Write at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. Include a clear overview of the main trends or features, without one, it is very hard to score above band 5 for Task Achievement. Report data; do not give opinions or reasons.
The structure
- Introduction: paraphrase what the visual shows (one sentence).
- Overview: two or three main features: the biggest change, the highest and lowest, the overall trend.
- Body paragraph 1: details for one group of data, with figures.
- Body paragraph 2: details for the other group, with comparisons.
Group the data, do not list it
The most common weakness is describing every number in order. Instead, decide how to group the information, rising categories versus falling ones, or the largest items versus the rest, and compare within each group. Selecting and comparing is exactly what the Task Achievement criterion rewards.
What changes with each type of visual
| Visual | Focus on | Useful language |
|---|---|---|
| Line graph | Trends over time | rose steadily, peaked at, fluctuated, levelled off |
| Bar chart or table | Comparisons between categories | the highest proportion, twice as many, slightly fewer |
| Pie chart | Shares of a whole | accounted for, made up, the largest share |
| Process | Stages in order | first, once this is done, finally; passive voice |
| Map | Changes between two times | was replaced by, was extended, to the north of |
Common mistakes
- No overview, or an overview hidden at the end of a detail paragraph
- Giving reasons for the data ("because people became richer"): Task 1 is description only
- Copying the question instead of paraphrasing it
- Wrong tense: past data needs past tenses; projections need future forms
- Going far over time, which steals minutes from the more valuable Task 2
Timing
Spend 2–3 minutes deciding the overview and grouping, about 15 minutes writing and 2 minutes checking numbers and tenses. Then move on: Task 2 counts for twice as much.
Note that this guide is for Academic Task 1. In General Training, Task 1 is a letter, which needs a different approach.
See our IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training programmes, or read how long IELTS preparation actually takes.
Frequently asked questions
What is an overview in IELTS Task 1?
A sentence or two summarising the main trends or features of the visual, without detailed figures. It is essential for a good Task Achievement score.
Should I write a conclusion in Task 1?
You do not need a separate conclusion. A clear overview, after the introduction or at the end, does that job.
How long should I spend on Task 1?
About 20 minutes. Task 2 is worth twice as much, so do not let Task 1 run over.
Is Task 1 the same in General Training?
No. In General Training, Task 1 is a letter rather than a description of a chart or diagram.
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Written by the Learning Bubble teaching team. If something here does not match your situation, ask us. We would rather give you a straight answer than have you guess.