ielts writing task 1 essays

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Samples

Here you will find IELTS Writing Task 1 Samples for a variety of common tasks that appear in the writing exam.

The model answers all have tips and strategies for how you may approach the question and comments on the sample answer.

It's a great way to help you to prepare for the test. 

The amount of money that a children's charity located in the USA spent and received in one year, 2016.

Model Answer >>>

The Proportions of Pupils Attending Four Secondary School Types Between Between 2000 and 2009.

The city of Brandfield. City planners have decided to build a new shopping mall for the area, and two sites, S1 and S2 have been proposed.

Process Diagram

The process that is used to manufacture bricks for the building industry.

The components of GDP in the UK from 1992 to 2000.

The scores of teams A, B and C over four different seasons.

The electricity generated in Germany and France from all sources and renewables in the year 2009.

British Emigration to selected destinations between 2004 and 2007.

Line and Bar Chart

Visits to and from the UK from 1979 to 1999, and the most popular countries visited by UK residents in 1999.

Thefts per thousand vehicles in four countries between 1990 and 1999.

Pie and Bar Chart

The percentage of persons arrested in the five years ending 1994 and the most recent reasons for arrest.

The different modes of transport used to travel to and from work in one European city in 1960, 1980 and 2000.

The proportion of monthly household income five European countries spend on food and drink, housing, clothing and entertainment.

How chocolate is produced.

The monthly spending in dollars of a family in the USA on three items in 2010.

How tea leaves are processed into five tea types.

Pie and  Bar Chart

The percentage of women in poverty and the poverty rates by sex and age in the United States in 2008.

Line and Pie Chart

The number of books that were borrowed in four different months in 2014 from four village libraries, and the pie chart shows the percentage of books, by type, that were borrowed over this time.

Four countries of residence of overseas students in Australia

Development of the village of Ryemouth between 1995 and present.

Public Sector Employment in 2015 and 2020.

Cultural Activities of Differing Age Groups

Construction of Tourist Facilities on an island.

Average House Price Comparison.

Average carbon dioxide (Co2) emissions per person

Leisure Activities amongst Australian children.

Structure used to generate electricity from wave power.

Bar & Pie Chart

Men and women attending various evening courses

Changes to Grange Park.

Populations in Yemen and Italy.

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 – Sample Answers

It is important for you to look at sample essays when you are studying to see if your work is on the way to becoming a band score 7 or higher.

Sample Essay 1 – Pie Charts

The pie charts show the ratio of goods shipped from Great Britain from 2010 to 2015. The products are measured by percentage.

On the other hand, the diagrams illustrate an increasing rise in the production of plastics at over 4% since 2010. Furthermore, the most relevant feature is the increase in the export of organic chemicals from 2010 (7%) to 2015 (10%). There is a huge difference in the production of pharmaceuticals, due to the fact that it experienced a decrease from 2010 (27%) to 2015 (18%). 

Sample Essay 2 – Line Graph Showing Future Trends

The line graph presented depicts the loan status of the Royal Bank of Scotland between the years 2012 to 2022. It is measured in millions of pounds sterling.

Firstly, it is clear that student loans and mortgages are following a very similar pattern over the years. Student loans stood at just under 1.500 million in 2012, noticeably, being the highest of the four groups. Though they remained constant up to 2013, they are expected to climb steadily to approximately 2.5 billion in 2022. Like the student loans, mortgages are predicted to follow a similar pattern and increase.

Finally, personal loans were staged at the lowest level of the four groups, at under 500 million in 2012. Despite climbing up and overtaking auto loans briefly in 2016 to about 800 million, this level will continue decreasing until 2022 to 400 million.

(Word Count = 223  / Band Score 9)

Sample Essay 3 – Process

To begin, a body of water is stored in a large water reservoir holding the water until it goes into the intake. The dam will then control the flow of water to the intake. After that, water will flow to a cylindrical passage called a penstock, making it flow with a strong pressure until it reaches the turbine. Next, the current of the flowing water from the river passing through the penstock will maintain the turbine’s rotation.

Sample Essay 4 – Line Graph

Sample essay 5 – table, writing task 1 band score 9 criteria >>, ielts writing task 2 question types, related posts, electricity sources: multiple charts and graphs essay modal answer | ielts writing task 1, writing task 1 academic – band score 9, leave a comment cancel reply.

The Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 1

by Dave | IELTS Writing Task 1 | 2 Comments

This is the complete guide for everything you need for IELTS writing task 1 – including types of questions, samples, and more.

Find the newest/latest ielts writing task 1 questions and sample answers here ., a lot of my students seem surprised by task 1 writing because it wasn’t what they expected, and to be fair there are quite a few different types of questions , so here is a breakdown of all the basic info you need.  , if you want to read some sample essays that will also give you a leg up on the test here is a bar chart , pie chart , table , process , and a map , be sure to avoid the mistakes that most students make on writing by signing up for my exclusive ielts ebooks here on patreon., the test format, the ielts writing exam is a 60 minute test of your english writing ability and there are two parts – task 1 and task 2., for task 1 (academic) you will be given some data in the form of a chart, table, or process., you have around 20 minutes to write at least a 150 word summary of the data.the data comes in many different formats so you should practise all of them to be ready for your test., what does a task 1 question look like, the question has three main parts:, 1. task instructions – these are always the same for any academic task 1, 2. a statement that introduces the data., 3. the data itself – presented in a chart, table or diagram., the instructions, you can see from the  three examples below that the instructions can be found above and below the box, as well as the second sentence inside the box., every task 1 is the same. you need to:, – spend about 20 minutes and write at least 150 words., – write a summary of the main trends and key details, and make comparisons if possible..

The First Sentence

Look again at the examples. the introductory statement/first sentence is the first sentence in the box., it is different for each question because the data is different each time., it is very useful as it gives you the following information:, 1. the type of data – chart, table, map, process etc., 2. other key information e.g. where, when, what, you should read this sentence carefully as you will need to paraphrase this information when you write an introduction to your task 1 essay., the data – 6 task types, the data is the information you have to describe in your task 1 essay. it will be presented in a chart, table or diagram., there are six basic types. let’s take a look:, 1. line graphs – e.g. describe changes to six different kinds of fuel consumption over a period of fifty years in the usa., 2. bar graphs or charts – e.g. describe changes to three different kinds of phone use over a period of eight years in the uk..

3. Pie charts – e.g. describe changes to the age of the population over a period of fifty years in Italy and Yemen.

4. Tables – e.g. describe and compare sales of two different products in five countries over five years.

5. Process diagrams – e.g. describe the life cycle of a salmon.

6. Maps – e.g. describe and compare two maps of an island before and after a development.

How Different are the Different Types of IELTS Task 1s?

In some ways every task 1 is the same – they all have the same amount of time, same word length, and in general ask you to do the same thing., in other ways, they are very different – each task type requires different vocabulary and a different focus., so you should study and practise each task type separately, so that whichever one you get on your test day, you’ll be able to complete it successfully., how is task 1 scored, your essay is marked by a qualified ielts examiner., they will score your writing equally using four criteria:, 1. task achievement (answering the the question), 2. coherence and cohesion (clear and well organised), 3. lexical resource (vocabulary and spelling), 4. grammatical range and accuracy (grammar and punctuation), for each of the criteria you will get a ‘band score’ of 0-9., these will be added together and an average will be calculated and the final figure will be rounded down , even if you are close to the next band score., finally the two figures are added together and calculated as ⅓ x task 1 and ⅔ x task 2., this is then rounded down again . sorry – i didn’t write the test, for example, donald trump gets the following scores:.

KEY TIP: Task 2 is worth double the marks so make sure you don’t spend too long on Task 1. If you are a slow writer, do task 2 first !

Also notice that being marked down in one criteria can wreck your chances of getting the score you need., therefore it isn’t enough to get close to the score you want, especially as some examiners are very strict., you must make sure that through repeated practice that you are consistently getting the scores you need so you can be confident on the day., check out our marking service to know your scores, get personal corrections and guaranteed improvement., or at least you won’t be surprised now, recommended for you.

Latest IELTS Writing Task 1 2024 (Graphs, Charts, Maps, Processes)

by Dave | Sample Answers | 147 Comments

These are the most recent/latest IELTS Writing Task 1 Task topics and questions starting in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and continuing into 2024. ...

Recent IELTS Writing Topics and Questions 2024

by Dave | Sample Answers | 342 Comments

Read here all the newest IELTS questions and topics from 2024 and previous years with sample answers/essays. Be sure to check out my ...

Find my Newest IELTS Post Here – Updated Daily!

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IELTS Writing Task 1: How to Write a Band 7+ Overview

by Dave | Academic How To IELTS Writing Task 1 | 163 Comments

    I find that one of hardest things for my students is how to analyse the chart efficiently. It’s a skill that you have to ...

The Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 2

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Welcome to the complete guide for IELTS writing task 2 - everything you need to know to get a top score! The IELTS writing exam is ...

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IELTS Academic task 1

Here on IELTS Podcast, you will find useful IELTS Academic writing task 1 tips, tutorials, sample essay questions and answers to help you prepare for your Academic task 1 exam.

How much time should I spend on IELTS writing task 1 in the IELTS test?

The IELTS writing exam is divided into two sections . You have an hour to write both. Since task 1 makes up 33% of the test you should plan to spend 20 minutes on this section to ensure that you make effective use of your time.

IELTS Task 1 Marking criteria

Task 1 is marked according to the following:

• Task achievement (25%)
• Cohesion and coherence (25%)
• Vocabulary (25%)
• Grammar (25%)

IELTS Graphs, Charts or Diagrams

Academic writing task 1 requires that you summarise and compare a diagram, chart or graph, talking about the main features.

You should use at least 150 words for the task. This section is not an essay. It is a summary. You should use formal language and it must factual.

Academic writing task 1 is a report on a bar chart , pie chart, table, map diagram or process. Below we have tutorials, guiding you on how to answer the different task 1 questions.

• How to describe a process diagram
• How to describe a pie chart
• Task 1 line graph sample essay
• How to describe a bar graph
• How to describe a flow chart
• Describing a map for task 1
• Dynamic and static charts and the language of overviews
• How to describe a table of figures
• Describing a natural process
• How to describe a bar chart
• How to describe an image
• Describing a graph with numbers
• Writing tips for academic task 1

Summarise and Compare

Read the question carefully. Academic writing task 1 may contain two to three charts which may be a line graph , a table, a pie chart , a map , a diagram or a bar chart . To do well in this task you need to take a general overview of the task.

A good description will look at trends, at highs and lows and at the times that these occurred – beginnings and endings in other words. You need to describe the key features and changes in the graphs. That means just talk about the main features and don’t try to describe everything! A great tip is to use superlatives. For example:

The most expensive item was…

The largest amount spent was…

The lowest point was…

Another useful tip for IELTS writing task 1 is to find things that were the same or similar, then contrast them with what was different. For example,

‘Sales of both sugar and salt increased during the period shown, reaching their highest prices in November. In contrast, sales of coffee fluctuated significantly.’

The Process

Start off by looking at the graphs to determine what you need to summarise and compare. Write an introduction of one to two sentences. Then offer a general overview, describing trends. The next paragraphs should get into the specifics, grouping your information according to the main features and then describing each of them.

Always bear in mind that this is a test of your English-speaking abilities. Use the appropriate vocabulary . Try to showcase as much of your vocabulary as possible and make sure that your English grammar is immaculate. Write at least 150 words – this cannot include copying any of the information from the question word for word. Paraphrasing several words in a sentence is fine.

Preparing for the Exam

The best way to prepare for the exam is to get plenty of practice beforehand. First, look at some excellent essay examples for writing task 1. There are quite a few useful links at the end of this article. Find a style or model you like and try to use some of the same phrases to describe a similar diagram, remembering to write at least 150 words. Try your hand at describing and comparing various diagrams and graphs. Send them in for an evaluation and learn from the outcomes.

Useful links to help you prepare for academic task 1:

Frequently Asked Questions

Which articles should i read first.

We are here to help! There are lots of articles that can give you help and tips for specific IELTS writing task 1 types, and also more general information about writing task 1.

Make sure you don’t look at General Training articles though, because writing task 1 for General Training will not be the same.

Here are some of our favourites:

• How to get band 9 in task 1
• 5-step plan for task 1
• How to paraphrase in task 1
• Academic task 1 marking criteria
• Five essential writing skills for task 1
• What tense to use in task 1
• How to describe percentages
• Vocabulary to describe a map

Sample IELTS Writing task 1 Questions and Essays

• IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary List With Examples
• Academic task 1 sample essays and answers
• Task 1 sample charts and graph questions
• Academic task 1 sample diagram questions
• How to score well on a bar chart question in writing task 1
• IELTS academic task 1 sample question
• IELTS academic task 1 sample question – bar chart showing interest
• IELTS Academic writing task 1 question – pie chart showing usage

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: The Complete Guide

When you sit down for the Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 on test day, you’ll see one or two visuals, such as a chart, diagram, or graph. You’ll then write a report to give information based on key features of these visuals. Overall, you have 20 minutes to write 150 words.

The good news? This is a very predictable exercise! In this post, we’ll look at what you need to know about IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 to get a high band score, from tips to sample questions.

(NOTE: This guide is a great supplemental material for any of the Magoosh IELTS study schedules . In fact, we even specifically recommend it as a source of quick reference for our one-week IELTS study plan .)

Table of Contents

Scoring categories, how can i get a 6.5 (or better) in ielts writing task 1, what’s the difference between ielts academic writing task 1 vs. task 2, top 5 tips to succeed in writing task 1, a final word on ielts academic writing task 1, ielts academic writing task 1 basics.

As I mentioned above, IELTS Writing Task 1 on the academic module of the IELTS Writing Test asks you to write about two visuals. The assignment is a lot like monthly report writing that an employee might do to submit to his or her supervisor at work: the boss only wants relevant facts and data based on the latest company numbers. This is also what the test wants!

However, you only have 20 minutes. With that in mind, here is a pacing plan that works for many test-takers. You can make modifications to the amount of time you spend on each step, as needed:

• Reading the prompt, planning the essay: 3 – 5 minutes
• Writing: 10 – 15 minutes
• Editing and proofreading: 3-5 minutes

What criteria will you be scored on for the IELTS Academic test? Check it out!

