A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published December 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at how to use cohesive devices in your IELTS writing task 2 essay. Being able to include cohesive devices in your writing is important because it shows the examiner that you know how to use them effectively. This can increase your band score in the coherence and cohesionsection.
Cohesive devices are also known as linking words and they are there to help the examiner to read through your essay clearly. Linking words are a great way to join your ideas together and make your sentences and your paragraph much more coherent.
Cohesive Devices
Below is a list of cohesive devices that you will use in your IELTS essays. In the IELTS exam, to reach a band 7 or above you need to be able to use a range of cohesive devices accurately.
Examples
In the writing task 2 marking criteria for a band score of 7, it states – ‘ uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately although there may be some under-/over-use‘. This means that the student understands how to use cohesive devices but is using too many (in nearly every sentence) or too few.
Many students who receive a band score 6 or lower, will have used far too many, making the writing sound mechanical and not like a native speaker. A high scoring answer of 8+ will contain a few but well placed cohesive devices as using them with precision and in the correct context counts for more than inserting as many as possible.
Take a look at the examples below with the cohesive devices highlighted in bold >>
Bad Example
On the one hand, the main advantage of having a standardised punishment system could lead to a downward trend in crime, as the system would serve as a deterrent. Therefore, this would allow the courts to easily hand out justice to all criminals, in order to make the judiciary system more powerful. For example, in some states in the USA, there are tough sanctions in place for criminals, including death by lethal injection. However, in 2014, the New York Times reported that up to 65% of criminals who were incarcerated for high-level crimes (murder, manslaughter) received the lethal injection.
Good Example
On the one hand, the main advantage of having a standardised punishment system could lead to a downward trend in crime, as the system would serve as a deterrent. This would allow the courts to easily hand out justice to all criminals, in order to make the judiciary system more powerful. For example, in some states in the USA, there are tough sanctions in place for criminals, including death by lethal injection. In 2014, the New York Times reported that up to 65% of criminals who were incarcerated for high-level crimes (murder, manslaughter) received the lethal injection.
How Should I Use Them In My Essay?
Review sample essays and see how many are used in high-level answers. You will see that there are the same ones used in many sample essays time and time again. Learn a core few and use them during your writing practice.
Take a look at this band 9 essay below and see how the cohesive devices have been used to introduce the reader to the paragraphs and to lead them through the essay effortlessly. The cohesive devices are highlighted in bold.
Essay Example >>
Question
In current society, many people are struggling with obesity. What is the main cause of this? What are the effects?
Answer
In many countries all over the world today, there are many people who are extremely overweight. This essay will firstly discuss the main reasons that this is happening and secondly look at the effects this is having on individuals and society.
Firstly, obesity is caused by many factors in modern society, including the easy availability of unhealthy food. When a bad diet is matched with a sedentary lifestyle, weight gain is inevitable, since eating large portions of food that is mainly processed, high in salt, sugar and filled with chemicals, the body gains weight fast. For example, a documentary by Channel 4 in 2016 showed that the most obese populations were situated in underdeveloped nations, like Venezuela, where people admitted to finding it difficult to eat a balanced and healthy diet and had no nutritional education.
Secondly, the effect that immense weight gain can have on a person, is that they will likely develop health issues, like diabetes or heart disease. As the body becomes larger, the metabolism slows down, so that the body is more likely to get a chronic illness. This is impacting on health services around the world, as hospitals are seeing an increased demand to care for obese patients. For instance, The NHS in the UK has admitted to spending around 16 billion per year on obese related diseases like diabetes. UK newspaper The Telegraph reported in 2016 that more money is spent on treating obesity in the UK than on staffing the police force and fire service.
In conclusion, obesity is being caused by easily available calorie-rich processed food and little exercise. The effects of this are impacting individuals health as well as the cost of national healthcare services. In order for obesity to be lessened, individuals should be educated about nutrition, furthermore, the governments should implement higher taxes on all junk food and sugar.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published December 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at how to write IELTS writing task 2 main body paragraphs. Being able to write strong main body paragraphs in your task 2 essay is important because it shows the examiner that you can logically organise your ideas and support your points with evidence.
