Academic Writing

Task 1 Task 2
Time Management
Mark 66% or 2/3
Mark 33% or 1/3 Planning: 3 minutes
Revision: 2 minutes
Time 40 minutes
Time 20 minutes Writing: 15 minutes

Word Limit: 250

Word Limit: 150 Word Counting Example

Numbers • 20,000/ 20/ 20.15 = 1 number or word

Question Type
Dates • Twenty Thousand = 2 words
1. Line Graph Time • 11th July = 2 words
2. Bar Chart • 6:30 pm = 1 word
3. Pie Chart • 20% = 1 word (“%” is not counted as a word)
4. Table • a/an/the or in/at/of/about = 1 word
5. Map
6. Diagram/
Process Marking Criteria

Structure 1. Task Achievement 25%

2. Coherence & Cohesion 25%
• Introduction 3. Vocabulary 25%
• Overview 4. Grammar 25%
• Body
Paragraphs
 The chart below shows the expenditure of two countries on
consumer goods in 2010.
500,000
450,000
400,000
pounds sterling

350,000
300,000
250,000 France
200,000 UK
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
Cars Computers Books Perfume Cameras
Topic: The chart below shows the expenditure of two countries on consumer goods in 2010.

Synonyms: The chart illustrates the amount of money spent by two countries on consumer goods in 2010.

Structure: The chart illustrates the amount of money spent on consumer goods in two countries.

Additional Information: The chart illustrates the amount of money spent on five consumer goods (cars,
computers, books, perfume and cameras) in France and the UK in 2010. Units are measured in pounds sterling.
 The chart below shows the expenditure of two countries on
consumer goods in 2010.
500,000

450,000

400,000

350,000
pounds sterling

300,000

250,000
France
200,000
UK
150,000

100,000

50,000

0
Cars Computers Books Perfume Cameras

• The highest amount of money spent on which consumer goods by both the France and the UK
• The least amount of money spent on which consumer goods by both the France and the UK
• The most significant difference in expenditure between the two countries

Overview: Overall, the UK spent more money on consumer goods than France in the period given. Both the
British and the French spent most of their money on cars whereas the least amount of money was spent on
perfume in the UK compared to cameras in France. Furthermore, the most significant difference in expenditure
between the two countries was on cameras.
 The chart below shows the expenditure of two countries on
consumer goods in 2010.
500,000
450,000
400,000
pounds sterling

350,000
300,000
250,000 France
200,000 UK
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
Cars Computers Books Perfume Cameras
Body Paragraph 1: Mention the names of consumer goods and their figures where the UK spent more than the
France.

In terms of cars, people in the UK spent about £450,000 on this as opposed to the France at £400,000. Similarly,
the British expenditure was higher on books than the France (around £400,000 and £300,000 respectively). In the
UK, expenditure on cameras (just over £350,000) was over double that of a France, which was only £150,000.
 The chart below shows the expenditure of two countries on
consumer goods in 2010.
500,000
450,000
400,000
pounds sterling

350,000
300,000
250,000 France
200,000 UK
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
Cars Computers Books Perfume Cameras

Body Paragraph 2: Mention the names of the consumer goods and their figures where France spent more than
the UK.

On the other hand, the amount of money paid out on the remaining goods was higher in France. Above £350,000
was spent by the France on computers which was slightly more than the British who spent exactly £350,000.
Neither of the countries spent much on perfume which accounted for £200,000 of expenditure in France but
under £150,000 in the UK.
The chart illustrates the amount of money spent on five consumer goods (cars, computers, books, perfume and
cameras) in France and the UK in 2010. Units are measured in pounds sterling.

Overall, the UK spent more money on consumer goods than France in the period given. Both the British and the
French spent most of their money on cars whereas the least amount of money was spent on perfume in the UK
compared to cameras in France. Furthermore, the most significant difference in expenditure between the two
countries was on cameras.

In terms of cars, people in the UK spent about £450,000 on this as opposed to the France at £400,000. Similarly,
the British expenditure was higher on books than the France (around £400,000 and £300,000 respectively). In the
UK, expenditure on cameras (just over £350,000) was over double that of a France, which was only £150,000.

On the other hand, the amount of money paid out on the remaining goods was higher in France. Above £350,000
was spent by the France on computers which was slightly more than the British who spent exactly £350,000.
Neither of the countries spent much on perfume which accounted for £200,000 of expenditure in France but
under £150,000 in the UK.
The pie charts below show the comparison of different kinds of energy production of France in two years.
 Other,
1995
4.90%
Nuclear,
6.40%

Coal,
29.80%
Petrol,
29.27%

Gas,
29.63%

2005
Other
9.10%
Nuclear
10.10%
Coal
30.93%

Petrol
19.55%
Gas
30.31%
Topic: The pie charts below show the comparison of different kinds of energy production of France in two years.

