Common Mistakes in IELTS Writing Task 1 (and How to Fix Them)

Description: Stop losing points to avoidable errors. Fix 12 frequent Task 1 mistakes: missing overview, number dumping, wrong units/tense, weak comparisons, and more.

Introduction

Task 1 punishes basic errors. The good news: most are easy to fix with a short checklist. Here are the most common traps and quick repairs you can apply today.

1) No Overview

Mistake: Jumping straight to numbers.
Fix: Add a 2‑sentence overview after the intro: direction (up/down), extremes (highest/lowest), stability.

2) Copying the Question

Mistake: The chart shows… (copied).
Fix: Paraphrase: The chart illustrates/compares/gives information about…

3) Number Dumping

Mistake: Listing every figure.
Fix: Group data and select representative numbers to support comparisons.

4) Wrong/Hidden Units

Mistake: Mixing % with raw numbers; forgetting per‑capita.
Fix: State units early and keep them consistent (percentages, millions).

5) Wrong Tense

Mistake: Using present for past charts.
Fix: Past for past, present for timeless general states, future only if forecast is shown.

6) Comparing Incomparable Items

Mistake: Comparing different years or scales in one sentence.
Fix: Compare like with like (same year or normalized values).

7) Vagueness/Informality

Mistake: went up a lot, big drop.
Fix: rose significantly, fell sharply, remained relatively stable.

8) Opinion/Interpretation

Mistake: Explaining causes (because of government policy).
Fix: Describe what happened, not why.

9) Missing Grouping Logic

Mistake: Random order of sentences.
Fix: Organize by trend (up/down/stable) or category (A vs B) or time (2010–2015, 2016–2020).

10) Ignoring Outliers or Peaks

Mistake: Skipping sudden spikes/dips.
Fix: Mention briefly if they change the picture: a sharp dip in 2015 followed by recovery.

11) Over‑Precision

Mistake: 23,487 in writing.
Fix: Use approximations: about 23.5k / roughly 23k unless exactness is critical.

12) Poor Cohesion

Mistake: Repeating and/then.
Fix: Use variety: meanwhile, by contrast, in the same period, respectively, overall.

Mini‑Model (Bar Chart)

The bar chart compares smartphone ownership across four countries in 2020.
Overall, Country A has the highest proportion, while C has the lowest. A and B are relatively close, whereas C and D lag behind.
Specifically, A stands at about 85%, slightly ahead of B (around 80%). By contrast, C and D record lower figures (roughly 55% and 60% respectively).

Why it works: Overview first; grouped comparisons; selective figures; formal language; no opinions.

7‑Point Pre‑Submit Checklist

  • [ ] Overview paragraph present
  • [ ] Paraphrased intro
  • [ ] Grouped comparisons
  • [ ] Consistent units/tense
  • [ ] Selected, not dumped, numbers
  • [ ] Cohesive devices varied
  • [ ] No opinions/causes

10‑Minute Fix‑it Routine

Minutes 1–3: Identify units, time, categories.
Minutes 4–5: Write intro + overview.
Minutes 6–8: Draft grouped comparisons.
Minutes 9–10: Insert 3–4 numbers; check tense/units and cohesion.

Conclusion

Most Task 1 penalties come from fixable habits. Use the checklist, group your data, keep language formal and precise, and your band will rise—without learning a single new word.

CTA: Want a rapid audit of your Task 1? Join Englishehe’s free writing workshop. Tap Register to get feedback.

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