Guide to IELTS Writing Task 1

Explore the differences between IELTS Academic and General Writing Task 1, and learn how to excel with sample questions.
October 20, 2020 Study Abroad

If you plan to live, study, or work abroad, proficiency in all four language skills—Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing—is essential. Your communication abilities are assessed across these parameters. Before diving into a detailed explanation of IELTS Writing Task 1 for both Academic and General versions, we’d like to highlight the resources available on Yuno Learning’s website. These resources offer expertly crafted answers to IELTS Writing Task 1 questions from recent years, including the most current ones, to help you excel in your preparation.

1. IELTS Sample Charts for IELTS Writing Task 1 

2. IELTS Writing 2024 Questions and Answers  

3. IELTS Writing 2023 Questions and Answers 

4. IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions and Answers 

5. IELTS General Writing Task 1 Tips, Sample Answers and Practice Questions 

What is the objective of testing writing skills in IELTS Writing?

You should have a certain level in all four skills of the language – Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing- to study or work in an English-speaking country. Your communication skills are tested on all parameters. You should be able to communicate effectively even in writing by presenting your opinion with your solution and suggestions. In case you wish to work in an English-speaking country, you may have to communicate through letters. In case you wish to study in an English-speaking country, you should have the ability to describe the information given in the form of tables, charts, etc.

What is asked in IELTS Writing?

You get 60 minutes for the writing test. Whether Academic or General, spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. Task 2 in both – Academic and General – is worth double the marks of Task 1. Though Task 2 is similar for both, it is slightly easier for IELTS General. IELTS Writing Task 1 is different for IELTS General and IELTS Academic.

How are you assessed in IELTS Writing?

You are assessed according to your ability to achieve the following:

  • Task achievement/ Task response: You should be able to cover all the requirements of the task.
  • Coherence and Cohesion: You should be able to present all the information logically in paragraphs.
  • Lexical Resource-Range of Vocabulary: You should be able to use a wide range of vocabulary to convey precise meanings.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy: You should be able to use a wide range of structures. Your sentences should be a good mix of Simple and Complex sentences with rare grammatical errors.

You should be able to use a wide range of structures. Your sentences should be a good mix of Simple and Complex sentences with rare grammatical errors.

It is only by understanding how the IELTS Writing Task 1 scored, that we can identify what we need to include in our answers. There is a major difference between the answers that are scored at band score 5,6,7 and 8. Therefore, to be able to score your required score, we will look into the different criteria and pointers for a good IELTS Writing Task 1 answer. We will also look into a few tips and techniques to increase your score. 

IELTS Writing Task 1 Marking Criteria

The IELTS Writing Task 1 is assessed on the basis of 4 criteria, and each section contributes to 25% of your answer. Therefore, if you take care of each section/criteria, you will be able to get a high score. Let’s look at the criteria:

Task Achievement

This criteria is the most important and simple one. The marks given under this criterion is on the basis of if you could finish the entire answer. Therefore, it is important to manage your time properly so that you can actually finish your answer. 

Going ahead, this criteria includes the quality of information you provide. The examiner will also assess you on your overview, details and accuracy. 

Band Score            Task Achievement 
8A band score 8 answer will have everything accurately put, with a clear overview and highlighted key features. The information will be sufficient and supported by other arguments. 
7This type of answer will have a clear overview and highlighted features. The information will be accurate and supported by subsidiary information. However, there is scope for improvement and development of the answer. 
6This is, as the band score suggests, a step ahead of the previous band score. This type of answer will have a decent overview and key features. The information given, will actually be well selected. However, some of the information may be inaccurate and lack supporting arguments. 
5Lack a proper overview, and key features. There is usually too much information given, without any supporting information to back up your arguments. 

Have a look at these 4 pointers that can help you improve your task achievement for Writing Task 1:

  • Always write facts, and support them with subsidiary arguments. 
  • Make sure to add data & numbers – this will increase the factual accuracy of your answer. 
  • Avoid opinion
  • Write a brief and comprehensive overview 

Coherence and Cohesive

Coherence and Cohesive criteria are two very important criteria that you have to follow. This includes organisation of the information, and level of paraphrasing. The choice of linking words and devices also plays a crucial role here. 

Band  Score                Coherence and Cohesive Criteria 
8A band score 8 answer has everything in it. Good organisation of information, and adequate paraphrasing and linking words. With on point references, the examiner will give you all the marks. 
7A band score 7 answer is likely to be organised with precise levels of paraphrasing and linking words. The loss in band score can be due to overuse of linking words and poor referencing. 
6This type of answer will be organised coherently, with some level of paraphrasing and linking devices. However, there may be errors in linking words and references. 
5An answer that will get you a band score of 5, probably lacks some organisation of information with almost no paraphrasing. There is a high possibility that the answer has a lack of good linking words and referencing. 

Have a look at these 4 pointers that can help you improve your Coherence and Cohesion for Writing Task 1:

  • Do proper planning
  • Add four paragraphs
  • Use linking words
  • Use referencing 

Lexical Resources 

Lexical resource translates to the range of vocabulary one uses in their answer. However, one needs to be careful with the use of vocabulary. There is a balance that the writer needs to strike, and the spelling and appropriate use of words plays a vital role. 