Task Achievement

IELTS defines “Task Achievement” as a measurement of “how appropriately, accurately and relevantly the response fulfills the requirements set out in the task, using the minimum of 150 words” (Source: IELTS, Test format in detail ) .

Basically, you’re supposed to follow every letter of the directions and the prompt in order to score well in this category. More importantly, it means you should NOT include things that do not belong or are not “appropriate” or “relevant” to IELTS Writing Task 1.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

According to the official IELTS rubric (PDF) , Grammatical Range and Accuracy accounts for a quarter of your score. So what does this mean for you?

First of all, your grammar should be varied. It’s important to mix up different, complex sentences, for example, rather than having them all be simple. Try to avoid using “Be” verbs too often, as well.

Second of all, your grammar should be accurate; avoid grammatical errors. If you have at least a few months left before your test, it’s a great idea to get a solid English grammar workbook to practice polishing your writing skills in this area!

Lexical Resource

You can think of “Lexical Resource” as similar to “Grammatical Range and Accuracy.” Here, IELTS examiners are looking for a wide range of vocabulary—correctly used.

Work on building your vocabulary with resources, like Magoosh’s free IELTS vocabulary flashcards . Again, this will be most useful if you have a significant amount of time before test day. 15-20 words a day is a good goal!

Coherence and Cohesion

This a measurement of your ability to present ideas logically and clearly. In other words, the IELTS exam wants to see that your ideas make sense in the order you present them and that they work together in a logical way.

For a lot of students, 6.5+ is a great goal for IELTS. So what will boost your band score in the shortest amount of time?

First of all, make sure your paragraph structure is solid. This will help your Coherence and Cohesion score, and may even boost your Task Achievement score, as well!

Next, work on linking words . This will also serve a double purpose: it can boost both your Coherence and Cohesion and your Lexical Resource scores!

Finally, make sure you practice writing model essays to improve your IELTS Writing Task 1 skills. Just copying the template once won’t do much—you’ll need to put those skills to practice over and over again to truly polish them! Here are a few resources to look at for prompts and sample answers.

• Line Graph Band 9 Model Essay
• Bar Chart with Model Answer
• Pie Chart with Model Answer
• Two Graphics with Model Answer
• Map with Model Answer

Then, check out what you need to do to score Band 9 on Writing Task 1 here !

If you’ve been studying for the IELTS already, you probably know that IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 and Task 2 are quite different. Task 2 is a standard five-paragraph essay in which you present your perspective on an issue.

Task 2 is worth more points than Task 1, and Task 2 requires more time to complete. Therefore, you may be tempted to brush aside IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 as you study, choosing instead to focus much more attention on Task 2. I encourage you to avoid this approach!

• Start reading right away—you only have 20 minutes!
• Read the summary and titles first.
• Take note of categories / units.
• Decide which information to include in your response quickly.
• Use bullet points to remind yourself of what you want to include.

Now you’re ready to go and practice IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 responses. You should practice regularly, including with full-length practice tests. Make every attempt to create real test conditions when you practice. In other words, find a time when you won’t be interrupted. Limit yourself very strictly to 20 minutes.

Taking IELTS test in General Training and need info about the General Training Writing Task 1 ? Check out Magoosh’s expert letter writing tips here! (And you can also read a guide to the entire IELTS Writing section !)

Eliot Friesen-Meyers is the Senior Curriculum Manager for Magoosh IELTS and TOEFL. He attended Goshen College (B.A.), New York University (M.A.), and Harvard University (M.T.S.), gaining experience and skills in curriculum development, ESOL instruction, online teaching and learning, and IELTS and TOEFL test prep education. Eliot’s teaching career started with Literacy Americorps in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later, taught ESL programs at Northeastern University, University of California-Irvine, and Harold Washington College. Eliot was also a speaker at the 2019 TESOL International Conference . With over 10 years of experience, he understands the challenges students face and loves helping them overcome those challenges. Come join Eliot on Youtube , Facebook , and Instagram . Recent blog posts Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 1 Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 2

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15 responses to “IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: The Complete Guide”

Hello, This is Dr. Rohit Amale from India. This webpage of magoosh is vety informative & has many links for ielts study. I am planning to study as per magoosh guidance. I want to know that apart from magoosh vocabulary flashcard app & magoosh ielts app, is there any other app or for studying ielts? I have already downloaded these 2 apps on my device. And do these apps have all the information and the study links given in this webpage or not? Or do I have to download any other app? Waiting for reply. Many thanks. Dr. Rohit Amale

Hi Dr. Rohit,

It looks like you are signed up for a free trial with our mobile app. In order to get the most out of the apps, you will have to purchase a Magoosh Premium Subscription. Our Premium program is comprehensive and will bring you through all of the information that you need to know for the IELTS! We also have a lot of free information and resources on our blog that will help you to prepare 🙂

thank you ! it was very useful information and guidance.

I’m glad you found it useful, Amranullah!

Very useful, thank you for sharing!

You’re welcome, Almudena! Glad it helped 😀

Very helpful stuff here. Practical too. Thank you. Would not mind receiving more of it.

Glad you find it helpful, Edington!

May I know , is there available ielts writing and tasking book?

I’m afraid I don’t understand your question. Can you provide some more detail about what you are looking for?

Beneficial! Thank you for this article.

I have read in another Magoosh blog that it is necessary to use words instead of number (ie: six instead of 6) in case of writing essays. But in your sample response it is maintained otherwise. Can you give an insight to this?

The general convention in academic writing is to write out any numbers in words that can be written in two words or less and write the numbers as numbers if they are larger than two words. As far as percents and dollars go, that depends on if you are writing out the word or the number.

However, I would not worry too much about this convention. If you write the number in letters or numbers it will not affect your score. Additionally, one or two additional words will not affect your score either. You don’t want to be so close to the minimum that a couple of words would cause you to drop below the minimum. If you are currently struggling to hit the minimum word requirement, you should work on your writing until you are consistently above the minimum range.

I am currently using the Magoosh subscription course for 6 months, and I think my IELTS score has increased abruptly. I recommend Magoosh ielts for best practice.

We are so glad that Magoosh has been helping you, Falak! Keep up the great work 🙂

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IELTS Writing Task 1 & 2 Guide: Lessons with Band 9 IELTS Writing Samples for Both the Academic & General Writing Test

In this guide you'll learn how to write high scoring essays for IELTS writing task 1 and IELTS writing task 2 . No matter which test you're taking, either academic or general training, we have you covered; This guide includes IELTS writing samples, topics, and detailed lessons for general writing task 1 & 2 and academic writing task 1 & 2.

Get free IELTS writing sample answers after completing an IELTS writing practice test.

Below is our full list of IELTS writing questions with sample essays. Note: The red links are our most popular and recommended writing questions rated by our students and you can practice them free anytime you like.

The table shows existing and projected changes in the proportion of people over 65 in the populations of three countries from 2015 to 2030.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.  

Write at least 150 words.

Projected Changes in the Population over-65 in three countries to 2030

The table shows the proportion of people in England who agreed with same-sex marriage from 1989 to 2013.

Percentage of people agreeing with same-sex marriage by religious denomination (%)

The table demonstrates the change in six types of transportation used by commuters in three cities between 2000 and 2010.

Changes in Market Share for six different types of transportation between 2000 and 2010

The table illustrates the relative risk demonstrated by four different transport types in the United Kingdom in two years.

Relative risk of different forms of transport in the UK from 2014 to 2016

The table below gives the average time spent and distance traveled by UK commuters in one year.  Time and distance are given in minutes and miles accordingly.

Commuting Habits of different regions of the UK in a year

The diagram shows the process by which milk and related products are produced.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.

The diagram shows the process by which sheep embryos are cloned.

The diagram shows the  the life cycle of flowering plants

The diagram shows the process by which plastic is recycled.

The diagram shows the process of the water treatment.

The diagram shows the process by which electricity is generated in two types of hydroelectric power station.

The diagram shows the the life cycle of a frog.

The diagrams show the life cycle of the silkworm and the stages in the production of silk cloth.

The diagram below shows the water cycle, which is the continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of the Earth.

The pie chart below shows the native languages spoken by students at Bakersfield Senior College in two separate years.

The pie chart below illustrates the different types of smartphones used by attorneys in the U.S. in one year.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant

The pie charts below show the proportion of freshwater withdrawals made by various economy sectors in three countries in a given year.

The pie charts below show the results of a customer satisfaction survey comparing the performance of York Telecom and a competitor in April.

The pie graph depicts the main reasons for the productivity loss of agricultural land worldwide.  The table shows how these causes influenced three world regions during the 2000s.

The charts below show the percentage of Irish students at one university who spoke an additional language to English from 2000 to 2010.

The graphs below show the unemployment rate of citizens in the US with a further classification displaying average salary per week in 2005.

Summarise the data by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

The line charts show the amount of beer sold to pubs and supermarkets over six years, where a bar graph displays the amount of pubs closed over the same period.

The table shows the proportion of fifty-year-old adults who were never married over five decades in Japan.  The chart represents the Japanese marriage and divorce rate from 1970 to 2016.

Number of 50-year-old adults who never been married (%)

The table shows the number of people (millions) that remain undernourished around the world from 2000 to 2009.  The chart displays the global price of two food grains over the same period.

Number of Undernourished People Worldwide

The table shows total revenue created by complementary medicine over three years.  The two charts illustrate the number of hospitals offering complementary medicine over twenty five years with a further classification showing which kinds of medicine proved the most popular in 2012.

Summarise the data by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.  

Revenue from Complementary Medicine in the U.S. (in billion US dollars)

The bar chart below shows the preference for different types of Complementary or Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies among US adults in 2007.  The table lists which therapies where the most popular over two years.

Therapies Showing Significant Gains between 2002 and 2007 (%)

The graphs below give information concerning smartphone ownership as a percentage of population in a country from 2000 to 2010, and by level of education for the years 2000 and 2010.

The bar charts show education data related to young adults aged 15 years in 10 different countries in 2015.  The first chart shows in which countries adolescents do the most homework in terms of hours per week. The second chart shows the nations that scored the best on an international science test.

The pie chart below represents the main reasons why agricultural land becomes less productive.  The bar chart shows how these causes affected three regions of the world in the 1990s.

The pie chart below shows the frequency of U.S. Adults’ online purchasing habits in 2015, while the bar chart shows a further classification denoting online purchasing preferences.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The diagrams below show the coastal village of Seaville in 1980 and 2010. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. 

The maps below show the centre of a small town called Islip as it is now, and plans for its development. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. 

The charts below give information on the ages of the populations of Yemen and Italy in 2000 and projections for 2050. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. 

The pie charts below show units of electricity production by fuel source in Australia and France in 1980 and 2000. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. 

The charts below show the percentage of water used for different purposes in six areas of the world. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. 

Table Of Contents

Ielts writing test information, ielts academic writing task 1, ielts general writing task 1, ielts writing task 2.

The writing test consists of 2 writing tasks and you'll have a total of 60 minutes to complete both. You can complete the tasks in any order, just make sure you manage your time well and spend around 20 minutes on IELTS writing task 1 and 40 minutes on IELTS writing task 2.

IELTS Academic Writing Task VS IELTS General Writing Task

The IELTS offers two test versions. The Academic version is for people looking for higher education, while the general Training version is for those looking to simply migrate or perhaps a lower education. There are more criteria for both versions, so please contact IELTS customer service to learn which test is right for you.

So which test harder? The academic test, as you may have guessed, is more difficult than the general training test. The difference between the two is IELTS writing task 1's difficulty. Luckily, only Writing Task 1 is different. IELTS writing task 2 is the same for both test versions. The table below summarizes the two types of IELTS writing tests.

IELTS Academic Writing Task Overview Video

Ielts general writing task overview video.

Coming soon!

How IELTS Writing Test is Scored

In the IELTS writing test, your writing score will be scored based on four categories. These are known as Task Achievement/Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Refer to the following band descriptors which IELTS examiners use to score the writing section of the test: - IELTS Writing Task 1 Band Descriptors - IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Descriptors

Note that the scoring criteria for both tasks include:

• Task Achievement/Task Response  - Did you fully answer the question and present a fully developed answer?
• Coherence and Cohesion  - Does your argument or analysis make sense? Is it well thought-out and presented in a complete way?
• Lexical Resource – Did you use a wide range of vocabulary in a natural, formal tone?
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy – Is your essay virtually error-free? Did you manage to use a wide range of grammatical structures?

Are IELTS Writing Task 1 & IELTS Writing Task 2 Worth the Same Amount of Points? Well Just like how you will spend double the time writing IELTS writing task 2, it's also worth around double the points. Now it's not exactly double. Another way to look at it is to add the score for writing task 2 score twice. So take the band scores 7 for task one and 4 for task two and you get the following formula on how to calculate your IELTS writing score: (7 + (4 x 2))/3 = 5. Therefore, the total IELTS writing band score is around 4.5 - 6. You see we can't give an exact number because IELTS has not made their scoring formula public, but the formula presented here is fairly accurate up to a difference of about 0.5 points.

In IELTS academic writing task 1, you are presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event.

Regardless of which visual information is presented to you, your job is to write a summary of the visual information. and describe the main trends, overall differences, main changes, or the main components of a system, or the main phrases of a process. You must write 150 words or more, and you should spend around 20 minutes on this part of the test. The writing structure can be as follows:

• Introduction: Paraphrase the question
• Overview: Describe the overall trend or write a general overview of the main groupings
• Body paragraph 1: Write in detail about the first grouping in a logical way
• Body paragraph 2: Write in detail about the second grouping in a logical way

So the steps to write the report for this task is very simple:

• Analyse the chart(s) and plan how to group the information
• Write an essay using the recommended essay structure
• Proofread essay

Let's look at each different possible type of visual graphs, tables, charts, and diagrams you could encounter in your IELTS writing test:

• Line graphs
• Mixed (including two or more of 1-6 above)

Line Graphs

In this type of task, you will be given one or more line graphs. Each line graph will have 1-8 lines showing how values change over time. The time period could be the past, the present or the future, or a combination of all three. Your task is to write a summary, covering the most important points and supporting your description by including data.

