IELTS Writing Task 1
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“Master IELTS Writing Task 1 with this in-depth guide covering structure, question types, expert tips, practice resources with responses, and scoring criteria. “
If you're prepping for IELTS, you've probably realized that Writing Task 1 can be tricky to master. We mean, who enjoys describing graphs and charts, right? However, interpreting visual data and summarizing information accurately is a vital skill for higher education and global communication.
So how do you go about cracking IELTS Writing Task 1? Just follow this detailed guide. We'll explore the structure, different question types, killer tips, band descriptors, and more. We'll also walk you through sample responses so you can start practicing right away. Let's do this!
What is IELTS Writing Task 1?
The IELTS Writing Test has two tasks.
Firstly, IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic specifically checks your ability to analyze visuals like charts, tables, graphs, maps, process diagrams, and so on.
You'll get different types of visual prompts for Academic vs General Training:
IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic deals with visual data representation. The types of IELTS Writing Task 1 questions are:
- Tables
- Bar charts
- Line graphs
- Pie charts
- Maps
- Process diagrams
- Combination (Mixed) charts
IELTS General Writing Task 1 focuses on everyday functional writing. Question types include:
In both modules, you get 20 minutes to complete Task 1 in about 150 words. The key assessment criteria are accurate interpretation, clear description, overview of key features, and appropriate style and tone.
How do you structure your response?
We’ll look at both segments of Writing Task 1: Academic & General to answer this question.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic
IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic has a 3-step process. Here's a basic scaffolding for approaching any Task 1 question.
IELTS Writing Task 1 structure:
- Paraphrase the chart title, source, and date.
- Describe the main trend(s) in the data in 2-3 body paragraphs ordered logically.
- Close with an overview of the key relationships or patterns.
Let's see how this works with this IELTS Writing Task 1 question - sample bar chart response:
Question
The following map details a town now and a proposed future layout. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. |
Sample Answer
The map shows the layout of a town currently and a proposed future plan. Overall, the town appears to be becoming more industrialized and connected through additional roads, although much of the existing structures remain unchanged.
In the present-day map, there is an airfield in the northwest that connects to a long north-south road (A2). This road has a roundabout, with another road extending eastwards across a railway line to a gas station. The future plan moves the roundabout southwards slightly and replaces the airfield with an industrial estate, with a new eastward road to the railway line. The railway itself will also be interrupted by a new roundabout near the same gas station.
In the far east of town, there is currently a town center and built-up area around Ring Road, both of which stay the same in the future plan. The proposals add a new road (A4) from the town center along the south edge of town, connecting to A2 in the west. There will also be one more street from the town center allowing passage to the east and north of town.
IELTS Writing Task 1 General
Let’s do the same for IELTS Writing Task 1 General and write a formal letter with proper format and structure. Check the example given below:
Question
You missed an international flight due to a problem at the airport.
Write a letter to the airline. In your letter:
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Sample Answer
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to inform you that I missed my international flight on February 18th due to an issue at the airport. When I arrived to check in, there was an extremely long line at the ticket counter that stretched all the way outside the terminal doors. By the time I reached the counter, it was too late to check in for my flight.
Missing this flight has been very inconvenient, as I had important business meetings scheduled in the destination country. I had to scramble to rebook my travel arrangements and notify my colleagues of the change in plans. This caused unnecessary stress and disrupted my work schedule.
As this was due to circumstances beyond my control, I request that the airline refund the ticket cost or provide a voucher for a future flight. I would greatly appreciate your assistance with this matter. Please let me know if any documentation or additional information is needed from me.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
What are some key strategies for scoring higher?
To really ace Task 1, make sure you:
- Use synonyms - Don't just copy words from the prompt. Paraphrase with your own vocabulary.
- Include units of measurement - From the visual like millions, percentage, tons, dollars. This shows attention to detail.
- Highlight obvious contrasts or similarities - Between data trends to make logical comparisons.
- Use linking words - Like "while", "in addition", "on the other hand" to connect your ideas and show cohesion.
- Stick to plain English - Don't try to sound overly complex. Keep your language clear and concise.
Read: IELTS Band Score Calculation
Where can you find awesome practice resources?
You don’t need to go anywhere, we’ve got everything you need:
IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic
Below you’ll find some IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic topics followed by IELTS Writing Task 1 General topics. Use the resources as per your requirements.
Maps
- 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
Table Chart
- 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
Bar Charts
- 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
Line Graphs
- 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
Pie charts
- 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: Main Reasons why Agricultural Land Becomes Less Productive
Process diagrams
- IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 09 : Consequence of deforestation – Flow Chart
- IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 09 : Consequence of deforestation – Flow Chart
- 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
Combination (Mixed) charts
- Demand for Electricity in England- Line Graph and Pie Chart
- 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 Writing Task 1 General
Formal Letter
- Formal Letter to Change Hostel Room- IELTS Writing Task 1
- IELTS General Writing Task 1 – Sample Formal Letters
- 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
What are the IELTS band score standards?
IELTS Writing Task 1: Task Achievement and Task Response ( Task 1 & Task 2)
Band score | Task Achievement |
Band 5 |
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Band 6 |
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Band 7 |
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Band 8 |
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IELTS Writing Task 1: Coherence and Cohesion
Band score | Task Achievement |
Band 5 |
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Band 6 |
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Band 7 |
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Band 8 |
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IELTS Writing Task 1: Lexical Resource
Band score | Task Achievement |
Band 5 |
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Band 6 |
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Band 7 |
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Band 8 |
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IELTS Writing Task 1: Grammar Range and Accuracy
Band Score | Task Achievement |
Band 5 |
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Band 6 |
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Band 7 |
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Band 8 |
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Read: IELTS Band Score Calculation
Phew, we've covered a lot of ground here. Just remember to analyze the chart carefully, describe the key trends in structured paragraphs, and summarize the main points. Apply the tips and resources suggested above to amplify your Task 1 practice. This will help develop the techniques and vocabulary you need to describe data accurately within the time limit.
Now you've got this - go show the IELTS Writing Task 1 who's boss!
Feeling anxious about your IELTS writing task 1 exam? Book a free webinar with our IELTS writing expert to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Take the first step towards success - book your free seat today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I write in full sentences or bullet points?
How do I describe increases and decreases in data?
What if I finish early, can I move to Task 2?
Can I give my opinion or interpretations of the data?
How do I manage my time for Task 1?
Is it OK to just describe and not compare data sets?
Can I use "I" or "we" in my response?
Is it fine if I go way under or over the 150 word target?
Do spelling mistakes affect my score?
How do I avoid going off topic or getting sidetracked?
Practice IELTS Writing Task 1 based on report types
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