In the main body paragraphs, you want to show the examiner that you can write about your ideas, explain them and support them with examples that are relevant, if you do this, you will gain marks for coherence. You should also make sure your writing is following a formal style as this is an academic essay.
If you would like to purchase a 14 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
Main Body Paragraph Structure
By learning a structure for your main body paragraphs and practising it over and over with many questions, you will be able to write one quickly about any topic.
Your main body paragraphs should have 3 main sentences >
Introduce the topic
Explain/give detail
Example
Introduce the topic
Start the paragraph by introducing the topic. This is where you need to have a topic sentence that introduces the examiner to the main idea of the paragraph.
Explain/give detail
The next sentence(s) should explain the topic, going into detail. This gives some background information related to the main idea of the paragraph. It explains the idea, telling the examiner how it is relevant to the question.
Example
The third part of your main body paragraph should give an example to support your main points. The example you give could be something from your own experience or made up – it is ok to make up something as the examiners will not fact check your information. They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level. You could make up an example from a report, journal, newspaper or University study to support your view.
Examples
Here are some example main body paragraphs written for common question types. Please take note of how they have been written and structured.
Cause/Effect Essay
Question
In current society, many people are struggling with obesity. What is the main cause of this? What are the effects?
Main Body Paragraph 1
Firstly, obesity is caused by many factors in modern society, including the easy availability of unhealthy food. When a bad diet is matched with a sedentary lifestyle, weight gain is inevitable, since eating large portions of food that is mainly processed, high in salt, sugar and filled with chemicals, the body gains weight fast. For example, a documentary by Channel 4 in 2016 showed that the most obese populations were situated in underdeveloped nations, like Venezuela, where people admitted to finding it difficult to eat a balanced and healthy diet and had no nutritional education.
Main Body Paragraph 2
Secondly, the effect that immense weight gain can have on a person, is that they will likely develop health issues, like diabetes or heart disease. As the body becomes larger, the metabolism slows down, so that the body is more likely to get a chronic illness. This is impacting on health services around the world, as hospitals are seeing an increased demand to care for obese patients. For instance, The NHS in the UK has admitted to spending around 16 billion per year on obese related diseases like diabetes. UK newspaper The Telegraph reported in 2016 that more money is spent on treating obesity in the UK than on staffing the police force and fire service.
Feedback
The main body paragraphs both have the same structure, the first sentence introduces the topic, next there is an explanation and lastly, there is an example given to support the point. The paragraphs also contain complex sentences, cohesive devices and high-level vocabulary.
Many people in society believe that having fixed punishments for all crimes is a more efficient way of dealing with criminals in the justice system.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a fixed punishment?
Main Body Paragraph 1
On the one hand, the main advantage of having a standardised punishment system could lead to a downward trend in crime, as the system would serve as a deterrent. This would allow the courts to easily hand out justice to all criminals, in order to make the judiciary system more powerful. For example, in some states in the USA, there are tough sanctions in place for criminals, including death by lethal injection. In 2014, the New York Times reported that up to 65% of criminals who were incarcerated for high-level crimes (murder, manslaughter) received the lethal injection.
Main Body Paragraph 2
On the other hand, the primary disadvantage of having fixed punishments is that people who have committed low-level crimes may also be given harsh sentences, in the same way as those who have been sentenced for high-level crimes. This may make the system unjust, as the punishment should befit the crime. For instance, a person who may have acted in self-defence should have their case heard in full, before being given a punishment befitting of someone who has been part of a violent act.
Feedback
The main body paragraphs both have the same structure, the first sentence introduces the topic, next there is an explanation and lastly, there is an example given to support the point. The paragraphs also contain complex sentences, cohesive devices and high-level vocabulary.
Due to poorer countries experiencing a ‘brain drain’ they are seeing many professionals, such as doctors and teachers, leaving to work in more developed countries.
What problems does this cause? What solutions can be suggested to deal with this problem?
Main Body Paragraph 1
The foremost problem with skilled professionals, such as doctors and teachers leaving is that it deprives the country of people who are necessary to its survival. A shortage of doctors in hospitals could lead to them being severely understaffed, even though they have the trained doctors and nurses who are local and willing to work. In addition, some academic institutions will also suffer, with a lack of skilled teachers in highly desirable subjects, like maths, science and languages. Many professionals desire better pay and working conditions, leaving in search of a better lifestyle so that they can earn a higher salary. For example, a study from Cambridge University showed that in Romania in 2014, 75% of graduates had applied to work in the UK and the USA.
