💟IELTS Writing Task 1: checklist

1/ Know what the six types

of question are (e.g. line graph...).
2/ Try several real test examples of each type.
3/ Know the 4-paragraph method suggested in lessons on this site.
4/ Practise paraphrasing the question to write introductions.
5/ Understand why we don't write a conclusion for task 1.
6/ Know how to write an 'overview', and what to include in this paragraph.
7/ Practise selecting key information, rather than describing everything.
8/ Be able to write good 'comparing' sentences.
9/ Be able to describe changes and trends (e.g. increase, decrease).
10/ Be able to use the passive to describe steps in a process.
Note: I shared this checklist a couple of years ago in another plarform, but I think it's worth looking at again (if you've seen it before).

💟IELTS Reading: paragraph headings tips

1. Do these questions last
'Paragraph headings' questions are difficult, especially because the answers will not be in order in the text. For most other types of question, the answers will be in order in the text. So, do the other questions first, then you will be familiar with the text when you return to the 'paragraph headings' questions. You might even find that you are able to match some of the paragraphs really quickly because you remember what they were about.

2. Start with the shortest paragraphs
Instead of starting with the first paragraph, why not start with the shortest paragraph? If there is a really short paragraph, it should be easier to match it to a heading. Then you will have fewer headings to choose from for the longer paragraphs.

3. Look for similar words
As with most types of IELTS reading question, you should be able to find words in the paragraph that are similar to words in the heading.

4. Move on if you are spending too much time
'Paragraph headings' questions often take a long time. Don't allow yourself to use more than 20 minutes for each reading passage. After 20 minutes, must move on to the next passage.