writing essay task 1

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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 Writing Task 1 Tips, Model Answers & More

Useful IELTS writing task 1 tips, answers, lessons & videos for success achieving a high score. This page contains all the information and help you need to do well. Learn about the IELTS marking criteria, paragraphing, vocabulary and much more. This page has tips for Academic writing task 1 and GT writing task 1 (see bottom of page).

IELTS Writing Task 1 Information

• IELTS recommend you spend no more than 20 mins on writing task 1. However, the time is yours to manage as you wish.
• You should write over 150 words.
• IELTS writing task 1 is worth only about 33% of your total writing marks.
• Task Achievement (25%)
• Coherence & Cohesion (25%)
• Vocabulary (25%)
• Grammar (25%)
• : IELTS Writing Task 1 Band Scores 
• Academic writing task 1 is a report on a chart (bar chart, line graph, pie chart, table, map, diagram/process). See below for practice charts, model answers, tips etc.
• General Training writing task 1 is a letter only. GT letter writing tips can be found towards the bottom of this page. Click here for Information about GT Writing Differences.  There are tips for letter writing, further down this page.
• All words will be counted and all numbers count as one word. See this page: How Words are Counted
• For more information about IELTS test rules, tips etc, see this page: IELTS  Test 1 FAQ

IELTS Writing Task 1 Practice Charts

A collection of useful IELTS writing task 1 practice samples to develop your writing at home.

IELTS Charts for Practice : Academic Test Only

• Academic students may get bar charts, tables, line graphs, pie charts, maps and diagrams (processes).

IELTS Letters for Practice : GT Test Only

• GT students will only be given letters for task 1. GT students can find more tips lower down this page.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Tips & Free Videos

Free IELTS  writing task 1 tips and videos for the right techniques and understanding the test more clearly.

• Essential Tips : How to Prepare for Writing Task 1
• Tips : How Many Words Should you Write?
• Tips: What tense to use in writing task 1?
• Tips : Penalty for Under the Word Count
• Video : How to Describe a Bar Chart with model answer
• Video : Map Language: 1
• Video: Conclusion or Overview Tips
• Video : Vocabulary for Accurate Data
• Video : How many Paragraphs 
• Video : Official Writing Answer Sheet Tips
• Video : Line Graph 4 Main Sentences
• Video : Line Graph How to Write a Complex Sentence

IELTS Bar Chart Video

Learn how to describe a bar chart in IELTS writing task 1. You can find a model answer for this lesson here: Model Answer .

Writing Task 1 Model Answers

IELTS model answers for charts, graphs, diagrams, maps and tables.. Each sample answer is estimated band score 9.

• Diagram Model Answer
• Bar Chart & Pie Charts Model Answer
• Table Model Answer
• Map Model Answer
• Line Graph Model Answer
• Bar Chart Model Answer
• Pie Chart Model Answer
• Bar Chart of Age Groups Model Answer
• Table Future Form Model Answer
• Line Graph & Bar Chart Model Answer
• Practise at Home:  IELTS Sample Practice Charts

IELTS Writing Task 1 Practice Lessons

IELTS writing task 1 free practice lessons to help you develop skills and understand about the requirements of task 1 academic. More lessons will be added over time.

• Table & Pie Charts
• IELTS Diagram Rainwater
• Two Line Graphs: Exercise & Model
• IELTS Diagram Paragraphs and Organisation
• IELTS Life Cycle Diagram: Model & Gap Fill
• Bar Chart of Change over Time
• IELTS Line Graph Gap Fill Exercise
• IELTS Diagrams: Practice Exercise
• IELTS Line Graph: Vocabulary List
• IELTS Line Graph: How to Describe Guidelines
• IELTS Line Graph: Exercise & Model
• Task 1 Improving  Line Graph Introduction Paragraph
• IELTS Map: Comparison Exercise
• IELTS Two Charts Practice: Pie Chart & Bar Chart
• IELTS Bar Chart: Practice Exercise
• IELTS Diagram Water Supply
• Grammar Accuracy: Practice & Tips
• IELTS Bar Chart: Introduction & Overview Practice
• IELTS Pie Chart: How to Describe a Pie Chart Step by Step
• IELTS Frog Diagram: Introduction & Overview Practice
• Introduction Paragraph: Correcting Errors
• IELTS Bar Chart Sample Answer

IELTS General Training Letter

The following links are for IELTS candidates who are preparing for the General Training Writing Test. Your task will be asked to write a letter. You will not be writing a report as in the Academic Test. Use the links below to help you prepare:

10 Essential Tips for IELTS Letter Writing

How to Improve your IELTS GT Letter

Differences between GT & Academic Writing

General training model letters and practice exercises:

• Apology Letter: Model Answers Formal & Informal
• Amendment Letter: Model Answer 2017
• Complaint Letter: Model Answer
• Complaint Letter: Error Correction
• Letter to a Friend: Model Answer
• Invitation Letter: Model Answer

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Academic Writing Task 1 Sample

Ielts academic - graph writing:.

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Useful Vocabularies and Phrases Preparation Tips IELTS Bar Graph | IELTS Line Graph | IELTS Table Chart | IELTS Flow Chart | IELTS Pie Chart |

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IELTS Writing Task 1: Everything You Need to Know

Ielts writing task 1 in 6 simple steps.

