IELTS Writing Task 1: Complete Guide

In IELTS writing task 1, you will describe a table, line graph, bar chart, pie chart,
process diagram, or map.  You must write 150 words minimum.

Sample Task 1 Question

The graph below shows the amount of money spent on books in
Germany, France, Italy, and Austria between 1995 and 2005.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features,
and make comparisons where relevant.

Write Task 1 in Four Simple Steps

1. Paraphrase the question
2. Write an overview sentence
3. Write two body paragraphs
4. Combine and check

1. Paraphrase the question

The first sentence should paraphrase the information in the
question.  Paraphrase means to rewrite without changing the meaning.
Example question: The graph below shows the amount of money spent on
books in Germany, France, Italy, and Austria between 1995 and 2005.
Paraphrased question: The chart depicts the quantity of money
expended on books in Germany, France, Italy, and Austria between 1995
and 2005.
All the information is the same.  However, some key words were replaced with
synonyms.
shows → depicts
amount of money → quantity of money
spent → expended
Some information, like the names of the countries and the years cannot be
changed because it is exact information and there are no suitable synonyms. 
This is okay.
The purpose of paraphrasing the question is to show the examiner that
you understand  the question and know how to introduce the topic of your
essay.

2. Write an overview sentence(s)

In an overview sentence, you will select the main features of the graph.  You
should NEVER  use exact numbers or figures in the overview.
To select the main features we need to find the most important information. 
To decide what is most important, look at the graph above and think about
this:
Describe this graph in 10 seconds or less.

What will you say?  Thinking like this will help you to quickly choose the main
features.   
These are two main features from the graph above:

1. Spending increased in every country and increased the most in

Austria.
2. Germans consistently spent the most on books.
 
Now we are ready to write our overview sentence(s).
Overall, spending on books increased in every country  with the most
substantial growth happening in Austria.  However, Germans
continually spent the most on books.
The overview is usually 1-2 sentences long.  The overview can be a separate
paragraph, or it can be in the first paragraph.

3. Write two body paragraphs

In the two body paragraphs, write about the main trends using details
(numbers/figures) from the chart.  Each trend should have it's own paragraph.
Main trend 1: spending increased in every country and increased the most in
Austria.
Austria started 1995 with the lowest amount of money spent on books at
only 30 million dollars but that figure grew to just over 70 million dollars
by 2005.  France and Italy both had about 50 million dollars in book
sales in 1995 and they both saw book sales rise by 20 million and 12
million dollars, respectively.  
Main trend 2: Germans consistently spent the most on books
Germany began 1995 with the greatest amount of money spent on books
at 80 million dollars and maintained the top spot through 2005.  Despite
seeing a drop in book sales from 1999 to 2003, book sales in Germany
still increased by 15 million dollars from 1995 to 2005.

4. Combine and check

Now, put it all together and write your task 1 response.  Remember to write at
least 150 words.
Use the words below when you are practicing writing a task 1 essay.  

Words for describing change

 Model Essay
The chart depicts the quantity of money that people in Germany, France, Italy
and Austria spent on books between 1995 and 2005.
Overall, spending on books increased in every country with the most
substantial growth happening in Austria.  However, Germans continually spent
the most on books.
Austria started 1995 with the lowest amount of money spent on books at only
30 million dollars but that figure grew to just over 70 million dollars by 2005. 
France and Italy both had about 50 million dollars in book sales in 1995 and
they both saw book sales rise by 20 million and 12 million dollars,
respectively.  
Germany began 1995 with the greatest amount of money spent on books at
80 million dollars and maintained the top spot through 2005.  Despite seeing a
drop in book sales from 1999 to 2003, book sales in Germany still increased
by 15 million dollars from 1995 to 2005.
Check your grammar, spelling, and word count.  The essay above is 157
words.  The first paragraph paraphrases the question.  The second paragraph
is the overview.  The third and fourth paragraphs are detail paragraphs.  If you
use this essay structure, you do not need to write a conclusion.
Print out an  official exam sheet  and practice writing on it.  Practice several essays,
and you will soon be able to see how much space you need to write 150 words.  This
will save you time on the real test and help you be more comfortable.

Task Achievement
Being able to follow the instructions properly. Being able to write a clear, accurate and relevant
description of the information. Being able to focus on the important trends presented as graphic
information.

Coherence and Cohesion

Being able to organise your writing using a suitable structure. Using connective words to link
sentences and paragraphs logically.

Lexical Resources
Being able to use a wide range of vocabulary naturally. Being able to spell accurately and using
the appropriate word formation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Using the appropriate grammatical structures accurately Using a variety of sentence structures.