Band ScoreLexical Resource
8An 8 band score answer will have the best use of lexical resources. A wide range of vocabulary and skillful use of uncommon words with next to no errors – distinctive features of such an answer. 
7A band score 7 Writing Task 1 answer will have a decent range of vocabulary and uncommon words with appropriate usage. There may, however, be some errors in spelling. This will be the main reason behind the loss in score. 
6This band score answer will lack clear cut communication. There may be a decent range of vocabulary, but there is a high possibility that the text will be riddled with errors. 
5

A 5 band score answer will have a minimum range of vocabulary with inappropriate use of words. There may also be frequent errors in spelling. 


 

Have a look at these 4 pointers that can help you improve your Lexical Resources for Writing Task 1 –

  • Use a range of words
  • Understand collocations
  • Avoid spelling errors
  • Don’t use wrong words

Grammatical Range and Accuracy 

One must have a very good hold on grammar when it comes to the IELTS exam. You can easily lose marks if you have poor sentence structure, tenses, and control on grammar. 

Band ScoreGrammatical Range & Accuracy
8The answer will be crisp and clear. The text will have a wide range of complex sentences, correct pronunciation and error free vocabulary. 
7Such an answer will showcase the writer’s control over grammar and sentence structures. It will have a variety of complex sentences, which will mostly be error free. The limited error renders the answer short of an 8 band score. 
6The answer in this band score range will have both complex and simple sentences. There may be some grammatical and punctuation errors. However, communication remains clear. 
5A band score 5 is allocated to the lowest levels of grammar. Such an answer will lack complex sentences, or have sentences that only appear to be complex but lack meaning. There may also be punctuation errors. This makes the text very difficult to read and comprehend. 

Have a look at these 4 pointers that can help you improve your Grammatical Range and Accuracy for Writing Task 1 –

  • Use right tenses 
  • Use the right word order
  • Use right punctuation
  • Avoid mistakes
     

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 (20 mins)

In this task, you are required to write a summary of at least 150 words. You should be able to summarize the information presented to you in the form of a graph (bar/line), pie chart, table, or process. In this task, you are required to summarize the following in response to the visual input.

  • Report the main features
  • Describe and compare data
  • Describe a process
  • Identify trends in factual information

How to write this task?

This section will highlight the most important aspect of writing any answer in the IELTS Writing Task, that is, the format. Let’s look at the format of the IELTS Writing Task 1 answer:

Introduction/Overview – IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic 

In Writing Task 1, you must give an overview of the major points. This can be done at the beginning of the answer, and should include the main points or key features given in the form of a graph, chart, table, diagram or map. The overview is an extremely integral part in the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. There is a high possibility that one’s score can get adversely affected if you don’t have the overview. The overview can come even after the body paragraphs. However, it is better to give it after the introductory paragraph.

Paragraph 1 –  IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic 

This is the first paragraph of the answer, and it is extremely important to open the paragraph in the best way possible. However, there are some rules attached to it – you must paraphrase the question to make the opening paragraph. For example, you can start by saying ‘The graph shows…’, or ‘The chart gives…’. 

Moving ahead, one must always keep in mind that this paragraph needs to highlight the key points such as the numerical values. This should be done in a clear cut way. All in all, the first paragraph should not go beyond 2-3 sentences. 

Paragraph 2 –  IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic 

This paragraph should be an overview of the general trends that are associated with the question or visual input. From this point on, you need to be extremely careful of the tense. Unlike the first paragraph that is in present tense, the second paragraph has to be in the accurate tense. It will either be purely in past tense, or in future tense. However, there may be some questions that have continuous data. In such cases, you need to be mindful of the transition from one tense to the next. 

Moving ahead, you must avoid giving detailed descriptions, or mention values and figures. Instead, the best content for this paragraph can be generated by using the most striking features of the visual input. 

Paragraph 3 –  IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic 

This section should be a continuation of paragraph 2, and should provide a detailed description of the striking features that you have introduced in the previous paragraph. This can include a detailed description with numerical values and arguments. You can also draw comparisons between two or three different features provided to you via the visual aid. 

You can use words/phrases like ‘in comparison with’, ‘comparatively’, ‘as compared to’, ‘on the contrary’ – to highlight differences between different aspects. If you want to highlight similarities between two or more aspects, you can use words like – ‘similarly’, ‘likewise’, etc. 

Pro Tip: Try to use a wide range of vocabulary to capture each and every essence of the visual input in your writing. 

Conclusion – IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic 


You must always end your piece with a small conclusion that can be a paraphrased version of the question with some sort of resolve that has been arrived at through the piece that you have written above. 

IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer and Practice Questions

IELTS Writing Task 1 is one of the most versatile sections of the IELTS exam, as there are many different types of questions that can be asked in this section. It is different from Academic and General students. For IELTS Academic, the examinee is provided with a visual input such as diagrams, pie charts, etc.. This is accompanied by a question that needs to be answered by the student. 

