Writing Task 1 includes the explanation to different images such as line graphs, bar charts, tables, pie charts, and diagrams. This blog includes the format which follows the typical four-paragraph structure and also includes the phrases and clauses which can be adapted to elaborate the different tasks.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Format
 

1. Introduction

First of all, paraphrase the given statement of the graph in the question to introduce what type of graph is given which includes title of the given visual, values on X-axis and Y-axis.
Structure:

• The [type of image, e.g., line graph, bar chart, table, pie chart, diagram] illustrates/shows/displays/provides the information about [the title of the image].
• On X-axis, the year are mentioned from [starting year] to [ending year] and it compares [the different categories or sectors (if applicable)]." And on Y-axis data is provided in percentage/ millions etc.

2. Overview

Overall summary is used to summarize the main trends, patterns, or key features only, not to provide any figure or details of any data.
Structure:

• Overall, it is noticeable that [mention the trends in terms of upward, downward or fluctuating trends or mention those categories which have the highest or lowest patterns]."
• It is evident from the given graph that [brief the main points or comparisons]."

3. Body Paragraph 1

Start the explanation with the initial key features, trends, or comparisons from the data and then move towards the most important trends or comparisons.

• Structure: Start the explanation from the initial year or the time period mentioned and afterwards start mentioning the trends or the comparison using the set of vocabulary.

Possible verbs: 

There are two main grammatical structures candidates can use to describe trends.

4. Body Paragraph 2

In the second paragraph of the explanation, continue from the mid-year and move towards the ending. Do not repeat any of the trend explained in the first body paragraph. Only include any remaining key points. Use connectors this will link the entire explanation in the sequence:
For Instance: 

Linking Words used in IELTS Academic Writing

1. If information has to be added: Moreover, Furthermore, Additionally, In addition, Also

2. Contrasting Information: However, On the other hand, Nonetheless, Although, Even though, While, Whereas

3. Cause and Effect: Consequently, As a result, Hence, For this reason, Because of this

4. Examples: For example, For instance, Such as, To illustrate, In particular

5. Comparing Ideas: Similarly, Likewise, In the same way

6. Highlighting or Emphasizing the Particular Information: Indeed, In fact, Undoubtedly, Certainly, Above all

7. Showing Sequence or Order:  Firstly/Secondly/Thirdly, Next, Then, Finally

8. Summarizing: In Conclusion, In summary,  In brief, In short, Overall

9. Adding Conditions: If, Unless, Provided that, As long as, In case

10. Showing Purpose: In order to, So that, For the purpose of

11. Contradicting Expectations:  Even so, Despite this, Regardless, Yet, On the contrary

Example:
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The chart below gives information on the percentage of British people giving money to charity by age range for the years 1990 and 2010. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Task Prompt: 
Introduction: The vertical bar graph shows the percentage of Britishers donating money, separated by FIVE different age groups, in 1990 and 2010. The money denoted is provided in percentage.

Overview: Overall, it is noticeable the proportion of the money donated in the year 1990 was more by the age groups between 18 and 50 compared to 2010 whereas the people between 51 and 65 slightly increased the donation provided by them.

Body Paragraph 1: Firstly, it has been observed that 15% of age group 18-25 donated their income in 1990 which decreased by 10% in 2010. Whereas, 42% of people in the 36-50 age group did charity in 1990, which was the highest figure compared to other age groups but this figure fell to 35% in 2010. Moreover, a significant decline in donations among 26-35 age group was visible as the percentage moved from 31 to 24.

Body Paragraph 2: However, the percentage of age group over 50 had a slight incline in 2010 compared to 1990. In 2010, the 51-65 years old had the highest percentage of people who got involved in charity with nearly 40 percent and this rose from 35% in 1990. Finally, 65+ people also had a slight increment of 3 percent.

LINE GRAPH

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The graph below compares the number of visits to two new music sites on the web.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below.
You should write at least 150 words.

The line graph provides the comparison of the number of visitors on TWO music-related websites for 15 days 15 days duration.

Overall, the maximum hits were noticed on Pop Parade music site compared to Music Choice website except for Day 12 and 13 as on these days more visits were noticeable on Music Choice. The entire graph is in fluctuating trend.

On day 1, 120 thousand visitors were observed on Pop Parade while the Music Choice had around 40 thousand visitors on the same day. The number of hits on Pop Parade declined and were at 40 thousand till the day 7.  On the other hand, Music choice’s visitor figure fluctuated and dropped to 20 thousand.

Moreover, after day 9, Pop Parade’s visitors increased significantly and were noticed over 140 thousand on day 11 but on day 12 and 13 are visits dropped. While the hits on Music Choice website surged to 120 thousand on day 12. On the last two days, the visits to Pop Parade were booming at approximately 170k, while Music choice website visitors’ number declined to approximately 80 thousand.

 

PIE CHART

The two pie graphs provide Chinese household spending in four essential categories in two different years. The budget of each category is given in percentage for 1995 and 2011.

Overall, the budget of food and clothing remained the maximum in both the given years whereas the expenses on medicine and household goods remained the smallest. 

The expenses on the top most important categories clothing and food decreased during the 16 years period. Clothing lost only 1% of its share, going from 19% to 18%, whereas food budget dropped considerably, as in 1995 it consumed 68% of the total income and by 2011 it fell down by 9%.

In both 1995 and 2011, medicine and household goods were noticed as the least and second-lowest spending categories respectively. Still, the expenses on the medicine increased by 7% from 4% in 1995 and spending on household goods surged from 9% to 12%.

Tips for Writing the TASK 1 of Academic Writing:

• Paraphrase Carefully: Avoid copying words directly from the task description. Use synonyms and rephrase sentences.
• Select Key Features: Focus on the most significant trends and data. You don't need to mention every detail.
• Use Accurate Data: Support your descriptions with numbers, percentages, or specific data points.
• Maintain Cohesion: Use linking words and cohesive devices to connect sentences smoothly and logically.