IELTS Academic Writing — Task 1

📝 Writing Task 1 Guide

Structure, phrases and vocabulary for Band 7+ responses

Graphs & Charts
Bar charts · Line graphs · Pie charts · Tables
Describe and compare key trends using accurate data. Select the most significant information — do not describe every figure. Always include an overview paragraph.
Introduction
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Overview
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Body 1
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Body 2
I
Introduction
1 sentence only
1
Paraphrase the question
Describe what the graph shows and the time period. Never copy the question word for word.
The graph illustrates [what is being measured] in [place/context] between [year] and [year].
The bar chart compares [what is being compared] across [number] [categories/countries/years].
The line graph shows how [subject] changed over a [X]-year period from [year] to [year].
The pie charts provide a breakdown of [subject] in [year] and [year] respectively.
The table presents data on [subject], comparing figures across [categories] in [timeframe].
The line graph illustrates the proportion of households in four European countries that had access to the internet between 2000 and 2015.
O
Overview Paragraph
2 sentences — no data
1
Identify the 2 most significant trends
State the main patterns without using specific figures. This is the most important paragraph for your band score.
Overall, it is clear that [main trend 1], while [main trend 2].
In general, [subject] rose considerably over the period, with [category] consistently recording the highest figures.
The most striking feature of the data is that [key observation], although [contrasting trend].
Overall, [subject A] experienced significant growth throughout the period, whereas [subject B] showed a marked decline.
What is particularly notable is that [most significant observation], with [secondary observation] also evident.
Overall, it is clear that internet access increased in all four countries over the period, with Sweden consistently recording the highest rates. The most striking feature is the significant gap between the leading and lowest-ranked nations, which narrowed considerably by 2015.
1
Body Paragraph 1 — Main Trend
3 steps
1
Identify the trend
Name the most significant trend or pattern without data yet.
With regard to [category], there was a [adjective] [rise/fall] over the period.
[Category] saw the most dramatic increase, climbing steadily throughout the period.
Looking at [category] in particular, the figures rose [adverb] between [year] and [year].
The most notable feature of [subject] was the [sharp/gradual/steady] [increase/decline] in [category].
2
Support with specific figures
Add precise data to evidence the trend you have identified.
The figure stood at [X] in [year], rising to [Y] by [year], an increase of [Z] percentage points.
In [year], [category] accounted for approximately [X]%, compared with just [Y]% in [year].
Having started at [X] in [year], the figure climbed [adverb] to reach a peak of [Y] in [year].
By [year], the proportion had [risen/fallen] to roughly [X], compared with [Y] a decade earlier.
3
Make a comparison
Compare this trend with another category or time period to add depth.
This contrasts sharply with [category], which remained relatively stable at around [X] throughout the period.
In comparison, [category B] recorded significantly lower figures, peaking at just [X] in [year].
While [category A] rose considerably, [category B] followed a very different trajectory, declining from [X] to [Y].
By contrast, [category B] experienced a far more modest [increase/decline] over the same period.
With regard to Sweden, internet access increased dramatically over the period, rising from approximately 40% in 2000 to over 90% by 2015. This represents one of the steepest rates of growth in the dataset. In comparison, Turkey recorded significantly lower figures throughout, beginning at just 5% in 2000 and reaching approximately 50% by the end of the period, less than half of Sweden's final figure.
2
Body Paragraph 2 — Second Trend or Contrast
3 steps
1
Introduce the second trend
Open with a linking phrase that signals you are moving to a new point.
Turning to [category/the remaining countries], the picture is somewhat different.
With respect to [category B], the data reveals a [contrasting/similar] pattern.
In terms of [second feature], [subject] showed a notably [different/comparable] trend.
Regarding [second category], figures [rose/fell/fluctuated] over the period, in contrast to the pattern seen in [first category].
2
Support with figures
Provide specific data for this second trend.
The figure for [category] began at [X] in [year] before [rising/falling] to [Y] by [year].
