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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 guide

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 — Complete Guide

Task 1 asks you to describe a visual — graph, chart, table, map, or process diagram — in at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. You are not asked for opinions; you summarise, compare, and report key features.

150+ Words Required
20 min Recommended Time
⅓ of Writing Score

The 4-Paragraph Structure

Use this structure for every Task 1 type — only the body paragraphs change depending on what you see.

1

Introduction (1–2 sentences)

Paraphrase the task prompt. Do not copy it word for word. State what the visual shows — what, where, when.

"The line graph illustrates the percentage of households in four countries that owned a car between 1990 and 2010."
2

Overview (2–3 sentences)

State the 2–3 most significant features or trends. No data in this paragraph — just broad observations. This is the most important paragraph for Task Achievement.

"Overall, car ownership rose in all four countries over the period. Country A consistently had the highest proportion, while Country D recorded the lowest throughout."
3

Body Paragraph 1 (4–5 sentences)

Describe the first group of data with specific figures. Compare where relevant.

4

Body Paragraph 2 (3–4 sentences)

Describe the remaining data. Note any exceptions, crossovers, or contrasts.

Chart & Diagram Types

Line Graph

Shows change over time. The x-axis is always time. Focus on trends (increasing, decreasing, fluctuating) and key turning points.

Key language: rose sharply · declined gradually · levelled off · peaked at · reached a low of · fluctuated · remained stable
Common mistake: Describing every data point instead of grouping similar trends together. Group countries/categories that behave similarly.

Bar Chart

Compares categories or shows change over discrete time periods. Can be vertical or horizontal. May show multiple groups side by side.

Key language: the highest figure was · significantly more than · roughly equal to · approximately twice as much · compared to · in contrast
Tip: For grouped bar charts, compare across groups (countries, years) rather than listing each bar individually.

Pie Chart

Shows proportions of a whole (always adds to 100%). Often two pie charts are shown side by side — comparing two time points or two groups.

Key language: accounted for · made up · constituted · the largest share was · a quarter · slightly more than half · the smallest proportion
Tip: Never say "the pie chart shows." Say "X accounted for Y% of total Z." Group similar-sized slices and note the largest and smallest.

Table

Contains multiple categories and values. Do not describe every cell — select the most significant figures and make comparisons.

Key language: the highest value was recorded in · the lowest figure was · while X had … Y had · the most notable difference · by contrast
Strategy: Identify the highest and lowest values in each row and column. Group countries/categories with similar patterns.

Map

Shows changes to a location over time (two maps) or describes the current layout of a place. Use passive voice and location language.

Key language: was replaced by · was demolished · a new X was built · to the north of · adjacent to · in the centre · whereas previously
Tip: For two maps, group changes by area (north, south, centre). Use passive: "The factory was demolished and replaced with a car park."

Process Diagram

Describes stages in a cycle or manufacturing process. There are no trends or comparisons — describe each step in order.

Key language: first · then · after this · once X has been … · the next stage involves · finally · the process begins with · is converted into
Tip: Use passive voice throughout. "The raw material is heated to 300°C before being transferred to…" Count the stages for your overview.

Before You Submit — Checklist

Task Achievement

  • Did I write at least 150 words?
  • Did I include an overview paragraph (not in the introduction)?
  • Did I report data accurately with specific figures?
  • Did I cover the main features — not every detail?

Coherence & Cohesion

  • Is there a clear intro → overview → body paragraph 1 → body paragraph 2 structure?
  • Did I use a variety of linking words (not just "also")?
  • Does each paragraph have one main idea?

Lexical Resource

  • Did I paraphrase the task prompt — not copy it?
  • Did I vary vocabulary for trends (rose, increased, climbed, grew)?
  • Did I use appropriate collocations (sharp increase, gradual decline)?

Grammar

  • Did I use past simple for historical data?
  • Did I use passive voice where appropriate (especially for processes/maps)?
  • Did I vary sentence structure (not all simple sentences)?
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