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task - Line Graphs

In a line graph, there are usually multiple lines that show changes over time. In your writing, you need to group information based on lines having similar trends or values, so your essay structure will be as follows:

• Body paragraph 1: Describe the first grouping of lines having similar trends or values.
• Body paragraph 2: Describe the second grouping of lines having similar trends or values.

Let’s write an essay for the aboved sample question.

Step 1: Analyse the graph and plan how to group the information

It is evident that hamburgers consumption and fried chicken consumption show an upward trend, whereas the pizza consumption shows a downward trend. Therefore, the best way to group the data would be as follows:

Step 2: Write an essay using the recommended essay structure

Now that you’ve analyzed the task and figured out how to group the information, let’s write the essay.

Model Essay

The chart illustrates the consumption of three kinds of fast food by teenagers in Mauritius from 1985 to 2015. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.  Write at least 150 words.

Introduction

The line graph depicts the consumption of three types of fast food, (hamburgers, pizza, and fried chicken) over a 30 year period by Mauritian teenagers.  Units are given as the number of times each kind was eaten per year.

Overall , hamburgers and fried chicken had become the most popular foods by 2015 with the biggest increase in numbers eaten, while pizza that was the most widely-eaten at the start, declined precipitously in popularity.

Body paragraph 1

With regards to hamburgers, consumption showed a steady upward trajectory from 10 times eaten per year to over 70 times.   Likewise , teenagers in Mauritius ate fried chicken only 5 times per year in 1985 before rising dramatically to a plateau in 2005, then increased slightly at the end of the period to finish as the second most popular food.

Body paragraph 2

On the contrary , although pizza was the most popular food with Mauritian adolescents in 1985, its consumption fell continuously from 60 times a year to just 10 pizzas by the last year.

Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the entire IELTS Academic Writing Task - Line Graphs lesson.

In this type of task, you will be given one or more bar charts. The bar charts may show how values change over time (dynamic data), the differences between values at one point in time (static data), or the results of a survey or questionnaire. The information could be about the situation in the past, the present, or the future, or a combination of all three. Your task is to write a summary, covering the most important points and supporting your description by including data.

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Bar Charts

Bar charts are pretty common in IELTS writing task 1 academic. There are three different scenarios you will encounter in a bar chart task:

• A bar chart with categories on the x axis
• A bar chart with dates or years on the axis (functions as a line graph)
• Two bar charts presented

Each scenario requires you to write the report differently. Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the following bar charts lessons: - IELTS Academic Writing Task - Bar Charts Part 1 lesson. - IELTS Academic Writing Task - Bar Charts Part 2 lesson. - IELTS Academic Writing Task - Bar Charts Part 3 lesson.

In this type of task, you will be given one, two. or three pie charts. The pie charts may show percentages of a total figure. If you have one pie chart, it will represent one point in time (static data) . If you have two or more pie charts, they may represent how the percentages change over time or compare different countries or groups. Your task is to write a summary, covering the most important points and supporting your description by including data.

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Pie Charts

Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the IELTS Academic Writing Task - Pie Charts lesson.

In this type of task, you are given a table containing data. can show dynamic figures which change over time or static data for one point in time. Often there is too much information, so you won't be able to include every detail. Your task is to write a summary, covering the most important points and supporting your description by including data.

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Tables

Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the following tables lessons: - IELTS Academic Writing Task - Tables Part 1 lesson. - IELTS Academic Writing Task - Tables Part 2 lesson.

Process Diagrams

For this type of question, you will be given a diagram which shows how something works. The diagram may show a machine, a system, or a natural phenomenon. Often there is no data or little data included. Your task is to summarize the information shown in the diagram.

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Process Diagrams

Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the IELTS Academic Writing Task - Process Diagrams lesson.

For this type of question, you will be given one, two or three maps. The maps may show a town, city, island, or other geographical area. Maps usually show the changes which occurred in the area during a period of time. The changes could be related to construction (e.g. developing an area for tourism) or destruction (e.g. how an area was affected by a natural disaster such as an earthquake) Your task is to write a summary of the changes which took place and cover the most important points.

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Maps

Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the IELTS Academic Writing Task - Maps lesson.

In this type of task, you will be given two sets of data. The data will be different types. For example, one set might be change over time while the second set is static. Alternatively, one set of data could show percentage whereas the second set shows numbers. You may also be given an illustration (e.g. a diagram or map) and a set of data (e.g. a bar chart, line graph, pie chart, or table) Your task is to summarise both sets of data.

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Mixed Data

Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the IELTS Academic Writing Task - Mixed Data lesson.

Vocabulary for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

To score high on this task, you need to learn how to use appropriate words and phrases to present the data given in a pie/bar/line/mixed graph. We suggest you sign up for a 7 day free trial and complete the following lessons:

• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Lesson - How to write about numbers
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Lesson - How to write about percentages
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Lesson - How to write about changes in data

IELTS Writing Task 1 Samples

This section presents a list of IELTS writing samples for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1.

• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Line Chart Questions
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Bar Chart Questions
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Pie Chart Questions
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Map Questions
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Process Diagram Questions
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Mixed Data Questions

In IELTS general training writing task 1, you will be presented with a situation and will need to write a personal response in the form of an informal, semi-formal or formal letter of at least 150 words. The situations you are asked to write about are common, everyday ones such as:

• writing to a college accommodation officer about problems with accommodation,
• writing to a new employer about time management problems they are having,
• writing to a local newspaper about a plan to develop a local airport,
• writing to a renting agency to sort out problems with the heating system in their house.

In regards to the situation, you will be given information in the form of three bullet points that you must include in your response. You may be required to request or give information and/or explain a situation. To do this, you may need to do some of the following:

• ask for and/or provide general factual information,
• express needs, wants, likes or dislikes,
• express opinions or complaints,
• make requests or make suggestions/recommendations.

IELTS General Writing Style

The writing style you'll use depends who you're asked to write to (i.e. the audience) and how well you're supposed to know them. You need to write in a style that is appropriate for your audience and that will help you to achieve your purpose for writing, e.g. writing to a friend (informal) or writing to a manager (semi-formal or formal). You do not need to include any addresses at the head of your letters.

How to Avoid Losing Points in IELTS General Writing Task 1

As mentioned, don't spend any more than 20 minutes on this task and make sure you write at least 150 words or you will be penalised. While you will not be penalised for writing more than 150 words, you should remember that a longer task 1 answer may mean that you have less time to spend on task 2, which contributes twice as much to the Writing band score.

You should also remember that you'll be penalised for irrelevance, if the response is off-topic or is not written as full, connected text (e.g. using bullet points in any part of the response, or note form, etc.). You will be severely penalised for plagiarism (i.e. copying from another source).

Causes and effects

Discuss both views and give your own opinion, advantages and disadvantages, problems and solutions, two-part question.

Now, let's look at sample questions and model essays for each essay type.

• Advantages & Disadvantages
• Problems and Solutions
• Two-part Question

In this type of question, you will be given a problem or situation. Your task is to describe the causes of the situation and some of the effects of the situation.

Obesity among children has risen sharply over the last decade in western countries.   Such a trend is largely the result of a tendency towards convenience in society, yet its effects may be detrimental to children’s long-term mental and physical health.

The prime causes of obesity are unhealthy eating habits and an inactive lifestyle.   In recent years , there has been a surge in the consumption of convenience foods among modern families.   Busy parents with no time to cook rely on prepared meals to feed their families.  Such foods have little to no nutritional value which contributes to obesity .   In addition , children these days spend inordinate amounts of time playing video games than playing outside with friends resulting in insufficient physical activity each day.   For example , studies show that children in France exercise on average around 20 minutes per day as compared to 75 minutes 30 years ago.  

The possible effects of obesity are a range of health issues.   Regarding physical health, diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, are known to be higher in overweight children than their peers.  These put a child’s life in danger, and may further affect mental health growing up.  When children are obese , they are more likely to be bullied and ostracized by classmates because they look or behave differently.   This has been known to cause low self-esteem and depression in many, and thus shun friends in favor of time alone.

In conclusion , through poor diet choice and inactivity , obesity is a growing problem that can cause lasting damage to a child’s mental and physical development.    However , by addressing this problem while young, much can be done to aid a child in becoming a healthy functioning adult.

In this type of question, you will be given two opposing views related to an issue. Usually, the two views will be in separate sentences connected by a transition word such as "however" to indicate that the two views contrast. Your task is to write a discursive essay, contrasting both sides of the issue and presenting your own view.

According to some, good health goes hand in hand with regular exercise, yet others feel that it is more important to maintain a balanced diet .   In my opinion, I believe that exercise is more essential for the majority of people.

There are several benefits to a balanced diet for good mental and physical health .  For one thing , eating well lifts moods.  Simple foods that are varied in color and type can lift mood and lower the risk of depression.  Eating more fruits, colorful vegetables, proteins, and whole grains helps the body run efficiently.  This makes dieters feel good , and as a result more willing to be active which thus makes them healthier.   For another thing , eating well makes people less prone to getting sick by building a body less susceptible to disease . Vitamins and minerals in diet boost immunity , which protects the body against certain diseases like obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure .

On the other hand , I believe that exercise is more effective at improving health since it encourages long-term health habits from the beginning.  Exercising not only burns calories , but makes people feel good.   While starting a diet is never a pleasant experience, cardiovascular exercises like cycling, walking or swimming trigger endorphins in the brain that immediately decrease stress levels, and enhance our sense of well-bein g.   Once people start feeling good from exercise, they are more likely to continue.   Moreover , exercise doesn’t have to be for long periods to achieve instant benefits.  Doctors usually advise exercising for 20 minutes three times per week, a sufficiently short enough time to make a habit of , and fit into busy schedules.

In conclusion , while good diet is necessary, exercise offers greater convenience, flexibility, and by making people feel good, encourages good health habits in the long run.  

In this type of question, you will be asked to discuss the positive and negative aspects of a situation, solution or trend. You may also be asked to give your opinion about which side you think is more important.

More and more students are taking a year away from their studies between graduating from school and beginning university.  Students can save for and think about their future during this period, though there are several drawbacks to consider.

To begin with , by taking a year after high school, students can avoid costly mistakes of starting a degree that they are not interested in.  A year is a good time to consider options and decide what subject is best to study.   Secondly , a gap year is excellent for character development.   When graduating high school at 18, most people still don’t know what life direction they wish to take.  Studies show that students who take a gap year doing something constructive like travelling do better in at university later on than those who do not.   Finally , a year away from studies provides the chance to save money .   That way, at university, students may focus more on classes , and less on debt.

However , spending such a long time away from studying may cause some students to lose good study habits, and gain bad habits instead.  After 12 years of continuous schooling , many teenagers may be distracted by the prospect of earning money, and lose the motivation to continue their studies.   Furthermore , individuals without a constructive plan for their education-free year may be tempted to procrastinate and waste time.   Lastly , travelling overseas can be expensive, and there is a real possibility that students may end up in more debt by the start of the university year.

To sum up , although students who take a year out can save money and achieve greater life-direction, this time may also be wasted, lead to greater debt, or cause unintended life decisions that may later be regretted.  

In this type of question, you will be given a problem or situation. Your task is to describe the causes of the situation and some solutions to the problem. The question may ask for general solutions (e.g. How could this problem be solved) or ask how specific groups can solve the problem (e.g. What steps can governments and individuals take to address the problem?). You do not need to mention the effects in detail, just briefly.

Before as now, emigration from the countryside to the city continues apace worldwide as people seek a better standard of living .   However , life in the big city is often hard on new immigrants.  There are several reasons for this as well as solutions for governments to handle them.

Most difficulties emerge since rural folk are unaccustomed to city life on moving there.   For a start , the cost of living is much greater than in a town or village.  City residents must pay more for utilities, housing, transportation and food, which causes many immigrants to share overcrowded housing in a bid to save money.   Secondly, unemployment in the city is a major challenge for new arrivals.  Many immigrants are unprepared for the fierce job competition when arriving in a city.  This inevitably drives unemployment up, which may quickly lead to poverty .   Finally , healthcare costs are often high in the city, and if made sick, many immigrants often lose meagre savings to pay for their medical care .

To solve these challenges, and improve life for all inhabitants , city governments have several options available to them.   Firstly , ensure an adequate housing supply to prevent overcrowding .  Developing low-end, cost effective housing for migrants would reduce living expenses and provide a base for first-time inhabitants starting a new life .   Secondly , establish job schemes and professional training programs for new city residents.  This would help them to find reliable work and figure out their next step.   Finally , make affordable healthcare available to all.  Guaranteeing access to affordable healthcare provides a social safety net for new city citizens as they adjust to city life.

In conclusion , given the diverse challenges faced by city immigrants, ensuring decent accommodation and healthcare, as well as creating job programs, can help many hit the ground running and begin contributing to city life.

In this type of question, you will be given two questions and you will need to answer both questions. The two questions will be different. For example, you might need to assess the importance of an idea or action (e.g. How import is it?) and say whether you agree or disagree (e.g. Do you agree or disagree?).

Some people regard the arts as fundamental pillars of society, and even in today’s technology-dominated world, art and music are still important.  More than ever before, I believe it is necessary to teach children such subjects in school for the many benefits they bring society.

Art and music are central to life in developed civilisations . For a start, they help society to reflect on what it has become.  As society advances, artists help to interpret the changes and problems created by progress in unique ways.  Artists use their creativity to draw attention to key issues such as the increasing mountains of trash produced or the rich-poor divide . Secondly , artists make people more humble by helping them remember their humanity and their connections to the world around them.  Pictures of nature, society, tribal scenes, past and present make people think about their roots and consider where they’re heading.   Finally , music gives joy and inspiration to many people.  It helps to express emotion and lift mood when feeling down .  

While in school , there are key advantages to learning art and music.   For one , both give children the creativity to express themselves.  Children live in a world of adults; however , art and music classes allow all to be themselves which is good for their mental development .   For example , while older children are less inclined , younger children often find singing, dancing and painting to be among their favorite classes.   In turn, studying music has proven beneficial in helping children connect more with their emotions.  This produces more rounded adults able to connect with their knowledge through science and their emotions through art and music.

