Since you have asked me to be a
strict guide and give you honest feedback on your preparation, I am going to be direct:
You cannot just memorize a list of rules for IELTS Writing Task 1; you have to apply them.The paragraph you shared is a decent summary of the criteria, but it reads like a generic textbook definition. If you want to score a
7.0 or higher, you need to move past "understanding" and into "mastery."
Here is my honest assessment of where you need to work harder and what you might be overlooking.
1. The "Overview" is Non-Negotiable
You mentioned that a short overview is "very important." In reality,
without a clear overview, you cannot score above a Band 5 for Task Achievement.- The Trap: Many candidates write a "summary" at the end.
- The Fix: Write your overview immediately after your introduction (the second paragraph). It should highlight the most significant trend or the highest/lowest points without using specific numbers.
2. "Simple Vocabulary" is a Half-Truth
Your text says simple words are better than complex ones used wrongly. While true,
using only simple words will cap your score at a Band 6.- The Reality: To get a high score in Lexical Resource, you must use precise data-description vocabulary.
- Example: Instead of saying "went up a lot," you need to use words like "surged," "jumped," or "rose exponentially." You also need to vary your word forms (e.g., "there was a significant increase" vs. "it increased significantly").
3. Comparing, Not Just Reporting
The biggest mistake students make is writing a list of numbers:
"A was 10, B was 20, C was 30."- The Strict Guide Advice: The prompt always says "make comparisons where relevant." If you aren't using comparative structures (e.g., "twice as many as," "in stark contrast to," "the gap narrowed"), you are failing the task.
4. Grammatical Range vs. Accuracy
You noted that "small mistakes are acceptable."
Don't get comfortable with that.- The Correction: For a Band 7 or 8, you need a high frequency of "error-free sentences." If every other sentence has a small mistake with a preposition or a plural noun, your score will drop. You must practice complex structures like passive voice (for processes) and relative clauses (to combine data points).
My "Strict Guide" Verdict
You have the theory down, but theory doesn't get you into a Master's program at ESCP—execution does. Since you are applying for a highly competitive MiM, your English proficiency needs to be polished and professional.
similiquemagni
The ielts writing Task 1checks how clearly you can describe visual information such as graphs, charts, maps, or processes in at least 150 words, and examiners evaluate this task using four main criteria. Task Achievement measures whether you cover the main features and include a clear overview without adding opinions. Coherence and Cohesion focus on logical paragraphing, clear flow of ideas, and simple linking words that make the report easy to follow. Lexical Resource looks at correct and suitable vocabulary, where simple and accurate words are better than complex ones used wrongly. Grammatical Range and Accuracy assess sentence structure and grammar, and small mistakes are acceptable if meaning stays clear. Examiners also expect you to select key data, make basic comparisons, and avoid listing every number. A short overview showing overall trends is very important for scoring well. Writing in a neutral tone, managing time properly, and avoiding common errors like missing the overview or using informal language can improve results. Understanding these points helps candidates present information clearly and confidently in
ielts writing.