Selecting information for IELTS Writing Task 1 – electronic devices
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 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.
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 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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Thank you so much, Tony!
I would like to know that it is possible to use the words “consumption of CD players”. I am not sure about that because I guess the word “consumption” only uses for energy or food, not for device. Am I right? Thank you a lot.
Hi Tran Tri Anh Thu
Good answer – I would not use consume for anything other than food and drink. We are consumers but we don’t really consume iphones.
Also, millions of units is wrong. 10 million units – correct
I would also try to use ” , after which”, in the final sentence
Also – good signposting, Anh Thu
The bar chart gives information about the number of MP3, CD, and DVD players sold in millions of units (MOU) in one particular Asian country from 2000 to 2012. Overall, all types of players sold declined with the exception of MP3, which showed a steady increase in popularity. MP3 ended up as by far the most popular device, while CD was the least consumed. At the start of the period, DVD was the most popular device, with over 8 MOU being sold. At the same time, the number of CD sold stood at about 7 MOU, while that of MP3… Read more »