Main Body Paragraph 2
A possible solution to this problem is for skilled professionals to enter into mandatory service in their origin country, before being able to migrate. Those who earn their qualifications from state universities should have to work in service to their country for a set amount of time, even though they are ready for the wider workplace. This would address the shortage of workers in hospitals and schools, meanwhile gaining experience, in order to give something back to their community and country. For instance, in Romania, it is common practice for graduates from state-funded university courses to work in areas where their services are needed for a minimum of two years before they are able to apply to work abroad.
Feedback
The main body paragraphs both have the same structure, the first sentence introduces the topic, next there is an explanation and lastly, there is an example given to support the point. The paragraphs also contain complex sentences, cohesive devices and high-level vocabulary.
Some people think that developments involving the internet have brought people closer together while others think that people and communities have become more isolated.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Main Body Paragraph 1
Firstly, during the last two decades, there have been many tech developments and advancements, bringing convenience to all. One significant attribute of this modernization is the internet, while this technology has made our lives more convenient in many aspects, including our approach to communication. In the past, we only used mail or the telephone to send our messages across the globe, whereas today, the internet allows us to reach out to almost everyone in just a few seconds. The inconvenience of long distances is eliminated as we can talk and even see distant friends or relatives for an unlimited time. For example, the internet connects people whose relatives or families are abroad, through Facebook, Twitter or Skype anytime and anywhere.
Main Body Paragraph 2
Secondly, this technological development has its drawbacks, as it has been observed that some individuals tend to spend a lot of their time surfing the internet or on different social networking sites. Communities meet online via private Facebook groups, instead of in a community hall to discuss matters, since this does not allow them to socialise physically with people, they isolate themselves in this virtual world. Both teenagers and adults use much of their time online and this does not allow them to develop their interpersonal skills. For instance, a study from 2015 by The Social Media Explorer saw that over 93% of teenagers aged 16-19 have a social media presence, with more than three social accounts per person.
Feedback
The main body paragraphs both have the same structure, the first sentence introduces the topic, next there is an explanation and lastly, there is an example given to support the point. The paragraphs also contain complex sentences, cohesive devices and high-level vocabulary.
Due to the growing number of overweight people in today’s society putting a strain on the healthcare system, some people think that the best way to deal with the problem is to offer more physical education lessons in the school curriculum.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Main Body Paragraph 1
On the one hand, I believe that the best way to fight health care problems is by utilising health education. By integrating physical education classes into the curriculum, impressionable young children and adults will be exposed to healthy lifestyle practices of sport and exercise, whereas they will also learn about teamwork and see their self-confidence grow. For example, at Westminster primary school in the UK, 10-minute exercise intervals were introduced between classes. The children must run laps around the playground before going to their next lesson. This formed part of a study by Cambridge University, where it reported that 85% of the children performed better on tests and obesity records were at an all-time low.
Main Body Paragraph 2
On the other hand, in my view having more physical education classes in the curriculum is not the only way to teach young people how to have a healthy lifestyle. The children should be educated how to balance exercise with a healthy diet, so that this could extend, not only to the students in the schools but also to the parents. For instance, the NHS in the UK regularly hold talks in schools for both parents and students to educate communities on how to have a balanced diet. They also promote proper exercise, involvement in sports, and having an active lifestyle. As a result of this program, in some areas, they saw a decrease in the number of overweight health issues.
Feedback
The main body paragraphs both have the same structure, the first sentence introduces the topic, next there is an explanation and lastly, there is an example given to support the point. The paragraphs also contain complex sentences, cohesive devices and high-level vocabulary.
Many employers are now offering their employees the option to work from home.As a result, employees will have much more flexible working hours in the future.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Main Body Paragraph 1
On the one hand, having the option to work from home, can have a positive impact on an employee’s schedule. This is especially so if the person has children or other dependants because working long hours is not always possible depending on your lifestyle. Therefore it allows the employee to manage their own schedule while ensuring that they maintain a work-life balance, working from wherever they are in the world. Having flexible working hours means that collecting children from school, spending time travelling and being able to attend non-work related appointments becomes much easier. For example, Google allows senior engineers to work remotely, using flexible hours for those who travel a lot or have the need to work with little interruptions.