Academic Writing Task 1 Strategy

• Understand how the test is marked. Knowing the marking criteria will allow you to give the examiner exactly what they need.
• Paraphrase the question. It is best to paraphrase the question in the first paragraph. You can do this by using synonyms.
• Write the overview. To write your overview , pick 3 or 4 of the main features and write about them generally without referencing any data.
• Support the main features. In a new paragraph, support the key features with the data in the information given to you.
• Check your work. Check your report for spelling and grammar mistakes. Make sure that the data you mentioned is also accurate!

Essential Writing Task 1 Skills

• How to Write an Overview Paragraph 
• How to Paraphrase 
• How to Write a Complex Sentence
• How Many Words? 
• Task 1 Charts Checklist
• Task 1 Tips
• The Danger of Synonyms
• 6 Common Mistakes
• Paragraphing and Editing

Writing Task 1 Full Lessons

• Writing Academic Task 1 in 5 Easy Steps 
• Charts Lesson
• Maps Lesson
• Multiple Charts/Graphs 
• Process Lesson

Academic Task 1 Sample Answers

• Bar Chart Sample Essay (Cars in Asia) 
• Process- Cement and Concrete Production
• Pie Chart (Italy and Yemen Populations) 
• Process Question
• Bar Chart Question (UK Telephone Usage) 
• Line Graph (US Consumption of Energy)
• Bar Chart Sample Answer (International Students)

General Training Writing Task 1

General Training Writing Task 1 in 5 Simple Steps

• Understand how the test is marked. Knowing the marking criteria is the best way of giving the examiner exactly what they need and nothing else.
• Decide whether the letter is formal or informal. This part is easy. If the question asks you to write to a ‘friend’, it should be an informal letter. If the question asks you to write to anyone else, it should be a formal letter. It is that simple!
• Discuss each bullet point from the question. Make sure to take a new paragraph for each bullet point. This will make your letter easy to read and understand.
• Sign off your letter. Don’t overcomplicate this part. Include a sign-off suitable to your letter’s tone and write your name beneath.
• Check your work. Make sure your letter doesn’t contain any grammar or vocabulary mistakes.
• Letter Writing Tips
• How to Write an Informal Letter
• How to Write a Formal Letter

General Training Essential Writing Task 1 Skills

• Task 1 General Training Writing Strategy
• Task 1 General Training Writing Guide

Sample Answers

• Formal and informal sample letters.

Writing Task 1 Essential Information

• People doing the Academic test will write a report on a data set, map, or process. People doing General Training will write a letter.
• You must write 150 words or more.
• You should spend around 20 minutes on this part of the test.
• Task 1 is worth 1/3 of your total mark on the Writing test.
• You will be assessed in four areas: Task Achievement (25%) Coherence and Cohesion (25%) Lexical Resource (25%) Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%)
• The most important thing is that you can demonstrate that you can clearly communicate in English.
• The key to doing well is to know exactly what the examiners want and give it to them.
• Grammar and Vocabulary Guide

• Top 10 Grammar Mistakes

IELTS Writing Task 1 FAQs

How can i improve my writing.

You will find all the resources you need on our Writing Task 1 page. Click the link below:

Writing Task 1

If you need serious help or personalised feedback, you should check out our online course. There is a waiting list, but you can add your name here:

How can I get a Band 7, 8 or 9?

The answer to this question is different for every individual IELTS student, as it depends on a number of factors, including your work ethic, English skills and exam strategy. You'll find a guide to answering this question in this article

If you need serious help with improving your IELTS scores, you should check out our online writing course. There is a waiting list, but you can add your name by clicking the link below:

Can you correct my writing?

Please click the link below and it will give you all the information you need about our writing correction service:

Writing Correction Service

Do you have any sample answers?

Yes, you will find them at the link below:

Task 1 Sample Answers

Will using 'high level' or 'academic' words help me improve my score?

Probably not.

Read my recent article about IELTS vocabulary here:

5 Things You Need to Know about IELTS Vocabulary

How many paragraphs should I write?

Introduction

You can put the overview at the end if you'd like.

Can I use idioms?

No, you should typically avoid using idioms in Writing Task 1.

The only time this is acceptable is if you are taking the General Training test and must write an informal letter.

Should I write a conclusion for Task 1 Academic?

No. A conclusion is a summary of YOUR ideas and your opinion. Task 1 is simply reporting what you see, so there shouldn't be any of your ideas or your opinion.

Instead of a conclusion, you should write an overview.

The reason lots of people get confused about this is that some teachers, books and even one British Council website call the overview a 'conclusion'. It's not a conclusion, it's an overview.

Finally, it does not matter where you put the overview paragraph. We teach our students to put it after the introduction, but it is also fine to have it as your final paragraph.

How many words should I write?

You must write at least 150 words in Writing Task 1 (yes, the examiners will count them!)

I would suggest that you aim to write around 160-170 words for Task 1. Aiming for 20-30 words more than the required amount makes you more likely to reach the word limit without setting an unrealistic goal.

Will I lose marks if I don't write enough words?

Yes. If you don't write the required number of words, you will lose marks in 'Task Achievement' for not answering the question fully. Read more here .

Can I use contractions?

No, should not use contractions when you are writing an academic essay or formal letter. However, it is fine to use contractions in an informal letter.

When should I write formally?

There are a few signposts that indicate when you should write formally or informally. Watch our video lesson to find out what they are:

IELTS Writing Task 1 General Training: Formal or Informal Letters?

IELTS Exam Preparation: Free IELTS Tips, 2024

Ielts sample charts (ielts writing task 1).

The Writing Task 1 of the IELTS Academic test requires you to write a summary of at least 150 words in response to a particular graph (bar, line or pie graph), table, chart, or process (how something works, how something is done). This task tests your ability to select and report the main features, to describe and compare data, identify significance and trends in factual information, or describe a process.

