In IELTS academic interpretation task, you may come across questions such as Bar graph, Line graph, Table, Flow chart, Pie charts, Natural process, Maps and Process diagrams. Some times in the exam can also be combination of both Line graph and table or Bar graph and a Line or simply two bar graphs, two line graphs or two tables. So, it can be anything in the exam. Students have to analyse and interpret the data and have to write minimum 150 words and maximum can write up to 180 – 200 words. It is suggested not to cross 200 words because there are chances of describing the data in too much detail. Where, you will lose marks for describing everything in detail. You just have to describe main features and have to do comparisons as well. This task is worth of 3 bands out of 9 band scores.
In this task, “Over View” plays a key role. This can be done in the 2nd paragraph or in the 4th paragraph but overview should be there. It is suggested to give overview in the 2nd paragraph because it gives the best impression the examiner. So, what is an overview? After looking at the whole question, what have you observed from it? Is something increasing or decreasing, which is more or less. It can be in two or three lines.
Here you have to maintain 4 – 5 body paragraphs:
Body paragraph 1: Paraphrase the question
Body paragraph 2: Overview
Body paragraph 3: Analysis 1 and comparison
Body paragraph 4: Analysis 2 and comparison
Make sure the analysis is clear. Suggested to do the analysis in a clear way. The data in the X- axis and Y – axis should go parallel. One should not repeat the vocabulary and linkers.
4 skills are tested in Academic task – 1. Based on these, you will be marked.
Task achievement: Â Should meet the requirement of 150 words. Answered main features or not? Done the comparison or not? Overview is there or not?
Coherence and Cohesion: Coherence is the clarity in your writing. Whether the structure maintained or not? Usage of linkers – Not the low level linkers such as “but” “and”. Instead use – However, In addition, Moreover, on the contrary etc.
Lexical resources: The usage of vocabulary. Don’t repeat the words and sentences. Instead use synonyms and paraphrases.
Grammatical range and accuracy: You don’t have to be accurate in grammar. But control is important. Don’t commit too many mistakes. Make sure the tenses are right. If you make mistakes with the tenses you will lose the marks for accuracy. Depending on the question (Years), decide the tenses.
Make sure the handwriting is good. As long as the examiner can understand what you have written – you are on a safe side. Anyways, there is no score for handwriting.
