Task 1 is a description.  There are three types:  you may be asked to describe a process, an object or a set of data, which may be a graph, a chart or a set of figures in a table.

Process: With a process you must describe how something works or how it is made or used.  The example on solar radiation asks you to describe a process (how it is used to provide hot water and lighting).  For this you must focus on the stages in the process.

Object:  With an object or set of objects you must describe what something is or what it does.  For this you must focus on the relationship between parts.

Data:  With data you must describe changes, differences or trends..  Focus on what these are and why.

Look at the task 1 titles below and practise analysing the topic and question to be answered.  Do not worry about any diagrams or tables that go with the tasks at this stage.

	1. Describe how solar radiation can be utilised to provide domestic hot water and lighting. 2. Describe the inner four planets of the solar system. 3. Describe the life cycle of the beetle using the information given. 4. Write a brief report on unemployment in the United Kingdom 1988-91 as shown. 5. Describe the pattern and trends of tourist arrivals in Cyprus between 1977 and 1988.

Then you must select your material.  Here are the diagrams for the titles above.  Write notes , choosing material which is relevant to the question to complete the description.

When you have a list of relevant items, you need to organise them. Group your notes under main headings (although these headings are to help you organise - you will not use them in your answer) and put them in a logical order.  For a process this means starting at the beginning and following the stages of the process through to the end.  In the case of an object it is best to start with a general description and then focus on specific features. With a set of data, you would generally describe the overall trend and then look at specific features.  However you choose to do it, it is important to get your ideas organised so you can write clearly.

There are many ways to show the reader how you have organised your ideas:

• divide your answer into paragraphs, with one paragraph for each of the main headings in your notes
• within each paragraph, write clear sentences, with one sentence for each item in your notes, use linking words and expressions; show the order of events with time expressions (first, next etc) and the relationship between parts with comparatives and superlatives (the larger section, the most important part etc)and with prepositional  phrases (next to, linking these, etc.).
• it is important to begin and end clearly, as well as giving clear examples to support your ideas for task two or to give relevant figures for task one.
• take care with your punctuation, which is another way of organising your writing clearly.

Then - and only then - are you ready to write!  

Remember, for task 1, take a maximum of 20 minutes and make sure you write a minimum of 150 words.

Click here for sample writing tasks and answers.