IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
Task Description:
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you are required to describe visual information in your own
words. This could include describing a graph, chart, table, or diagram. You should spend about
20 minutes on this task, and write at least 150 words.
Key Points to Remember:
1. Identify the Type of Visual Information:
o Understand what kind of visual data you are given (e.g., line graph, bar chart, pie
chart, table, process diagram, or map).
2. Overview:
o Summarize the main trends, differences, or stages. This is typically done after the
introduction.
3. Detailing Key Features:
o Describe the most significant data points or trends.
o Use data to support your descriptions.
o Make comparisons where relevant.
4. Language and Structure:
o Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
o Organize your response into clear paragraphs.
Structure:
1. Introduction:
o Paraphrase the question.
o Introduce the visual information.
2. Overview:
o Summarize the main trends or features.
3. Details:
o Describe the key features in detail.
o Use data to support your descriptions.
Vocabulary and Phrases:
Introduction Phrases:
The bar chart illustrates/shows/displays...
The graph provides information about...
The table compares...
Overview Phrases:
Overall, it can be seen that...
In general, the most noticeable trend is...
To summarize the main points...
Detail Phrases:
Looking at the details...
In terms of X...
There was a significant increase/decrease...
The trend continued upwards/downwards...
Comparison Phrases:
Compared to...
Similarly, ...
In contrast to...
While X experienced..., Y showed...
Describing Trends:
A gradual increase/decrease
A significant rise/fall
Remained steady/stable
Peaked at/reached a high of...
Dropped to/hit a low of...
Tips :
1. Practice Different Types of Visuals:
o Get familiar with various kinds of data presentations.
o Practice describing trends, comparisons, and processes.
2. Time Management:
o Spend around 5 minutes planning and 15 minutes writing.
o Ensure you leave a couple of minutes to review your work.
3. Accuracy and Precision:
o Use accurate data from the visuals.
o Avoid adding unnecessary information.
4. Use a Range of Vocabulary:
o Avoid repetition by using synonyms and varied sentence structures.
5. Grammar and Spelling:
o Pay attention to verb tenses and subject-verb agreement.
o Ensure correct spelling, particularly of common words.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Describing a Pie Chart
Sample Answer:
Question: The pie chart below shows the distribution of energy production from different
sources in a country for the year 2022.
Answer:
Introduction: The pie chart illustrates the distribution of energy production from various
sources in a particular country in 2022.
Overview: Overall, the majority of energy production comes from renewable sources, with solar
energy being the largest contributor. Non-renewable sources, such as coal and natural gas, make
up a smaller proportion of the total energy production.
Details: Solar energy accounts for the largest share of energy production, making up 35% of the
total. This is followed by wind energy, which contributes 25%. Hydropower also plays a
significant role, providing 20% of the energy. In contrast, coal and natural gas contribute much
smaller portions, with coal at 10% and natural gas at 5%. The smallest contributor to energy
production is nuclear energy, which accounts for just 5%.
Compared to non-renewable sources, renewable sources collectively represent 80% of the total
energy production. This highlights the country’s reliance on and investment in renewable energy.
Coal, once a dominant source, now only makes a minor contribution. Natural gas and nuclear
energy together constitute only 10% of the total energy production, indicating a shift towards
more sustainable energy sources.
Vocabulary and Phrases for Pie Charts:
Introduction Phrases:
The pie chart illustrates/shows/displays...
The chart provides information about...
The pie chart gives a breakdown of...
Overview Phrases:
Overall, it can be seen that...
In general, the most noticeable trend is...
To summarize the main points...
Detail Phrases:
Looking at the details...
In terms of X...
The largest/smallest segment is...
X makes up Y% of the total...
X accounts for Y%...
There is a significant portion of...
Comparison Phrases:
Compared to...
Similarly, ...
In contrast to...
While X accounts for..., Y represents...
X is twice/thrice as much as Y...
X is half/one-third/one-fourth of Y...
Tips :
1. Practice Different Types of Pie Charts:
o Get familiar with single pie charts and multiple pie charts comparisons.
o Practice identifying and describing the main features.
2. Time Management:
o Spend around 5 minutes planning and 15 minutes writing.
o Ensure you leave a couple of minutes to review your work.
