Writing Task 1 (Academic Test)

General Information:

Sometimes more than one type of chart is combined, for example a pie chart and a table. Other times there could be two tables or two other charts.

The task assesses your ability to identify key features and trends, compare similarities and differences and then present the information accurately and logically, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.

The best approach is to give an overview of 1 or 2 main or general points that you can see in the visual (chart, map etc.) in your introduction, and then follow with 2 paragraphs that look at more detailed points. It is usually possible to group the detailed points into two groups and address each group in a separate paragraph.

You should spend approximately 20 minutes on completing Task 1, which means that you should manage your time effectively to ensure that you can complete the task within the given time.

You are recommended to spend 3 or 4 minutes planning your response before you begin writing. During this time, you should:

read the instructions carefully
analyse the given chart, graph, table, diagram or map
decide on your overview of the data given - this is a very general comment about the major trend that you can see in the data and will be in your introduction
choose how you will organise your paragraphs - look for a way to group the data or information in a way that fits nicely into 2 body paragraphs

Go to mock IELTS Academic Test Writing Task 1 questions & model answers

The graph below shows the consumption of orange juice and some other types of juice in a European country between 1990 and 2010.

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

An Example of an Academic Test Writing Task 1 - Line Graph Task:

For more mock IELTS line graph tasks go here

An Example of an Academic Test Writing Task 1 - Bar Chart Task:

For more mock IELTS bar chart tasks go here

The graph below shows the average number of tickets sold in a theme park from Monday to Sunday during three periods of the day.

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

An Example of an Academic Test Writing Task 1 - Pie Chart Task:

For more mock IELTS pie chart tasks go here

The pie charts below shows the number of people employed in several job types in the United Kingdom in 1991 and 2001.

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

An Example of an Academic Test Writing Task 1 - Diagram Task:

For more mock IELTS diagram tasks go here

The diagram below shows the processes involved in the water cycle.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.

An Example of an Academic Test Writing Task 1 - Map Task:

For more mock IELTS map tasks go here

The diagrams below show the changes that have occurred around a school between 1990 and 2010.

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

Examples of Task Types:

The IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 requires you to write a report summarising or describing a visual representation of information. There a several types of visual:

line charts
bar charts
pie charts
tables
diagrams
maps