In conclusion, for adults and children, the arts bring not only joy, but inspiration, and helps both to remember who they are really are in a world dominated by science .

In this type of question, you will be given a question which contains an opinion. Your task is to write an essay in response to the opinion. This type of question often asks if you agree or disagree with an opinion.

It is said by many that social networking websites like Facebook are negatively influencing society.   Although I believe this the effect of social media on society is somewhat negative, there are also clear benefits to individuals from using it.

Regarding society , social networks are causing a decline in meaningful relationships.   Firstly , people spend less time having good conversation with each other face-to-face.    Most people spend more time having short conversations with dozens of people online, and less time having longer, meaningful conversations with friends face-to-face . This erodes close relationships over time and may be creating a more socially disconnected society as a result. Additionally , there is some evidence that social media sites like Facebook have created a more socially awkward and antisocial society .  The average European spends four hours per day chatting online, yet this familiarity with the screen is causing many to become more anxious talking with others in person as a result .

However , there are distinct advantages to the individual from using social media.   For one, it is very easy to find work when online.  Through group functionality on sites like Facebook, job seekers can easily find a job they desire in the right field, thus increasing job satisfaction when at work.   Finally , social networks bring like-minded people together in an unprecedented way . Whether it is friends looking to organize an event, or people looking to meet others with similar interests it is extremely easy to find people online. For example , just take the explosion in minor hobbies like board games clubs that have become popular due to the interconnected nature of social media.

In conclusion, in my opinion, although there is some evidence to show social networking may affect society badly in the long run, in the short term, its effects on individuals seem more positive.

IELTS Writing Samples and Strategies for IELTS Writing Task 2

In general, there are 4 steps to approaching the IELTS Writing Task 2:

1. Read and Understand - Although this step may seem self-explanatory, many test takers let their nerves get the best of them and do not fully understand the question at hand. This is why the first thing you will need to during Writing Task 2 is to fully understand the question and underline key words . Additionally, think of these two things:

• What type of essay will I need to write? (For example, it can be Problem and Solution ).
• How familiar am I with this topic? (This question is important, because it may affect the outline you choose to use.

2. Plan your Outline - Now that you’ve understood what the question is asking as well as which type of essay you will have to write, you are ready to map out your outline. Do not skip this step. This should take only 2 or 3 minutes and will act as a reference for you going forward. Also, depending on how the question asks you, the outline will be different. To learn how to analyze question and plan the outline for each essay type, check out our IELTS writing task 2 lessons

The following blog posts teach you how to tackle each question type and contain over 100 IELTS writing task 2 questions and samle essays. Feel free to use them for your IELTS preparation.

• How to Answer Opinion Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
• How to Answer Discussion Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
• How to Answer Advantage & Disadvantage Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
• How to Answer Problem and Solution Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
• How to Answer Answer Cause and Effect Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
• How to Answer Two-part Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Practice Tests

• IELTS Listening Test
• IELTS Reading Test
• IELTS Writing Task 1 & 2
• IELTS Speaking Test

All information on this page was referenced from the official IELTS website: www.ielts.org

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IELTS Writing Task 1

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“Explore this comprehensive guide on IELTS Writing Task 1 and learn how to improve your writing skills and avoid common mistakes to achieve that band score! “

Interpreting visual data and summarizing information accurately is a vital skill for higher education and global communication and this skill is evaluated in IELTS Writing Task 1 exam. It is, thereby, a crucial component of both the Academic and General Training modules.

In this comprehensive guide, we will examine all aspects of IELTS Writing Task 1, exploring its different formats, question types with IELTS exam examples, tips for success, and common mistakes to avoid.

Understanding IELTS Writing Task 1

Task 1 of  IELTS Writing assesses the candidate's ability to interpret and present information in a clear and coherent manner. It requires candidates to describe visual information or frame a letter in a minimum of 150 words in 20 minutes.

The key skills tested in Task 1 include:

• Understanding Visual Data or Prompts:  Candidates must accurately interpret the visual data provided or prompts for letters and convey the main trends, comparisons, and significant points accurately.
• Organizational Skills:  Structuring the response effectively is essential, including introducing the topic, providing an overview or a purpose, and presenting key details logically.
• Language Accuracy:  Candidates are evaluated on their ability to use a range of vocabulary, grammatical structures, and cohesive devices to express ideas precisely.

IELTS Writing Writing Task 1 Question Types

You have to keep in mind that Task 1 differs for both IELTS General and Academic purposes. So, the different types of questions in these two types of IELTS exam are given below.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

You will be required to represent data relevant to an academic context that are shown in one or more figures, such as graphs, charts, tables, diagrams, or processes in Task 1 of  IELTS Academic .

There are typically seven types of questions in IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic:

• IELTS table chart
• IELTS bar chart
• IELTS Writing Task 1 - Line graph
• IELTS pie charts tips and strategies
• IELTS Map Diagram
• IELTS Process diagram
• Combination (Mixed) charts

For a deeper comprehension of the subjects, it is crucial to regularly practice using the  IELTS writing task 1 practice tests with answers.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Samples

Check out the recent Writing Task 1 topics with IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answers:

• Village of Stokeford in 1930 and 2010- Map
• Paradise Island Map – IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Answers
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Example 4 : Development of the village of Rye mouth – Map
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic: The development of cutting tools in the stone age – Diagram
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Example 3: Civic Centre – Map
• Changes in Modes of Travel in England Between 1985 and 2000- IELTS Writing Task 1 (Table)
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Main Reasons why Agricultural Land Becomes Less Productive
• Cinema Viewing Figures for Films by Country, in Millions- Table
• Number of Medals Won by the Top Ten Countries in the London 2012 Olympic Games- Table
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 12: Internet use in six categories by age group – Table
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : Annual pay for doctors and other workers – Bar chart
• Division of Household Tasks by Gender in Great Britain- Bar Graph
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 11: Different methods of waste disposal in four cities – Bar Chart
• Amount of Leisure Time Enjoyed by Men and Women of Different Employment Statuses- Bar Chart
• Number of Computer and Internet users in Different Arab Countries- Bar Graph
• The Changes In Ownership Of Electrical Appliances And Amount Of Time Spent Doing Housework In Households – IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : The Percentage of Female Members of Parliament in 5 European Countries
• IELTS Writing Task 1 – The graph below shows different sources of air pollutants in the UK Sample Answers
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic: Price changes for fresh fruits and vegetables – Line Graph
• Demand for Electricity in England- Line Graph and Pie Chart
• Average Household Expenditures in a Country in 1950 and 2010- Pie Chart
• Methods of Transportation for People Traveling to a University – Pie Chart
• Percentage of Water Used for Different Purposes in Six Areas of the World- Pie Chart
• Online shopping sales for retail sectors in Canada – IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie chart
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 09 : Consequence of deforestation – FlowChart
• Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 Recycling process of wasted glass bottles Sample Answers
• Water Cycle Diagram – IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Answers
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Process Chart 2024 – Process Diagram with Sample Answers
• Percentage of Food Budget the Average Family Spent on Restaurant Meals- Pie Chart + Line Graph
• Amount of Money Per Week Spent on Fast Food in Britain- Bar Graph + Line Graph
• Water use Worldwide and Water Consumption- Line Graph and Table

IELTS General Writing Task 1

The candidate must compose a letter outlining details from IELTS GT Writing Task 1 or providing an explanation of a circumstance.

There are three types of letters for IELTS General writing task 1:

• IELTS General Writing Task 1 Sample Formal Letters
• IELTS General Writing Task 1 Sample Semi-Formal Letters
• IELTS General Writing Task 1 Informal Letters

Candidates are assessed on their ability to engage in personal contact, elicit and offer general factual information, express needs, likes, and dislikes, as well as their opinions, in the IELTS general writing task 1.

IELTS General Writing Task 1 Samples

Here are some latest Writing Task 1 topics with sample answers for IELTS General Training:

Formal Letter

• Formal Letter to Change Hostel Room- IELTS Writing Task 1
• You Have Seen an Advertisement for a Community College- Formal letter
• Last Week You Were on a Flight to London- Formal Letter
• One of Your Friends Wants to Apply for a Job- Formal letter

Semi Formal Letter

Informal Letter

Evaluation Criteria for IELTS Writing Task 1 

The purpose of the IELTS Writing Task 1 question is to assess a candidate's writing abilities.

• Four criteria are used to assess a candidate's IELTS score: Task Achievement,   Coherence & Cohesion in IELTS Writing , IELTS Lexical Resource and  IELTS Grammatical Range & Accuracy.
• For IELTS Writing Task 1, each component is worth 25% of the candidate's final score.

Therefore, these are standardized measures that a student needs to follow throughout their answer to achieve their desired IELTS band score . Check the table given below:

Top Tips for Success in IELTS Writing Task 1

Candidates must follow some IELTS preparation tips in order to master IELTS Academic writing task 1 and IELTS GT writing task 1. So, given below are some top tips to structure your answers for IELTS Writing Task 1.

• Understand the Task Requirements:  Read the instructions carefully and identify the main features and key trends in the visual data.
• Plan Your Response:  Spend a few minutes organizing your ideas before you start writing. This will help you structure your response effectively.
• Use a Variety of Vocabulary:  Demonstrate your lexical range by avoiding repetition and employing synonyms to describe the data accurately.
• Focus on Significant Details:  Highlight the most important information and avoid including unnecessary details that do not contribute to the overall understanding of the required details.
• Practice Time Management:  Allocate enough time to each task and aim to complete Writing Task 1 within the recommended 20 minutes.
• Use Synonyms  - Don't just copy words from the prompt. Paraphrase with your own vocabulary.
• Include Units of Measurement  - Use measurement units like millions, percentage, tons, dollars. This shows attention to detail and highlights obvious contrasts or similarities between data trends to make logical comparisons.
• Use Linking Words  - IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors  add like "while", "in addition", "on the other hand" connect your ideas and show cohesion.
• Stick to Plain English -  Don't try to sound overly complex. Keep your language clear and concise.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Writing Task 1

While analyzing visuals or framing the letter might seem straightforward, Task 1 can trip you up if you're not careful. Here are some key mistakes to avoid:

• Misinterpreting Data/Prompts:  Ensure that you accurately understand the information presented in the visual data before attempting to describe it.
• Ignoring Task Instructions:  Pay attention to the specific requirements of each task and avoid straying from the given topic.
• Overlooking Grammar and Spelling:  Proofread your response carefully to eliminate grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.
• Lack of Coherence and Cohesion:  Ensure that your response is well-structured and cohesive, with clear connections between sentences and paragraphs.

The IELTS Writing Task 1 test may seem challenging, but with dedication and the right strategies, you can conquer it. Remember, consistent practice, a focus on improvement, and a clear understanding of the format are key to achieving your desired band score. If you need any sort of guidance, feel free to  interact with our IELTS experts  or  be a part of IELTS webinars . So, take a deep breath, pick up your pen, and embark on your journey to IELTS writing mastery!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of IELTS Writing Task 1?

How much time should I spend on IELTS Writing Task 1?

Do I need to include my opinion in IELTS Writing Task 1?

Should I include an introduction and conclusion in IELTS Writing Task 1?

How can I improve my vocabulary for describing visual data in Task 1?

Where can I find practice materials for Task 1?

What should I do if I don't understand the visual data in Task 1?

Should I include every detail from the visual data in my response?

Is there a specific paragraph structure I should follow in Task 1?

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How to Structure IELTS Writing Task 1 Essays

Posted by David S. Wills | Aug 24, 2020 | IELTS Tips , Writing | 1

I have written many times about structure on this website, but mostly I have focused on task 2 . Today, however, I am going to take some time to show you how to structure IELTS writing task 1 essays . This often seems like a mystery but in fact it is quite simple and you can usually follow a pretty basic template.

I am going to divide this lesson into two parts. First, we will deal with the IELTS Academic exam and then we will look briefly at the IELTS General exam because these require different structures. Also, keep in mind that IELTS academic writing includes line graphs, pie charts, bar charts, maps, and more, so each of these might require some changes to the essay structure.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Structure

When you do IELTS academic writing task 1, you may find yourself presented with one (or more) of the following:

• Process diagram

These require quite different language but generally you can apply a similar essay structure to all of them. Whether you are writing about a line graph or a table, you can pretty much use this IELTS writing task 1 template :

Let’s establish what “group of information” means

When you are doing IELTS Academic writing task 1, you need to examine the data and then describe it. To do this, you cannot just take a random approach and write about the different features of the data. Instead, you need to highlight the important parts.

This can be difficult, so let’s take an example.

In this line graph, we only have two lines to write about. Clearly, we could write one paragraph about men and one paragraph about women. Easy! Our structure would look like this:

To be honest, that is a very, very easy graph to describe so it was not a challenge. Let’s choose something more difficult to explore:

This is not a terribly difficult line graph to describe, but it presents a challenge for our IELTS writing task 1 structure template. How should we group these three lines?

One option is to structure it like this:

Another option is to break the information down according to time:

Grouping by Time vs Grouping by Type

The easiest way to group data for IELTS writing task 1 is to put them into different types. For example, in this line graph about a Caribbean island, we could potentially describe the number of people who stayed on the island in one paragraph and then the people who stayed on the ships in another paragraph.

But is this the best way?

When you write an essay with that structure, it becomes harder to compare the data. Remember that your question will always say “make comparisons where relevant.”

This suggests that grouping by time is better for one major reason: You can compare the different types of data over time. In this case, we can see the two sets of data are opposites, which gives us a great chance to make comparisons.

Sample Essay

Here is my sample essay about the Caribbean island.

The line graph displays the numbers of tourists that visited an unnamed Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017. The tourists are divided into two groups – those staying on cruise ships and those staying on the island itself – and these had a loosely inverse correlation. The total number of visitors, however, rose more or less continuously throughout the eight-year period. In the first year recorded, which was 2010, there were about twice as many tourists staying on the island as those staying on cruise ships. A year later, the number staying on cruise ships doubled to a half million, but this dropped back to around a quarter million in 2012. When the figures for tourists on cruise ships dropped, the number staying on the island rose quickly and over the coming few years, as this sudden increased levelled off, the number of people who stayed onboard their ship continued to grow again. Between 2012 and 2017, there were more and more visitors staying on cruise ships. From just a quarter million, this rose to two million, while the figures for those on the island levelled off at just one and a half million and then dropped slightly in the penultimate year, before finishing at one and a half. This meant that, for the final two years, more tourists stayed on cruise ships than on the island.