Main Body Paragraph 2
On the other hand, employees can become isolated from the company and/or co-workers when not active in the office environment. When working away from the office, a worker may feel removed from colleagues and the day to day issues that arise from that environment. Working for hours each day without face to face contact with co-workers and management can seriously impact a person’s mental health, leading to frustration, depression and burnout. For instance, according to an article published in The New York Times in 2016, a survey of people who work online, from home in the state of New York showed that 24% of people said they had developed depression.
Feedback
The main body paragraphs both have the same structure, the first sentence introduces the topic, next there is an explanation and lastly, there is an example given to support the point. The paragraphs also contain complex sentences, cohesive devices and high-level vocabulary.
The arts, including art, music and theatre are considered to be important in society.
Do you think the arts still have a place amongst our modern lifestyles?
Should the arts be included in school programs?
Main Body Paragraph 1
Firstly, the creative arts, such as paintings, sculptures, music and theatre have a long and ardent history throughout the ages. They have grown and evolved with the times, appealing to new generations every year, in order to keep being a part of everyday life. People enjoy the arts, often as an escape from their lives, listening to music they enjoy, going to see a play with friends or visiting galleries and museums to see paintings, photography or sculptures. For example, a study from the New York Times in 2017 showed that over 75% of New Yorkers said that they regularly visited the cities art galleries, museums and theatres. A further 35% said that they donated money regularly to art societies, for the preservation of the collections, so they can continue for many years to come.
Main Body Paragraph 2
Secondly, many people develop a love for the arts early in life, when they are at school. In my opinion, I think that a range of arts subjects should be included in the school curriculum, as not all students are ‘left brained’ enjoying logical, core subjects like mathematics. Others are more ‘right brained’ where they enjoy being creative, whether that is in writing, painting or making music. Children should be encouraged to find their talents at school and develop them for their own enjoyment and advancement. For instance, St. Cuthberts school in the north of England dedicated 40% of the curriculum of creative subjects, including fine art, pottery, music, drama and dance. Those subjects proved to enhance school results by over 25% in 2017.
Feedback
The main body paragraphs both have the same structure, the first sentence introduces the topic, next there is an explanation and lastly, there is an example given to support the point. The paragraphs also contain complex sentences, cohesive devices and high-level vocabulary.
If you would like to purchase a 14 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
Comprehensive guide covering essential IELTS preparation strategies and techniques to help you achieve your target band score.
Originally published December 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at how to write a great IELTS writing task 2 introduction. Being able to write a good introduction to your task 2 essay is important because it shows the examiner that you can paraphrase, use synonyms and logically start to organise your writing.
In the introduction to your essay, you want to show the examiner that you can write specifically about the topic, give your opinion or views and outline clearly for them what you are going to discuss in the rest of the essay. You should also make sure your writing is following a formal style as this is an academic essay.
If you would like to purchase a 14 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
Introduction Paragraph Structure
By learning a structure for your introduction and practising it over and over with many questions, you will be able to write one quickly about any topic.
Your introduction should have 3 main sentences >
Paraphrased question
Opinion/view (if asked for)
Introduce the specific topics that will be discussed in the main body paragraphs.
Paraphrasing the question
To paraphrase text is to read the question then rewrite it in your own words. You should not copy words straight from the question, instead change the order of the words and choose words with a similar meaning (a synonym). This means you are using different words to write about the same idea.
Opinion/view
In some questions, like agree/disagree or discussion questions you may be asked to give your opinion. You should give your opinion in the introduction or state your position clearly, as this is the main idea for the whole essay. This tells the examiner that you have read and understood the question. You may say… ‘In my opinion, I believe that…’ or ‘In my view…’ or if you strongly agree with the topic, ‘I strongly agree that…’ This clearly tells the examiner your position on the topic and/or your opinion.
Introduce the specific topics that will be discussed in the main body paragraphs.
