Academic Task 1 hub
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
In Academic Task 1 you describe a visual, a bar chart, line graph, pie chart, table, map or process diagram, in at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. This guide shows the four-part structure, how to choose the right data, and links to a worked guide for every question type.
In short
- Describe the visual factually in 150+ words, roughly 20 minutes, with no opinions or reasons.
- Structure is fixed: paraphrased introduction, an overview of the main trends, then one or two data body paragraphs.
- Marked on Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
The four-part structure
A reliable Academic Task 1 answer has four blocks. Keep them in order so the examiner can follow your description and award Coherence and Cohesion marks for clear progression.
1. Introduction
Paraphrase the question in one sentence. Change the words but keep the meaning, for example rewrite "The chart shows" as "The bar chart illustrates" and replace "number of people" with "figures for".
2. Overview
State the two or three biggest features, the highest and lowest values, the overall trend, or the main contrast, with no specific numbers. Start it "Overall," to signal it clearly.
3. Body paragraph one
Support the first main feature with selected figures. Group related data and compare it, rather than listing every number on the visual.
4. Body paragraph two
Cover the remaining data with more accurate figures and comparisons. Use exact values such as "rose to 42 percent" and approximations such as "just under a third".
Select and compare, do not list
The most common way to lose marks is copying every figure without grouping or comparing it. Band 7 answers select the most relevant data and link it with comparison language. The table below shows how to move typical Task 1 phrasing up a band.
| Purpose | Band 6 phrasing | Band 7+ phrasing |
|---|---|---|
| Describing a rise | It went up a lot. | Figures climbed sharply, from 12 to 30 million. |
| Comparing two values | A is more than B. | A was roughly twice as high as B. |
| Approximating | About 50 percent. | Just under half, at 48 percent. |
| Stating the trend | The numbers changed over time. | Overall, the upward trend continued across the period. |
| Signalling a peak | It was the highest. | Numbers peaked at 65 million before levelling off. |
Guides for every question type
Each visual type rewards slightly different language. Charts and graphs need trend and comparison vocabulary, maps need location and change-over-time phrasing, and processes need passive, sequencing language. Open the guide for the type you find hardest.
Academic Task 1 questions
What is IELTS Academic Writing Task 1?+
Task 1 asks you to describe visual information such as a bar chart, line graph, pie chart, table, map or process diagram. You write a factual summary of at least 150 words in about 20 minutes, with no opinions or reasons.
How long should Academic Task 1 be?+
Write at least 150 words. Under-length answers are penalised on Task Achievement. Aim for roughly 160 to 190 words so you cover the overview and key data without padding. Spend about 20 minutes, leaving 40 minutes for Task 2.
What should the overview contain?+
The overview states the two or three most important trends or features of the visual, with no specific numbers. It is the single most rewarded sentence group in Task 1, so write a clear overview before adding detailed figures in the body paragraphs.
Which criteria mark Academic Task 1?+
Examiners use four criteria: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each is scored 0 to 9 and the four are averaged for your Task 1 band, which is weighted less than Task 2.
Should I give my opinion in Task 1?+
No. Academic Task 1 is purely descriptive. Adding opinions, reasons or recommendations is off-task and lowers your Task Achievement score. Report only what the visual shows, selecting and comparing the most relevant data.