Exam Preparation

Ielts preparation, ielts sample letters (ielts writing task 1).

The purpose of this section is to help you with the Writing Task 1 of the IELTS General test. In Task 1, candidates are asked to respond to a given problem with a letter requesting information or explaining a situation. It is suggested that about 20 minutes is spent on Task 1, which requires candidates to write at least 150 words. Depending on the task suggested, candidates are assessed on their ability to:

- engage in personal correspondence - elicit and provide general factual information - express needs, wants, likes and dislikes - express opinions (views, complaints etc.)

IELTS Writing Task 2 (IELTS Sample essays)

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to write at least 250 words. You will be presented with a topic and will be tested on your ability to respond by giving and justifying an opinion, discussing the topic, summarizing details, outlining problems, identifying possible solutions and supporting what you write with reasons, arguments and relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. The assessment of Task 2 carries more weight in marking than Task 1. Writing scripts are marked by trained and certificated IELTS examiners, who all hold relevant teaching qualifications and are recruited as examiners by the test centres and approved by British Council or IDP: IELTS Australia.

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IELTS Writing Task 1 – Sample Questions and Practice Resources

On the IELTS Academic exam, Writing Task 1 requires you to look at an informational graphic and describe the contents of the graphic in writing. In this post, we’ll look at different IELTS Writing Task 1 samples to prepare you for test day. In addition to advice and practice, you’ll also get our IELTS Writing Task 1 Examples PDF with Answers for portable prompts and model answers.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Samples With Answers PDF

If you want a print-friendly version of the IELTS Writing Task 1 samples in this post, click below to access the IELTS Writing Task 1 examples PDF!

Note that all the IELTS Writing Task 1 samples are model essays for a band 9 IELTS score. The line graph sample prompt includes a detailed scoring explanation. You can learn more about scores for IELTS Writing Task 1 by consulting the official IELTS rubric .

• Take a good look at our guide to IELTS Writing Task 1 paragraph structure . The guide tells you everything you need to know about how Writing Task 1 essays and paragraphs should be structured, with an example question and model essay.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Samples: The Major Question Types

Below are questions for each common infographic in IELTS Writing Task 1: bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, process diagrams, and maps.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Line Graph with Model Answer and Scoring Explanation

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Bar Chart With Model Answer

Pie Chart with Model Answer

Process Diagram with Model Answer

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Map with Model Answer

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Two Different Types of Graphics

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Additional Resources for Writing Task 1

Now that you’ve seen some models for how this task is done, you should be ready for some real practice! Here are some resources from Magoosh that should help.

• Practicing using these common IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2 linking words .
• Familiarize yourself with the test with IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Ultimate Guide video , and use a Writing diagnostic quiz to assess your current strengths and weaknesses.  

• Use study schedules to help you find time to study and stay motivated. To help you organize your time, use this IELTS study schedule if you only have a week to go before you will take the IELTS. If you have a month, this one month IELTS study schedule offers more extended practice.  
• Find high-quality study materials. We offer a huge collection of study reources for the whole IELTS Writing seciton ! Don’t forget about Magoosh IELTS Prep which includes lessons on IELTS Writing Task 1 (and all other sections of the exam!) to help you prep smarter. In addition to many video lessons and practice essays, the 6-month plan allows students to get feedback and scoring on four practice IELTS Writing essays; the 1-month plan includes feedback on one essay. You can also browse more recommended books and resources !

David is a Test Prep Expert for Magoosh TOEFL and IELTS. Additionally, he’s helped students with TOEIC, PET, FCE, BULATS, Eiken, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. David has a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an MA from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His work at Magoosh has been cited in many scholarly articles , his Master’s Thesis is featured on the Reading with Pictures website, and he’s presented at the WITESOL (link to PDF) and NAFSA conferences. David has taught K-12 ESL in South Korea as well as undergraduate English and MBA-level business English at American universities. He has also trained English teachers in America, Italy, and Peru. Come join David and the Magoosh team on Youtube , Facebook , and Instagram , or connect with him via LinkedIn !

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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 module  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  General Training  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:

• Line graphs
• Process diagrams
• Combination (Mixed) charts

For a deeper comprehension of the subjects, it is crucial to regularly practice using the  IELTS exam writing task 1 sample papers 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:

• Formal Letters
• Semi-Formal Letters
• 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
• 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

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 ,  Lexical Resource  and  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  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  -  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

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A Complete Guide on IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

In Academic Writing Task 1, you will be given one or multiple diagrams that can be in many forms such as, graphs, pictures, data tables etc. You will be asked to write an essay on the given diagrams.

You will need to write at least 150 words for this essay.   Yes, you can write a few more than 150, but never go below 150. If you write even 149 words, you will lose marks. To be in the safe zone, write 170-180 words. However, we recommend not exceed 190. If you write 195/200/200+, it will be too many words  and will damage your score.

In fact, you are required to show how well you can communicate in English. Understanding the question properly and then answering precisely is one of the important communication skills. If you write less than the instructed number of words, or if you write too many words, the examiner will get the impression that you have  failed to understand the basic instruction sentence.

3 Simple Steps for Academic IELTS Writing Task 1

You need to do three simple things for Academic IELTS Writing Task 1. This is all you have to do for this task:

Paraphrase the question sentence

Write an overview paragraph

Focus on one or two key features

If you can cover just these 3 bullet points within 160-180 words, you are absolutely fine. 

