Continuing for 1 hour, the IELTS writing task 1 academics asks you to answer 2 questions in total. Writing task 1 in your IELTS academic exam comprises writing reports based on the information you have already been provided in the questions. The information can be in the form of charts or graphs.

The questions in Task 1 are predictable, which can be easily mastered. This article will act as your guide to help you master IELTS writing task 1 academics. We will help you understand the intricacies, help you analyse the pattern of questions, and give you tips to enhance your band score. 

Below is given an example of the types of questions you can expect to see in your IELTS writing task 1:

Bar Graph

The bar graph is giving you information about the total number of phone calls made in the UK in terms of minutes of calling, which are further divided into three categories. 

In the question, you will be required to summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features by making comparisons. The question will comprise three parts, wherein you will be asked to summarise your findings in atleast 150 words. The information given in the question is provided with respect to the bar graph. The bar graph forms the pictorial representation of the same question and the third part of the question will ask you what needs to be done. 

You are required to summarise your findings and write in atleast 150 words150 words on the same. 

Maps 

The second type of question you will witness in your IELTS academics writing task 1 is a question based on maps. 

An example can be seen here:

In the example stated above, there are two maps along with a question that asks you to understand the map first and then answer the questions and reflect upon any comparisons. The map shows a pictorial representation of an island before and after the construction of a tourist facility. 

The map based question will require you to summarise the findings based on the pictorial representation provided in the question. You will also be required to make appropriate comparisons, wherever possible. The whole question needs to be answered in atleast 150 words.

Pie Charts

The third type of question you can come across in your IELTS writing task 1 academic section is a pie chart based question. The pie chart based questions are again pictorial descriptions of certain information, further explained in the question. 

The pie chart based question can again be answered in in atleast 150 words by supporting your answers with appropriate reflections and comparison along with reporting the features. 

In the above depicted image, you can review the form of question that can possibly be a part of your IELTS writing task 1. The question shows 4 pie charts, informing you about the ages of populations based in Italy and Yemen. One pie chart shows the population ages in the year 2000 and the second is a projection of the same age demographics in the year 2050. 

Based on your understanding, you will be required to summarise and compare the findings. 

Line graph 

The above stated image is the third type of question that can be a part of your IELTS writing task 1 academics. 

The line graph presented in the question is a part of your pictorial description as a part of your question. Then comes the second part of the question, i.e. the information it is offering you based on the image. The third part of the question requires you to summarise your findings and compare and report the main features. 

The above stated question is a graph based pictorial description of the energy consumption levels in the US based on the different kinds of fuels. The fuels talked about in the image being: natural gas, coal, solar/wind energy, hydropower, and petrol and oil. 

The question states that the line graph depicts the projections of several years, from 1980 till 2030. 

To answer this question, you will be required to summarise your initial findings in the question and report the main features of the information provided in the question. You will also be required to compare, if necessary. Again, the question needs to be answered in atleast 150 words.

Table 

Another type of question, which is a common occurrence in your IELTS academics exam is a table based question. 

The question talks about the information regarding spendings that consumers are making on different items in different countries in the year 2002. The same is supported in a tabular form, which forms the pictorial description of the question. You are required to analyse the data and reflect your findings in your answer sheets. 

The table based question, again, is divided into three parts. The first part of the table itself, the pictorial representation of the data the examiner is seeking from you. The second part of the question describes the necessary information to you, as a part of the information that is depicted in the image. The third part of the question again asks you to summarise your findings from the question and report the main features in your answer sheet. You will also be required to make comparisons in your answers, if necessary. 

The answer needs to be completed in atleast 150 words.

Process Diagram

The image above talks about the sixth type of question that can make a part of your IELTS writing task 1 academics test. 

There are two diagrams presented in front of you, wherein the first diagram is based on the process of producing cement. The second diagram depicts the process of concrete production. The question then further states the following: The diagrams below show the stages and equipment used in the cement-making process, and how cement is used to produce concrete for the building process.

In the question, you will be required to summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make relevant comparisons based on you analysing the image, the data and other information in the same.

The question, here again, comprises three parts, wherein you will be asked to summarise your findings in atleast 150 words. The information given in the question is provided with respect to the process diagram. The diagram forms the pictorial representation of the same question and the third part of the question will ask you what needs to be done. 

Combination of graphs 

The following is an example of the type of question you can expect in your exam:

Of all the types of questions appearing in this section, this is a little tricky when it comes to writing. 

Why?

Since you are required to analyse two different data sets. One occurring in the form of a pie chart, here for example. And the second occurring in the form of a table. Any combination can be provided in the exam. The combination depicted above in the image is just a sample. 

The image above shows one pie chart that talks about the possible causes of worldwide land degradation. And the table below the chart talks about the possible causes of regional land degradation. 

Both the images are talking about the same topic - land degradation, but in a different manner. One talks about degradation on a macro level and the other talks about it at the micro level. 

The question further gives you information by stating: The pie chart below shows the reasons why agricultural land can become less productive. The table below shows how these causes have affected certain regions during 1990. 

You are required to summarise your findings and write about the main features in your answer sheet. You are also required to compare and reflect other features, wherever necessary and relevant. 

The information given in the question is provided with respect to the combination of data graphs and charts. This is the first part of your question. The diagram forms the pictorial representation of the same question and the third part of the question will ask you what needs to be done. 

Marking Criteria 

Your IELTS examiner will assess your skills based on four major criteria as far as task two is concerned. Every criteria determines 25% of your total score in that section. You will be given a score for every single criteria and then the same will be averaged into a total score for the writing section. 

The criteria are: 

• Task response and achievement 

Your score under this criterion will depend on how well you are in terms of paying attention to the requirements of the question. It will also depend on your skills being relevant in terms of the questions. Going off topic and not making sense will only lead you to a lower score spectrum.  

• Cohesion and coherence 

Concisely crafted pieces, written in not more than four paragraphs with a logically central idea is what your examiner is looking for. Your score in this criterion depends on your ability to present your ideas in a structured manner, with the right linking words supporting the body of the written piece and having a central topic flowing in a particular paragraph. 

• Vocabulary and lexical resource 

You can score well in this particular section by keeping in mind just three things: 

• Your ability to use appropriate words 
• Your ability to use the words in their right collocative manner 
• And, your ability to spell those words right. 

These three tips will go a long way as far as this particular section is concerned. 

• Grammatical accuracy and range

Errors must not be made in the most common grammar rules. You must avoid using the wrong tenses and the wrong verbs as much as possible. Also, you must not forget to focus on the sentence structure and syntax, word order in the sentence, as well as the correct punctuation marks. 

Follow our YouTube channel “Unlock IELTS with Richa” for more such great tips and tricks to crack your upcoming IELTS exam in an easy way. All the best!