IELTS Writing - Academic Task 1
One should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The task should consist of at least 150 words.
We can use four paragraphs for IELTS writing task-1.
Para 1 – introduction
Para 2 – body analysis-1
Para 3 – body analysis -2
Para 4 – conclusion (Optional)
Probable Word allocation for each Para:
· Introduction : 30-40 words
· Body paragraph – 1 : 50-60 words
· Body paragraph – 2 : 50-60 words
· Conclusion : 20-30 words
Those who need advance materials, click on the following link to download the PDF of more words and with a sample answer.
Types of Charts
In the IELTS Academic Task 1, you must be able to identify, understand and describe various types of graphic information. This is considered an important academic skill, because it shows you can intelligently and clearly interpret and describe data presented in charts, tables, graphs and diagrams. If you have written your answer very well, even someone who cannot see the graphic should be able to understand what happened.
5 Steps to Mastering Academic task
To prepare yourself to complete Task 1, follow the five steps below:
1. Learn to recognize and identify different graphic forms, such as line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, etc.
2. Know what key information, comparisons and trends to look out for.
3. Practice using the specific vocabulary required to describe those trends.
4. Learn how to follow a plan to start, complete and finish your answer. Use sample Task 1 questions,
5. Included on this website, to practice writing out a full response. At first, do not time yourself. Later, once you've got the hang of it, time yourself and make sure you finish in 20 minutes.
6. Know what NOT to include in your response.
By following the steps above, you will be prepared and confident, no matter what type of question appears in Task 1 of your actual IELTS exam.
Steps 1 & 2 – Identify Types of Charts, Look for Trends
Line Graph
A line graph plots the changes in data over time:
Ask yourself:
· What is the highest level / point?
· What is the lowest level / point?
· Is there a point till when the trend was increasing or decreasing?
· When did the trend change?
Bar Charts
A bar chart consists of rectangular bars arranged horizontally or vertically from the x or y axis.
The length of a bar shows the values it represents. The values are listed on one axis and each bar shows what is being measured on the other axis. Bar charts are useful for comparing data. In studying a bar chart, you may want to look for the following information:
· Which is the tallest bar?
· Which is the shortest bar?
· Have the bars changed over time? How?
· How do the bars compare to each other?
Pie Chart
A pie chart is a circular chart divided into sectors or pie slices. It presents information in segments of a circle or pie, which together add up to 100%. Here's an example:
Ask yourself:
· Which is the largest segment?
· Which is the smallest segment?
· How do the segments compare with each other?
Tables
A table presents information in different categories, making it easy to compare.
The sample table below shows the percentage of students who came to college on foot, by car, bicycle or public transportation, at a College in the year 2010-2011.
Method of Student Travel to College by Percentage
Walking
|
12
|
Bicycle
|
20
|
Car
|
25
|
Public Transport
|
43
|
Look out for the following:
· What is the highest figure?
· What is the lowest figure?
· What is second highest, etc.?
Step 3 – Vocabulary of Trends
To get high marks on the Academic Task 1, you must show the examiner that you know how to use a range of vocabulary to describe and interpret visual information. You must be able to use the appropriate verbs, nouns, adjectives and adverbs to provide precise descriptions.
For a detailed list of essential vocabulary, check the section of this website on Vocabulary for Task 1.
Step 4 – Write your answer according to a plan
To be able to complete Task 1 in 20 minutes or less, write your answer according to the following plan:
1. Write one sentence to introduce the subject and graphic.
2. Write one or two sentences to show the relationship between the data or to comment on the main trend.
3. Write an in-depth description of the information given. Include details from the most important to the least important, depending on time.
4. Write one sentence to conclude your answer.
Step 5 - What not to write
Only describe the data. Don not give your interpretation of it. You are not being asked why you think the data in the chart is the way it is, so do not write about that.