Task 1 Question Types 

There are 7 types of questions for Academic IELTS Writing Task 1. Click on each question type to read their step by step detailed discussions.

A pie chart is a circular statistical graph which is divided into slices that illustrate proportional relationship.

A line graph is a line that is connected with individual data points showing quantitative variations over the time. 

A bar chart presents categorical data with rectangular bars with heights or lengths proportional to the values that they represent.

Table Chart

You might be given one or two data tables. You will need to describe the significant data changes for the given time.

Process Diagram

You will be given a picture or a drawing that shows the production steps of a final product, or the working procedure of a mechanical device/machine etc.  Most of the students fear this question not because it is difficult, but because of their confusion how to answer this.

This is a very easy question to answer. There will be no data to analyse in this question type. It will be all about comparing between 2 or 3 maps.

Multiple Graphs

There will be more than one data diagrams. You will need to describe major changes or relations among them.

Writing Task 1 Essay Structure

Paraphrasing the question sentence

Overview paragraph

The first body paragraph

The second body paragraph

It's actually very easy to get a good score in IELTS writing task 1. Just write the major features that are very obvious in the graphs. Don't write anything that is minor or not in the graph. Click  Academic IELTS  Task 1 essay  structure  and jump to the detailed discussion.

Check the following resources:

A complete guide on IELTS Writing

A complete guide on General Training Writing Task 1

A complete guide on Writing Task 2 (GT + Academic)

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

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    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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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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Writing IELTS Task 1 – Grammar for Academic Task 1 Essays –

For Writing IELTS Task 1 essays, you are required to describe the detail in a chart, graph, table, map or diagram, most especially, to record changes in data.  

This will involve:

• Describing trends
• Describing increases and decreases
• Making comparisons

To do this, you will need to use particular sentence structures and these are one of the things we’ll be learning about in this lesson.

We’ll also be looking at common Task 1 verb tenses and other elements of grammar that frequently cause problems for students.

Here's an overview of the lesson:

1) Verb tenses

2) Key sentence structures

3) 2 Common grammatical errors

1) Verb Tenses

The choice of which tense to use will be determined by whether or not the graphic contains dates and, if it does, whether the dates are in the past or the future.

Follow these guidelines:

• No date  – use the  present tense
• Dates in the past  – use the  past tense
• Dates in the future  – use the  future tense

The tenses you are most likely to need are:

   – Present tense  – present simple, present perfect or present perfect continuous

   –  Past tense  – past simple

   –  Future tense  – future simple or the future perfect

The table below gives explanations of these verb tenses and examples from Task 1 essays.

Common Writing IELTS Task 1 Verbs

Most graphics will require you to compare data from two or more time periods, for example, past and present or present and future predictions, so you will need to use a range of different tenses in your essay, as appropriate.

The key word in the sentence above is ‘appropriate’. Whilst you will gain marks for using a good range of tenses in your Writing IELTS Task 1 essay, you should never do so just to show that you know many different tenses. Only use the tense that is 100% correct for expressing a specific piece of information. It is accuracy that the examiner is looking for.

2) Key Sentence Structures

The first two steps of writing a great Academic Task 1 essay are to:

• Analyse the question
• Identify the main features

I cover these tasks in detail in the lesson on How To Understand & Analyse Task 1 Questions .

Once you’ve done this, you'll understand what you’re required write about. It will be one or more of these things:

• Describe trends
• Describe increases and decreases
• Make comparisons

There are specific sentence structures that you can use for each and these are what we’re going to look at next.

How to Describe Trends

The two most useful grammatical structures for describing trends are:

1) Noun phrase + verb + adverb

    For example,

The number of unemployed women fell significantly.

2) There + be + adjective + in + noun phrase

    For example:

There was a dramatic improvement in the percentage of people in employment.

How to Describe Increases and Decreases

The two most useful grammatical structures for describing increases and decreases are:

For example,

The popularity of social media climbed steadily.

2) There + be + noun + in + noun phrase

There was a fluctuation in university applications.

There is now a swimming pool in the location of the old factory.

How to Make Comparisons

Useful vocabulary for making comparisons includes:

high (er) (est)

large (er) (est)

few (er) (est)

low (er) (est)

small (er) (est)

These words can be used to form many different sentence structures useful for making comparisons, such as.

1) More/fewer/less + noun + than

More teenagers  play computer games  than  a sport.

2) Most/least + adjective

The  most common  childhood illness in 1979 was chickenpox.

3) More/less + adjective + than

Cruises were  more popular than  beach holidays in 2012.

4) High/low/few -er + than

A  lower  number of teenagers play a sport  than  play computer games.

5) High/low/large/small -est

  The  largest  proportion of immigrants came from Mexico.

These sentence structures are valuable tools for getting high marks for your Writing IELTS Task 1 essay, so practice using them.

3) 2 Common Grammatical Errors

For many students, two aspects of grammar that are a particular problem are:

Prepositions

There are two specific prepositions that you will probably use numerous times in your Task 1 essay when reporting change – ‘in’ and ‘of’. They are easy to get wrong.

Follow this general rule:

• When stating the specific value of the change (number, amount, percentage etc.) – use ‘of’ .
• When stating what has changed – use ‘in’ .

For example:

• An increase  of  20%.
• An increase  in  the number of over 60’s taking exercise classes.
• A drop  of  almost a half.
• A drop  in  house prices.
• An improvement  of  45 units per week.
• An improvement  in  retail sales from April to June.

‘Of’ is also used  after  a value. You will probably want to use proportional values in your Task 1 essay so here are some examples.