Can you write more than 3 paragraphs?

I would like to make clear that there is no such thing as the correct IELTS writing task 1 essay structure. It is possible to write a great essay with 2 paragraphs, but it is also possible to do it with 4 paragraphs. I would not recommend writing more than 4 paragraphs and I would certainly not recommend writing just 1! This would show a total lack of understanding of Coherence and Cohesion.

(P.S. – Read all about the number of paragraphs for IELTS writing task 2 here .)

Anyway, let’s look at an example of an essay that might be best described with 4 paragraphs:

For this task, we have to decide how to group the data. I personally find that the trend for burglary is more interesting than the others because it has much more of a change, which tells me that it should be described first. You could definitely write a paragraph that grouped car thefts and robberies together, but one is much more common than the other, so it might not work well.

I would take this approach:  

Of course, writing this much could mean taking a long time and potentially not finishing your essay. I have written an article about how many words you should write for IELTS, which you can read here .

Sample Essay – 4 Paragraphs

Ok, let’s look at the essay I wrote about crime rates in Newport.

The line graph shows changes in crime rates over a ten-year period in the city centre of Newport. Three types of crimes are listed, two of which ended the period at roughly similar levels to where they began, and one experienced a major drop. In 2003, which was the beginning of the recorded period, burglary was the most common type of crime in Newport, with just under 3,500 cases reported. This rose slightly the following year, before entering into a long downward trend, reaching a low of about 1,200 in 2008. After this, the number of burglaries reported fluctuated until 2012. The number of car thefts was about 2,800 in 2003, and ended the period slightly lower, at 2,700. During the decade-long period, it fluctuated, reaching low points in 2006 and 2008. Car theft was the second most common type of crime in 2003, but the fall in burglaries meant that from 2008 onwards, they were the most common crime in Newport. Robberies were the least common crime and followed a somewhat similar trend to that of car thefts, starting and ending the period with around 700 incidents. It fluctuated only slightly during the ten-year period.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie Chart Structure

The previous examples were both line graphs because these are the most common type of IELTS academic writing task 1 question. However, in order to ensure you understand fully, I will also include a pie chart and show you how to structure your essay.

This is actually the most difficult IELTS writing task 1 question I have ever seen!

So how could we produce an IELTS writing task 1 essay structure to fit this?

The obvious choice seems to be writing 3 paragraphs, with 1 paragraph for each of the pie charts. That’s sensible, right?

Well, personally I think that would make it harder to draw comparisons between these data. Instead, I will group the data in terms of meals . I will look at the main meals in one paragraph and then snacks in a final paragraph. This allows me to compare all 3 nutrients!

My structure would then look like this:

**Please note that this is a quite advanced structure and it is difficult to do. I am including it to show you how it is possible to take various approaches and produce a great essay.

Sample Answer

This is my answer to the very difficult question about nutrients:

The pie charts show information about three different kinds of nutrients and their prevalence in typical American meals. There are four kinds of meal mentioned, including snacks. The figures for sodium and saturated fat are loosely similar, but for added sugar they are quite different. Sodium and saturated fat are both extremely common in typical American dinners. According to the pie charts, 43% of sodium is consumed at dinner time as well as 37% of saturated fat, but just 23% of added sugar is found in American dinners. Almost a third of sodium eaten by Americans is consumed at lunch, alongside more than a quarter of saturated fat. Breakfasts contain the lowest amount of these potentially unhealthy ingredients, at 14% sodium and 16% for both saturated fat and added sugar. The figures for snacks look quite different. More than four tenths of the added sugar consumed by Americans came from snacks, which also contained a fifth of the saturated fats and about a sixth of sodium.

IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 Structure

When you take the IELTS General Training (GT) writing test, you will see that task 1 requires you to write a letter. As such, there is no “recommended essay structure” that you can use.

Instead, you should aim to write a letter that follows typical letter-writing conventions and to use paragraphs logically to guide your reader.

How can you structure an IELTS general writing task 1 letter?

I would strongly recommend this sort of approach:

Of course, I will say here that you should not take this as a 100% perfect letter template . It is merely a suggestion and you should pay close attention to the actual task you are assigned. This template can usually be adapted to make a good letter, but sometimes you need to add or combine paragraphs. Also, we might have a short paragraph at the start and/or end of the essay to give some friendly greeting or send some kind regards.

For one thing, sometimes you need to give much more weight to one part of the question, which could require using two paragraphs for that and one for the other parts. An example would be:

How to Adapt an IELTS General Writing Task 1 Format Structure

The people who score band 8 or 9 in IELTS writing are not the ones who memorize structures and vocabulary, or who attempt to predict the questions they will encounter. Instead, these are people who can learn from others but create their own essays and letters by adapting good ideas to the present situation.

Let’s look at an example question from IELTS GT writing task 1.

A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money, either to sponsor a local children’s sports team for two years, or to pay for two open-air concerts. It has asked for feedback from the general public. Write a letter to the company. In your letter, – describe the benefit of sponsoring the sports ream – summarise the benefits of paying for the concerts – say how you think the company should spend the money

How can we structure a reply to this task?

I am going to use the IELTS general writing task 1 format structure that I suggested above, with two paragraphs of explanation in the middle because there are two sides to the issue. My structure would look like this:

Here is my sample answer to the above question:

Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing in response to your request for input on the decision about either spending money on a sports team or for two open-air concerts. Firstly, if you were to sponsor the children’s sports team, it would obviously be a great investment in the community. Nothing is more important to us than our children’s health and happiness. If you decided to sponsor the football team, this would mean a tremendous amount to many families. The concerts would also be beneficial in bringing the community together in a big event. This would foster some positive experiences and allow people to have fun together doing something they don’t normally do. It might also be good for local businesses. It is my opinion that you invest the money in the sports team as I think this would have the greatest benefit. For two whole years, parents would be able to watch their children play sports, and that is much better than going along to two concerts. Sincerely, David Wills

More Resources

This is a massive topic to cover and so I suggest that you continue reading once you are finished with this article. I have countless lessons on this website about IELTS writing task 1 (both academic and general) that you can read. I also have an IELTS writing task 1 template PDF file here .

More articles about structure:

• How to Describe a Bar Chart
• 7 Steps to Structuring an IELTS Essay
• How to Describe a Process Diagram

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 

This page covers all the basic information you need to know about IELTS Academic Writing Task 1.

It includes:

• Key information
• Task overview
• Assessment & marking criteria
• The 7 types of questions
• Sample questions

Once you have a good understanding of Task 1, I’ll show you step-by-step how to produce high scoring essays for each of the 7 types of questions. You’ll find all these important lessons by following the links to the related pages. 

Key Information

1)   You are required to write 150 words or more.

If you write less than 150 words, you are unlikely to get more than a Band 5 for ’task achievement’ as you won’t have fulfilled the marking criteria.

2)   You have around 20 minutes to plan and write your essay.

3)   You should use a formal style of writing.

4)   Task 1 contributes half as many marks to your score as Task 2. So, Task 1 is worth 33% of the total mark in the Writing test.

Task Overview

You will be presented with one of the following graphics:

• Table Chart
• Process Diagram
• Multiple Graphs

You are required to write a short report about the main features. For example, you may be asked to:

·         summarise data

·         describe the stages of a process

·         explain how something works

·         describe an object or event

The format of the question will always be the same. It will include:

·         A brief description of the graphic

·         The instructions

·         The graphic – chart, graph, table, etc.

Here’s a typical question. The highlighted words are always the same no matter what type of question you get.

The line graph below shows the consumption of 3 different types of fast food in Britain from 1970 to 1990.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

With the format of the question always the same, this means that you can use the same basic method and essay structure to write any essay for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1.

We’ll be looking at a model method and structure in the lesson on Planning an IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Essay . 

Assessment & Marking Criteria  

As with all parts of the IELTS exam, Task 1 is marked according to four criteria.

• Task Achievement  – appropriate response to the task
• Cohesion   & Coherence   – the ability to present a well-structured essay
• Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)   – the ability to use a range of appropriate vocabulary and to use it correctly
• Grammatical   Range & Accuracy   – the ability to use grammar correctly and to use a range of grammar forms

Each carries 25% of the marks.

I’ve created separate lessons on Vocabulary and Grammar for Task 1, so here, we’ll look in more detail at just the marking criteria for Task Achievement and Coherence and Cohesion. We’re going to focus on Bands 6 - 8 as these are the levels most students are aiming for.

You can see a full table of all the band level marking criteria for Writing Task 1 by clicking this link –  Task 1 Marking Criteria . 

Here are the marking criteria for Task Achievement and Coherence and Cohesion. Don’t worry if the detail seems rather complex. Don't feel overwhelmed. If you follow my advice in all the lessons on how to write essays for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you’ll be able to meet these criteria and get a good score.

Marking Criteria  –  Task Achievement 

Marking Criteria  –   Cohesion & Coherence 

The 7 Types of Task 1 Questions

Now, we’re going to look briefly at the different type of questions for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 and a sample question for each.

The biggest challenge for many students is that they are not used to working with charts, graphs and tables and don’t know how to interpret this type of data. Don’t worry about this for now as I’m going to show you how to do this in the step-by-step guides.

On this page, I just want to familiarise you with the question structure and the different types of graphics you might get.

First, a reminder of the 7 question types:

Click the links for step-by-step instructions on how to write each type of essay, including a model answer.  

1) Bar Chart

Bars charts or bar graphs are very common Task 1 questions. The data can be presented vertically, as in the example below, or horizontally.

The bar chart below shows numbers of seals, whales and dolphins recorded in the Gormez Straits from 2006 to 2018.

Write at least 150 words.

2) Line Graph

Line graphs are also common in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. They are easier to interpret than they may look.

The graph below shows the population for India and China since the year 2000 and predicts population growth until 2050.

Source: Official website IELTS Essentials

Tables also come up regularly in Task 1. Some students find these harder to interpret as they are just sets of numbers with no visual representation. However, they are never very complicated. Remember, the IELTS exam is designed to test your language skills, not your mathematics ability.

The tables below give information about the world population and distribution in 1950 and 2000, with an estimate of the situation in 2050.

Click this link for step-by-step instructions on how to answer this question including a model answer:

Table Chart – Instructions & Model Answer

4) Pie Chart

Although pie charts are not as common as bar charts and line graphs, you need to know how to answer this type of question in case you do get one. They are just another way of visually presenting data.

The chart below shows the reasons why people travel to work by bicycle or by car.

  Pie  Chart – Instructions & Model Answer

5) Process Diagram

Another less frequent question type is the process diagram. It could be a natural process such as the water cycle, a manufacturing process or the diagram of a system such as the central heating system in a house.

The diagrams below show a structure that is used to generate electricity from wave power.

Write  at least 150 words.

Generating Electricity From The Sea

Process Diagram  – Instructions & Model Answer

Occasionally, the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 question will be about a map. It may ask you to compare two or three maps of a place over a period of time as in this question.

The diagrams below show the changes that have taken place at Queen Mary Hospital since its construction in 1960.

7) Multiple Graphs

Multiple graph questions have more than one type of diagram and are fairly common. They usually include two diagrams such as a bar chart and a line graph or a pie chart and a table as in this sample question.

The diagrams below give information on transport and car use in Edmonton.

Now that you have a better understanding of IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 and are familiar with the 7 different question types, you’re ready to learn how the write a Task I essay.

Just follow the links below to the individual lessons.

Want  to watch and listen to this lesson on IELTS Academic Writing Task 1?

Click on this video.

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Ielts academic writing task 1 – all lessons.

IELTS Academic Writing  –  A summary of the test including important facts, test format & assessment.

Academic Writing Task 1  – The format, the 7 question types & sample questions, assessment & marking criteria.  All the key information you need to know.

Understanding Task 1 Questions  – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 1 Essay  –  Discover  3 reasons why you must plan, the 4 simple steps of essay planning and learn a simple 4 part essay structure.

Vocabulary for Task 1 Essays  –  Learn key vocabulary for a high-scoring essay. Word lists & a downloadable PDF.

Grammar for Task 1 Essays   – Essential grammar for Task 1 Academic essays including, verb tenses, key sentence structures, articles & prepositions.

The 7 Question Types:

Click the links below for a step-by-step lesson on each type of Task 1 question.

• IELTS Writing
• Academic Writing Task 1
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IELTS Writing Task 1 question types: A comprehensive guide

This comprehensive guide breaks down the different question types in the Writing Task 1 section, including graphs, bar charts, pie charts, tables, and maps.

Content Tags

In the IELTS Writing test, there are a variety of question types you can receive.  It is important to have a look at these so you don’t have any surprises when you sit your test. 

In Task 1 of the IELTS Writing Academic test, you have visual items, such as graphs and charts, and you are expected to provide a description of them, including data, comparison and contrasts and an overview. 

It is common to see diagrams like this which indicate the number, percentage or rate of something over a period of time.  In this case, the time span is over 15 years and there are 3 separate lines (categories).  Line graph tasks can include 2,3, 4 or possibly up to 6 lines in the whole chart. 

Similar to line graphs, bar charts can also display data in a linear way (e.g. from 1990 to 2000 in this case).  However, data can also be categorised in a non-linear way such as below: 

Pie charts normally have figures displayed in percentages and it is common to see tasks where there are 2 or more of them.  Similar to bar graphs, they can be categorised in linear or non-linear ways.  

The charts below show the percentage of second language classes taken by Australian secondary school students in two different cities in 2017.  

The charts below show the percentage of second language classes taken by Australian secondary school students in Adelaide.  

Sometimes data can be displayed in table form, where it can be categorised in both linear or non-linear ways, similar to bar graphs and pie charts.  The data can be displayed in numerical or percentage form.  

The table below shows the number of registered junior players in 4 different types of football in an Australian city in 2015 according to 3 different age groups.  

