Scribd
Upload
4 views

writing an overview

Writing an overview for IELTS Writing Task 1 is essential for achieving a high Task Achievement score, as it summarizes the main trends and features of visual data. Key steps include analyzing the data, identifying overall trends and key features, using general language, and strategically placing the overview. Common pitfalls to avoid include including too many details, copying from the prompt, and mixing the overview with specific data.

Uploaded by

serqfrus
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
4 views

writing an overview

Writing an overview for IELTS Writing Task 1 is essential for achieving a high Task Achievement score, as it summarizes the main trends and features of visual data. Key steps include analyzing the data, identifying overall trends and key features, using general language, and strategically placing the overview. Common pitfalls to avoid include including too many details, copying from the prompt, and mixing the overview with specific data.

Uploaded by

serqfrus
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Writing an overview for IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic) is a crucial step, as it contributes

significantly to your Task Achievement score. The overview is a summary of the main trends,
patterns, or key features of the visual data provided (e.g., graph, chart, map, or process).

Steps to Write an Effective Overview


1. Understand the Data:
• Spend 2-3 minutes analyzing the visual. Look for general trends, significant changes,
or notable features.
• Focus on the "big picture" rather than specific details or numbers.
2. Identify Key Features:
• Highlight:
• Overall trends: Is there an increase, decrease, fluctuation, or stability?
• Highest and lowest values: What stands out the most?
• Similarities and differences: Are there comparisons to be made?
• For processes or maps, note the overall progression or main changes.
3. Use General Language:
• Avoid mentioning specific data points, figures, or percentages in the overview.
• Keep it concise, summarizing only the most important aspects.
4. Place the Overview Strategically:
• Place the overview after the introduction or as a separate paragraph before the
details.

Language for Writing Overviews


Key Phrases:
• For trends/changes:
• Overall, there was a significant increase in...
• It is clear that the most notable trend is...
• The data shows a steady decline in...
• A striking feature of the graph is...
• For comparisons:
• In general, X was higher than Y throughout the period.
• Overall, the trends for A and B were similar.
• For maps or processes:
• Overall, the area experienced significant changes, including...
• The process begins with... and ends with...
Examples of Overviews
Graph/Chart Example:
Question: A line graph shows the number of students studying abroad from 2000 to 2020.
Overview: Overall, the number of students studying abroad increased significantly over the period,
with a particularly sharp rise after 2010. Additionally, Europe consistently had the highest number
of international students compared to other regions.

Process Example:
Question: A diagram illustrates the process of recycling plastic bottles.
Overview: Overall, the recycling process involves several distinct stages, beginning with the
collection of used bottles and culminating in the production of new plastic products.

Map Example:
Question: Two maps show a town in 2000 and in 2020.
Overview: Overall, the town underwent significant urbanization, with new residential areas,
infrastructure, and recreational facilities replacing much of the green space.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid


1. Don’t include too many details: Keep the overview general.
2. Avoid copying words directly from the prompt: Paraphrase the question.
3. Don’t mix overview and details: Save specific data for the body paragraphs.

By mastering the art of writing a concise and effective overview, you can significantly boost your
IELTS Writing Task 1 score! Let me know if you'd like to practice or review your work.

You might also like