In Academic Task 1 of the IELTS Writing test, you are provided with visual images, such as graphs and charts, and you need to summarise their key features. You are expected to write at least 150 words and the recommended time for this is 20 minutes. The main task types can include:
Line graphs
Pie charts
Bar graphs
Tables of data
A combination of the above (e.g. a line graph with a pie chart)
A process (either something manmade or natural)
Maps (either an outdoor space or a floor space)
Read our comprehensive guide to IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 questions to see examples of the different visuals you might encounter.
Example of a process visual
Source: IELTS Writing Task 1 Question Types: A Comprehensive Guide | IDP IELTS
What are key features in IELTS Writing Task 1?
Key features are important aspects of the information in the visuals. You’ll need to provide enough detail to illustrate these features in your answer.
For diagrams, key features might include the main steps in a process. For maps or plans, they might include the position of items or major changes that have taken place over time. For graphs, charts and tables, key features may include relevant figures or data or trends over time.
You may also compare key features when relevant.
If you are provided with a process or maps to compare, it is important to mention every feature that is provided. However, in statistical charts, you only need to focus on the main differences or changes rather than including every single figure or item.
To do this, look at the highest and lowest figures, where there are the greatest or smallest differences, plus look for exceptions in the trends. Sometimes, there is an item that has a unique tendency. For example, when analysing a graph, you might encounter a sudden rise or sharp drop.
Watch the video below to learn more about what to cover in your answer to this task.
How to structure your answer
Your answer should have four parts to it:
Introduction
You simply need to paraphrase the input language in the question. Give a general description of what the charts show (e.g. what type of data it is, where it occurs or occurred, plus the time period).
Body Paragraphs
Two body paragraphs should be enough to highlight, describe and compare the key features.
Look at the trends and try to categorise your two body paragraphs clearly. For example, you could mention the categories which have had a growth in one paragraph and the ones that have had a decline in the other.
It is better to compare items that are similar rather than opposite. In this way, you would use more language of comparison and contrast to define the difference.
Use figures if they are presented.
Overview
Have a sentence to summarise the main differences or changes. There is no need to include figures here or mention every category.
Find out why an overview is important in IELTS Academic Task 1.
Here is a sample response to consider, based on the graph below:
A). Is this a good paragraph or not?
In 2012, Brisbane had the lowest figure of 30% but rose steadily to 32% in 2014. After that, there was a steep rise to just over 60% in 2018 before it flattened slightly to reach approximately 71% two years later. Meanwhile, Sydney started with 45% in 2012 and climbed slowly to reach 50% in 2016. Then, there was a steeper rise and it was 61% in 2020.
No. This paragraph has some issues:
The answer is too robotic as each line is mentioned one by one and each figure is mentioned.
There are not many comparisons and contrasts.
It does not explain what the data is (i.e. the percentage of cars that were manually driven).
B). Is this a good paragraph or not?
Looking at the two cities with an increasing trend initially, in 2012, Brisbane had the lowest figure among the 4 cities, with just 30% of cars being manually driven, approximately 15% less than Sydney. While both urban centres had a growing tendency from this point, it was Brisbane which had the more sizeable growth after 2016, reaching just over 70% in 2020. Sydney, on the other hand, grew only marginally and also had a high point in the same year with a ratio of 10% less than the former city.
Yes. This paragraph has some positive features:
It mentions what type of data it is (i.e. the percentage of manual cars).
It has figures which are compared and contrasted.
The data and information is blended rather than describing each city one by one
There is some good paraphrasing (e.g. ratio, urban centre).
The body paragraph is clearly categorised (i.e. the two cities which had an upward trend).
How is IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 assessed?
There are four criteria that examiners use to assess your answer in Task 1, which are worth 25% of the total score:
Task Achievement:
Have you covered all parts of the question?
Have you developed your answer sufficiently?
Have you made comparisons and contrasts?
Have you included figures?
Do you have a clear overview?
Coherence & Cohesion:
Include paragraphs, make sure you have a wide range of linking devices and use referencing and substitution when appropriate.
Lexical Resource:
Use a variety of vocabulary (especially less common words), have accurate collocations and be flexible with your word choices.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy:
Use a variety of sentence types, make sure complex sentences dominate and minimise the number of errors you make.
Watch our video series How your IELTS Writing test is marked to learn more.
Common mistakes to avoid
It is important to avoid losing marks unnecessarily – there are some mistakes which you should try to avoid. For example, you can lose marks if you:
Describe every figure in graphs and charts.
Are robotic in your description.
Omit key features or categories.
Do not use figures.
Do not make comparisons and contrasts.
Do not have a clear overview.
Try to interpret the data (e.g. offer reasons for the trends or opinions).
How to practise analysing data for IELTS Writing Task 1
A good plan to get used to this type of question is to search the internet for as many visual images as you can that include data and information. When looking at them, make a quick plan about how you would arrange your answer, which items you would compare and an overview of the main trends or differences. It is also helpful to look at and use the IELTS band descriptors so you can get an idea of the type of language that examiners want to see.
Don’t forget to do some IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 practice questions and get feedback from a professional tutor who can point out things you are doing well and what you need to work on.
The more you practise identifying key features, the more confident you’ll become in your ability to interpret data accurately and present it clearly.
All the best for your IELTS Writing test.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: FAQs
Read answers to frequently asked questions about IELTS Academic Writing Task 1.