Here you can see that the data can also be categorised by age group, which is another way to display data besides just according to place or time. 

Combination

Besides these individual forms of displaying data, you may find there could be a combination of graph types together, such as a line graph and a pie chart.  

The diagrams below show the average cost of 3 different types of media device over a period of 6 years, plus their payment method for these devices according to 4 age groups in 2020.   

As you can see in this particular question, the time reference can also include future projections (the line graph continues until 2026).

Sometimes you may be asked to describe a process.  These can be either of something that is man-made or something that occurs in nature.  Take note that a process task has a starting point and ending point (make sure you mention all steps in the process).  Process questions also need to include an overview.   

In tasks that ask you to compare and contrast maps, they can either be of an indoor space (e.g. a floor plan) or an outdoor space (e.g. buildings, roads, nature, etc.).  It is normal to have a task that shows maps with two different dates: 

Two dates in the past (e.g.  1966 & 2016) 

A map in the past and a current map (e.g. 2016 and present) 

A map in the past or present compared to something that is projected or planned in the future (e.g., present and 2032)   

The diagrams below show the features of the town centre of Trentville in 1966 and compares them to the changes that could be seen in 2016.  

The A to Z of IELTS

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topics September & October 2024

The collection of the recent IELTS Academic Writing Topics is a compilation of topics which have been recently used in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. These topics cover a wide range of topics, from everyday topics such as shopping and leisure activities to more complex topics such as healthcare, economics, and technology. The topics are chosen from past IELTS exams and reflect the kinds of topics students may be asked to write about in their upcoming IELTS exam. The Collection of the recent IELTS Academic Writing Topics provides students with useful practice material to help them prepare for the IELTS exam.

Choose one of the topics and practice your writing skills daily. If you are having difficulty coming up with your own topic ideas, simply click the "Answers" button and you will be presented with a range of possible topics.

Write on this topic Answers ···

• Unlimited Task 1 checks Get all the feedback you need to keep improving your charts and letters.
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• Topic ideas generator Get topic-specific ideas to enhance your writing.
• Vocabulary helper Get the right words for any topic.
• Progress tracking Track your writing improvements.

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IELTS Writing Task 1: Tenses & Grammar

What tenses to use and grammar tips for IELTS Writing Task 1. Grammar counts for 25% of your marks in IELTS writing task 1 and that includes the correct use of tenses based on the information given in the task. You can get tasks based in the past, present or future so tenses are essential to get right. 

Below you will find:

• Grammar for IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic
• Tenses for IELTS Writing Task 1 General Training (bottom of page)

IELTS Writing Task 1: Grammar

For IELTS writing task 1 (Academic Test), you may be given a map, a diagram, a bar chart, a line graph, a table or a pie chart in the academic test. The IELTS examiner will mark you on the following (each worth 25% of task 1)

• Task Achievement : information, overview, accurate of data
• Coherence & Cohesion : Paragraphing, Linking Words
• Vocabulary: Collocations, Spelling and Accuracy
• Grammar : Sentence structures, tenses , grammatical range and accuracy

So, you can see that using the right tense is important in IELTS writing task 1 because it falls into the marking criterion of Grammar. You can read more about marking here: IELTS WRITING TASK 1 BAND SCORES EXPLAINED WITH TIPS

DATES & TENSES

On your IELTS writing task 1 graph, chart, map, diagram or table, you might find dates. These will tell you what tense to use. 

• Dates in the Past = Past Tense
• Dates in the Future = Future Forms
• Dates spanning both Past and Future = both Past Tense and Future Forms

Example Sentences for Tenses:

• In 2010, the number of sales stood at 2 million and is forecast to rise to a peak of 10 million by 2050.
• The maps shows that in 1962, the village, located in the west was small. However, currently, it has expanded to join together with the neighbouring town.
• The number of people visiting a music cafe increased from 10,000 to reach 20,000 in 1975. By 2030, this number is predicted to hit 34,000. 
• Today, the number of people visiting the Dali museum stands at 100,000. In previous years, the figure was only 90,000.

What if NO DATE is given in the IELTS chart?

If there is no date given on your IELTS chart, graph table etc, then you will use the present tense.

PASSIVE VOICE

There are candidates who have been told by some teachers that they will get a high score if they use the passive voice. This is not true. No tense is more valuable than another. You can only use the passive voice when it is appropriate and correct to do so. Most writing task 1 will not give you this opportunity. For example, the majority of all bar charts, line graphs, tables and pie charts will unlikely use the passive voice and to attempt to force it into your writing will probably result in an error. However, if you get a diagram or a map, they are often a combination of passive and active voice. Look at the paragraph below and see how the passive voice (red) is used along side the active voice (blue).

Paragraph: Rain is collected as it falls on the roof tops of houses. This water then passes through the drains and is eventually transferred to a water filter. The water is filtered to remove impurities before it then goes to a storage tank. From the tank it travels along pipes to reach the water treatment where it is treated with chemicals.

To see the model answer, click here: Diagram Model Answer

Articles: Using THE in grammar

In writing task 1, you are often given bar charts, line graphs and tables that refer to different countries and different nationalities. One of the biggest problems with this is the use of “the” with country names. Lets see how good you are with this. 

Which options below are wrong?

• the British
• the America
• the Britain
• the English
• the Americans
• the England

Click below for answers and for information about using “the” with country names.

• Number 3 “the America” is wrong
• Number 4 “the Britain” is wrong
• Number 8 “the England” is wrong.

Almost all country names do not require the article “the”. We refer to France, England, Britain, Vietnam, Canada, China, India – all without “the”.

However, there are exceptions. Countries that are made up of a group of states or islands use “the”, such as the Philippines and the US. Any country that uses the words “states” or “united” or “republic” also use “the”, for example the UK, the US, the Republic of China. So, we would write “the UK” because it contains the word “united”, but we would write “Britain” without “the. Please note, the word “Britain” is not a synonym for England. Britain means the UK. Britain refers to the group of countries that make up the UK: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The word “Britain” actually means “Great Britain”.

We also need to use the article “the” when referring to nationalities as a group of people : the British, the Americans, the Chinese, the Vietnamese, the English. 

IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 Tenses

The examiner will mark you using the same criteria as the AC test, but with one difference in Task Achievement. The IELTS examiner will mark you on the following (each worth 25% of task 1). See below:

• Task Achievement : Purpose, tone and expanding points
• Grammar : Sentence structure, tenses , punctuation, grammar range and accuracy

For students taking the General Training test. You will use a range of tenses in your letter depending on the aims and purpose. Below are some sample sentences:

• I am writing to …. (present continuous)
• I visited your store … (past simple)
• …the poor service I have received (present perfect)
• I hope the problem will be resolved … (future form and future passive)
• I had hoped that … (past perfect)

Tips for IELTS Writing Task 1

Academic writing task 1 tips, click below:

All Tips, Model Answers, Free Video Lessons & Practice for IELTS writing task 1

GT writing task 1 tips, click below:

Essential 10 tips

Differences between GT and Academic Writing Task 1

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can i use has/have+been in task 1 if year is not given

If the year isn’t given, you use the present tense. You use a perfect tense whenever it is suitable to do so. This isn’t about IELTS, it is about English grammar. So, review your use of the perfect tenses before taking IELTS to ensure you use them correctly in writing task 1 and writing task 2. For writing task 1, they are not used as often.

THANKS for the guidance throughout my ielts journey. JUST I received my desired IELTS score of overall 7.5

That’s wonderful! Well done to you 🙂

Congratulations to you. How I wish I can cross that mark.

Dear Liz, Regarding the tense for Task 1 Academic, it is stated that we can use simple present if there is no time specified. But if there is a verb in the question which shows a past incident, then can we use past tense in the overview and body paragraphs? For example the question is “The chart below shows what Anthropology graduates from one university did after finishing their undergraduate degree course”

When you see the past tense used in rubric given by IELTS, it means the information in the chart/graph is in the past and this means you will use a past tense.

Hello Liz, since the introduction in task 1 is almost always too small to make a paragraph and one might need to add the overview to it, how then does a writer achieve 4 paragraphs?

Why do you need four paragraphs? There are no set rules about the number of paragraphs for writing task 1.

This would be my third time over the years doing IELTS test and yet still referring to your website so I can study well. Thanks and hats off to all this hard work you’ve done here!! Lots of love all the way from the Middle East 🙂

Great to know you can still benefit from my lessons. Lots of luck in your next test 🙂

Hello Ma’am,

You justify the value of knowledge!! Thanks a lot. I am constantly following your blog as am preparing for IELTS. The content and way of explanation is amazing. Hats off to your incredible work and effort.

I’m very pleased you find my website useful 🙂

Hey Liz, You are brilliant

Hey Liz, I follow your website regularly and found it very useful comparative to any other sites available these days, and even heard from one of a British Council Examiner as he suggested to follow your website for factual information, that amused me.

By the way, please post some more information for GT – Writing task 1 in a video form as I see most of the information is covered for Academic Students only.

Hope you consider my request.

Kindly do the needful. Nishanth

** Also please highlight any mistakes found in this comment **

Nice to know BC examiners are recommending my site 🙂 You can find some GT tips and useful links to model letters on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-letter-writing-essential-tips/ . I stopped making videos due to health problems, but if I’m a bit stronger next year I might make a few short clips. I’ll put GT letters on my list 🙂

Get well soon Liz and thank you for this amazing site…

Yes it’s true. Once we attended a workshop by British council. They recommended your site there.

Hello Liz, Are we supposed to use indented paragraphs in our writing section? And for internet base IELT general training; will i write my texts/answers on anwers sheet or i type my answers on the computer. Thank you

It makes no difference if you indent or leave an empty line instead. As long as paragraphs are very easy to see, it is fine.

Dear Liz, Is writing task 1 is only for academic test, cannot able to find fins much question & answers for the general test. kindly elaborate for the general test which one I have to write, little confused.

See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-gt-academic-writing-differences/

20/05/2019 cue card topic Describe a practical skill What is it How you learned How difficult it is Explain how you felt

Thanks for sharing 🙂 However, you might want to consider posting this on a page for speaking 🙂

Hi liz Thanks! I find ur lessons realy helpful. Can u please explain which questions in writing task 1 do not need an overview? Will wait for ur reply.

If you are taking the academic IELTS test, all writing task 1 require an overview. See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/

Hi Liz, I took the test just this saturday. I’m worried i might have made a major mistake in task 1. The task description said ‘The plans show a coal mine before and after redevelopment into a visitor attraction’ and showed 2 pictures pre and post renovation of the coal mine. I only focused on the changes made (on the after picture) and used the future tense all throughout the overview and body paragraphs (i used the present tense for the intro) as i was misled by the word ‘plans’ and i assumed that the redevelopment wasn’t done yet (e.g ‘will undergo’ instead of ‘undertook’, ‘will be demolished’ instead of ‘was demolished’, ‘will be converted instead of ‘was converted’, etc.). I finished both tasks with 10 mins to spare and used that time to check for errors in grammar, spelling, vocab & sentence structures (i’m sure i at least have error-free sentences and good grammar). Can i still get at least a 7 for task 1 despite the wrong tense used?

Your score is based on Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Vocabulary and Grammar. Grammar counts for 25% of your marks and tenses are only one part of that.

DEAR LIZ .;,, Can we write piechart and bargraph in past tense if the date isnot mentiond in the question, One of my ielts teacher told me that would be fine,,but i want to hear from u Please help me

When no date is given, you should use present tense. However, if you choose past tense and stick to that tense throughout your whole report, it will be fine. The problem is when you mix them up and get confused which tense you are using.

Hi mam We can’t write all task 1 in passive voice? And Any disadvantage of use passive voice in task 1?

You must use the correct tense for the dates given and also for the information presented. If you have problems about using the passive voice and don’t understand when to use it or when not to use it, I suggest you find an English language teacher to help you or buy a grammar book.

Hi, Liz! Should I write in future if there is the word estimated in the writing task one, like estimated sales, and no dates given? Thaks in advance.

“Estimated sales” indicates future.

Hey Liz, I wanna ask something. How about the word ‘before and after’ I mean in cambridge ielts 11 theres a question in test 4 about total number of visitors to a museum BEFORE and AFTER its refurbished. There is no dates, just those before and after. I’m kinda confused whether to use present or past tense? Thanks in advance.

Before – use past. After – use present.

Hi I can’t. Write. Task 1

https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/

I have never ever tried to write any first task essays which would be with mixed time of past and future tenses, but as I recently took my exam, I was faced with the mixed tenses and could not deal with that and thus got a low score. So that, could you please explain me or give me a link to a page where I could learn the main structure of the type of task one question? I would be really thankful for your help me if you do not mind please, give me some more example essays with band 9

The first time you need to get clear is that task 1 is NOT an essay. Writing task 1 is a report based on data or any visual representation of information given. If the datas are from past to present, there is no specific structure. The report is structure as usual depending on key features. The grammar will reflect both time period: “The number of sales rose from 5,000 in 2000 and is estimated to reach a peak of 30,000 in 2050.” (both past and future forms)

I would like to ask you whether it is bad to start an introduction for task 1 with something like this or not:

‘The given visual matirial provides us with the information about …”

I just wondered if this word ‘us’ is too informal for this kind of report?

This is not appropriate to use for writing task 1. If it is a table, then you introduce a table, not “given visual material”.

Hi Liz, First and foremost, Thank you very much for the great work that you are doing, You are simply awesome! I am going to appear for IELTS – GT this month end, and I have few queries to you:

1. While answering to Listening or Reading section, for sentence completion kind of questions, do we need to use Initial caps even if it is not a noun? I have this confusion. Do we lose mark for this?

2. What does it mean, if the part of the answer is mentioned in the brackets? Eg. (a) Pilot study, though there instructed as ‘No more than 3 words’

3. In some of the practice test answer keys, they have mentioned the answer both in singular and plural as ‘Instructor/Instructors’ – Is it correct or safe to mention like this? I am losing marks mostly in plural during my practice sessions

4.In a scenario, the instruction clearly states as ‘One word only’ but the answer for a question is 2 years. Without specifying the word ‘years’ the sentence would not deliver a correct meaning in the listening test. What do I need to do on this scenario? Will bracketing work on this occasion?

