IELTS for Band 6, 7 and above
An overview is an essential element of an IELTS task.
Without it you are limiting yourself to a low score.
It’s important to realise the kind of overview you need to provide will change depending on the type of data.
What kind of overview would you write for this diagram?
The diagram below shows how the Australian Bureau of Meteorology collects up-to-the-minute information on the weather in order to produce reliable forecasts.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words
The diagram provides an overview of how a variety of data is gathered to give up-to-date weather forecasts for the Australian continent.
It is clear from the information that there are three types of data collected from three sources and there are three ways in which the forecast is then given to the public.
The information used to make a forecast comes from three data types. Weather patterns in the form of images are collected from satellites while synoptic chart information is gathered from drifting buoys on the ocean, from information sent from satellites and land-based radar stations. Additional specific information is collected by radar and this is viewed on a radar screen. The three types of data are then combined to analyse and make a prediction which can be used as a weather forecast.
Next, the forecast is prepared for broadcasting using a desktop computer. After that, the information is then presented on television by a TV newsreader, broadcasted by radio waves or available as a recorded announcement on a telephone line.
Word Count (171)
TEST TIP – An overview
To write an effective overview in this Task 1, it is important to note the number stages or sequences and include this in your writing.
Other possible notable features to include in an overview are….
whether the process is natural, man-made or industrial, whether the inputs and outputs are similar or different or if something is added or taken away.
While this example may look confusing, looking carefully, we can see that there are three simultaneous sequences which happen before data is inputted into the computer for processing.
It is also noticeable that there are three ways in which the information is then used.
‘It is clear from the information that there are three types of data collected from three sources and there are three ways in which the forecast is then given to the public.’
Failing to report details such as these can limit you Task Achievement score to just Band 5.
What’s included in my courses.
I am writing and recording a collection of IELTS Lessons for students who are trying to achieve band 6.5, 7 and 8.
This online course is growing and will completely cover all aspects of IELTS Writing. The course is available only by membership.
Benefits of my courses are;
- All the materials are based on my experience of students errors and mistakes,
- Courses are Tailored to learners needs,
- Courses can be taken by any level and at any speed
- Instructional videos for every section,
- Practical tasks to perfect you language and IELTS skills,
- Daily contact with me, you instructor,
- Feedback on your writing at Key points in the course,
- Daily check-in question and answer sessions in the exclusive membership group,
- Materials are being added weekly
All samples essay are available as part of my IELTS Membership and are incorporated into lesson content.
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I’m Jonathan
I’ve taught IELTS and University English in more than a dozen universities and schools around the world.
I’m a parent, traveller and passionate about language teaching and helping students achieve their dreams.
Whilst living in Austria or working in Asia, I run IELTS courses to help students get to where they want to be.
If you are serious about IELTS, connect with me to see how I can help you.