3. Accuracy and Precision:
o Use accurate data from the chart.
o Avoid adding unnecessary information.
4. Use a Range of Vocabulary:
o Avoid repetition by using synonyms and varied sentence structures.
5. Grammar and Spelling:
o Pay attention to verb tenses and subject-verb agreement.
o Ensure correct spelling, particularly of common words.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Describing a Bar Graph
Sample Answer:
Question: The bar graph below shows the number of students from four different countries who
studied abroad in 2010 and 2020.
Answer:
Introduction: The bar graph illustrates the number of students from four countries—Australia,
China, India, and the USA—who studied abroad in the years 2010 and 2020.
Overview: Overall, the number of students studying abroad increased in all four countries over
the decade. China had the highest number of students studying abroad in both years, while the
USA had the lowest number.
Details: In 2010, China had the highest number of students studying abroad, with approximately
120,000 students. This number rose significantly to about 200,000 in 2020. India also saw a
notable increase, from around 80,000 students in 2010 to 150,000 in 2020. Australia had 50,000
students studying abroad in 2010, which increased to 90,000 in 2020. The USA had the lowest
number of students studying abroad in both years, with 40,000 in 2010 and a modest rise to
60,000 in 2020.
When comparing the two years, it is clear that China and India had the most significant increases
in the number of students studying abroad. China's increase of 80,000 students was the highest
among the four countries, followed closely by India's increase of 70,000 students. Australia's
increase was smaller at 40,000 students, while the USA had the smallest increase of 20,000
students. This trend indicates a growing interest in international education among students from
these countries, especially in China and India.
Vocabulary and Phrases for Bar Graphs:
Introduction Phrases:
The bar graph illustrates/shows/displays...
The graph provides information about...
The bar chart gives data on...
Overview Phrases:
Overall, it can be seen that...
In general, the most noticeable trend is...
To summarize the main points...
Detail Phrases:
Looking at the details...
In terms of X...
The highest/lowest number is...
X increased/decreased from Y to Z...
There was a significant rise/fall in...
The number of X was twice/thrice as much as Y...
Comparison Phrases:
Compared to...
Similarly, ...
In contrast to...
While X had..., Y had...
X is higher/lower than Y...
X and Y both experienced...
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Describing a Line Chart
Sample Answer:
Question: The line chart below shows the number of visitors to a museum over a six-month
period.
Answer:
Introduction: The line chart illustrates the number of visitors to a museum over a six-month
period, from January to June.
Overview: Overall, the number of visitors showed a fluctuating trend with a significant increase
towards the end of the period. The highest number of visitors was recorded in June, while the
lowest was in February.
Details: In January, the museum had 50,000 visitors. This number dropped to its lowest point of
30,000 in February. In March, the number of visitors increased sharply to 60,000. There was a
slight decline in April, with 55,000 visitors. However, the number of visitors rose significantly
again in May to 70,000 and peaked in June at 90,000.
Comparing the first and last months, the number of visitors in June was almost double that of
January. The significant rise in March and steady increase in May and June indicate growing
interest or perhaps seasonal factors influencing the number of museum visitors.
Vocabulary and Phrases for Line Charts:
Introduction Phrases:
The line chart illustrates/shows/displays...
The graph provides information about...
The chart presents data on...
Overview Phrases:
Overall, it can be seen that...
In general, the most noticeable trend is...
To summarize the main points...
Detail Phrases:
Looking at the details...
In terms of X...
The highest/lowest point is...
X increased/decreased from Y to Z...
There was a significant rise/fall in...
The number of X was twice/thrice as much as Y...
Comparison Phrases:
Compared to...
Similarly, ...
In contrast to...
While X had..., Y had...
X is higher/lower than Y...
X and Y both experienced...
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Describing a Table Chart
Sample Answer:
Question: The table below shows the number of international students enrolled in universities in
different countries in 2019 and 2020.
Answer:
Introduction: The table provides information about the number of international students
enrolled in universities in four different countries (Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA) in
the years 2019 and 2020.
Overview: Overall, the number of international students increased in all four countries from
2019 to 2020. The USA had the highest number of international students in both years, while
Canada had the lowest.