After [rising/falling] steadily until [year], the figure plateaued at approximately [X] for the remainder of the period.
[Category] fluctuated between [X] and [Y] before settling at around [Z] by the end of the period.
3
Close with a comparison or notable detail
End with a meaningful observation that ties back to the overall trend.
Despite this growth, [category] remained the lowest-ranked throughout the entire period.
Notably, [category A] and [category B] followed broadly similar trends, both recording [description] by [year].
By the end of the period, the gap between [highest] and [lowest] had narrowed [considerably/slightly] compared with [year].
Turning to the remaining two countries, France and Denmark followed broadly similar upward trajectories, though both fell between Sweden and Turkey in terms of overall levels. Denmark began the period at around 35%, rising to approximately 85% by 2015, while France started slightly lower at 25% and reached just under 80%. Despite their growth, neither country closed the gap with Sweden significantly over the period.
Key Vocabulary — Graphs & Charts
Verbs of movement
rosefellsurgeddeclinedfluctuatedplateauedlevelled offrecoveredpeakeddipped
Adverbs of degree
dramaticallysharplysteadilygraduallymarginallyconsiderablyrapidlyslightly
Adjectives for trends
significantgradualsteepmodestconsiderabledramaticmarginalsharp
Time and comparison phrases
between X and Yover the periodby contrastwhilewhereasin comparisonover the same periodthroughout
Approximation language
approximatelyroughlyjust underjust overaroundnearlyalmosta little under/over
What NOT to do at Band 7
Do not give opinions or evaluate the data — write only what the graph shows.
Do not copy the question — always paraphrase using your own words.
Do not describe every single figure — select and group the most significant trends.
Do not forget the overview paragraph — it is essential for a Band 7+ score.
Do not use informal language — avoid contractions and casual expressions.
Processes
How something is made · Natural & man-made cycles
Describe each stage in logical sequence using passive voice and sequencing language. Do not give opinions. Cover every stage shown in the diagram.
Introduction
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Overview
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Body 1
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Body 2
I
Introduction
1 sentence only
1
Paraphrase — describe what the diagram shows
State what is being produced or what process is illustrated. Do not describe any stages yet.
The diagram illustrates the process by which [product/material] is [produced/manufactured/generated].
The diagram shows the stages involved in the production of [product] from [raw material] to [final stage].
The diagram presents the [natural/man-made] process of [what is happening], from [start] to [end].
The diagram outlines the steps required to [produce/create/generate] [product or outcome].
The diagram illustrates the process by which cement is produced and subsequently used in the manufacture of concrete.
O
Overview Paragraph
2 sentences — no stage detail
1
State the number of stages and whether the process is linear or cyclical
Give a general summary of the process. State whether it ends or loops back to the beginning.
Overall, the process consists of [number] distinct stages, beginning with [first stage] and culminating in [final stage].
In general, the process is [linear/cyclical], involving [number] main stages before [the final product is achieved/the cycle repeats].
Overall, it is a [complex/straightforward] [number]-stage process, beginning with [first input] and ending with [final output].
The process is cyclical in nature, with the final stage feeding back into the beginning of the cycle.
Overall, the process consists of six distinct stages, beginning with the crushing of raw limestone and clay and culminating in the production of finished concrete. It is a linear process that requires both natural materials and machinery at various points.
1
Body Paragraph 1 — First Half of the Process
3 steps
1
Describe the opening stage
Begin with the very first stage of the process using sequencing language.
The process begins with [first action], whereby [description of what happens].
In the first stage, [material/substance] is [verb — passive] before being [next action].
Initially, [raw material] is [collected/gathered/extracted] and [next action].
The first stage involves [action], after which [material] is [next step].
2
Describe the middle stages in sequence
Link each stage clearly using sequencing language. Use passive voice where appropriate.
Following this, the [material] is [verb] and then [next process].
Subsequently, it is [heated/filtered/transported/combined] with [material] to [produce/create/form] [output].