The third part of your introduction should be a sentence or two telling the examiner clearly what you are going to discuss in the main body paragraphs in the essay. Each main body paragraph should only have one main idea. This keeps the writing in the main body paragraphs clear for the examiner to read and doesn’t become confusing, you should ideally stick to a structure that you have practised and revised, in order to gain a high band score.
Examples
Here are some example introductions written for common question types. Please take note of how they have been written and structured.
Cause/Effect Essay Introduction
Question
In current society, many people are struggling with obesity. What is the main cause of this? What are the effects?
Introduction
In many countries all over the world today, there are many people who are extremely overweight. This essay will firstly discuss the main reasons that this is happening and secondly look at the effects this is having on individuals and society.
Feedback
The introduction paraphrases the question and clearly tells the examiner what the essay will discuss in the main body paragraphs.
Many people in society believe that having fixed punishments for all crimes is a more efficient way of dealing with criminals in the justice system.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a fixed punishment?
Introduction
There is an ongoing debate on the merits of having a rigid discipline system in place for all crimes committed. This essay will firstly discuss, how having fixed punishments could lead to a more competent judiciary system as the biggest advantage. Secondly, this essay will discuss how this may lead to people being punished in the same way for both minor and major crimes as the primary disadvantage.
Feedback
The introduction paraphrases the question and clearly tells the examiner what the essay will discuss in the main body paragraphs. You can see a specific advantage and disadvantage that are both relevant.
Due to poorer countries experiencing a ‘brain drain’ they are seeing many professionals, such as doctors and teachers, leaving to work in more developed countries.
What problems does this cause? What solutions can be suggested to deal with this problem?
Introduction
In many developing countries, there are a number of skilled academics leaving in search of better pay, increased socioeconomic benefits, and the chance to earn citizenship in a developed country. In this essay, I will examine the impact this has had on the more poverty-stricken countries and suggest how this situation could be improved.
Feedback
The introduction paraphrases the question and clearly tells the examiner what the essay will discuss in the main body paragraphs.
Some people think that developments involving the internet have brought people closer together while others think that people and communities have become more isolated.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Introduction
It is undeniable that modern technology has a huge influence on people’s lives. The use of the internet, for example, has become more common and some claim that it has been able to connect people who are far apart, while others argue that its use can lead to social isolation or confinement. This essay will discuss both views and state my own position.
Feedback
The introduction paraphrases the question, states both views and states that an opinion will be given in the essay. It also clearly tells the examiner what the essay will discuss in the main body paragraphs.
Due to the growing number of overweight people in today’s society putting a strain on the healthcare system, some people think that the best way to deal with the problem is to offer more physical education lessons in the school curriculum.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Introduction
Obesity has become a huge concern as an increasing percentage of the population have become overweight and this has put a tremendous strain on the healthcare authorities, leading to increased costs. One solution that is being implemented is the introduction of physical education lessons in the school curriculum. In my opinion, I strongly agree that the integration of physical education lessons will greatly assist in kerbing obesity. Firstly, this essay will discuss how physical education lessons will increase awareness of the benefits of having a healthy lifestyle. Secondly, this essay will discuss, the importance of combining exercise with a healthy diet.
Feedback
The introduction paraphrases the question, states a position (strongly agree) and gives an opinion. It also clearly tells the examiner what the essay will discuss in the main body paragraphs.
Many employers are now offering their employees the option to work from home.As a result, employees will have much more flexible working hours in the future.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Introduction
In the modern workplace, many workers are being given the option to undertake their job from home, thus leading to the managing of one’s own time. Firstly this essay will discuss, how being able to work away from the confinement of an office can bring positive elements into a worker’s life. Secondly, it will discuss the negative impact this may have on a person when no longer involved in the day to day activities happening in the office environment.
Feedback
The introduction paraphrases the question and clearly tells the examiner what the essay will discuss in the main body paragraphs.
The arts, including art, music and theatre are considered to be important in society.
Do you think the arts still have a place amongst our modern lifestyles?
Should the arts be included in school programs?
Introduction
Creative pleasures such as viewing fine arts, listening to music and watching a play are treated by many as enjoyable and essential as part of their everyday living. Firstly this essay will discuss how the arts are a crucial element in most people’s lives and secondly will discuss how it is vital that creative subjects are included in the school’s curriculum.