Details: In 2019, the USA had the highest number of international students, with 1,095,000
students. This number increased slightly to 1,110,000 in 2020. The UK had the second-highest
number of international students, with 485,000 in 2019, rising to 500,000 in 2020. Australia saw
an increase from 370,000 international students in 2019 to 400,000 in 2020. Canada had the
lowest number of international students, but it also experienced growth, from 250,000 in 2019 to
280,000 in 2020.
When comparing the growth rates, Canada had the highest percentage increase in international
students, with a 12% rise. Australia and the UK both saw increases of around 8%, while the USA
had the smallest percentage increase at approximately 1.4%. Despite the USA having the largest
absolute number of international students, its growth rate was the slowest among the four
countries.
Vocabulary and Phrases for Table Charts:
Introduction Phrases:
The table provides/shows/displays information about...
The table presents data on...
The table illustrates...
Overview Phrases:
Overall, it can be seen that...
In general, the most noticeable trend is...
To summarize the main points...
Detail Phrases:
Looking at the details...
In terms of X...
The highest/lowest number is...
X increased/decreased from Y to Z...
There was a significant rise/fall in...
The number of X was twice/thrice as much as Y...
Comparison Phrases:
Compared to...
Similarly, ...
In contrast to...
While X had..., Y had...
X is higher/lower than Y...
X and Y both experienced...
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Describing a Process
Sample Answer:
Question: The diagram below shows the process of recycling plastic bottles.
Answer:
Introduction: The diagram illustrates the process of recycling plastic bottles, which involves
several stages from collection to the production of new products.
Overview: Overall, the process of recycling plastic bottles consists of nine stages, beginning
with the collection of used bottles and ending with the production of new plastic products.
Details: The process begins with the collection of used plastic bottles from recycling bins. These
bottles are then transported to a recycling center by truck. At the recycling center, the bottles are
sorted by type and color. After sorting, the bottles are cleaned thoroughly to remove any
impurities.
Next, the cleaned bottles are shredded into small plastic flakes. These flakes are then heated and
melted into a liquid form. The liquid plastic is poured into molds to create new plastic products.
Once the products have cooled and solidified, they are removed from the molds and inspected for
quality. The final stage involves packaging the new plastic products for distribution to stores and
consumers.
By following these stages, plastic bottles are effectively recycled and transformed into new
products, reducing waste and conserving resources.
Vocabulary and Phrases for Describing a Process:
Introduction Phrases:
The diagram illustrates/shows/displays...
The chart provides information about...
The process diagram presents...
Overview Phrases:
Overall, the process consists of X stages...
The process begins with... and ends with...
In general, there are X main steps...
Detail Phrases:
First, ...
Next, ...
Then, ...
After that, ...
Subsequently, ...
Finally, ...
The process starts with... and continues with...
At this stage...
In the next step...
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Describing a Map
Sample Answer:
Question: The maps below show the changes in the town of Ashford from 1990 to 2020.
Answer:
The maps illustrate the changes that occurred in the town of Ashford between 1990 and 2020.
Overall, the town of Ashford underwent significant development over the 30-year period, with
notable changes including the expansion of residential areas, the construction of new facilities,
and the improvement of infrastructure.
In 1990, Ashford was a relatively small town with a central park, a few residential areas, and a
school to the north. The main road ran from the west to the east of the town. By 2020, the town
had expanded considerably. The residential areas had grown, particularly to the north and east,
where new housing estates were built. The central park remained, but a new sports complex was
constructed to its west.
In terms of infrastructure, a new road was added running from the north to the south, intersecting
the main road. Additionally, a shopping center was built in the southeast corner of the town,
replacing what was previously an empty field. The school was expanded to accommodate the
growing population, and a new hospital was constructed in the northwest of the town.
Comparing the two maps, it is evident that Ashford transformed from a small town with limited
facilities to a more developed town with improved infrastructure and additional amenities to
cater to its residents.
Vocabulary and Phrases for Describing Maps:
Introduction Phrases:
The maps illustrate/show/display...
The maps provide information about...
The diagrams present...
Overview Phrases:
Overall, it can be seen that...
In general, the most noticeable changes are...
To summarize the main points...
Detail Phrases:
Looking at the details...
In terms of X...
The main road/residential area/park was expanded/removed/constructed...
There was a significant change in...
X was replaced by Y...
A new X was built/constructed...
Comparison Phrases:
Compared to...
