GENERAL STRATEGY FOR IELTS WRITING
TASK 1
Key Requirements
- Write at
least 150 words in 20 minutes.
- Summarize
visual information,
compare data, and highlight trends or key features.
- Do not give
opinions or reasons
(except in process writing).
Overall Structure
1.
Introduction – Paraphrase the question.
2.
Overview – Write general trends or main
features (no numbers).
3.
Body
Paragraph 1
– Describe specific data or trends.
4.
Body
Paragraph 2
– Compare or highlight contrasts.
1. PIE CHART
Purpose:
Shows proportions
or percentages of a whole.
Tips for High Score:
Compare largest
and smallest segments.
Use fractions or percentages for
variety (one-third, about half).
Group similar data together (e.g.,
categories that are close in value).
Use comparison phrases: was higher
than, accounted for, made up, represented.
Useful Vocabulary:
- Verbs: accounted
for, made up, represented, comprised, constituted
- Adverbs: approximately,
nearly, just under, about
Example (Summary):
The pie charts
compare the energy sources used in France in 1995 and 2005.
Overall, while
coal and gas remained the most used sources, there was a noticeable increase in
nuclear energy use over the decade.
2. BAR GRAPH
Purpose:
Shows comparisons
between categories.
Tips for High Score:
Identify the
highest and lowest bars.
Use comparative and superlative forms (higher than, the most popular).
Group related bars (e.g., by gender,
year, or region).
Mention significant differences.
Useful Vocabulary:
- was the most
/ least popular
- showed a
significant increase
- had a
similar percentage
Example:
The bar chart
illustrates the number of international students studying in Australia in 2010
by country.
Overall, China
contributed the largest number of students, whereas Malaysia and India had
significantly fewer learners.
3. LINE GRAPH
Purpose:
Shows changes
over time (e.g., years, months, days).
Tips for High Score:
Always describe trends
(increase, decrease, remain steady, fluctuate).
Use time phrases: between 1990
and 2020, over the next decade, during the period shown.
Do not describe every data point; focus on key trends and comparisons.
Use approximate numbers for natural writing.
Useful Vocabulary:
- rose sharply
/ gradually
- declined
steadily
- peaked at /
reached a low point
- remained
stable
Example:
The line graph
shows the number of tourists visiting Nepal from 2000 to 2020.
Overall, the
figure increased significantly, with the sharpest rise observed after 2010.
4. TABLE
Purpose:
Displays data
in rows and columns, often showing comparisons or changes.
Tips for High Score:
Look for patterns
rather than describing each figure.
Use comparative language (was
higher than, was twice as much as).
Highlight highest and lowest values
in each category.
Useful Vocabulary:
- showed a
steady rise
- was
considerably higher
- experienced
a slight decline
Example:
The table
provides information on household spending in five European countries in 2000.
Overall, food and
housing accounted for the largest share of expenditure in all countries.
5. MAPS
Purpose:
Shows changes
in a place or layout over time (past vs present/future).
Tips for High Score:
Focus on major
developments — e.g., new buildings, demolished areas, added roads.
Use past or future tense
depending on the map.
Use spatial prepositions (to the north of, next to, in the centre, on
the left-hand side).
Group changes logically (e.g.,
transport, housing, leisure).
Useful Vocabulary:
- was replaced
by / converted into
- expanded /
relocated / developed
- remained
unchanged / demolished
Example:
The two maps show
the transformation of a coastal village between 1990 and 2020.
Overall, the area
became much more developed, with new residential and recreational facilities
replacing farmland.
6. PROCESS WRITING (ARTIFICIAL / MAN-MADE)
Purpose:
Explains how
something is produced or manufactured (e.g., making bricks, recycling
paper).
Tips for High Score:
Write in passive
voice: is heated, is poured, is transported.
Follow the sequence logically (from start to finish).
Use linking devices: firstly, next, after that, subsequently,
finally.
Do not include numbers or
comparisons.
Useful Vocabulary:
- begins with
/ followed by / finally
- is produced
/ is sent to / is processed
- stages,
steps, materials, raw components
Example:
The diagram
illustrates the process of producing electricity from coal.
Overall, the
process involves several stages, beginning with coal extraction and ending with
the generation of electricity for public use.
7. PROCESS WRITING (NATURAL)
Purpose:
Describes natural
cycles, such as the water cycle or life cycle of a butterfly.
Tips for High Score:
Use active or
passive voice as appropriate.
Use present simple tense (since cycles repeat).
Emphasize continuous and circular
nature (the cycle then repeats itself).
Link logically using: after, when,
once, as soon as, before.
Example:
The diagram shows
the stages in the life cycle of a frog.
Overall, the
process consists of several distinct stages, beginning with eggs and ending
with the development of an adult frog, which later reproduces to start the
cycle again.
8. FLOW CHART
Purpose:
Shows steps or
stages in a process using arrows or boxes (can be linear or branched).
Tips for High Score:
Identify starting
point, sequence, and decision points (if any).
Use sequencing phrases: first of all, then, meanwhile, if, in the
next step.
Mention alternative paths if
shown.
Keep it clear and logical — one
sentence per stage.
Example:
The flow chart
outlines the steps involved in applying for a university scholarship.
Overall, the
process includes several stages, starting with application submission and
ending with the final approval of successful candidates.
BAND 8–9 WRITING TIPS (ALL TYPES)
|
Focus
Area |
Key
to High Score |
|
Task
Achievement |
Include all key
features, make comparisons, highlight trends |
|
Coherence &
Cohesion |
Logical
paragraphing, linking words, clear overview |
|
Lexical
Resource |
Variety of
vocabulary, accurate collocations |
|
Grammar Range
& Accuracy |
Mix of simple
and complex sentences, correct tense use |
|
Overview (Very
Important!) |
One clear
paragraph summarizing main trends or features |
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