Opinion in Task 1 Trap in Task 1: Always, Never, All
Objectivity · Task Achievement · May 2026
Direct answer
The personal-opinion trap is importing Task 2 language—I believe, in my view, fortunately—into a Task 1 report where the rubric rewards objective description of data. You are not asked whether a trend is good or bad. Ban first-person opinion phrases, describe only what the visual shows, and save argument language for Task 2.
Why opinion language caps bands
One prep voice for both tasks causes leakage. See comparison language traps and task response vs coherence.
Trigger Process diagrams and sensitive trends
Symptom Sentences with clearly shows good progress
Score leak Predictions beyond the chart
Opinion traps and fixes
| Trap | Example | Objective fix |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation | fortunately increased | increased to 60% |
| Prediction | will continue to rise | rose over the period shown |
| Opinion | I think the main reason | The largest rise was in X |
| Causation | because people prefer | coincided with (if unsupported) |
Training protocol
1. Red-pen ban list
I, my, believe, obviously, good/bad in Task 1 drafts.
2. Passive/data subject
The figure / The proportion as sentence opener.
3. Task split
Task 1 then break—reset voice before Task 2.
4. Rubric check
Ask: could this sentence appear without the chart?
Key takeaways
- Task 1 describes data; it does not argue.
- Remove evaluation and unsupported prediction.
- Use objective subjects and precise figures.
- Keep opinion voice for Task 2 only.
FAQ
Mildly evaluative—prefer the chart shows or a direct data clause.
A one-line overview repeat is fine—no new ideas or forecasts.
Letters need appropriate tone—not chart objectivity rules.
Report the chart—not your feelings about it.
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