5.I am appearing through BC and my friend appeared through IDP in the early on this month. I happened to get his practice work book and it seems very tough when compared to BC workbook. I had a confidence while worked out with my BC practice tests whereas the same is lacking with IDP. Why there is a difference? B’coz I heard that the exam will be same irrespective of the centers, but this leaves a doubt in me.

It would be of an immense help if you could kindly advise on the above questions. Thanks Liz.

And one more request Liz, I would like my writing on task 1 to get evaluated by you, if your time permits, so that I could do some fine tuning on the same. If you are ok, kindly let me know your email to send the pic of my writings, since i have written in a paper.

Thanks again LIZ 🙂

Hi, sounds like there is still a lot you are unsure about in IELTS. Always check my information page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-help-faq/ . Here are some answers to your questions: 1. Capital letters are not considered in listening or reading. That means you can use them, not use them, use them incorrectly, mix them up – nothing matters. Just ignore them. If you want to write all answers in capitals, do so. 2. In answer keys there are can sometimes be more than one possible answer. For example, “a pilot” or “pilot”. When this is the case, the answer key is written as “(a) pilot” which shows the “a” is optional. You can’t write like this in your test. You must choose one answer and write it. 3. You must write only one answer – singular or plural. This is a test, and it’s testing your understanding of plurals. 4. IELTS never write “one word only”. Are you using real IELTS tests which are published by IELTS. If you are downloading for free from other websites, you are not using real tests. Be aware of fakes. Use the IELTS Cambridge test books from 1 to 11. 5. BC do not write their tests. IDP do not write their test. The IELTS tests are written by a third party. Any difference between tests is random and not based on centers. Sorry I don’t offer marking at present. See my main writing task 1 page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/ Good luck!

There is this book for writing task 1 that i’ve purchased and it has a sentence “The sewer line close to my home overflew resulting into streaming of sewer water on the road” I wanted to know if i can use “overflowed” instead of “overflew” Because the word “overflew” sounds wrong to me somehow.

Please help

This sentence is grammatically incorrect with more than one mistake. I recommend you stop using that book.

Is it still true that the writing Task-1 for GT would have letter writing and not any graphs which we need to explain?

Thanks, Balu

The Oficial IELTS Websites still make it clear that GT writing task 1 is a letter.

Thanks for the clarification, Liz.

I have one more question on GT Reading. I am appearing for IELTS GT and have been going through Cambridge practice tests for IELTS. I find that the GT reading samples given in these books are easier and have moderate vocabulary in the reading passages when compared to the IDP sample tests, that I received on booking my test. The IDP reading samples are tough to interpret in the given time and have complex sentence structures. Would it be same in the actual test as well?

Thanks, Balaji

The tests are not written by IDP or BC. So, the test doesn’t vary – of course individual tests may slightly but that’s all.

thank you very much. 7/10 it is useful .

Hello Liz I’m an English teacher in Greece and I would like some information on how to help students with the IELTS exams. Any books to study, apart from your great tips?

On the whole, I learned my tips by doing test after test myself. I also spent a lot of time helping students and understanding how best to help them.

Hello , I have a question could you please tell me how important it is to paraphrase the writing task 2 in our introduction ( the first 2 lines of the essay) as i have seen on many blogs people just start will the topic such as , It is seen, It is true , or just the answer of what is asked and not paraphrase the question given .

You can’t copy the question, you need to paraphrase it which means write it again in your own words.

just a quick question, in listening section if the answer is “internet users” will the Users of internet” be considered correct or not.

It would be wrong. You must write down what you hear.

Hi Liz, i used your website for preparing for my test today. Please I have an issue. My task one had no dates but they gave a general statement in past tense (a study was done on global warming and the tables shows the suggestion of respondents). Since there was no date, I used present tense to answer, but someone told me that I should have used past tense because of the statement.

If the information given to you shows it is past tense, you should use past tense. You can’t ignore that you have been told it is all in the past.

Hi there Liz, I would just like to verify if it is possible to use past tense in writing task 1 even if there is no specific time indicated in the question? Thank you vry much

It is recommended to use the present tense when there are no dates given. However, if you decide to use the past in this case and you use it all the way through your task 1 report, then it wouldn’t be considered a big mistake and you could still do quite well.

This is good tips I read. This is my first time to join to IELTS course as I am preparing for exams but it needs a time to prepare all vocabulary.

Yes, take time to prepare ideas for topics in speaking and writing as well as vocabulary.

Dear great teacher liz Thank you for your valuable information “I had hoped that you would come in time” such a new sentence for me

may you long live

Better to write: I had hoped you would have arrived in time.

Thanks for all your free tips and lessons pertaining to IELTS. I really found them valuable when I took the test on the fourth of March 2017.

I hope your test went well 🙂

hello mam…if there is verb given in past tense in question ……then in which tense i shoud write?

If the dates are in the past, you use past tense, usually past simple.

Thnks Liz All the information is very useful for me.

You’re welcome 🙂

I cannot find your lessons for Letter writing task on YouTube.

I don’t have any videos for that yet. Just my pages of tips and model letters: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-letter-writing-essential-tips/

Thank for your reply. I will study it.

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All IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Types (+Tips & Examples)

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 can be a challenging test for many students. One of the reasons for this is the variety of question types that may appear on the test, including bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, tables, maps, diagrams, and more. However, understanding the different types of questions and how to approach them can make all the difference in achieving a high score.

In this blog post, we will explore all of the different types of IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 questions that may come up on the test. We will also provide examples and tips on how to approach each type of question, so you can feel confident and prepared on the test day.

Types of IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Question

Here are all of the different IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 question types you need to know:

1. Describing a Line Graph

Line graphs are used to show trends or changes over time.

• What is the chart representing?
• What is the unit of measurement?
• Is there a specific time frame or interval shown?
• How many lines are displayed on the chart?
• What is the tense used in the description of the chart?
• Study the x-axis and y-axis labels and the units of measurement.
• Look for trends, fluctuations, and significant points on the graph.
• Introduction: Paraphrase the question.
• Identify the main trend(s) or pattern(s) in the graph.
• Highlight the main trends or patterns.
• Provide a broad description of the data, including any significant changes or fluctuations.
• Describe the trend and the significant changes.
• Break down the data by showing specific data points and trends.
• Compare and contrast the data if applicable.
• Use linking words and phrases to connect the data points and trends.
• Use a variety of verbs to describe trends, such as “rise,” “increase,” “grow,” “fall,” “decrease,” “drop,” and “level off.”
• Use adjectives to describe the degree of change, such as “dramatic,” “significant,” “moderate,” or “slight.”
• Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas and show relationships, such as “while,” “although,” “despite,” and “due to.”
• Use the simple present tense to describe general truths or ongoing trends, such as “the data shows,” “the graph indicates,” or “the trend is.”
• Use the past tense to describe specific data points or changes, such as “in 2015, the figure was,” “there was a sharp increase in,” or “the numbers fell dramatically.”
• Sample line graph and model answer:

It is important to identify the key features of the graph, such as:

• The highest and lowest points
• The overall trend
• Any significant changes

2. Describing a Bar Graph

Bar graphs are used to compare data between different items or groups.

• What is the main subject of the bar chart?
• What are the units of measurement used?
• Are the bars arranged in any particular order?
• How many categories or groups are being compared?
• What is the overall trend displayed in the chart?
• Identify the different categories on the x-axis and the values on the y-axis.
• Look for comparisons and contrasts between the bars.
• Identify the main differences or similarities between the categories.
• Compare the highest and lowest bars and any significant differences.
• Provide a brief description of the data, including any significant differences.
• Describe the comparison between the items or groups.
• Break down the data by showing specific data points and comparisons between the categories.
• Highlight the significant differences.
• Use linking words and phrases to connect the data points and comparisons.
• Use appropriate adjectives to describe the size or quantity of each category, such as “large,” “small,” “significant,” or “minor.”
• Use linking words and phrases to compare and contrast categories, such as “in contrast,” “on the other hand,” and “similarly.”
• Use the simple present tense to describe general truths or ongoing comparisons, such as “the chart shows,” “the data indicates,” or “the difference is.”
• Use the past tense to describe specific data points or comparisons, such as “in 2015, the figure for A was,” “B had a higher percentage than,” or “there was a significant contrast between.”
• Sample bar graph and model answer:

• The highest and lowest bars
• The most and least popular items
• Any significant differences

3. Describing a Pie Chart

Pie charts are used to show data percentages of a whole.

• What does the pie chart represent?
• What are the percentages or proportions shown?
• Are there any significant differences between the sections of the chart?
• What is the largest or smallest section of the chart?
• What conclusions can be drawn from the chart?
• Identify the different categories and their corresponding percentages.
• Look for the largest and smallest slices and any notable differences.
• Identify the largest and smallest slices and any significant differences.
• Compare the largest and smallest slices and any significant differences.
• Provide a brief description of the data.
• Describe the proportions of the groups
• Highlight the most and least represented groups
• Use percentages and fractions to describe each category.
• Use adjectives to describe the degree of difference between categories, such as “marked,” “slight,” or “significant.”
• Use linking words and phrases to show relationships between categories, such as “corresponding to,” “accounting for,” and “contributing to.”
• Use the simple present tense to describe general truths or ongoing proportions, such as “the pie chart illustrates,” “the data suggests,” or “the largest slice is.”
• Use the past tense to describe specific data points or proportions, such as “in 2015, the percentage for C was,” “D accounted for a smaller proportion than,” or “there was a slight shift in the distribution from.”
• Model answer:

It is important to identify the key features of the chart, such as:

• The largest and smallest segments
• The most and least represented groups

4. Describing a Table

Tables are used to present data measurements in a structured format.

• What is the main topic or subject of the table?
• What are the categories or variables being compared?
• How are the values arranged within the table?
• Are there any significant differences or patterns in the data?
• What are the highest or lowest values in the table?
• Study the headings and units of measurement for each column and row.
• Look for patterns, rankings, and comparisons.
• Identify the highest and lowest values and any significant differences.
• Break down the data by showing specific data points and comparisons between the rows and columns.
• Highlight the most and least profitable professions.
• Use appropriate adjectives to describe the size or quantity of each row or column, such as “lowest,” “highest,” “most,” or “least.”
• Use linking words and phrases to compare and contrast rows or columns, such as “in contrast,” “on the other hand,” and “similarly.”
• Use the simple present tense to describe general truths or ongoing rankings or comparisons, such as “the table presents,” “the data compares,” or “the figures show.”
• Use the past tense to describe specific data points or rankings, such as “in 2015, the number for X was,” “Y had the highest total of,” or “there was a significant difference between Z and.”

It is important to identify the key features of the table, such as:

• The highest and lowest values
• The most and least profitable professions

5. Describing a Map

Maps are used to show a location or a facility such as a street map and a plan of a building or site.

• What does the map show?
• What is the scale of the map?
• Are there any significant features or landmarks highlighted on the map?
• What is the overall trend or pattern shown in the map?
• What conclusions can be drawn from the map?
• Identify the key features of the map, such as roads, buildings, landmarks, and areas of open space.
• Look for patterns, such as the layout of streets or the distribution of buildings.
• Identify any changes or developments over time.
• Summarize the main stages and the overall process.
• The location of the shops or facilities.
• Highlight the distance between them.
• Describe the key features of the map in a logical and organized way.
• Use linking words and phrases to connect the different features.
• Use prepositions to describe the location of features, such as “to the north of,” “adjacent to,” or “surrounded by.”
• Use adjectives to describe the size, shape, or function of features, such as “large,” “narrow,” or “commercial.”
• Use the simple present tense to describe general truths or ongoing features or locations, such as “the map displays,” “the data identifies,” or “the area is.”
• Use the past tense to describe specific data points or locations, such as “in 2015, the building was,” “there used to be a park where,” or “the river flowed through.”

It is important to identify the key features of the map, such as:

• The location of different shops or facilities
• The distance between them

6. Describing a Process/Diagram

Process diagrams are used to show the stages or steps in a process and their order.

• What is the process being shown in the diagram?
• What are the main stages or steps in the process?
• Are there any key inputs or outputs shown in the diagram?
• Are there any significant changes or transformations in the process?
• What is the final outcome or result of the process?
• Identify the different stages or steps in the process and their order.
• Look for the inputs, outputs, and transformations that occur.
• Look for any significant changes or developments.
• Identify the main stages of the process and the inputs, outputs, and transformations that occur.
• Describe the main steps and the significant changes of the process in detail and the key features of each.
• Use linking words and phrases to connect the different stages.
• Use appropriate verbs to describe each stage of the process, such as “input,” “transform,” or “output.”
• Use linking words and phrases to show the sequence of stages, such as “after,” “before,” “subsequently,” and “finally.”
• Use the simple present tense to describe general truths or ongoing stages or transformations, such as “the diagram represents,” “the data outlines,” or “the process involves.”
• Use the past tense to describe specific data points or stages, such as “in the first step, the input was,” “there was a change in the output from,” or “the transformation led to.”

It is important to identify the key features of the diagram, such as:

• The starting and ending points
• The main steps

7. Describing Combination

A combination task may include two or more types of graphs or diagrams, and it requires candidates to compare and contrast the information presented.

• What types of charts or diagrams are included in the combination?
• What is the main topic or subject of the combination?
• How are the various elements of the combination related to each other?
• What is the overall trend or pattern shown in the combination?
• What conclusions can be drawn from the combination?
• Study the different elements of the visual representation and how they relate to each other.
• Look for patterns, trends, and comparisons between different types of data.
• Identify the different elements of the visual representation and how they relate to each other.
• Describe each element in detail and the key features of the different types of graphs or diagrams
• Compare and contrast the data presented.
• Use linking words and phrases to connect the different elements and show their relationships.
• Use appropriate language for each type of visual representation and show how they are related to each other.
• Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas and show relationships, such as “whereas,” “in comparison,” “in addition,” and “moreover.”
• Use appropriate tenses for each type of visual representation and make sure they are consistent throughout the analysis.
• Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas and show relationships between different tenses, such as “while,” “although,” “despite,” and “due to.”