Similarly, ...
In contrast to...
While X had..., Y had...
X is now... instead of...
The area saw a transformation with...
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: Essay Writing
Task Description:
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, you are required to write an essay in response to a point of
view, argument, or problem. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task and write at least
250 words.
Structure for Writing an Essay:
1. Introduction:
o Paraphrase the question.
o State your thesis or main argument.
o Outline the main points that will be discussed.
2. Body Paragraph 1:
o Present the first main point.
o Provide examples or evidence to support the point.
o Explain how it relates to the thesis.
3. Body Paragraph 2:
o Present the second main point.
o Provide examples or evidence to support the point.
oExplain how it relates to the thesis.
4. Body Paragraph 3 (if necessary):
o Present the third main point (optional).
o Provide examples or evidence to support the point.
o Explain how it relates to the thesis.
5. Conclusion:
o Summarize the main points.
o Restate the thesis in a new way.
o Provide a final thought or call to action.
Sample Essay
Question: Some people believe that government should invest more money in promoting
education and health care rather than building roads and bridges. To what extent do you agree or
disagree with this statement?
Answer:
Introduction: In today's world, the allocation of government funds is a topic of considerable
debate. Some argue that prioritizing investment in education and healthcare is more beneficial
than spending on infrastructure such as roads and bridges. I firmly agree with this viewpoint, as
the long-term advantages of an educated and healthy population far outweigh the immediate
benefits of improved infrastructure.
Body Paragraph 1: Firstly, investing in education yields significant returns for society. An
educated populace is better equipped with the skills and knowledge required to drive innovation
and economic growth. For instance, countries like Finland and South Korea, which invest
heavily in their education systems, consistently outperform others in terms of economic
development and technological advancements. By prioritizing education, governments can
ensure a skilled workforce that can adapt to the evolving demands of the global economy.
Body Paragraph 2: Secondly, healthcare is a fundamental necessity that directly impacts the
quality of life of citizens. Access to quality healthcare services can reduce mortality rates,
prevent the spread of diseases, and improve overall public health. For example, the
implementation of universal healthcare in countries like Canada has led to higher life expectancy
and better health outcomes for its citizens. By investing in healthcare, governments can create a
healthier society, which in turn can contribute to increased productivity and reduced healthcare
costs in the long run.
Body Paragraph 3: While infrastructure development is also important for economic growth
and connectivity, it should not take precedence over education and healthcare. Well-maintained
roads and bridges are essential for transportation and commerce; however, they do not provide
the same enduring benefits as a well-educated and healthy population. Moreover, advancements
in technology and alternative funding sources such as public-private partnerships can address
infrastructure needs without compromising investments in critical social services.
Conclusion: In conclusion, while infrastructure development is necessary, I believe that
government funds should be primarily directed towards education and healthcare. These areas
offer more sustainable and far-reaching benefits, fostering a society that is both innovative and
healthy. By investing in the well-being and education of their citizens, governments can build a
strong foundation for long-term prosperity.
Vocabulary and Phrases for Essay Writing:
Introduction Phrases:
It is often argued that...
Some people believe that...
There is a growing debate about...
This essay will discuss...
Body Paragraph Phrases:
Firstly, ...
For instance, ...
In addition, ...
Moreover, ...
However, ...
On the other hand, ...
According to...
Research shows that...
Conclusion Phrases:
In conclusion, ...
To summarize, ...
Overall, ...
Therefore, ...
In light of the above...
Tips for Success:
1. Understand the Question:
o Carefully read the prompt to ensure you understand what is being asked.
o Identify the type of essay: opinion, discussion, solution, or direct question.
2. Plan Your Essay:
o Spend around 5-10 minutes planning.
o Outline your main points and examples before you start writing.
3. Use a Clear Structure:
o Follow the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion format.
o Make sure each paragraph has a clear main idea and supporting details.
4. Develop Your Ideas:
o Provide specific examples and explanations to support your points.
o Make sure each argument is clearly linked to your thesis.
5. Use a Range of Vocabulary and Grammar:
o Avoid repetition by using synonyms and varied sentence structures.
o Use complex sentences and advanced vocabulary appropriately.
6. Review Your Essay:
o Leave a few minutes to proofread and correct any mistakes.
o Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
