IELTS Writing Task 1 requires test-takers to analyze and describe visual data, such as graphs, tables, charts, maps, or processes. This task assesses your ability to present information concisely, identify key trends, and make comparisons where necessary. Below is a sample question with a high-scoring model answer, followed by essential tips to help you achieve a strong band score.
Key Tips for a High Band Score:
A band 7 IELTS Writing Task 1 response requires clarity, coherence, and well-organized content. Focus on key features, use a range of vocabulary, and maintain grammatical accuracy. Regular practice and analysis of sample answers will significantly improve your performance.
- Structure Your Answer Clearly – Always include an introduction, an overview, and detailed paragraphs.
- Highlight Key Trends – Focus on the most significant changes instead of describing every single data point.
- Address all the points – In IELTS writing task 1 (General Training) we must answer all the bullet points.
- Use a Variety of Vocabulary – Utilize synonyms for “increase” (e.g., rise, climb, surge) and “decrease” (e.g., drop, decline, fall).
- Make Comparisons – Compare different data points when relevant (e.g., University A saw the highest growth, whereas University C had fluctuations).
- Use Accurate Grammar and Cohesive Devices – Ensure correct tense usage and link ideas logically with words like “in contrast,” “whereas,” and “similarly.”
- Practice Regularly – Writing under timed conditions will help you manage your time effectively in the actual exam.
Learn more tips on IELTS writing task 1 from here.
Types of questions in IELTS writing task 1
Each type of question in IELTS Writing Task 1 requires a different approach. Understanding the requirements of each type will help you structure your response effectively and achieve a high score. Here are common types of IELTS Writing Task 1: Process Diagram, Maps, Graphs, and Letters.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer
1. IELTS General Training Letter Sample answer
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my interest in the voluntary position at your museum. As someone who is passionate about history and cultural preservation, I would love the opportunity to contribute my time and skills to assist with the museum’s operations. I believe that working in such an environment would be a valuable learning experience for me.
I am particularly interested in this role because museums play a crucial role in educating the public and preserving our heritage. If I were given the chance to work at your museum, I would dedicate myself to supporting its educational and cultural mission while enhancing my knowledge of history and museum management. Additionally, interacting with visitors and helping with exhibitions would allow me to develop strong communication and organizational skills.
In terms of abilities, I have excellent communication skills and experience in customer service, which would help me engage with visitors effectively. Additionally, I am highly organized and detail-oriented, so I would be well-suited for administrative tasks or assisting with exhibitions. My ability to work efficiently in a team would also be beneficial in a collaborative environment.
I am available to work on weekends and weekday afternoons, making me flexible enough to fit into the museum’s schedule as needed. Please let me know if there is an opportunity to discuss this further.
I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
Sarah
2. IELTS Academic Process Diagram Sample Answer
Question: The process shows how bricks are made using clay in a factory.
Introduction: The diagram illustrates the manufacturing process of bricks using clay.
Overview: It is clear from the diagram that there are nine main steps in the process from digging of the raw clay to the transportation of the bricks.
Body Paragraph: Firstly, the clay is dug out of the ground. It is next put on a metal grid and rolled. Sand and water are added and the mixture is then either cut or moulded into the correct brick shape. After this, the bricks are placed in an oven to dry over a period of one to two days. Once dried, they are put into a kiln to be baked. The baking starts at a medium heat, between 200 and 980°C, and then at a higher temperature of up to 1300°C. Afterwards, the bricks are cooled, a process which takes between one and three days. At this stage, the bricks are ready and are packaged and finally loaded onto a lorry to be delivered to the construction industry.
3. IELTS Academic Maps Sample Answer
Introduction: The diagrams show Central Library before and after changes were made to its layout.
Overview: Clearly, the library has been updated to include dedicated spaces for events and now has an open space in the centre.
Body Paragraph: Twenty years ago, to the left of the entrance there was a reading room with newspapers and magazines and to the right there was an enquiry desk. Now, there’s a computer room on the left and a café where the information desk once was. Adult fiction has moved to the right- hand side of the room and all reference books are now on the left. There is a smaller information desk with self-service machines in what once was the adult non-fiction section.
There was a room at the back left-hand corner that has computer games, CDs and videos that has since been enlarged and houses children’s fiction. It has a space with two sofas where storytelling events are held. There is a lecture room in the back right-hand corner where children’s books used to be.
4. IELTS Academic Line Graph Sample Answer
Question: The graph below gives information on the numbers of participants for different activities at one social centre in Melbourne, Australia for the period 2000 to 2020.
