IELTS Writing Skills & Composition 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, what should the overview paragraph do?
- Summarise the main trends or key features without detailed data (Correct answer)
- List every single data point in the chart
- Give your personal opinion on the data
- Predict future changes in the data
Correct answer: Summarise the main trends or key features without detailed data
The overview highlights the most significant trends or features without specific figures.
Question 2: How many words minimum are required for Academic Writing Task 1?
- 100 words
- 150 words (Correct answer)
- 200 words
- 250 words
Correct answer: 150 words
Task 1 requires at least 150 words.
Question 3: Which phrase best introduces a contrasting trend in a Task 1 line graph?
- In conclusion
- Whereas sales of tea fell, coffee sales rose (Correct answer)
- For example
- As a result
Correct answer: Whereas sales of tea fell, coffee sales rose
'Whereas' signals contrast between two trends.
Question 4: What is the recommended time to spend on Task 1?
- 10 minutes
- 20 minutes (Correct answer)
- 30 minutes
- 40 minutes
Correct answer: 20 minutes
About 20 minutes is advised, leaving 40 for Task 2.
Question 5: Which word correctly describes a sudden, large increase on a graph?
- Gradually declined
- Sharply rose (Correct answer)
- Remained stable
- Slightly dipped
Correct answer: Sharply rose
'Sharply rose' describes a steep, rapid increase.
Question 6: When describing a process diagram in Task 1, which tense is most common?
- Past simple
- Present simple (often passive) (Correct answer)
- Future perfect
- Present perfect continuous
Correct answer: Present simple (often passive)
Processes are usually described in the present simple, frequently in the passive voice.
Question 7: Why should you NOT copy the question's wording exactly in your introduction?
- It is forbidden by the rules
- Copied words are not counted and reduce your effective word count and vocabulary score (Correct answer)
- It makes the essay too short
- It is grammatically incorrect
Correct answer: Copied words are not counted and reduce your effective word count and vocabulary score
Examiners discount copied text, lowering your scored word count and lexical resource.
IELTS Writing Skills & Composition 2
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, what should the overview paragraph do?