IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Format

 

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Format

In Task 1, you’re given visual information (a chart, graph, map, table, or diagram). You must write a 150-word minimum report describing the information objectively — no opinions or personal experiences.

Structure of Your Answer:

1.      Introduction – Paraphrase the question

2.      Overview – Summarize the main trends/patterns

3.      Body Paragraph 1 – Describe specific details

4.      Body Paragraph 2 – Describe more details and comparisons

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Universal Template for Writing Task 1

Introduction Template

• The diagram/chart/table/graph/map illustrates/shows/compares...
• The given visual representation provides information about...

Overview Template

• Overall, it is clear that...
• It can be seen that...
• The most noticeable trend is...
• A significant feature is that...

 Body Paragraphs Template

• In detail,...
• According to the data,...
• Between [year] and [year], there was a steady increase in...
• In contrast, ...
• While X rose sharply, Y remained stable.
• A similar trend can be observed in...

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✅ Example 1: Line Graph

Question:

The graph below shows the number of university graduates in Canada from 1992 to 2007.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below.

Sample Answer:

Introduction:
The line graph illustrates the number of male and female university graduates in Canada between 1992 and 2007.

Overview:
Overall, the number of university graduates increased for both genders during the period. Female graduates consistently outnumbered male graduates throughout the years.

Body Paragraph 1:
In 1992, there were approximately 100,000 female graduates, compared to around 70,000 male graduates. Both numbers rose slightly by 1995, then dipped briefly until 1998. After 1998, both lines show an upward trend.

Body Paragraph 2:
From 2000 onward, the growth became more rapid, especially for women. By 2007, the number of female graduates had reached nearly 150,000, while the male graduates stood at around 95,000. This shows a significant gender gap, with females consistently ahead in university graduation numbers.

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Example 2: Process Diagram

 Question:

The diagram below shows how electricity is generated in a hydroelectric power station.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features.

Sample Answer

Introduction:
The diagram illustrates the process of generating electricity in a hydroelectric power station using river water.

Overview:
Overall, the process involves several stages, beginning with water from a river and ending with electricity being delivered to the national grid.

Body Paragraph 1:
Initially, water from a river is stored in a high-level reservoir. During the day, the intake opens, allowing water to flow down through a penstock to a turbine, located in a power station. The movement of water spins the turbine, which is connected to a generator that produces electricity.

Body Paragraph 2:
The generated electricity is then transmitted via power lines to the national grid. At night, the flow is reversed — water is pumped back from a lower reservoir to the upper reservoir using reversible turbines. This recycling process ensures a continuous supply of water and energy generation.