Introduction: The line graph illustrates the participation figures for different activities at a social center in Melbourne, Australia, over the period from 2000 to 2020.
Overview: The film club maintained the highest participation throughout the period. While table tennis saw the most significant growth, amateur dramatics declined steadily. Meanwhile, martial arts remained relatively stable, and musical performances, despite starting with the lowest numbers, showed a notable growth over time.
Body Paragraph: From 2000 to 2020, the film club consistently had the highest participation, starting at around 65 members and experiencing a slight decline before recovering to nearly 70 by the end of the period. In contrast, amateur dramatics showed a steady downward trend, peaking at around 30 participants in 2005 before gradually dropping to fewer than 10 in 2020. Table tennis, which started with approximately 10 participants, saw the most significant rise, surpassing 40 by 2015 and reaching around 50 by 2020, making it the second most popular activity. Martial arts fluctuated between 30 and 40 participants, remaining relatively stable throughout. Meanwhile, musical performances had the lowest initial figures but showed consistent growth, climbing from nearly zero in 2000 to around 20 participants in 2020.
5. IELTS Academic Bar Graph Sample Answer
Question: The chart below shows the number of households in the US by their annual income in 2007, 2011 and 2015.
Introduction: The bar graph illustrates the distribution of households in the US based on their annual income in the years 2007, 2011, and 2015.
Overview: The chart shows a rise in US households earning $100,000 or more from 2007 to 2015, while lower-income groups remain stable. Middle-income categories fluctuate slightly without a clear trend.
Body Paragraph: The number of US households earning $100,000 or more increased significantly, rising from around 30 million in 2007 to nearly 35 million in 2015, making it the largest income group by the end of the period. In contrast, the lowest income category (less than $25,000) remained relatively stable at approximately 25 million households throughout the years. The middle-income groups ($50,000–$74,999 and $75,000–$99,999) fluctuated slightly but showed no clear growth trend. Meanwhile, households earning $25,000–$49,999 remained consistent at around 22 million. This data highlights a shift toward higher-income households over time.
6. IELTS Academic Pie Chart Sample Answer
Question: The pie charts below show the online shopping sales for retail sectors in New Zealand in 2003 and 2013.
Introduction: The pie charts illustrate the online retail sales distribution across different sectors in New Zealand for the years 2003 and 2013.
Overview: The charts show a decline in online travel and clothing sales in New Zealand from 2003 to 2013, while film/music sales grew significantly, becoming the largest sector. Book sales also saw a slight increase, indicating a shift toward entertainment purchases.
Body Paragraph: The most noticeable trend in the charts is the decline in the travel sector, which dropped from 36% in 2003 to 29% in 2013. Similarly, clothing sales fell from 24% to 16%, indicating reduced consumer spending in this category. In contrast, the film/music sector experienced the most significant growth, rising from 21% to 33%, making it the largest segment in 2013. Book sales also increased slightly from 19% to 22%. This shift suggests that online consumers prioritized entertainment-related purchases over travel and fashion during this period.
7. IELTS Academic Table Sample Answer
Question: The table below gives information about rail transport in four countries in 2007.
Introduction: The table presents data on rail transport in four different countries in the year 2007.
Overview: The table shows rail transport data for four countries in 2007. Japan led in passenger numbers and travel distance, while the USA had the lowest rail use but dominated cargo transport. The UK and Italy had similar passenger figures and travel distances.
Body Paragraph: Japan had the highest rail usage, with 27 billion passengers and the longest travel distance per person (1,980 km), highlighting its reliance on rail for passenger transport. In contrast, the USA had the lowest number of rail users (0.3 billion) and the shortest travel distance (80 km), but it transported the most cargo by a significant margin (2,820 billion tons). The UK and Italy showed similar patterns, with around 6 billion rail passengers each and travel distances of approximately 770–780 km per person. However, their cargo transport figures were much lower, at around 22 billion tons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many words do I need to write in IELTS writing task 1?
Your answer should be at least 150 words. Writing fewer words may result in a lower score.
2. Can I use bullet points in my answer?
No, IELTS Writing Task 1 requires a well-structured response in full sentences and paragraphs.
3. Do I need to include every detail from the graph/chart?
No, focus on the main trends, significant differences, and key features instead of describing every data point.
4. Should I give my opinion in Writing Task 1?
No, you should objectively describe the data without adding personal opinions.
5. What tenses should I use?
Use past tense for historical data, present tense for general trends, and future tense if predictions are shown.
7. How can I improve my score in Writing Task 1?
Practice regularly, focus on grammar and vocabulary, and ensure you include an introduction, an overview, and well-structured body paragraphs.
