IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Overview

Task 1 asks you to summarise visual information in at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. You must not give opinions — only describe trends, comparisons, and stages objectively.

Task types you may see

• Line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, tables
• Combined charts (e.g. bar + line)
• Process diagrams (how something is made or works)
• Maps (changes over time)

Four-paragraph structure

1. Introduction: Paraphrase what the visual shows (what, when, where)
2. Overview: 2–3 main trends or stages — required for Band 7+
3. Body 1: Key data with figures and comparisons
4. Body 2: Other significant details; group data logically

Language for trends

increased sharply, remained stable, peaked at, accounted for, respectively, whereas, in contrast, followed by

Process diagrams

Use passive voice and sequencing: First, the raw material is heated… Subsequently, it is filtered…