• a small percentage of
• just under a quarter of
• exactly a half of
• roughly three quarters of
• a significant majority of
• a high number of

You'll find lots more vocabulary for expressing proportional values in Writing IELTS Task 1 essays on this page:  Vocabulary for Task 1 Academic Essays

Another preposition to learn is ‘between’ which you will need to make comparisons. For example,

The price of houses went into sharp decline  between  1980 and 1985 but increased significantly from 1986 to 1990.

Many languages do not have articles, and native speakers of those languages can find it a huge challenge to remember to use them.

In English, there are three articles – the , a , and an . Each is used in specific instances.

1)  With singular and plural nouns:

• Use  the  before singular and plural nouns when the noun is a specific thing. For example,

The  bar graph illustrates how many male and female students were studying full-time and part-time in Britain during the years 1970/1971, 1980/1 and 1990/1.

• Use  a  or  an  before a singular noun or noun phrase when the noun is non-specific and could be any one of a group or type.
• Use  a  before a noun or noun phrase beginning with a consonant. Use  an  before a noun or noun phrase beginning with a vowel.

Less than 30% of the population took  a  foreign holiday between 1975 and 1985.

There was an upward trend in families taking  an  annual holiday abroad after 1990.

2)  Noun combinations:

Also, use  a/an  before adjective singular noun combinations such as these from our preposition list:

• an insignificant minority of

The key to improving your grammar is to know your weaknesses and focus on these as you practice and when you check your work in the exam.

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Writing ielts task 1 (academic)  – 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.

• Table Chart
• Process Diagram
• Multiple Graphs
• IELTS Writing
• Grammar For Task 1
• Back To Top

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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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• Academic practice
• General practice
• Task 1 Academic
• Task 1 General
• Task 2 (essay)

Task 1-A samples with tips and answers

Sample 1 Pie chart

Sample 2 Diagram

Sample 3 Line graph

Sample 4 Bar chart

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

In this task you will be presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or explain the given information.

How to answer IELTS Academic Task 1?

1) Analyse the graph

Firstly, you need to get an overview of the graph/chart/diagram you will describe. Look for general trends, changes and key features to get an idea of how you will structure the information.

• Car was the most popular type of transport in all countries, except for Germany.
• In Great Britain and USA, there are big differences between percentages of people who choose some kind of transport.
• In Germany, percentages of people who choose car and bicycle are roughly the same.
• In France, percentages of people who choose motorcycle and bicycle are nearly equal.
• Motorcycle was the least popular type of transport in all countries, except for the USA.
• Overall, car is the most chosen transport, bicycle is on the second place and motorcycle is the least chosen transport.

2) Write an answer with the following structure:

Once you've thought out all patterns on the graph, you can start writing your answer.

You can learn more about how to answer Writing task 1 .

Don't forget to use special vocabulary to describe graphs and linking structures . Also use words from academic wordlist .

Don't worry if you think there is too much or not enough information!

Remember that the purpose of Academic Task 1 is to test your ability to distinguish and describe the changes and trends you see on the graph.

If you think that there is not enough information on the graph to write 150 words: don't panic! Write in detail about every single alteration and support your writing with a lot of data.

If you think that there is too much information on the graph: also don't panic! Don't ornately depict each change on the graph, but try to see a few main trends instead.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topics June & July 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 ···

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IELTS Writing General Task 1

Whether you’re taking the IELTS academic or general exam, writing task 1 is the first section of the IELTS writing task. Our website contains numerous online resources to help you prepare for this part of your IELTS exam , with different IELTS vocabulary , writing exercises and task 1 sample essays .

It is important that you focus your preparation on the right information so that you’re able to write a well-structured letter for your task 1 exam.

Important information about IELTS General Writing Task 1

Two main different types of letters : , preparation tips for ielts general writing task 1 .

Be sure that you have mentioned all three of these bullet points. The best is to write a paragraph about each of these to make sure that you have covered all the information.

We also have useful tutorials to help you prepare for the IELTS Academic :

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IELTS General Writing Task 1: Letter Writing Sample & Tips

Updated on Jun 24, 2024, 12:14

Practising letter writing for Task 1 General? If you’re wondering how to score high in this task, then this page will guide you to ace IELTS writing task 1 general training.   

Whether it's an invitation, a complaint, or a thank-you note, we'll equip you with the tools and tips to ace this part of the test. 

On This Page

1. IELTS General Writing Task 1: Key Highlights

First things first, let’s get the basics straightened out. 

2. IELTS General Writing Task 1: Format

IELTS General Writing Task 1 in the Academic test requires you to interpret, describe, or compare the given visual data. The visual data may be a Diagram, Graph, or Table.

3. How to Answer IELTS General Writing Task 1?

Writing is not everyone’s cup of tea, but creating a well-written piece takes only a few simple techniques.

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IELTS General Writing Task 1: Key Highlights

Here’s what we want you to keep in mind:   

• The IELTS General Training test is usually required for vocational training, such as in the  construction, hospitality, leisure, and tourism industries.
• In Task 1, you must write a letter in response to a situation, such as  asking for information or explaining a situation. 
• You need to write at least 150 words 
• The total duration of the section is about 20 minutes.

Here’s IELTS Writing Task 1 at a glance: 

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IELTS General Writing Task 1: Format

Depending on the context, you can frame your letter to be formal, semi-formal, or in an informal setting. Your question will be in this format:   

• Who to address the letter to
• Main points to include in the letter

Example: 

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

• Recommend the best time of year to visit and why
• Describe the types of accommodation your friend could choose
• Say what you would like to show your friend in your country

Typically, your letter should not exceed the word limit of 150. Ideally, you should complete and review the letter in the first 20 minutes of the IELTS Writing Test. Sticking to this time limit is important, as Task 2 is longer and requires more time.  