Synonyms: The pie charts illustrate the proportion of different types of energy in France in two years.

Additional Information: The two pie charts illustrate the proportion of five types of energy production in France
in 1995 and 2005.
 Other,
1995
4.90%
Nuclear,
6.40%

Coal,
29.80%
Petrol,
29.27%

Gas,
29.63%

2005
Other
9.10%
Nuclear
10.10%
Coal
30.93%

Petrol
19.55%
Gas
30.31%
 • The most significant sources of energy in both years
• The least amount of energy in both years

Overview: Overall, in both years, the most significant sources of energy were gas and coal, which together
accounted for over half the production of energy, while nuclear and other kinds of energy sources generated the
least amount of energy in France. In all types of energy production there was only minimal change over the 10
year period.
 Other,
1995
4.90%
Nuclear,
6.40%

Coal,
29.80%
Petrol,
29.27%

Gas,
29.63%

2005
Other
9.10%
Nuclear
10.10%
Coal
30.93%

Petrol
19.55%
Gas
30.31%
Body Paragraph 1: The slight increase in energy sources between 1995 and 2005.

Energy produced by coal comprised of 29.80% in the first year and this showed only a very slight increase of
about a mere 1% to 30.9% in 2005. Likewise, in 1995, gas generated 29.63% which rose marginally to 30.1% 10
years later.
 Other,
1995
4.90%
Nuclear,
6.40%

Coal,
29.80%
Petrol,
29.27%

Gas,
29.63%

2005
Other
9.10%
Nuclear
10.10%
Coal
30.93%

Petrol
19.55%
Gas
30.31%
Body Paragraph 2:

• Other increment in energy sources between 1995 and 2005

• Decrease in energy sources between 1995 and 2005

With regard to the remaining methods of producing energy, there was an approximate 5% growth in production
from both nuclear power and other sources to 10.10% and 9.10% respectively. Petrol, on the other hand, was the
only source of energy which decreased in production from 29.27% in 1995 to around a fifth (19.55%) in 2005.

The two pie carts illustrate the proportion of five types of energy production in France in 1995 and 2005.

Overall, in both years, the most significant sources of energy were gas and coal, which together accounted for
over half the production of energy, while nuclear and other kinds of energy sources generated the least amount
of energy in France. In all types of energy production there was only minimal change over the 10-year period.

Energy produced by coal comprised of 29.80% in the first year and this showed only a very slight increase of
about a mere 1% to 30.9% in 2005. Likewise, in 1995, gas generated 29.63% which rose marginally to 30.1% 10
years later.

With regards to the remaining methods of producing energy, there was an approximate 5% growth in production
from both nuclear power and other sources to 10.10% and 9.10% respectively. Petrol, on the other hand, was the
only source of energy which decreased in production from 29.27% in 1995 to around a fifth (19.55%) in 2005.
 Country Food/Drinks/Tobacco Clothing/Footwear Leisure/Education

Ireland 28.91% 6.43% 2.21%

Italy 16.36% 9.00% 3.20%

Spain 18.80% 6.51% 1.98%

Sweden 15.77% 5.40% 3.22%

Turkey 32.14% 6.63% 4.35%

Topic: The table gives information about consumer spending on different items in five different countries in 2002.
Synonyms: The table illustrates the proportion of national expenditure on different categories in five countries in
2002.
Structure: The table illustrates the proportion of national expenditure in five countries on different categories in
2002.
Additional Information: The table illustrates the proportion of national expenditure in Ireland, Italy, Spain,
Sweden and Turkey on three categories of items in 2002.

Country Food/Drinks/Tobacco Clothing/Footwear Leisure/Education

Ireland 28.91% 6.43% 2.21%

Italy 16.36% 9.00% 3.20%

Spain 18.80% 6.51% 1.98%

Sweden 15.77% 5.40% 3.22%

Turkey 32.14% 6.63% 4.35%

Overview:
• The highest expenditure on the items
 • The lowest expenditure on the items
• Extra information

Overall, all countries spent most on food, drinks and tobacco. The lowest expenditure was on leisure and
education in the five countries. The expenditure of Turkey overall was higher than the other countries.

Country Food/Drinks/Tobacco Clothing/Footwear Leisure/Education

Ireland 28.91% 6.43% 2.21%

Italy 16.36% 9.00% 3.20%

Spain 18.80% 6.51% 1.98%

Sweden 15.77% 5.40% 3.22%

Turkey 32.14% 6.63% 4.35%

Body paragraph 1:

• The highest proportion

 • Make a comparison between the second highest and the least proportion
• Mention the other proportion

In terms of food, drinks and tobacco, Turkey spent the most at 32.14%. The expenditure of Ireland was also high
(28.91%) compared to Sweden which spent the least (15.77%). Spain and Italy spent 18.80% and 16.36%
respectively.