Feedback
The introduction paraphrases the question and clearly tells the examiner what the essay will discuss in the main body paragraphs. It shows the student has read the question and understood the topic.
If you would like to purchase a 14 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published June 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, I want to share with you the 8 tips that you should remember in order to have IELTS Academic writing task 1 success!
There is a lot of information out there for you to read and remember, but during lessons with my students I always repeat the same things and those that choose to listen and study hard achieve the band score they need (7+!)
So here are the 8 tips for writing task 1 success!
1. Understand the question
Make sure that you read the question properly a few times, so that you fully understand what it is asking you to do. I often read essays where the student has misunderstood the question. This is not good for your score if you do this during your test. So always read the question and make sure that you understand what it is asking you to do.
The questions in writing task 1 normally say ‘report the main features and make any comparisons’. Look for those main features and if you can make any comparisons. You can highlight information on the paper/question before you start to write your essay. Practice as much as possible beforehand, using various academic writing task 1 questions and an approved essay structure.
2. Practice the essay structure
The structure that I advise my students to use, changes slightly depending on which question they have for writing task 1.
However, it has a core structure, that if used well, will be sure to get you a band score 7+. You need to practice using this structure, with as many questions as you can, before sitting your IELTS test. This writing task 1 structure has been proven to be successful for my students and when perfected, can easily help you to achieve a high band score.
3. Create an effective overview
The overview is the most important paragraph in the writing task 1 essay and without one, you will lose marks. this will affect your score and your ability to gain a band score 7 or higher. Practice writing an overview of different types of questions.
4. Use the right language
In the writing task 1 section of this website, you will find language help in most of the posts. It is important to use the right language when writing your essays. This can affect your band score, so it is worth studying and practising as much as possible.
For example, you should be able to paraphrase the question using synonyms, use signposting language (Overall, the line graph shows that..) and linking words(however, in contrast, one the one hand, on the other hand, therefore, in addition, etc). You should also be able to describe change and for the maps questions describe locations this will gain you marks in the lexical resource part of the marking criteria.
5. Know the Grammar
Think about the grammar you are using, if the question features change over a period of time, then make sure you use the correct tense when writing about those changes. For example, if a figure is projected to increase over a period of ten years up until the year 2022, you use the future tense >> ‘The price of oil will continue to increase up to £50billion dollars by the year 2022’. Practice with these types of question, so that you can use the past, present and future tenses.
When practising you can use ‘Grammarly’ which checks your work as you type, this will help you with spelling, punctuation and grammar errors.
6. Know the content
You need to able to report neutrally on the visual information presented to you. You should not include any opinion on the data, only report the data and trends that you can see.
It is a good idea to spend a minute or two looking at your chart/graph and circling/highlighting any information that is important.
For example, think about the following questions:
What is being measured and how?
Is it in percentages? Millions? Degrees? (for the temperature)
Then think about the timing – is it over the period of one year? Five? or Ten?
Can you make any comparisons?
7. Be selective
The question will ask you to ‘report the main features and make any comparisons’ so look for those main features – any highs/lows etc. Don’t write about every piece of information that you can see. This will lose your essay marks and affect your band score.
You need to practice highlighting the main features/any comparisons that you can see and plan your essay around those. Then practice writing in 20 minutes, you do not want to spend too much time on writing task 1, as writing task 2 has more weight in the marks.
8. Can you read it?
When practising writing your essays, check if you can read you own handwriting afterwards. If you find it difficult to read, then so will everyone else! Make it neat and easy to read, this is important so that the examiner can read your writing clearly. The advice from The British Council does say that candidates are allowed to write entirely in capital letters if they wish. This may make your writing easier to read.
It is also important that you separate the paragraphs, and don’t just have one big block of text. This will lose you marks in the test, therefore you can skip a line on the paper, to show that a new paragraph has been started. In the marking criteria, you do get marks for ‘logically organises information and ideas’ (Band score 7) so it is important to show that you have organised your information into logical paragraphs. Take a look at the essay structure to see how to organise those paragraphs well.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published May 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at the importance of being able to paraphrase. Paraphrasing is important, not only for the writing test but for all of the other parts of the test too. Being able to paraphrase will show the examiner that you have a wide vocabulary, helping you to achieve a higher band score.