Here’s what else you should keep in mind:   

• Stick to the letter-writing format. Ensure your letter has all the fundamental elements, such as the salutation, date and signatures.
• Ensure that the tone of your letter is relevant to the context. For instance, if your topic was to write a letter to a recruiter, you must not make it informal! 
• The purpose of the letter must be preserved throughout. You must not deviate away from the given context.   

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How to Answer IELTS General Writing Task 1?

Letters may no longer be delivered by pigeons, but it is still a relevant skill worth learning! Not your forte? Here are the top 3 strategies to help anyone craft a compelling letter.

• Introduce right: Your opening paragraph is crucial and must immediately convey the purpose of your letter. 

For instance, if you were writing to enquire about a position, you would say,  “I’m writing to enquire regarding the position of a content writer at your company.”   

• Choose a relevant tone: Depending on the letter's receiver, judge the tone you will use. 

For example, if you’re writing a letter to your friend, you might want to keep it semi-formal to informal. 

An informal letter should be conversational; you can use direct speech to achieve this. You can also use words like “Dear <name>” to establish your tone. 

However, if you’re writing a formal letter, you should say, “Dear sir/madam,” use passive language and longer sentences.   

• Structure your letter:  Decide the order in which you will cover all the bullet points given to you. Make sure the letter has a logical flow to it. Your letter will start with an introduction (greetings and stating the purpose), move on to the body (highlighting main points) and a closing (signing off). 
• You should write full sentences for your answers.
• You should not use notes or bullet points.
• Write your answers on the answer sheet.
• You can make notes on the question paper, but the examiner won't see them.

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IELTS Writing Task 1: Bar Graph

IELTS Writing Task 1: Diagram

IELTS Writing Task 1: Line Graph

IELTS Writing Task 1: Pie Chart

IELTS Writing Task 1: Table Chart

IELTS Writing Task 1: Map

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Related Articles

Q. What is the structure for IELTS Writing Task 1 of the General Training test?

Ans . IELTS Writing Task 1 for General training requires you to write a letter in a formal, semi-formal or informal setting. You must pay attention to the letter writing format and write it this way,

• Introduction: Greetings and open with the purpose of your letter
• Body: Highlight the key points given in the question
• Closing: Conclude your request and sign off 

Q. How to get band 9 in IELTS general writing task 1?

Ans. To get a band score of 9 in IELTS general writing task 1, it's crucial to understand and analyse the question thoroughly. Maintain a clear and logical progression of ideas, ensuring accurate and varied use of vocabulary and sentence structures. Additionally, pay attention to grammar and punctuation, and practice writing within the time constraints to improve your overall performance.

Q. How to write an IELTS writing task 1 sample?

Ans. To write an IELTS writing task 1 sample for general writing, start by familiarising yourself with the specific task requirements and understanding the purpose of the task. Then, practice outlining your response, including an introduction, overview, detailed body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Review sample responses and marking criteria to understand what examiners look for in a successful task 1 sample. 

Q. How to do IELTS general writing task 1?

Ans. To tackle IELTS General Writing Task 1, start by thoroughly reading the prompt to understand the type of letter you must write (e.g., formal, semi-formal, or informal). Address all parts of the question, maintain an appropriate tone, and structure your letter with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Practice writing different types of letters to become familiar with various formats and styles.

Q. How to improve IELTS general writing?

Ans.  Improving your IELTS General Writing involves regular practice, expanding your vocabulary, and getting feedback on your work. Focus on writing clearly and concisely, and improve your grammar and punctuation. Reviewing high-scoring sample essays can provide insights into effective writing techniques and help you understand what examiners look for.

Q. How can I get a good score in IELTS writing task 1?

Ans.  To score well in IELTS Writing Task 1, ensure that you understand the task requirements and answer all parts of the question. Use a clear and logical structure, and appropriate language, and vary your sentence structures. Pay attention to the tone and style of your letter, and make sure to proofread your work to correct any errors.

Q. What is the common mistake in IELTS Writing Task 1?

Ans. A common mistake in IELTS Writing Task 1 is needing to address all parts of the prompt fully. Some test-takers also need help maintaining the appropriate tone or style for the letter. Additionally, grammatical errors and poor organisation can detract from your overall score. Practising writing letters and seeking feedback can help you avoid these pitfalls.

Q. How is general IELTS Writing?

Ans.  The General IELTS Writing test consists of two tasks: Task 1 requires writing a letter based on a given situation, while Task 2 involves writing an essay on a given topic. The test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in writing, including your grammar, vocabulary, and coherence. It's designed to evaluate your writing skills in everyday contexts.

Q. What is the writing pattern for the IELTS general exam?

Ans.  The IELTS General Writing test lasts 60 minutes and consists of two tasks. Task 1 is a letter-writing task requiring you to write at least 150 words. Task 2 is an essay that requires at least 250 words. The tasks assess your ability to respond appropriately to a given situation and discuss issues relevant to general or everyday contexts.

Q. How long is IELTS valid?

Ans. IELTS scores are valid for two years from the date of your test. After this period, you may need to retake the test to provide an English language proficiency score for study, work, or migration purposes.

Q. Does IELTS repeat questions?

Ans.  While IELTS may reuse some questions or topics, the exact wording and specific questions are unlikely to be repeated. The test is designed to be unpredictable and assess a wide range of language skills. The best way to prepare for the test is to practice with a variety of sample questions and topics.