Once [previous stage] is complete, the [material] is [next action], resulting in [output].
At this point, [material] undergoes [process], after which it is [next stage].
3
Link to the second half
End with a transition that signals the process continues in the next paragraph.
At this stage, the [material/product] is ready to undergo the second phase of the process.
The [output] is then passed to the next stage, where it is [next action].
This intermediate product then moves to the second half of the process, which involves [brief description].
The process begins with limestone and clay being crushed into a fine powder using a crusher. Following this, the powder is mixed together and fed into a rotating heater, where it is exposed to very high temperatures. Subsequently, the heated mixture is ground in a grinder to produce cement powder, which is then packaged and stored in bags ready for the next stage of production.
2
Body Paragraph 2 — Second Half to Final Stage
3 steps
1
Continue the process from where Body 1 ended
Pick up seamlessly from the previous paragraph using a clear sequence marker.
In the next stage of the process, [material] is [verb] to [produce/create] [output].
The second phase of the process involves [action], during which [description].
At this point, the [product from stage 1] is combined with [other materials] and [next action].
2
Describe the remaining middle stages
Continue describing each stage in sequence. Vary your sentence structure.
This is then [verb] before being [next action], ultimately producing [intermediate output].
The [material] passes through [stage], where it is [action], resulting in [outcome].
Once [previous step] is complete, the [product] is [next action] and moved to the final stage.
3
Describe the final stage and output
Close with the final stage and the end product clearly stated.
Finally, the [product] is [verb], resulting in the completed [final output].
In the final stage, [material] is [action] to produce [end product], which is then [distributed/used/stored].
At the last stage of the process, the [output] is [action], completing the [production/cycle].
In the second phase, the cement is combined with water, sand, and gravel in a concrete mixer. The proportions used vary depending on the required strength of the final product. Once all the ingredients have been thoroughly mixed, the resulting concrete is poured and used in construction. This marks the final stage of the process, with the finished concrete being ready for immediate use in building projects.
Key Vocabulary — Processes
Sequencing language
firstlysubsequentlyfollowing thisat this pointonce... is completethe next stage involvesfinallyafter which
Passive voice structures
is heatedare transportedis then convertedare collectedis fed intois combined withis groundare packaged
Process verbs
extractfilterconverttransportcombineseparateproducegeneratecrushcollect
Describing stages
the process begins withthe first stage involvesin the next stageat the final stagethis results inculminating in
What NOT to do at Band 7
Do not use active voice when passive is more appropriate — write “is heated” not “they heat it”.
Do not miss out stages — account for every step shown in the diagram.
Do not number stages (1, 2, 3) — use sequencing language instead.
Do not give an opinion about the process — describe it objectively.
Do not write in future tense — use present simple passive throughout.
Maps
Changes over time · Comparison of two plans or locations
Describe changes and features systematically by area. Use precise location language and the correct tense. Always note what stayed the same as well as what changed.
Introduction
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Overview
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Body 1
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Body 2
I
Introduction
1 sentence only
1
Paraphrase — state what the maps show
Name the location and whether the maps show change over time or a comparison between two plans.
The maps illustrate how [place] has changed between [year] and [year].
The maps compare the layout of [place] in [year] with its proposed redevelopment in [year/the future].
The two maps show the development of [place] over a [X]-year period, from [year] to [year].
The maps depict the changes that took place in [place/town/island] between [year] and [year].
The maps illustrate how the town of Islip changed between 1975 and the present day, showing significant urban development across the area.
O
Overview Paragraph
2 sentences — no specific detail
1
Identify the most striking overall change or difference
State the biggest overall development. Mention if any areas remained unchanged.
Overall, the most significant change is the [substantial/considerable] expansion of [area/facility], which now dominates the [northern/southern/central] part of the map.
In general, [place] underwent considerable development over the period, with new [housing/roads/facilities] replacing much of the original [farmland/greenery/buildings].
