5 fail-proof tips for writing a better Overview (Academic Writing Task 1)

An overview is a summary of the main features seen in a visual information/graph. It is usually what we need to write after paraphrasing the title of the task or graph. For a report to achieve a high band score especially in your Task achievement, a clear overview MUST be presented.

As with any other parts of a report (task 1), practice is necessary to be able to write an ideal and almost perfect overview. Some of the fail-poof tips for writing an overview are as follows:

Write 2 or more sentences. Do not try to write one long sentence. This would confuse both you and the reader. Try to make your sentences flow with clarity.
Don’t write any numbers (except the time period). Specific numbers are considered as your details. Save this information in the next paragraphs.
Look for the overall change from the beginning to the end of the period (for graphs with time). Say if the overall trend "increased/decreased" or "stabilised". For graphs without time periods, like maps, diagrams, and life cycles, describe the main differences or comparisons seen in the map, write the number of steps or processes there are for diagrams and life cycles.
Start with an introductory phrase. These expressions give the reader a "signal" that you are about to mention the main feature. For example, It is clear that…/It is noticeable that…/Overall we can see that…/All in all...
If there are two or more charts, write an overview about each chart.

Following these important tips can greatly help you in writing a good overview along with correct grammar and appropriate vocabulary necessary for the task and you're definitely on your way to IELTS Writing success!

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