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Grammar for IELTS Essay Writing Task 2

• GT Task 1 Letter
• Academic Task 1 Report
• Essay task 2

IELTS writing task 1 and task 2 in the IELTS use the same scoring criteria. However, task 2, which is an essay, requires a minimum of 250 words and carries more marks than writing task 1. It also allows more opportunities for using a wide range of grammatical structures.

Table of Contents

1.2 compound, 1.3 complex.

• Conditionals
• Relative pronouns
• Adverbial Phrases
• Punctuation
• Gerunds and Infinitives
• Subject-verb agreement
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample
• 10.1 Suggested Structures for Various Essay Types

10.2 How to Give Opinion

10.3 how to list advantages and disadvantages, 10.4 how to express problem and solutions, 10.5 how to make a comparison, 1. sentence structures.

Using a variety of sentence structures is crucial if you want to get a high band score. This doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to only incorporating complex sentences, but rather a combination of simple and compound sentences as well.

Contains one independent clause.

Example: Traffic has become a big problem in the city.

Contains two independent clauses joined with a coordinating conjunction. Remember to always use a comma before coordinating conjunctions when joining two independent clauses together

Example: Traffic has become a big problem in the city, so it is time the community finds a solution.

Contains a dependent clause and a subordinating conjunction.

Example: Traffic has become a big problem in the city because of the increase in the number of cars on the road.

2. Conditionals

Conditional sentences might not be suitable for all essays, but whenever you can use them, you should, as they are an excellent way of including more advanced sentence structures.

Familiarise yourself with the structures of conditionals:

• 1st conditional: If + present simple, will
• 2nd conditional: If + past simple, would
• 3rd conditional: If + past perfect, would have

Example: In my opinion, if the entire world worked together, climate change would no longer be a problem.

3. Relative pronouns

Using relative pronouns to create more complex sentences and add information is essential if you’re aiming for a high band score.

Relative pronouns ( like which, where, when, whose, who, and that ) modify nouns.

If the information added is crucial to the meaning of the sentence, you don’t have to use commas. However, if it’s not important, you can place it between commas.

Example: Governments play a crucial role in shaping environmental policies, which are increasingly seen as essential for sustainable development.”

4. Adverbial Phrases

This is an excellent way to add more information to your simple sentences. These are phrases that can be placed at the beginning of a sentence to provide information on time, place, manner, or frequency.

Don’t forget to place a comma after the adverbial phrase.

Example: In developing countries, access to clean water remains a big issue.

5. Punctuation

The comma is the punctuation symbol that gets overused or misused most often.

Avoid writing unnecessarily long sentences and make use of conjunctions.

When should you use a comma?

• Place a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, yet, so, or nor, for) to join two complete ideas (independent clauses).
• Use a comma after a phrase or clause that introduces a sentence, signalling the end of the introductory part and the beginning of the main clause.
• Use commas when separating each item in a series of three or more items that have the same function and form in a sentence.
• Enclose clauses that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence (nonrestrictive clauses). These clauses can begin with relative pronouns like who, whom, whose, that, and which.

6. Gerunds and Infinitives

Gerunds are verbs ending with -ing that function as nouns in sentences.

Example: Creating a plan to improve waste management is a crucial step to ensuring you succeed.

Infinites are the base of the verb with “to” in front.

Example: The community refuses to give up.

7. Subject-verb agreement

This is a fundamental rule in IELTS writing. If the subject in the sentence is singular, the verb has to be as well. To master this, you need to be able to differentiate between singular and plural nouns.

“A group of people” is often mistaken for plural. However, saying “the group” makes it singular.

Example: The government has implemented new laws.

All tenses must be used accurately within this essay to ensure your meaning is clear. On top of this, you’ll need to incorporate a variety of tense structures to obtain a high band score for grammatical range and accuracy.

The most common tense to use in an IELTS essay is the present simple tense. This is because you’ll mostly be stating facts in the essay.

Example: Pollution is a massive issue in big cities.

You can also incorporate the future tense if you want to make predictions.

Example: By 2050, renewable energy sources will hopefully replace most fossil fuels.

The past tense should be used when discussing past events. When stating a specific date in the past, you’ll make use of the past simple tense.

Example: About 50 years ago, people didn’t understand the need to recycle.

9. IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample

Some people think that environmental problems should be solved on a global scale while others believe it is better to deal with them nationally.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

10. Types of Essays in Task 2

• Advantages Disadvantages
• Problem Solution
• Double question

The grammar rules stay the same,  regardless of the essay type, yet there are some sentence structures we’d recommend using to express your opinion, etc.

10.1. Suggested Structures for Various Essay Types

Let’s delve into 4 complex sentence structures you can use in your introduction for

Some people think that more money should be spent on protecting endangered species while others think it is a waste of valuable money.

What is your opinion?

Suggested Structure: Other view + Opinion

Example: Even though some people might think that spending money on protecting endangered species is a waste of money, I believe that it’s essential for people to do everything they can to stop species from going extinct.

In the past, when students did a university degree, they tended to study in their own country. Nowadays, they have more of an opportunity to study abroad.

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Suggested Structure: Not only + but also

Example: Not only does studying abroad improve a student’s communication skills, but it also creates independence as they learn to navigate life away from home.

One problem faced by almost every large city is traffic congestion What do you think the causes are?

What solutions can you suggest?

