How long should an IELTS Writing Task 1 response be?

The minimum is 150 words. Most Band 7+ responses are 165-185 words. Writing significantly more than 200 words risks wasting time needed for Task 2, which is worth twice as much. Focus on concise, accurate description rather than length.

Should I include all data points in Task 1?

No. Selecting and reporting the most significant data is itself a skill being assessed. Include the overall trend, the highest and lowest values, any notable comparisons, and key turning points. Ignore minor fluctuations that do not contribute to the main story of the data.

Can I give my opinion in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1?

No. Academic Task 1 requires an objective, factual description of the visual information. Do not speculate about reasons or offer interpretations beyond what the data shows. General Training Task 1 (a letter) allows opinions if the letter context requires them.

What is an "overview" in Task 1 and is it required?

An overview is a sentence or two summarising the most significant patterns or trends in the data - a "big picture" statement without specific numbers. It is typically placed after the introduction paragraph. Including a clear overview is essential for Band 6+ and is one of the most common differentiators between average and high-scoring responses.

What is the difference between a line graph and a bar chart Task 1 response?

The structure is similar, but the language differs. For line graphs, use trend language: "rose sharply", "fell gradually", "levelled off", "reached a peak of". For bar charts, use comparison language: "was significantly higher than", "remained relatively stable at", "accounted for the majority of". For both, always include an overview and group similar data for comparison.

Writing9 min read·Updated May 20, 2026

IELTS Writing Task 1 Samples

Sample IELTS Writing Task 1 answers with structure tips, overview writing, and band-focused notes.

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IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer layout with charts and overview callouts

Written by mockDe Editorial Team· IELTS preparation specialists

Last Updated May 20, 2026

9 min read

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What IELTS Examiners Look for in Task 1

What makes a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer?

A Band 7+ IELTS Writing Task 1 response includes a paraphrased introduction, a clear overview of the most significant trends (without specific data), and two body paragraphs that group and compare related data using precise vocabulary. The overview is the single most important element - its absence rarely allows a score above Band 5 for Task Achievement.

Introduction: paraphrase the graph/chart title - never copy the prompt
Overview: state the two most significant trends without numbers - placed after the introduction
Select key data only - do not list every data point, which is penalised as "mechanical copying"
Use precise trend vocabulary: "rose sharply", "remained stable at", "peaked at"

AI-ready answer · mockde.com

Task 1 is assessed on the same four criteria as Task 2, but the Task Achievement criterion asks specifically: Have you described the main features of the visual information clearly and accurately, with appropriate comparisons?

A clear overview (essential for Band 6+)

The overview summarises the most significant trend or pattern without figures. Candidates who omit an overview rarely score above Band 5 for Task Achievement. Place it after your introductory sentence.

Accurate and relevant data selection

Do not describe every single data point - this is a report, not a data dump. Select the most significant values, the highest, the lowest, and the most interesting comparisons or trends.

Appropriate tense use

For historical data (past tense): "The rate rose sharply in 1990." For projected data (future or modal): "The rate is expected to rise." For timeless facts (present): "The chart shows...".

Varied sentence structures and vocabulary

Use a range of reporting verbs (illustrate, depict, compare, reveal) and avoid repeating the same structure in every sentence. Vary the subject of your sentences.

1. The Line Graph: Energy Consumption (1990-2020)

Line graphs test your ability to describe trends over time. The key is grouping similar trends together rather than describing every single year mechanically.

Band 9.0 Model Answer

Hover to view examiner notes

The provided line graph delineates the shifting patternsRight (Band 8+)

An excellent paraphrase of 'shows the changes'. Lexical resource is elevated immediately.

of energy consumption across three distinct fuel sources-coal, oil, and natural gas-over a thirty-year period from 1990 to 2020.

Overall, it is manifestly clear that while coal began as the primary energy source, it experienced a precipitous decline.Right (Band 8+)

The overview is clear, groups the main trend, and avoids using specific data points (numbers).

Conversely, natural gas saw a dramatic surge in usage, ultimately overtaking both coal and oil to become the dominant fuel by the end of the period.

In 1990, coal consumption stood at exactly 50 units, making it the most utilized source. However, this figure plummeted steadily over the ensuing decades,Right (Band 8+)

Strong verb choice ('plummeted') paired with an accurate adverb ('steadily') demonstrates Band 8+ lexical range.

bottoming out at just 20 units by 2020.

In stark contrast,Right (Band 8+)

A highly effective cohesive device used to transition between paragraphs and signal a shift in data trends.

natural gas usage followed a highly upward trajectory. Starting as the least consumed fuel at 30 units in 1990, it more than doubled to reach a peak of 80 units in 2020. Meanwhile, the trajectory for oil was comparatively stable but moderately progressiveRight (Band 8+)

Precise phrasing that accurately captures the subtle upward trend of the blue line without exaggerating.

, rising gently from 40 units in 1990 to end the timeframe at 55 units.

2. The Map: Island Development (2000 vs 2020)

Maps require you to describe spatial changes, the introduction of new facilities, and the removal of old features. Passive voice is essential here.

Ocean

Island in 2000

Palm Trees

Small Pier

Ocean

Island in 2020

Hotel Resort

Expanded Port

New Road Access

Key Grammar: The Passive Voice

When describing maps, you do not know who built the resort or cut down the trees. Therefore, you must use the passive voice:

The trees were cut down to make way for...
A new road was constructed connecting the...