In conclusion, the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 test can be challenging, but understanding the different types of questions and how to approach them is crucial to achieving a high score. By familiarizing yourself with line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, tables, maps, and combinations thereof, you can feel confident and prepared on test day.

Remember to focus on the key trends, comparisons, components, data points, and features, and use specific data to support your analysis. With these tips and examples in mind, you can be well on your way to achieving your desired score.

Related Posts

25 Expert Tips For IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 Success

21 Complex Sentence Structures For IELTS Writing Task 1

100 Common Phrases For IELTS Academic Writing Task 2

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IELTS Bar Chart Sample Essay

Static or Dynamic?

Before writing an IELTS task 1 bar chart or line graph answer it is important that we analyse the question correctly. Taking a few minutes to do this will help us write a clear answer that fully responds to the question. Just what the examiner wants us to do.

The first thing we need to do is decide if the bar chart is static or dynamic. Static means that the data comes from one point in time. Dynamic means the data comes from more than one point in time.

Whether a chart is static or dynamic will affect the information we choose to include in our answer and the kind of language (tense, grammar etc.) we use.

If it is dynamic we will have to compare the different times and comment on the general trends over the time period.

If it is static we will have to compare the different variables, in this case countries, car price, GDP and time it takes for one person to buy a car.

Main Features

Every IELTS academic task 1 question asks us to ‘select and report the main features’.

This means that we have to not only pick the most significant information from the graph and include it in our essay, but also decide which information is not important and should therefore not be included in our essay. One of the biggest mistakes you can make in task 1 is including all the information you see.

So which information should you choose?

You should look for:

• highest/lowest values
• biggest differences
• similarities
• significant exceptions
• anything else that really stands out

There are 3 main features in this graph

1) It takes over 26 years for a Vietnamese person to buy a car.

2) Vietnam has the second highest average costs but the second lowest wages.

3) Cost of a car in Singapore is nearly 3 times the next most expensive.

I advise my students to follow a basic four paragraph structure for these kinds of questions.

Paragraph 1 

Paraphrase the question using synonyms.

Paragraph 2 

Provide an overview of the main features. No need to include any data in this paragraph, just tell the examiner what is happening in general terms. If you had to describe the main features in two sentences, what would you say?

Paragraph 3

This is where we get more specific and use data. Take 2 of the main features (from your overview) and describe them in detail using data from the chart.

Paragraph 4 

Simply do the same thing as you did in paragraph 3, but with two other main features (from your overview).

Sample Answer 

The graph compares the GDP per capita, cost of a Toyota Camry and approximate length of time it takes for 1 citizen to purchase that mode of transport in eight Asian countries.

Despite having the second lowest average yearly income, it costs more to buy this car in Vietnam than in all but one other Asian nation. It also takes significantly longer for a standard person to buy an automobile in Vietnam than in any other state in Asia. On the other end of the scale, Singaporeans have to pay nearly three times more for their cars than the Vietnamese and it takes them the least amount of time to afford a motor vehicle.

It costs $49,944 to buy a Toyota Camry in Vietnam, but this dwarfs the average yearly income per person at just $1,910. It would therefore take a normal man or woman 26.1 years to save up for that particular car.

This is in contrast to Singapore where it costs $126,245 for that model of motorcar, however the average salary is much greater at $55,182. This means that it generally takes just over 2 years for a typical individual from Singapore to acquire this vehicle.

(200 words) Band 9.

It should be noted that this is not a real IELTS task 1 question. This is just a chart that I saw on the internet, but it allowed me to make a very important point- you don’t have to mention everything on the graph. I only talked about 2 out of the 8 countries and I still wrote 200 words and answer the question fully. The key is finding the most significant data and not talking about anything else. Don’t worry, you won’t lose marks for not talking about everything, quite the opposite.

This graph is also good for demonstrating how important it is to vary your vocabulary. There were four words that could have been overused in this essay- car, average, country and people. Instead of repeating them over and over again I used synonyms to show the examiner I have a wide vocabulary and gain extra marks. Here are the synonyms:

Car- Toyota Camry- automobile- vehicle- motor vehicle- motorcar

Average- approximate- normal- typical- standard

Country- countries- nation- state

People- citizen- man or woman- individual

Next time you see a chart or graph in a newspaper, in a textbook or on the internet, think about what the main features are and what common words would you have to vary with synonyms.

I hope you have found these tips useful. If you have any questions, let me know below.

For more band 9 sample essays check out our task 1 sample essay page.

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Cambridge IELTS 15 General Writing Practice Test 1

Online IELTS Cambridge Book 15 General Training Writing Practice Test 1 with Sample Answers and Free PDF Download.

IELTS 15 General Training Writing Practice Test 1, Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

A friend of yours is thinking of going on a camping holiday for the first time this summer. He/She has asked for your advice.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

• explain why you think your friend would enjoy a camping holiday
• describe some possible disadvantages
• say whether you would like to go camping with your friend this summer

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Thank you for submitting your IELTS Writing Task 1/2. We will get back to you within 24 hours. Please keep checking your email for updates.

Sample Writing Answer:

This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 6.0 score.

Dear Emily,

I haven’t seen you for a long time so lam very excited to meet you. I know that you are thinking of going on a camping holiday this summer for the first time. lam very happy about that and lam always ready to give you some advice.

Camping holiday is a wonderful idea. Especially in this summer. I think that not only do you want to go camping holiday in summer but also a lot of people because that is the best time for people to enjoy the life after hard-working day. One of the most important reason why you should go camping is that you are able to see the views and meet a lot of people. That is a chance for you to understand more a lot of culture in our country which you have never known before.

The other reason is that you can take part in some social activities which are very interesting. On the other hand, going camping in the summer has a lot of disadvantages. In the first place, it will have negative impact on your skin so you have to wear hat before going camping outside. Secondly, it is easy for you to be ill because the weather in summer is quite hot so you have to prepare medicines before. I would also like to go camping with you this summer because my holiday in summer is very long so I hope that you can go on a camping holiday with me.

Hope to meet you soon.

Your close friend

Examiner’s Comments:

The writer has addressed all three bullet points and organisation of the information is generally clear. There is some repetition [camping holiday] which could be avoided by using alternative words or phrases e.g. this kind of holiday. The range of vocabulary is sufficient for the task and there is some good use of collocation [a wonderful idea | the best time | see the views | meet a lot of people | understand more a lot of culture | take part in some social activities]. There is a mix of simple and complex structures with a fair level of accuracy. Occasional errors occur [lam / I am | Especially in this summer (sentence fragment) | One of the most important reason(s) | it will have (a) negative impact on | prepare medicines before / in advance], but the meaning is still clear.

IELTS 15 General Training Writing Practice Test 1, Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In many countries today, crime novels and TV crime dramas are becoming more and more popular.

Why do you think these books and TV shows are popular?

What is your opinion of crime fiction and TV crime dramas?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 7.5 score.

The reason behind the rising popularity of the crime novels and TV dramas, lies with the fact that the reality transmitted in the show/book, is our own. I am from Rio de Janeiro, a beautiful place with horrible people, and we know that what soap operas show, is not our reality. Sometimes happy endings only happen in fairytales, which leads me to “Tropa de Elite” (Elite Squad, roughly translated) and why it was a phenomenon.

The movie shows our dark side, the drug dealers with machine guns, the dangerous environment of the favelas and the corruption in our police forces. It shows that there is nothing glamorous about being poor in Brazil (an idea that has been growing lately). And that? We relate. We know the truth, and we want it to be seen and heard, even if it is a fiction vision of it.

This is where the fiction part enters. When we watch the brave policeman or the brilliant CSl save the day, it gives a slight comfort. We feel like someone can save us from our reality, someone can be our hero and get the job done. It is a rather gullible thought, but it is the truth. BOPE’s popularity (Rio de Janeiro’s elite police force) grew rapidly after the movie’s success.

Want to feel heard and to be saved, and in a mix of reality and fantasy, these books and shows do that. 1, for example, love them and even considered to be a police officer. But after careful consideration, i gave up the idea, for i think the world’s salvation lies behind a pen or inside a book, and not on the tip of a machine gun. But there is nothing wrong to daydream on our favorite shows.

This is a thoughtful response to the task and the writer explores both parts in some depth. The ideas are relevant, extended and well-supported. Information and ideas are logically organised and there is a clear progression throughout the answer.

Paragraphing is handled well, with a clear central topic in each one. The range of vocabulary shows less common items [transmitted | phenomenon | corruption | glamorous | salvation] and good use of collocations [rising popularity | soap operas | dark side | drug dealers | save the day]. Errors in word formation are rare [fiction / fictional vision]. There is a variety of complex structures, well-controlled for accuracy, with only rare errors [considered to be / being a police officer | nothing wrong to daydream / in daydreaming]. Punctuation is generally well-controlled, apart from some lack of capitalisation in the final paragraph.

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Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: The Effects of Globalization on Cultural Identity – Sample Essays and Analysis

Globalization and its impact on cultural identity is a topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends and historical data from various IELTS preparation websites, this theme has a high probability of appearing in future exams. Let’s explore a relevant question and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.

Table of Contents

• 1 Analyzing the Question
• 2 Sample Essay for Band 8-9
• 3 Sample Essay for Band 6-7
• 4 Key Writing Tips
• 5 Essential Vocabulary
• 6 Conclusion

Analyzing the Question

Let’s focus on the following question, which closely resembles those seen in recent IELTS exams:

Some people think that globalization is harmful to cultural identity. Others believe it has positive effects. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question requires you to:

• Discuss the negative impacts of globalization on cultural identity
• Explore the positive effects of globalization on cultural identity
• Provide your personal stance on the issue

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Here’s a high-quality sample essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:

Globalization has undeniably transformed our world, connecting cultures and economies in unprecedented ways. While some argue that this interconnectedness erodes cultural identities, others contend that it enriches them. In my opinion, globalization’s impact on cultural identity is nuanced, offering both challenges and opportunities for cultural preservation and evolution.

Those who view globalization as detrimental to cultural identity often point to the homogenization of cultures. The ubiquity of Western brands, music, and media can overshadow local traditions , potentially leading to a loss of unique cultural practices and languages. For instance, the prevalence of English as a global language has contributed to the decline of many indigenous languages. Moreover, the adoption of Western-style consumerism in many developing countries has altered traditional lifestyles and values.

Conversely, proponents of globalization argue that it fosters cultural exchange and mutual understanding. The ease of international travel and communication allows people to experience diverse cultures firsthand , promoting tolerance and appreciation for different ways of life. Additionally, globalization can revitalize interest in local cultures. For example, the global popularity of yoga has led to a renewed appreciation of Indian spiritual traditions, both internationally and within India itself.

In my view, while globalization does pose challenges to cultural identity, its overall impact can be positive if managed thoughtfully. The key lies in striking a balance between embracing global interconnectedness and preserving local heritage. Countries and communities can leverage globalization to showcase their unique cultural offerings to the world , thereby strengthening their cultural identity. For instance, South Korea has successfully exported its popular culture through K-pop and K-dramas, enhancing its global cultural influence while reinforcing national pride.

In conclusion, globalization’s effect on cultural identity is complex and multifaceted. While it can lead to cultural homogenization, it also offers platforms for cultural exchange and revitalization. By approaching globalization mindfully, societies can harness its benefits while safeguarding their unique cultural heritage.

(Word count: 309)

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:

Globalization has changed the world a lot in recent years. Some people think it’s bad for cultural identity, but others say it’s good. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

On the one hand, globalization can harm cultural identity. Many people worry that local traditions are being lost because of global culture. For example, in many countries, young people prefer Western clothes and food instead of their traditional ones. Also, big international companies often replace small local businesses, which can change the character of a place.

On the other hand, globalization can have positive effects on cultural identity. It allows people to learn about different cultures and share their own culture with others. For instance, the internet makes it easy for people to watch movies and listen to music from around the world. This can help people understand and respect other cultures more. Also, some local traditions become more popular globally, which can make people proud of their culture.

In my opinion, globalization has both good and bad effects on cultural identity. While it’s true that some traditions might be lost, I think globalization also gives us chances to strengthen our cultural identity. For example, many countries now celebrate their traditional festivals more to attract tourists. This helps keep these traditions alive.

To conclude, globalization affects cultural identity in different ways. It’s important to find a balance between accepting global influences and keeping local traditions. If we do this, we can enjoy the benefits of globalization while still maintaining our unique cultural identities.

(Word count: 253)

Key Writing Tips

Structure : Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced thesis statement.

Vocabulary : The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary (e.g., “ubiquity,” “indigenous,” “revitalize”) and idiomatic expressions. The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still conveys the main ideas effectively.

Grammar : The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses mostly simple and compound sentences.

Cohesion : Both essays use linking words, but the Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated cohesive devices and better overall flow.

Examples : Both essays provide relevant examples, but the Band 8-9 essay’s examples are more specific and elaborated.

Essential Vocabulary

Here are some key terms related to globalization and cultural identity:

Cultural homogenization (noun) /ˈkʌltʃərəl həˌmɒdʒənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – The process of local cultures becoming more similar to each other.

Indigenous (adjective) /ɪnˈdɪdʒənəs/ – Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place.

Revitalize (verb) /ˌriːˈvaɪtəlaɪz/ – To give new life or vigor to something.

Cultural exchange (noun) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/ – The sharing of ideas, traditions, and customs between different cultures.

Cultural heritage (noun) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society.

Interconnectedness (noun) /ˌɪntəkəˈnektɪdnəs/ – The state of being connected with each other.

Erosion (noun) /ɪˈrəʊʒən/ – The gradual destruction or diminution of something.

Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features.

The Effects Of Globalization On Cultural Identity is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2 . To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of technology in preserving cultural traditions
• The impact of tourism on local cultures
• The importance of language in maintaining cultural identity
• The effects of migration on cultural diversity

Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will significantly enhance your IELTS writing skills.

• IELTS essay samples
• Sample Essay
• Vocabulary List

IELTS Writing Task 2: Mastering Essays on Digital Technology’s Impact on Mental Health

Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: The Role of Arts and Culture in Modern Society (Band 7-9 Sample Essays)

Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Promote Social Inclusion in Diverse Societies

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