The most striking feature of the maps is the extent to which [type of land use] has been replaced by [new development], while [area] appears to have remained largely unchanged.
Overall, the two maps suggest a dramatic transformation of the area, with [old feature] giving way to [new development] across much of the site.
Overall, the maps suggest that Islip underwent significant urbanisation over the period, with agricultural land on the outskirts of the town being replaced by new housing and roads. The town centre itself remained largely unchanged, though several new facilities were introduced to serve the growing population.
1
Body Paragraph 1 — First Area
3 steps
1
Identify the area you are describing
Anchor the reader with a clear location reference before describing what changed.
In the [northern/southern/eastern/western] part of the map, [description of area in first map].
The [centre/outskirts] of [place] was originally [description] but has since [changed to].
To the [north/south] of [landmark], [description of what was there].
The area [adjacent to/opposite/alongside] [landmark] was [description] in [year].
2
Describe what was originally there
Use past tense to describe the original layout or Plan A.
In [year], this area consisted of [description], with [feature] located to the [direction].
The original map shows [feature] in this location, surrounded by [description].
At that time, the [direction] of the map was dominated by [feature/land use].
3
Describe what replaced or changed it
Describe the changes using change language. Note anything that stayed the same.
By [year], this area had been [replaced by/converted into/developed into] [new feature].
The [original feature] was demolished and replaced with [new development].
A new [facility/road/housing estate] was constructed [to the north/in the centre] of the site.
The [feature] remained unchanged, continuing to occupy the [direction] of the map.
In the northern part of the map, the original farmland that stretched across the area in 1975 has been entirely replaced by a large housing estate. To the east of the main road, a new school was constructed, providing education for the growing residential population. The main road itself remained in place throughout the period, though it was widened to accommodate increased traffic.
2
Body Paragraph 2 — Second Area
3 steps
1
Move to a different area of the map
Use a linking phrase to signal you are describing a new part of the map.
Moving to the [southern/eastern/western] part of the map, [description of area].
The [centre/southern outskirts] of [place] also underwent significant change over the period.
Turning to the [direction] of the site, [description of original state].
In contrast to the [northern/eastern] area, the [southern/western] section [description].
2
Describe the original state and the change
Cover both what was there and what replaced it, noting any unchanged features.
Whereas previously this area was [description], it has since been [converted/developed/extended] to include [new features].
In contrast to the original layout, the [area] now features [new development] where [old feature] once stood.
Compared with the earlier plan, this section has seen [major/minor] changes, with [new feature] added [to the direction].
3
Close with a notable observation
End with an observation about the overall transformation of the area.
Despite these changes, [feature] remained unchanged throughout the period, providing continuity with the original layout.
Overall, the [area] was transformed significantly, though [feature] was retained, suggesting [interpretation — optional].
By [year], the [area] was virtually unrecognisable compared with its appearance in [original year].
Moving to the southern section of the map, the original woodland and open fields visible in 1975 have been largely cleared to make way for a retail park and car park, located adjacent to a newly constructed ring road. In contrast to the northern area, where some green space was preserved, the southern portion has been almost entirely given over to commercial development. Despite these extensive changes, the river running along the southern boundary remained unchanged throughout the period.
Key Vocabulary — Maps
Location language
to the north ofin the centreadjacent tooppositealongsideon the outskirtsto the east ofat the southern end
Change language
was replaced byhas been converted intowas demolisheda new X was constructedremained unchangedwas extendedwas developedwas cleared
Comparison language
whereas previouslyin contrast to the original layoutcompared with the earlier planby contrastwhile in the original map
Map verbs
expandredeveloprelocatedemolishconstructintroduceremovewidenextend
What NOT to do at Band 7
Do not use vague location language — avoid “here”, “there”, or “this place”.
Do not describe changes randomly — work systematically through the map area by area.
Do not omit features that stayed the same — noting unchanged elements shows full task coverage.
Do not use the wrong tense — past tense for changes, present perfect for current state.
Do not give an opinion about whether the changes are positive or negative.