As an IELTS instructor with over two decades of experience, I often encounter students who feel overwhelmed by the Writing section, particularly Task 1 of the General Training module. One of the most common questions I receive is, “How many questions are there in IELTS General Writing Task 1?” Understanding the structure of this task is crucial for success. So, let’s break it down and demystify the process.
Understanding the Prompt: It’s All Connected
Here’s the key takeaway: There is only one question in IELTS General Writing Task 1. However, this question requires you to achieve multiple objectives within your response. Think of it as a puzzle where you have all the pieces (your writing skills), and the prompt guides you on how to assemble them into a cohesive and effective letter.
Deconstructing the Task: Your Roadmap to Success
The IELTS General Writing Task 1 prompt will always present you with a situation and then outline three bullet points. These bullet points are not separate questions but rather specific aspects of the situation that you must address in your letter.
Example Prompt:
You recently bought a piece of furniture, but it arrived damaged.
Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter:
- Describe the problem with the furniture
- Explain how the damage happened
- State what you want the store to do
Notice how each bullet point relates to the overall situation (damaged furniture) but asks you to focus on a particular element.
Mastering the Approach: Tips for a High-Scoring Letter
- Analyze the Bullet Points: Carefully read and understand each bullet point. Highlight keywords and phrases that indicate what information you need to include.
- Plan Your Response: Before you start writing, briefly jot down the key points you want to cover for each bullet point. This will help you stay organized and ensure a logical flow.
- Use Linking Words: Transition smoothly between paragraphs and ideas using cohesive devices like “furthermore,” “in addition,” or “as a result.”
- Formal Tone: Remember, you are writing a letter to a store manager. Maintain a formal tone throughout your letter.
- Proofread Carefully: Grammatical errors and spelling mistakes can lower your score. Always allocate time to review and edit your letter.
Example: Putting it All Together
Let’s consider the example prompt above. Here’s how you might address the bullet points:
- Describe the problem with the furniture: “I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the [Name of Furniture] I recently purchased from your store on [Date]. Upon delivery, I noticed significant damage to the [Specific Part of Furniture Damaged].”
- Explain how the damage happened: “The damage appears to have occurred during transportation, as the packaging was [Describe the state of the packaging].”
- State what you want the store to do: “To resolve this issue, I request a full refund or a replacement of the damaged [Name of Furniture]. I am available to return the damaged item at your earliest convenience.”
Conquering IELTS General Writing Task 1
Remember, the key to success in IELTS General Writing Task 1 lies in understanding that the prompt, while containing multiple instructions, represents one cohesive question. By carefully analyzing the bullet points, planning your response, and writing in a clear and concise manner, you can confidently tackle this task and achieve your desired band score. Good luck!