IELTS task 1 January 2024 and Tips for Band 8.5 Writing

Task 1: The pie charts show the results of a survey in which undergraduates and postgraduates were asked about the range of books and non-printed materials in their school library. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Answer: The four pie charts illustrate the feedback from undergraduate and postgraduate students regarding the range of books and non-printed materials available in their school libraries. The responses are divided into three categories: “Very Good,” “Satisfactory,” and “Not Good.”

Overall, undergraduates showed a higher level of satisfaction with both resources than postgraduates. Additionally, non-printed materials received more positive feedback compared to the range of books, especially among undergraduates.

Looking at the range of books, 37% of undergraduates rated it as “Very Good,” while only 22% of postgraduates shared this opinion. Similarly, the percentage of those who were “Not Satisfied” with the books was higher among postgraduates (50%) than undergraduates (28%). Interestingly, a slightly larger portion of undergraduates (35%) felt satisfied, as opposed to 28% of postgraduates.

In terms of non-printed materials, undergraduates again expressed higher satisfaction, with a remarkable 68% rating them as “Very Good.” In contrast, only 12% of postgraduates shared this sentiment. The largest segment of postgraduates, 62%, expressed dissatisfaction with non-printed materials, while just 12% of undergraduates held this view. Satisfaction levels among both groups were relatively low, at 20% for undergraduates and 22% for postgraduates.

Tips for Band 8.5 Writing:

Here are some focused tips for achieving a Band 8.5 in IELTS Task 1 Writing with this type of question, which involves comparing survey results between two groups.

1. Overview and Clarity

• Start with an Overview: Begin by summarizing the main trend(s) without going into specific numbers. For example, note which group is generally more satisfied and which resource type is viewed more positively overall.
• Highlight Major Trends: Identify key points at a glance, such as whether undergraduates generally rate resources more positively than postgraduates or whether non-print materials are rated higher.

2. Organize by Category

• Separate Sections: Consider structuring your answer around two main categories (books vs. non-printed materials), as this will make your writing more coherent. Within each category, compare undergraduates and postgraduates.
• Clear Transitions: Use linking phrases like "in contrast," "on the other hand," and "similarly" to compare both groups smoothly.

3. Precise Language for Data Description

• Use Comparative Vocabulary: Use words like "higher," "lower," "significantly more," "substantially less," etc., to compare percentages. This avoids repeating exact figures and enhances readability.
• Describe Patterns, Not Every Detail: Summarize instead of listing all numbers. For example, “Undergraduates show greater satisfaction overall, especially with non-printed materials,” is better than detailing each percentage.

4. Vocabulary and Synonyms

• Avoid Repetition: Use synonyms to prevent redundancy. For example, alternate between "students," "respondents," and "undergraduates/postgraduates."
• Use Formal Vocabulary: Words like "illustrate," "remarkable," "noteworthy," and "dissatisfaction" elevate the tone, making the writing sound more sophisticated.

5. Specific Language for Describing Proportions

• Use phrases to indicate size and proportions:
  • High percentages: “A majority,” “a large proportion,” or “most.”
  • Moderate percentages: “Around half,” “nearly half,” “a significant portion.”
  • Low percentages: “Only a small fraction,” “a minority,” or “a modest percentage.”

6. Grammar and Sentence Structure

• Complex Sentences: Use complex structures to show grammatical range, such as, “While 68% of undergraduates rated non-printed materials as very good, only 12% of postgraduates held this view.”
• Passive and Comparative Structures: Employ passive voice or comparative structures for variety, e.g., “Non-printed materials were rated more positively by undergraduates compared to postgraduates.”

7. Concluding Statement (Optional)

• While not required, a brief conclusion (e.g., “In summary, undergraduates expressed greater satisfaction overall, particularly with non-printed materials.”) can neatly wrap up your answer.

By following these strategies—structuring logically, using varied vocabulary, and describing data concisely—you’ll enhance clarity, precision, and coherence, essential for reaching a high band score in IELTS Task 1 Writing.