, in my opinion chidren should focus on education rather than doing work at their early lives.

Can you please comment whether I got the write idea of writing introduction.

Thank you for your help!!

[Kasia]

Hello Simon,

but do you think that we can score a higher band if we add both an overview and a conclusion?

[Simon]

Well done Cagla and Luaa! I'm glad you followed my advice.

...

Hi Vipul,

I'm afraid I don't make materials for the letter writing task because all of my students here do the academic test. Sorry.

...

Hi Anna,

You've definitely got the right idea.

...

Hi Kasia,

No, because then you are just repeating yourself. It's better to spend more time on the main body paragraphs if you want a higher score.

[x-reader]

hi
simon,
What do you mean by vocabulary topic related?
does it mean that only spelling?

i have collected some vocabulary for Education.
can you comment on please.

gain knowledge
more skill
self-confidence
interpersonal skills
achieve, attend college
competence
competition
drastic
a good education
increase knowledge
new experience
misfortune
goal
pursuit
attribulates
efficient
acquire
decent job
accomplishment
assure
enhance
career
contribute
sophisticated education
qualified
professional
demand advanced knowledge
intelligent
savors
most influential person
destiny
influenced
hesitation
competitive
expected
make decision
pursue
learn
abundant teaching
arrange
co-operate
uncomfortable feeling
necessary
communicate
to be trained for a job
cope with some problem
university are the most suitable spot to absorb knowledge
determines
prefer

If we use various words in essays can we get band 7?

thank you in advance

[jawairia]

Hi Simon.

I'm from an Urdu speaking country.In speaking part if I have to describe a film,food or a book and it's name or title is in Urdu does it make any difference? Or, is it necessary to learn something about an English book,film or food?

Kind Regards

[Anna]

Hi jaw aria I am from uru speaking country as well.

can we practice speaking part together.

Thanks

[Simon]

Hi x-reader,

Your list is a list of 'topic-related' words. Linking words and phrases (e.g. moreover, in addition etc.) are not topic-related.

Yes, the key to a good score is using good vocabulary to express your ideas well.

...

Hi Jawairia,

A film from your country is fine, and it's ok to give the title in your language.

[jawairia]

Hi Anna,
Thanks for your offer.I would love to accept it but beside doing my IELTS preparation I'm a busy house wife with a little one to take care of.Also my preparation depends on the availability of time which is not fix.So I'm sorry I can't make a commitment with you not to waste your time.
Wish you good luck with your preparation.

[Shayan Bigdeli]

Hi Simon;
thanks a lot for your useful and fantastic guidance.
I have a question relating to the description of the three pie charts you have wrote. Here is the introduction paragragh:
'The pie charts compare the proportion of(1)[carbohydrates, protein and fat] in three different diets, namely(2)[an average diet, a healthy diet, and a healthy diet for sport].'
in both numbers 1 and 2 you have mentioned 3 names, but you put a comma after the second name in no.2. Why didn't you use a comma in the no.1? Are there any related rules?

[Ming]

Hi Simon:
This is the first time I see you blog.
It's really helpful but I have got a question about your structure of writing task 1.
You said we dont have to write a conclusion but an overview instead. I agree with that.
But actually a lot of ielts text book said we need a "summary" at the end of the essay.

My idea is like that:
1, the overview or overall trend description(like your para 2)
2, body1
3, body2
4, summary (like your para 1)

Is it reasonable? I will be very thankful if you offer me some suggestion.

[Simon]

Hi Shayan,

Well noticed! There are no strict rules about that use of the comma - it's a choice. I suppose I put the comma in number 2 because a longer item came after it, and I think the comma made the separation a bit clearer. However, you could miss the comma and it would be fine.

...

Hi Ming,

My paragraph 1 is the introduction, and I think that should always go first. However, my paragraph 2 (the summary) can easily go at the end instead of second. It's fine to put the summary second or last.

[Blixa]

I took an IELTS preparation curse 2 years ago and the professor gave us the following structure for Task 1 (here is the transcription):

1. Intro. Very mechanical, paraphrase the instructions. Paragraph 1

2. General Statement. Main tendencies, trends. Paragraph 2

3. Description. Details, figures, numbers/periods, amounts, differences. Compare and if necessary make blocks of information because there is not either space or time. Paragraph 3-4

4. Summary. Prediction. Paragraph 5

Personally, I found your structure easier and more useful :) and, it got me confused that "summary" step the professor gave us because he said we needed a prediction. Of course we don't need it if the graph doesn't ask for it, am I right?

But I have a question, is it OK and essay of 4 paragraphs?

[Blixa]

I took an IELTS preparation curse 2 years ago and the professor gave us the following structure for Task 1 (here is the transcription):

1. Intro. Very mechanical, paraphrase the instructions. Paragraph 1

2. General Statement. Main tendencies, trends. Paragraph 2

3. Description. Details, figures, numbers/periods, amounts, differences. Compare and if necessary make blocks of information because there is not either space or time. Paragraph 3-4

4. Summary. Prediction. Paragraph 5
Personally, I found your structure easier :) and, it got me confused that "summary" step the professor gave us because he said we needed a prediction. Of course we don't need it if the graph doesn't ask for it, am I right?

But I have a question, is it OK if this Task 1 has 4 paragraphs?

[Simon]

Hi Blixa,

The first 3 points are good, but point 4 is unnecessary. You should NOT include a prediction, and you have already done a summary.

[Blixa]

Thank you very much for replying! OK, then I will follow your piece of advice :)

[onejune]

Hello Simon,
I am really appreciated all information you share on website.
I was trying to take a look of this website which you wrote before
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2011/09/ielts-grammar-by-or-to.html
However, it is blank, nothing there.
Did you remove it?

[Simon]

Hi onejune,

Sorry, I moved that lesson into the 'writing task 1' category:

http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2012/11/ielts-writing-task-1-to-or-by.html