Suggested Structure: Both + ___ + ___ contribute to

Examples: Both overpopulation and a lack of roads contribute to the overall congestion of traffic in the city.

Suggested Structure: While ____ + also

Example: While expanding the metro can help address the issue, the city also needs to create plans to build more roads in te future.

Suggested Structure:  It is argued by some + whereas

Example: It is argued by some that environmental issues should be solved on a global scale, whereas others feel that they are best dealt with nationally.

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How to Structure an Essay

Essay writing is a fundamental skill, a basic task, that is expected of those who choose to pursue their undergraduate and master’s degrees. It constitutes a key requirement for students to complete a given course credit. However, many students and early career researchers find themselves struggling with the challenge of organizing their thoughts into a coherent, engaging structure. This article is especially for those who see essay writing as a daunting task and face problems in presenting their work in an impactful way.  

Table of Contents

• Writing an essay: basic elements and some key principles  
• Essay structure template 
• Chronological structure 
• Problem-methods-solutions structure 
• Compare and contrast structures 
• Frequently asked questions on essay structure 

Read on as we delve into the basic elements of essay writing, outline key principles for organizing information, and cover some foundational features of writing essays.  

Writing an essay: basic elements and some key principles

Essays are written in a flowing and continuous pattern but with a structure of its own. An introduction, body and conclusion are integral to it. The key is to balance the amount and kind of information to be presented in each part. Various disciplines may have their own conventions or guidelines on the information to be provided in the introduction.  

A clear articulation of the context and background of the study is important, as is the definition of key terms and an outline of specific models or theories used. Readers also need to know the significance of the study and its implications for further research. Most importantly, the thesis or the main proposition should be clearly presented.  

The body of the essay is therefore organized into paragraphs that hold the main ideas and arguments and is presented and analyzed in a logical manner. Ideally, each paragraph of the body focuses on one main point or a distinct topic and must be supported by evidence and analysis. The concluding paragraph should bring back to the reader the key arguments, its significance and food for thought. It is best not to re-state all the points of the essay or introduce a new concept here. 

In other words, certain general guidelines help structure the information in the essay. The information must flow logically with the context or the background information presented in the introductory part of the essay. The arguments are built organically where each paragraph in the body of the essay deals with a different point, yet closely linked to the para preceding and following it. Importantly, when writing essays, early career researchers must be careful in ensuring that each piece of information relates to the main thesis and is a building block to the arguments. 

Essay structure template

• Introduction 
• Provide the context and share significance of the study 
• Clearly articulate the thesis statement 
• Body  
• Paragraph 1 consisting of the first main point, followed by supporting evidence and an analysis of the findings. Transitional words and phrases can be used to move to the next main point. 
• There can be as many paragraphs with the above-mentioned elements as there are points and arguments to support your thesis. 
• Conclusion  
• Bring in key ideas and discuss their significance and relevance 
• Call for action 
• References 

Essay structures

The structure of an essay can be determined by the kind of essay that is required.  

Chronological structure

Also known as the cause-and-effect approach, this is a straightforward way to structure an essay. In such essays, events are discussed sequentially, as they occurred from the earliest to the latest. A chronological structure is useful for discussing a series of events or processes such as historical analyses or narratives of events. The introduction should have the topic sentence. The body of the essay should follow a chorological progression with each para discussing a major aspect of that event with supporting evidence. It ends with a summarizing of the results of the events.  

Problem-methods-solutions structure

Where the essay focuses on a specific problem, the problem-methods-solutions structure can be used to organize the essay. This structure is ideal for essays that address complex issues. It starts with presenting the problem, the context, and thesis statement as introduction to the essay. The major part of the discussion which forms the body of the essay focuses on stating the problem and its significance, the author’s approach or methods adopted to address the problem along with its relevance, and accordingly proposing solution(s) to the identified problem. The concluding part offers a recap of the research problem, methods, and proposed solutions, emphasizing their significance and potential impact. 

Compare and contrast structures

This structure of essay writing is ideally used when two or more key subjects require a comparison of ideas, theories, or phenomena. The three crucial elements, introduction, body, and conclusion, remain the same. The introduction presents the context and the thesis statement. The body of the essay seeks to focus on and highlight differences between the subjects, supported by evidence and analysis. The conclusion is used to summarize the key points of comparison and contrast, offering insights into the significance of the analysis.  

Depending on how the subjects will be discussed, the body of the essay can be organized according to the block method or the alternating method. In the block method, one para discusses one subject and the next para the other subject. In the alternative method, both subjects are discussed in one para based on a particular topic or issue followed by the next para on another issue and so on.  

Frequently asked questions on essay structure

An essay structure serves as a framework for presenting ideas coherently and logically. It comprises three crucial elements: an introduction that communicates the context, topic, and thesis statement; the body focusing on the main points and arguments supported with appropriate evidence followed by its analysis; and a conclusion that ties together the main points and its importance .  

An essay structure well-defined essay structure enhances clarity, coherence, and readability, and is crucial for organizing ideas and arguments to effectively communicate key aspects of a chosen topic. It allows readers to better understand arguments presented and demonstrates the author’s ability to organize and present information systematically. 

Yes, while expert recommend following an essay structure, early career researchers may choose how best to adapt standard essay structures to communicate and share their research in an impactful and engaging way. However, do keep in mind that deviating too far from established structures can hinder comprehension and weaken the overall effectiveness of the essay,  By understanding the basic elements of essay writing and employing appropriate structures such as chronological, problem-methods-solutions, or compare and contrast, researchers can effectively organize their ideas and communicate their findings with clarity and precision. 

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