To paraphrase text is to read the question then rewrite it in your own words. You should not copy words straight from the question, instead change the order of the words and choose words with a similar meaning (a synonym). This means you are using different words to write about the same idea.
Paraphrasing
Here is an example of a Writing Task 1 Question >>
The graph below shows the average monthly temperatures in three well-known cities. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Paraphrased >>
The line graph illustrates the climate conditions in Athens, Barcelona, and Sydney over the period of one year.
Here I changed temperatures to conditions (synonym) and then I added the three city names instead of saying ‘in three well-known cities’.
Using Synonyms
Synonyms are words you use when you want to write a word that has a similar meaning to the original word in the question. For example;
Area / space
Map / diagram / picture
Amount / number
Car / automobile / vehicle
Price / amount / cost
High / big / great
When paraphrasing the question, you don’t need to change all of the words, but you should try to change most of them. Be careful though, because choosing a word that has a similar meaning – not the same meaning can make the meaning of the sentence change or become unclear.
The best way to practice this is to have a look at writing task 1 questions and paraphrase/re-write the question in your own words. Whilst practising you can use an online thesaurus tool to help you find synonyms and learn new words.
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Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published May 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at the importance of having a good clear overview. The overview is the most important paragraph in the writing task 1 essay and without one, you will lose marks. this will affect your score and your ability to gain a band score 7 or higher.
What is an overview?
An overview is where you clearly write about the general information you can see in the graph/chart/map/process.
For the graphs/charts questions – You give the examiner a clear overview of the main features and you can make comparisons if you can see any. You don’t have to mention any numbers/data/stats here; this information should be in the next two paragraphs.
For the maps questions – You give a general overview of the most noticeable changes that have occurred / or will occur in the future.
For the process questions – You state how many stages the process has, how it begins and how it ends.
Things you should look for in the charts/graph questions >>
Focus on what the main features are
Look at the highest and lowest numbers
See if there has been a substantial growth or decline in a particular category
If there are a few categories, check if there is an obvious way to group them together into just two or three groups.
Look for one or two categories, which break the pattern set by all of the others.
Sometimes there are several different main features, which you can identify. You can circle the key information on the question paper before you start to write about your main features.
Things you should look for in the maps questions >>
Focus on the main changes that you can see, have they improved anything?
Have they built anything in an area that was countryside before?
Have there been any dramatic changes?
Things you should look for in the process questions >>
Think about the number of stages that are in time order.
How many stages are there?
What is happening at the beginning?
What is happening at the end?
I advise my students to write the overview in the second paragraph, after the introduction (paraphrased question) and before the main body paragraphs. The overview leads the reader through into the main body of the essay, where the specific details are written about.
Essay Structure
The structure should look like this >>
Paragraph 1- Introduction / Paraphrase the question.
Paragraph 2- Overview
Paragraph 3- Specific Details
Paragraph 4- Specific Details
Paragraph 2 – Overview of the main features
You need to be able to give a broad summary of the information. This is best started with Overall……. then giving details of the main features you can see. You can write this in one or two sentences.
You should try to make a complex sentence here by using a subordinate clause. This means when you are writing your sentences, you join two pieces of information with a linking word – while, whereas, with, although, even though. This can help you to gain more marks in the test.
Students often ask if they should write a conclusion in writing task 1 and the answer is no. This is not an opinion essay, therefore you do not need to give a conclusion. You stick to the facts in this essay, you do not give you own opinion.
Line graph question overview example >>
Overall, the highest recurrence of burglary was in Great Britain, which was fairly high from 2000-2009 in comparison to the other countries, while the lowest incidence when the study began in 2000 was in Spain. It can be seen that in 2009 Spain reported slightly lower figures than the other four countries.
Maps question overview example >>
Overall, the most important change will be the addition of safety measures and the appearance of foliage amid the initial monotonous city design. The sidewalks will be wider on both sides of the road and bicycle lanes will be added, while a pedestrian crossing will also be constructed at the bottom of the street. The crossing will have an island where pedestrians can wait.
Process question overview example >>
Overall, it can be observed that there are eight stages in this process, beginning with the collection of trees from the forest and ending with the paper being made in the paper making machine.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
