IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
In this task you will be presented with a graph, table, chart or
diagram and asked to describe, summarize or explain the given
information.
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.
Example:
We can note some trends :
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.
Introduce the
Introduction graph (ideally 1-2
sentences).
In this paragraph
General you should
overview describe main
trends.
Group the given
data by some
Bod feature. Then
y describe each
feature.
Specific
features
Use paragraphing!
Usually, there
should be 1-3
paragraphs in the
body part.
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.
How to answer IELTS Academic Writing task 1?
To get the highest score, you should follow this answer structure:
1. Introduction
2. General overview
3. Specific features
Now we'll consider each part of the answer. You can also watch a
video tutorial on how to answer IELTS Academic Writing task 1:
As an example, let's take a look at the given topic:
The line graph below shows the household recycling rates in three
different countries between 2005 and 2015.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main
features, and make comparisons where relevant.
1. Introduction
The first paragraph you need to write is your introduction. For the
introduction you need simply to paraphrase the information
from your topic (make sure that you mention what your graph
shows and for what period of time). It shouldn't be longer that 2
sentences.
In 2005 the recycling rates of the UK and Germany were nearly
35% and 20% respectively. Germany's rate increased sharply
throughout the period, exceeding France's rate in 2009 and
reaching almost 60% in the end of the period. In the meantime, the
percentage of recycled waste in the UK grew to 40% in 2007, and
then remained steady until 2009. During 2009-2011 it experienced
a rapid surge to more than 50% and continued with a gradual
increase to 60% in 2015.
In early 2005 the recycling rate of France (50%) was the highest
among these three countries. However, it dramatically declined to
30% in 2013. Then, there was a growth of 10% in 2015, but
France's recycling rate was the lowest in the end of the period.
And don't forget that you should never write a conclusion in
Writing task 1 as you're not giving your opinion, you're just
describing the data.
Vocabulary to describe graphs
Introducing the graph
The graph/table/pie chart/bar chart/diagram ...
gives information about/on ...
provides information about/on ...
shows ...
illustrates ...
compares ...
explains why ...
describes ...
draws the conclusion of (a survey) ...
Example: The pie charts provide information on the proportion of
males and females working in agricultural sector.
Types of changes
Nouns
a rise (of)
an increase (of)
a growth (of)
a peak (of)
a surge (of)
Example: a rise of prices
a fall (in)
a decrease (in)
a decline (in)
a dip (in)
Example: a fall in prices
a fluctuation (of)
a variation (in)
Example: a fluctuation of prices
Verbs
to rise
to increase
to surge
to grow
to peak
Large rises:
to rocket
to soar
to leap (->leapt)
to fall
to decrease
to decline
to dip
to dive
to plunge
Large falls:
to plummet
to fluctuate
to vary
Description of changes
Adverbs
sharply
suddenly
rapidly
abruptly
dramatically
significantly
considerably
markedly
wildly
Example: the prices rose sharply
slightly
gently
gradually
steadily
modestly
marginally
Example: the prices increased modestly
Adjectives
sharp
sudden
rapid
abrupt
dramatic
steep
significant
considerable
marked
substantial
spectacular
Example: there was a considerable growth
slight
gentle
gradual
steady
consistent
modest
marginal
Example: there was a gradual decline
Useful phrases
a small fraction, a small number, a small minority
a large portion, a significant majority
nearly a fifth, almost 10%, in region of 40%, more than a half, over
a quarter, around two thirds, more or less three quarters, exactly
one in ten, approximately a third
Excersise for you: :>>>> Ganbare!!!!!!!!!!
The graph below shows the changes in the maximum number of Asian
elephants between 1994 and 2007.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main
features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
