Selecting information for IELTS Writing Task 1 – rail networks

Knowing how to select information in writing Task 1 is a key skill.

 

In every question you will ever see in writing Task 1, the instructions state:

 

 

This is the key phrase:


Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

 

The words summarise and select mean that it is not always necessary to give every detail provided in the question.  Of course, sometimes you do need to give all the figures.

The examiners' criteria state that a band score 7 is awarded to a candidate who

Band Score Descriptors Task 1 Task Achievement Band Score 7

Band score 7 TA

 

In other words, in order to get a 7 for Task Achievement, you need to know how to select information.

 

Look at this chart and decide what information you should select.  Then click on the + sign below to see an illustration of information selection.

Railway networks IELTS writing Task 1 Task 2 model answers charts tables Speaking

In a bar or line chart there is often, but not always, a lot of information and it is important to remember the instructions.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

In a table or pie chart, there is often, but not always, less information.

The key words are summarise and the main features.  

If there is too much information to describe, do not attempt to give all the information because to do so would take to long, and it is not necessary.  You may be penalised if you attempt to describe everything.  Remember, you are asked to summarise the information.  

Band socore 6 TA

Band score 6 TA

 

 


For more information on Task 1 questions see here

See Task 1 Sample Marked Scripts (AC) here

See Task 1 Model Answers here

Posts about selecting information

Task 1 models and marked scripts

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