The basic paragraph structure of Task 1 writing is quite simple:
1. Introduction: Explain in your own words what the graph(s), table(s), or diagram(s)
is showing
2. Overview: In general terms, tell what main/interesting features are.
3. Body 1/2: Explain these features in detail. If you have numbers, this is a good
place to include them. Use two body paragraphs if you have two
graphs/tables/diagrams.
Before you start writing your response, make sure you take a few moments to carefully
read the question or task. It will help you better prepare your answers.
Don’t forget to:
Take notes and write down ideas you think might be suitable for your answer
Highlight keywords in the task or question to better understand what you need to
address in your response
Do a quick outline to organise your thoughts in response to each
Expand on your ideas with examples, supporting details, etc.
Tip 2: Break your ideas into paragraphs
Once you have chosen your ideas, it is time to start writing. To keep your answers
well organised, you must write in paragraphs. Each paragraph should contain a clear topic that is
developed within the paragraph.
Make sure you do not write in bullet points or in point form.
Tips 3: Use the correct format in your response
In Academic, Writing Task 1, when describing a graph, chart or diagram in the question, make
sure you have:
An introduction - rewording of the question
Body paragraph(s) - key details, their relevance, comparisons, etc.
An overview or summary of the main ideas.
For the Writing Task 2 essay, you will write using essay format. You should have:
An introductory paragraph where you write the thesis statement – what the essay will
be about
Body paragraphs (usually 2 to 3) with clearly defined topics supported with details
and examples
A conclusion summarising the points in your essay.
Tip 4: Keep an eye on time
The Writing test takes 60 minutes, so make sure you plan your time accordingly. Most test takers
spend approximately 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. But make sure
you leave some time at the end to quickly review your answers and make any necessary
changes to your responses.
Tip 5: Use cohesive devices to keep your writing organised
Cohesive devices help you connect your ideas and help keep your writing
responses organised. Use these words and phrases to connect your ideas and help your reader
follow your writing.
Some cohesive devices you could use, include:
Furthermore
However
Next
First, second, third
Finally
So
Then
In addition
How to structure your introduction?
The introduction should begin by talking about what the graph/bar/table talks about. Ideally, you
need to begin with one or two sentences that state what the IELTS writing task 1 shows.You can
do this by paraphrasing the title of the graph and by making sure you put in a time frame if there
is one.
The question says:
The line graph below shows changes in the amount and type of fast food consumed by Australian
teenagers from 1975 to 2000.
And you can paraphrase the question by saying:
The line graph given here compares the fast food consumption for a period of 25 years between
1975 and 2000, of teenagers in Australia
In this way, you have managed to say the same thing as the title, but in a different way.
The sentence following this can be a small overview stating what the main trend(s) in the graph
are. You don’t have to provide in depth details as this statement will only cover description of
what is happening overall
For example, continuing with the same graph used above, the second statement in your answer
could be:
Overall, the consumption of fish and chips declined over the period, whereas the amount of pizza
and hamburgers that were eaten increased.
This covers the main changes that took place over the whole period.
If you noticed, the example here used words and phrases like “the graph given here” and
“declined”, “increased” and so on. The usage of such words in the introduction is as important as
structuring the introduction correctly is.
What kind of vocabulary to use in the introduction?
Introductory phrases:
The graph/table shows/indicates/illustrates/reveals/represents…
It is clear from the graph/table…
It can be seen from the graph/table…
As the graph/table shows,…
As can be seen from the graph/table,…
As is shown by the graph/table,…
As is illustrated by the graph/table,…
From the graph/table it is clear….
Vocabulary (words) that can be used in the introduction paragraph:
Decline
Increase
Upward
Downward
A word of Caution
1. Avoid using phrases like “We can see from the graph…”
2. The phrase according to generally means that the information has come from another
person or source, therefore avoid using phrases like “according to the graph….”
Hence, both the structuring and the kind of vocabulary used in the introduction are
important because these will pave the way for the rest of your answer. This is the part
where the examiner will start the assessment of your writing skills and therefore you need
to make sure it is written in the best possible way and as per the IELTS norms.