Country Food/Drinks/Tobacco Clothing/Footwear Leisure/Education

Ireland 28.91% 6.43% 2.21%

Italy 16.36% 9.00% 3.20%

Spain 18.80% 6.51% 1.98%

Sweden 15.77% 5.40% 3.22%

Turkey 32.14% 6.63% 4.35%

Body Paragraph 2:
 • The highest proportion
• The lowest proportion
• Make an average of other proportions

Italy spent more than the other countries on clothing and footwear (9%) as opposed to the lowest expenditure
which could be seen in Sweden at 5.40%. The other three countries spent on average around 6.5%.

Country Food/Drinks/Tobacco Clothing/Footwear Leisure/Education

Ireland 28.91% 6.43% 2.21%

Italy 16.36% 9.00% 3.20%

Spain 18.80% 6.51% 1.98%

Sweden 15.77% 5.40% 3.22%

Turkey 32.14% 6.63% 4.35%

Body Paragraph 3:

• The highest proportion

 • Make a comparison between the highest and least proportions

The lowest expenditure was on leisure and education which accounted for under 5% in all countries. Turkey spent
most on these items at just 4.35% of their national expenditure which is around double that of Spain which spent
the least at just 1.98%.

The table illustrates the proportion of national expenditure in Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Turkey on three
categories of items in 2002.

Overall, all countries spent most on food, drinks and tobacco, which was almost three times that of the other
items. The lowest expenditure was on leisure and education in the five countries. The expenditure of Turkey
overall was higher than the other countries.

In terms of food, drinks and tobacco, Turkey spent the most at 32.14%. The expenditure of Ireland was also high
(28.91%) compared to Sweden which spent the least (15.77%). Spain and Italy spent 18.80% and 16.36%
respectively.

Italy spent more than the other countries on clothing and footwear (9%) as opposed to the lowest expenditure
which could be seen in Sweden at 5.40%. The other three countries spent on average around 6.5%.
The lowest expenditure was on leisure and education which accounted for under 5% in all countries. Turkey spent
most on these items at just 4.35% of their national expenditure which is around double that of Spain which spent
the least at just 1.98%.

The graph below shows the consumption of 3 spreads from 1981 to 2007.
 Consumption of Spreads
180
160
140
120
100
Grams

Margarine
80
Low fat & reduced spreads
60
Butter
40
20
0
1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2007
Year

The graph shows the consumption of 3 spreads from 1981 to 2007.

Synonyms: The line graph illustrates the amount of three spreads between 1981 and 2007.

Additional Information: The line graph illustrates the amount of three kinds of spreads (margarine, low fat and
reduced spreads and butter) which were consumed over 26 years between 1981 and 2007. Units are measured in
grams.
 Consumption of Spreads
180
160
140
120
100
Grams

Margarine
80
Low fat & reduced spreads
60
Butter
40
20
0
1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2007
Year

• The decrease in the consumption of spreads

• The increase in the consumption of spreads
• The most popular spread in the beginning
• The most popular spread in the middle
• The most popular spread in the end

Overview: Overall, the consumption of margarine and butter decreased over the period given, while for low fat
and reduced spreads, it rose. At the start of the period, butter was the most popular spread, which was replaced
by margarine from 1991 to 2001, and following that low fat and reduced spreads became the most widely used
spread in the final years.
 Consumption of Spreads
180
160
140
120
100
Grams

Margarine
80
Low fat & reduced spreads
60
Butter
40
20
0
1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2007
Year

Body Paragraph 1:

• Describe the first data trend

• Describe the second data trend

With regard to the amount of butter used, it began at around 140 grams and then peaked at 160 grams in 1986
before falling dramatically to about 50 grams in the last year. Likewise, approximately 90 grams of margarine was
eaten in the first year after which the figure fluctuated slightly and dropped to a low of 40 grams in 2007.
 Consumption of Spreads
180
160
140
120
100
Grams

Margarine
80
Low fat & reduced spreads
60
Butter
40
20
0
1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2007
Year

Body Paragraph 2:

• Describe the last trend

On the other hand, the consumptions of low fats and reduced spreads only started in 1996 at about 10 grams.
The figure, which reached a high of just over 80 grams 5 years later, fell slightly in the final years to approximately
70 grams in 2007.
The line graph illustrates the amount of three kinds of spreads (margarine, low fat and reduced spreads and
butter) which were consumed over 26 years from 1981 to 2007. Units are measured in grams.

