I've noticed that a lot of people use the word "given" in their writing task 1 introductions. For example:
- Given is a chart showing...
- The given chart shows...
- The chart given shows...
Although it isn't grammatically wrong, I don't like this use of "given". It's completely unnecessary, and it seems forced (like you're trying too hard).
Don't try to do anything 'less common' in the first few words of your task 1 introduction. Just keep it simple and clear: The chart shows... (or compares or illustrates).
Sir, yes sir. I m not the person giving the chart but examiner. So given naturally wrong.
Posted by: Pachu | May 23, 2019 at 16:33
Simon,
Is it possible to make a lesson like "Rules Vs Prefence" to clarify some of the things many candidates get confused with? I think this will greatly help them/us to get a better view on how IELTS "Rules" and Teacher's Preference are diffirent.
Cheers,
Yves
Posted by: Yves | May 24, 2019 at 02:54
Can we can write the “provided chart” ?
Posted by: Pachu | May 24, 2019 at 05:54
https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=the+chart+provided%2Cthe+provided+chart&year_start=1960&year_end=2008&corpus=15&smoothing=3&share=&direct_url=t1%3B%2Cthe%20chart%20provided%3B%2Cc0#t1%3B%2Cthe%20chart%20provided%3B%2Cc0
Posted by: gioletta | May 24, 2019 at 07:54
Hi, goiletta, this means we can write only the chart provided-yes or not?
Posted by: Pachu | May 24, 2019 at 11:46
I meant gioletta, sorry my bad spelling
Posted by: Pachu | May 24, 2019 at 14:03
Pachu
https://www.google.com/search?hl=uk&biw=1325&bih=947&tbm=bks&ei=wi_oXNWiBO_az7sPwOGVsAQ&q=%22the+chart+provided+shows%22&oq=%22the+chart+provided+shows%22&gs_l=psy-ab.3...133194.140088.0.140265.18.17.1.0.0.0.275.2315.0j12j1.13.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..6.0.0....0.cBAM1rVfLPA
Posted by: gioletta | May 24, 2019 at 18:57
Dear Simon,
I have been following your lessons at ielts-simon.com to help with my IELTS exam preparation and I really benefit a lot from it! Thank you!
With reference to IELTS Cambridge Book 14, Test 1, Writing Task 1 (page 50), the question shows two different charts but similar information.
My question is, should we describe the charts separately? Is it wrong if I do this:
Paragraph 3: Compare all 5 categories in 2015 ONLY
Paragraph 4: Compare the changes between 2015 and 2016
Or,
Describe them together:
Paragraph 3: Describe and compare the first 2 categories in both years
Paragraph 4: Describe and compare the remaining 3 categories in both years
Thank you!
Best regards,
Cathy Lim
Posted by: Cathy Lim | May 25, 2019 at 05:41
My apologies. Correction for the above comment: IELTS Cambridge Book 14, Test 2*, Writing Task 1 (page 50)
Posted by: Cathy Lim | May 25, 2019 at 05:49
Pachu
Don't write 'given' or 'provided'. Don't write anything. Just write 'The chart'.
Cathy
The marking criteria asks for comparisons. You are free to do the task any way you want, as long as you include some comparisons. Both methods would be fine. My only advice would be:
1. When there are two charts, try to 'tie them together' in the overview. Make sure you make a comment that tries to compare them. Sometimes the charts are unrelated, so you can't do this.
2. If you describe a chart alone in a paragraph, include some 'internal comparisons'. For example, instead of writing: 'the figure rose from 20 to 30', you could write 'the figure rose by 50%'. This way, you are actually comparing 30 to 20 instead of just listing the numbers.
3. If you do describe charts separately, make sure that your second body paragraphs compares back to the first (where possible).
I actually prefer to do charts separately because it is usually a bit easier to write, and also students tend to be able to write them more quickly, which is a huge advantage in the test.
Posted by: sjm | May 25, 2019 at 07:06