IELTS Writing - Academic Task 1 -
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
The following words and phrases will help you describe trends:
Nouns
|
a rise
an increase a surge a growth a peak a fluctuation a variation a period of stability a plateau a fall a decrease a decline a dip |
Verbs
|
to rise
to increase to surge to grow to peak to skyrocket to fluctuate to vary to fall to decrease to decline to dip to dive to plunge |
Phrases
|
to show an upward trend
to show a downward trend to hit the highest point to hit the lowest point to reach a peak to show some fluctuation to fluctuate wildly to remain stable to remain static to remain unchanged to stay constant to reach a plateau to level off to flatten out the highest the lowest the second highest the third highest compared to compared with relative to |
Adverbs
|
sharply
suddenly rapidly abruptly dramatically significantly steadily considerably markedly slightly gently gradually wildly |
Adjectives
|
sharp
sudden rapid abrupt dramatic steep significant steady considerable marked slight gentle gradual |
Time
|
From …………………. to……. ( from 2000 to 2005)
Between …………and …………. ( between 2000 and 2005)
In ……… ( for any single year)
From ….. for the next/ following ( period) ( from 2000 for the next 5 years)
Over a period of ………. Up to ….. ( over a period of 5 years up to 2005)
For …….(period) up to ……….. ( for 5 years up to 2005)
|
Structure of the information:
· Structure: Subject + verb + adverb + time change + amount changed.
Example:
Rate of unemployment skyrocketed abruptly over a period of 2 years up to 2005 to 45%.
· Structure: There was a/an + adjective+ noun + in + noun + time change + amount changed.
Example:
There was a drastic increase in the rate of unemployment between 2003 and 2005 to 45%.
Preposition problem 1 – by and to
Prepositions are horrid in English. Have another look at the graph:
Note how these two sentences mean exactly the same:
The rate of unemployment rose to 12% in 2010.
The rate of unemployment rose by 5% in 2010.
Preposition problem 2 – in and of
This one is harder. We use “in” to describe changes in things and “of” to describe changes in number or amount. For example,
There was a rise in the rate of unemployment
There was a rise of 5% in the rate of unemployment.
EXAMPLE OF TASK ONE
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The graph below shows the unemployment rates in the US and Japan between March 1993and March 1999.
Write a short report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below.
You should write at least 150 words.
Model answer:
According to the results of the labor-force research published recently, the following conclusions can be drawn from it:
In March, 1993, United States had seven percent of their workforce which might not seem disastrous until compared with Japan, where 2.5% were unemployed. However, the unemployment rate in United States began declining slowly since March 1993, and reached 5% mark in the middle of 1996. Japan turned out to be less lucky, as their unemployment rate doubled in three years. From then on, the percentage of unemployed workforce in United States remained roughly the same — about 5% until March 99, although there were minor falls and rises in the unemployment rate.
As for Japan, the percentage of unemployed fell rapidly by 0.5—0.6% after March 1996, but from summer 1996 and onwards it grew steadily and without any falls to reach 5.0% boundary in March 1999.
The major conclusion that I’ve drawn using the graph, is that number of unemployed in USA decreased by about 2.0% in the course of six years, while in Japan it actually increased by 2.5% percent. As a result, in March 99, both Japan and US had about 5% of their work force unemployed.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The graph below shows the unemployment rates in the US and Japan between March 1993and March 1999.
Write a short report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below.
You should write at least 150 words.
Model answer:
According to the results of the labor-force research published recently, the following conclusions can be drawn from it:
In March, 1993, United States had seven percent of their workforce which might not seem disastrous until compared with Japan, where 2.5% were unemployed. However, the unemployment rate in United States began declining slowly since March 1993, and reached 5% mark in the middle of 1996. Japan turned out to be less lucky, as their unemployment rate doubled in three years. From then on, the percentage of unemployed workforce in United States remained roughly the same — about 5% until March 99, although there were minor falls and rises in the unemployment rate.
As for Japan, the percentage of unemployed fell rapidly by 0.5—0.6% after March 1996, but from summer 1996 and onwards it grew steadily and without any falls to reach 5.0% boundary in March 1999.
The major conclusion that I’ve drawn using the graph, is that number of unemployed in USA decreased by about 2.0% in the course of six years, while in Japan it actually increased by 2.5% percent. As a result, in March 99, both Japan and US had about 5% of their work force unemployed.
(198 words)