Overall, the consumption of margarine and butter decreased over the period given, while for low fat and reduced
spreads, it rose. At the start of the period, butter was the most popular spread, which was replaced by margarine
from 1991 to 2001, and following that low fat and reduced spreads became the most widely used spread in the
final years.

With regards to the amount of butter used, it began at around 140 grams and then peaked at 160 grams in 1986
before falling dramatically to about 50 grams in the last year. Likewise, approximately 90 grams of margarine was
eaten in the first year after which the figure fluctuated slightly and dropped to a low of 40 grams in 2007.

On the other hand, the consumptions of low fats and reduced spreads only started in 1996 at about 10 grams.
The figure, which reached a high of just over 80 grams 5 years later, fell slightly in the final years to approximately
70 grams in 2007.
The diagram shows the stages and equipment used in the cement-making process, and how cement is used to
produce concrete for building purposes.

Introduction: The diagrams illustrate the way in which cement is made and how it is then used in the process of
making concrete.
 • The starting information + number of stages + the last information
• Connection between the diagrams
• The number of tools + comparison

Overview: Overall, limestone and clay pass through four stages before being bagged ready for use as cement
which then accounts for 15% of the four materials used to produce concrete. While the process of making
cement uses a number of tools, the production of concrete requires only a concrete mixer.
Body Paragraph 1:
• First diagram
• Mention each stage one by one with details

In the first stage of making cement, limestone and clay are

crushed together to form a powder. This powder is then
combined in a mixer before passing into a rotating heater which
has constant heat applied at one end of the tube. The resulting
mixture is ground in order to produce cement. The final product
is afterwards put into bags ready to be used.
Body Paragraph 2:

Second diagram

Regarding the second diagram, concrete consists of mainly

gravel, which is small stones, and this makes up 50% of the
ingredients. The other materials used are sand (25%), cement
(15%) and water (10%). These are all poured into a concrete
mixer which continually rotates to combine the materials and
ultimately produces concrete.
The diagram shows the stages and equipment used in the cement-making process, and how cement is used to
produce concrete for building purposes.

The diagrams illustrate the way in which cement is made and how it is then used in the process of making
concrete.

Overall, limestone and clay pass through four stages before being bagged ready for use as cement which then
accounts for 15% of the four materials used to produce concrete. While the process of making cement uses a
number of tools, the production of concrete requires only a concrete mixer.

In the first stage of making cement, limestone and clay are crushed together to form a powder. This powder is
then combined in a mixer before passing into a rotating heater which has constant heat applied at one end of the
tube. The resulting mixture is ground in order to produce cement. The final product is afterwards put into bags
ready to be used.

Regarding the second diagram, concrete consists of mainly gravel, which is small stones, and this makes up 50%
of the ingredients. The other materials used are sand (25%), cement (15%) and water (10%). These are all poured
into a concrete mixer which continually rotates to combine the materials and ultimately produces concrete.
 N

CENTRE E

Topic: The two maps below show an island, before and after the construction of some tourist facilities.

Introduction: Both maps display an island, before and after it was developed for tourism.
• The length of the island The island is approximately 250 metres long, has palm trees dotted
around it, is surrounded by ocean and has a beach to the west. Over the
• Mention natural features
period, the island was completely transformed with the addition of a hotel
• Mention man-made features
and a pier; however, the eastern part of the island appears to have
• Whatever remain unchanged
been left undeveloped.
 The most noticeable additions are the hotel rooms. 6 buildings,
surrounding some trees, have been built in the west of the island
• Mention the changes inside the island
and 9 buildings have been constructed in the centre of the
island. Between the two accommodation areas, a reception
building and a restaurant have been developed.

• Mention the changes outside the island
A pier has also been built on the south coast of the island,
allowing yachts access to the resort. Apart from the trees, the
beach remains the only natural feature to remain relatively
untouched; however, it does appear that it is now used for
swimming.
Both maps display an island, before and after it was developed for tourism.

The island is approximately 250 metres long, has palm trees dotted around it, is surrounded by ocean and has a beach
to the west. Over the period, the island was completely transformed with the addition of a hotel and a pier; however,
the eastern part of the island appears to have been left undeveloped.

The most noticeable additions are the hotel rooms. 6 buildings, surrounding some trees, have been built in the west
of the island and 9 buildings have been constructed in the centre of the island. Between the two accommodation
areas, a reception building and a restaurant have been developed.

A pier has also been built on the south coast of the island, allowing yachts access to the resort. Apart from the trees,
the beach remains the only natural feature to remain relatively untouched; however, it does appear that it is now used
for swimming.