IELTS Writing Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1 requires test-takers to produce a minimum of 150 words in 20 minutes. Depending on your test purpose, Task 1 is divided into the Academic Module and the General Training Module.

• The Academic version focuses on reporting visual data.

• The General Training version focuses on letter writing.

This page explains every Task 1 question type, common topics, exam frequency, and study tips, so you can boost your band score efficiently.

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IELTS Writing Task 1 - Academic

Academic Task 1 asks you to describe charts, processes or maps objectively. Examiners mark you on Task Achievement, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range & Accuracy.

7 High-frequency Question Types

Line Graphs

Frequency:

Typical Topics: traffic volume, population growth, economic fluctuations, climate patterns

Study Focus: The task tests your ability to "describe trends” and "compare multiple series.” Master dynamic verbs (soar, plunge, stabilise), time markers (over the 20-year span, during the final decade) and comparative structures. Write a one-sentence overview, then devote body paragraphs to peaks, lows, and intersections. If future years appear, switch to the future tense for projections.

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Bar Graphs

Frequency:

Typical Topics: national education spending, age-group comparison, gender employment rate, product sales

Study Focus: Emphasise "highest/lowest” and "category contrast.” Prepare adjectives (dominant, marginal, negligible) and linking words (whereas, in contrast). Within a paragraph, first compare the same category across entities, then contrast different categories. For crowded legends, group bars with similar movement.

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Pie Charts

Frequency:

Typical Topics: market share, energy portfolio, budget allocation, population composition

Study Focus: Focus on "proportions” and "part-to-whole.” Always give an overall statement (which slice dominates). In details, mix fractions, percentages and change adverbs (roughly, just under). When two-year pies are given, highlight the biggest rise and drop and comment on the overall shift.

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Tables of Data

Frequency:

Typical Topics: GDP figures, internet hours, income levels, crime rates

Study Focus: Scan for "extremes + significant gaps.” Quote precise numbers (9.7 billion, 3 percentage points) and range expressions (from … to …). If many rows/columns exist, use mini-headings or new paragraphs for clarity. Static tables focus on category comparison; dynamic tables must respect the time line.

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Process Diagrams

Frequency:

Typical Topics: manufacturing, food production, recycling system, natural cycles

Study Focus: Sequence and passive voice are vital. Use connectors (first, subsequently, thereafter, finally). Machines or materials become subjects in passive present simple (is heated, are combined). When parallel streams exist, dedicate separate paragraphs to each stream; include input/output figures to comment on efficiency.

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Maps (Spatial Changes)

Frequency:

Typical Topics: urban sprawl, transport upgrades, tourist-site makeover, campus planning

Study Focus: Combine "location” with "change verbs.” Employ directional phrases (to the north of, in the south-eastern corner) and comparison language (was replaced by, gave way to). Start with an overview of main transformations (rural to commercial), then detail each alteration. For dual-time maps, compare past and present; for triple maps, be sure to mention the transitional phase.

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Mixed Graphs

Frequency:

Typical Topics: line + pie on energy use, bar + table on sales data

Study Focus: Integrate multiple visuals. Common order: summarise overall trend (line/bar) first, then provide composition or specifics (pie/table). Group similar information to avoid back-and-forth; distil key similarities and contrasts instead of listing every figure.

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IELTS Writing Task 1 - General Training

GT Task 1 asks you to write a letter of at least 150 words. Band descriptors remain the same, but tone and situational appropriateness are crucial.

2 Core Question Types

Formal Letter

Frequency:

Typical Topics: service complaint, job or accommodation application, request to authorities

Study Focus: Maintain a formal tone and clear purpose. Start with reason for writing, follow a problem-solution body. Apply polite lexis (regarding, would appreciate it if, inconvenience). End with expected action and thanks (I look forward to your prompt response).

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Informal Letter

Frequency:

Typical Topics: invitation, apology, gratitude, personal update

Study Focus: The tone should be conversational and warm. Use friendly salutations (Hi Jack, Dear Mom), contractions and emotive words (can't wait, thrilled). Include anecdotes or shared memories and close with well-wishes (Take care, keep me posted).

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