101Helpful Hints for IELTS

Writing Test Hints
When asked to describe information given in a table or chart that shows the present situation, use
the present simple or present continuous tense, and the passive voice where necessary.
O Look at the following examples from the model answer for Task 1 of Writing Test Three:
... students from four European countries ... and one Middle Eastern country ... are
taking Graphic Design...
Some students are enrolled in the Computer-Aided Design core option ...
... Sweden has the largest number of enrolled students (17) and Syria (has) the least (5).
When asked to describe information shown in a graph, table or chart that is either fixed in time or
that changed over time, use the past simple or past continuous tense.
D Look at the following examples from the model answer for Writing Task 1 of Writing Test Four:
(Acme Sports Cars)... was making almost twice the profit at the beginning ...
There was a three-fold increase in the latter's monthly profit over the same period.
... Acme Sports Cars' monthly profit decreased slightly ... but rose sharply ...
Note that the use of the present perfect tense to convey the meaning of a past situation being
considered (by the reader) in the present, e.g. "... Acme Sports Cars' monthly profit has fallen
dramatically", can be confusing. It is better to make it a rule for Writing Task 1 to use the past simple
or continuous tense for changes that took place during a completed period of time in the past.
It is also possible that the information in the graph, table or chart will refer to a period of time
beginning in the past or present, and continuing into the future. In that case, you will need to use
the correct language to express what may happen in the future. (See Speaking Hint 100.)
DO NOT ADD A "SEPARATE" CONCLUSION
There is no need to write a "separate" conclusion as you must do in Writing Task 2. This is because
you are not being asked to conclude an argument, or evaluate your discussion of a topic, as in Writing
Task 2. Remember, your opinions are not required in Writing Task 1.
D Look at the last paragraph of the model answer for Writing Task 1 of Writing Test Two:
The sixth stage consists of writing the final draft of the essay. A spellcheck is required,
before adding a title page and compiling a bibliography. The essay should then be
submitted before the deadline for completion.
This last paragraph serves as a conclusion, since it is the sixth and final stage of the process.
Similarly, the last paragraph of all answers to Writing Task 1 will serve as a conclusion. However,
if you are having trouble trying to write at least 150 words, it is be better to write a short conclusion
than fail to complete the task. Try to do so by giving more detail, and not by giving opinions.
In Writing Task 1, your personal opinions about the topic are irrelevant
Turn the page upside down to see the answers to the exercise given on page 59:
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