3. The Bar Chart: Band 6 vs Band 9 Comparison

See exactly what differentiates an average candidate from a top-tier candidate. Use the toggle to switch between a Band 6.0 and Band 9.0 response for the chart below.

Frequency of Internet Usage by Age Group (%)

The provided bar chart illustrates the frequencyRight (Band 8+)

Sophisticated, accurate paraphrase of the chart title.

of internet access across four distinct demographic age cohorts.

Overall, a distinct inverse correlation is evident:Right (Band 8+)

Band 9 vocabulary. Identifies the overarching mathematical relationship beautifully.

as age increases, the proportion of individuals accessing the internet on a daily basis diminishes significantly.

Looking at the younger demographics, daily internet engagement is overwhelmingly dominant. A striking 90% of the 16-24 age bracketRight (Band 8+)

Good use of adjectives to contextualize the data rather than just listing numbers blindly.

log on daily, with a mere 2% rarely using the web. This pattern remains strong, albeit slightly weakened, in the 25-44 cohort, where daily usage stands at 80%.

Conversely, the data for older age groups reveals a more fragmented pattern. Among seniors (65+), weekly usage overtakes daily access to become the most common frequency (40%)Right (Band 8+)

Perfect data comparison. Task 1 requires comparing data, not just reporting it.

, while those who rarely use the internet account for a substantial 30%-a figure fifteen times higher than their youngest counterparts.

4. The Pie Chart: Proportion & Fractions

Pie charts test your ability to describe proportions. A Band 9 response will seamlessly convert percentages into fractions (e.g., changing "25%" to "exactly a quarter").

Global Water Usage (1990)

Global Water Usage (2010)

The pie charts compare the proportionRight (Band 8+)

Good paraphrase. Pie charts always show 'proportions' or 'percentages'.

of global water consumption across three distinct sectors-agriculture, industry, and domestic use-in the years 1990 and 2010.

Overall, it is evident that agriculture accounted for the vast majorityRight (Band 8+)

Excellent vocabulary for a dominant pie chart slice.

of water usage in both years. However, while the agricultural share declined over the twenty-year period, water consumption in both the industrial and residential sectors experienced notable growth.

In 1990, agricultural activities consumed almost two-thirds (65%)Right (Band 8+)

Band 9 skill: converting the data '65%' into the fraction 'almost two-thirds'.

of the world's water. By 2010, although it remained the dominant sector, this figure had dropped significantly by 20 percentage points to finish at 45%.

Conversely, the proportion of water required by the industrial sector saw a considerable expansionExaminer Note

Clear description of an upward trend.

, rising from exactly a quarter (25%) in 1990 to 35% in 2010. Similarly, domestic water usage doubled during this timeframe, growing from a minimal 10% in 1990 to comprise one-fifth (20%)Right (Band 8+)

'Comprise' is a high-level lexical choice for pie charts.

of the total global consumption by 2010.

5. General Training: The Letter

If you are taking IELTS General Training (usually for immigration), your Task 1 is a letter, not a graph. The most important factor here is tone. Use the toggle to see how vocabulary changes between a formal complaint and an informal apology.

Prompt: You recently stayed at a hotel and left a valuable item behind. Write to the manager.

Dear Sir or Madam,Right (Band 8+)

Standard opening when you do not know the name of the person you are writing to.

I am writing to reportRight (Band 8+)

Formal opening purpose statement. Do NOT use contractions (I'm) in formal letters.

that I inadvertently left a personal item in my room following my stay at your hotel last weekend.

I occupied room 402 from Friday, March 12th to Sunday, March 14th. Upon returning home, I realized that I had misplaced my silver wristwatch.Examiner Note

Clear, polite statement of the problem without emotional language.

I believe I left it on the bedside table nearest to the window.

This watch is of significant sentimental value to me as it was a graduation gift from my grandfather. I would be immensely grateful ifRight (Band 8+)

Excellent formal phrasing for making a request.

you could ask your housekeeping staff if it has been handed into the lost and found department.

If the watch is recovered, please let me know the cost of postage and I will transfer the funds immediately so it can be mailed to my home address.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,Right (Band 8+)

Must be used to close a letter that opened with 'Dear Sir or Madam'.

John Doe

Task 1 Band Descriptors at a Glance

Band	Task Achievement	Key characteristic
9	Fully covers all requirements	Sophisticated vocabulary and flawless accuracy
8	Covers all key features clearly	Very wide vocabulary; rare minor errors only
7	Covers main features with some detail	Wide vocabulary; a few inaccuracies
6	Addresses main features	Adequate vocabulary; errors do not impede communication
5	Partially addresses the task	Limited vocabulary; noticeable errors throughout
4	Minimally addresses the task	Basic vocabulary; frequent errors

Key Phrases for IELTS Writing Task 1

Introducing the graph

• The chart/graph/table illustrates...
• The diagram compares...
• The data reveals...
• As can be seen from the graph...

Describing upward trends

• rose sharply / steadily / dramatically
• increased by approximately X%
• reached a peak of / peaked at
• climbed to / surged to

Describing downward trends

• fell / declined / decreased gradually
• dropped to a low of
• plummeted / plunged to
• reduced by roughly X%

Making comparisons

• was significantly higher / lower than
• accounted for the majority / minority of
• In contrast to / Unlike...
• Compared with X, Y was...

Describing stability

• remained relatively stable / constant at
• levelled off at approximately
• showed little significant change
• fluctuated around X

Writing the overview

• Overall, the most notable feature is...
• In general, it is clear that...
• The most striking trend is...
• What stands out most clearly is...

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