In this section, you will find sample questions that you can use for self practice for IELTS Writing Task 1. The answer to each question is also provided to understand how to exactly complete this task. The sample answers provided are of band score 9. 

Let’s take a look at each question type, sample question and answer to help one understand how to write a band 9 answer! 

1. Bar Chart

The chart below shows the number of Olympic medals different countries received till 2016. Write a report for a university teacher describing the information given below. You should write at least 150 words.

How to write this task?

Two sample answers are given below:

  • Sample answer 1 has figures to support and the information is organized. So, it will get a band score of around 8.5.
  • Sample Answer 2 does not have figures to support and the information is not organized properly. So, despite being grammatically correct it will get just around 5.5.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer (High Band Score)

The chart illustrates the number of medals seven countries ( the U.S.A., Russia, Germany, Great Britain, France, China, and Italy) got in the Olympics in 2016. Overall, the U.S.A. surpassed all others in the number of gold, silver, and bronze medals. Germany and Great Britain were second though the number of their medals was nowhere near that of the U.S.A. On the whole, the other countries were far behind the U.S.A. in the medal tally, with Russia being the last. In terms of gold, the U.S.A. led with around 1100 medals, whereas Germany and Great Britain were second (280 each). France and Italy were third (250 each), closely followed by China (around 240). Russia got the least gold medals (200). As regards silver, the U.S.A. had the highest(900), Great Britain was second (300), Germany and France third(around 280), and Italy followed with 210. However, China and Russia lagged behind (around 180 and 170 respectively). In bronze too, the U.S.A. led the medal tally by getting 790. Great Britain was third with 310, followed by France(300) and Germany (290). Italy, Russia, and China got around 220, 190 and 180 respectively.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer (Low Band Score)

The chart illustrates the number of medals seven countries (the U.S.A., Russia, Germany, Great Britain, France, China, and Italy) got in the Olympics till 2016. Overall, the U.S.A.’s performance was the best as it surpassed all others in the number of gold, silver, and bronze medals. Germany and Great Britain were in the second position. However, the number of their medals was nowhere near that of the U.S.A. Comparatively, Russia was the last in the ranking. Germany and Great Britain were second in the number of gold medals, but France ranked second in the number of bronze medals, and Great Britain received the second-highest number of silver medals. Russia got the least number of silver and gold medals and China was the last in bronze medals received by any of these seven countries. Though China’s and Italy’s performance was similar in getting gold, Italy did better in getting silver and bronze. Both beat Russia but fell behind France. On the whole, the other countries were far behind the U.S.A. in the medal tally, with Russia being the last.

2. Diagram Summary


Diagram Summary is one the most common questions that appear in the IELTS Writing Task 1. Under this type of visual input, the question is divided into two parts. The first part has a diagram, such as, the water cycle, or the food chain. The second section is the question part. The question will ideally require the student to explain the diagram. 

Here is a video explaining the Diagram Summary question type, and how to answer such questions: 


Line Graph


Line Graphs are a complex visual representation of varying data under one category. For example, a line graph can be used to show the amount of different gases present in the atmosphere. Since the line graphs are so comprehensive and show comparative data, one needs to be very analytical when looking at one. 

Here is a video explaining the Line Graph question type, and how to answer such questions: 


IELTS Writing Tips

  • Use linkers such as moreover, however, on the contrary, although, etc.
  • Take care of spelling and punctuation.
  • Take care of grammar.
  • Cover all the requirements of the task – don’t leave any points.

IELTS Writing Task – General (20 mins)

You take IELTS General Writing in case you wish to work in an English-speaking country. In this task, you will write a letter in response to a given situation in 150 words. You should not write under 150 words. (Write between 170 and 190 words.) Practice writing on the official IELTS writing paper.

In this task, you are supposed to write a letter in at least 150 words. It can be a personal, semi-formal, or formal letter depending upon the situation. You are supposed to write a letter in response to a given situation, describe a situation, or request information. You get instructions about the points to be included in your letter. You must include all the points in your letter otherwise you will get a low Band Score. Before writing the letter, you must decide which type of letter you have to write. There are three types of letters in the IELTS writing topics and all have a different beginning and a different way of ending. 

Personal letter: You write to someone you know very well – your friend or relative.

  • Dear James or Hi James
  • See you soon or Take care or All the best

Semi-formal letter: You write to someone you don’t know well personally – your landlord or professor.

  • Dear Mr. Holmes
  • Yours sincerely

Formal letter: You write to someone you don’t know – a company or a college.

  • Dear Sir/Madam
  • Yours faithfully

How to write this task?

Plan and structure your letter. 

Salutation 

Paragraph 1 – opening statement(reason for writing) 

Paragraph 2 – the first point with detail 

Paragraph 3 – a second point with detail 

Paragraph 4 – a final point with detail 

Paragraph 5 – closing statement Signing off 

Example:

You have seen an advertisement in an English newspaper for a part-time job in a city restaurant during the holidays. You decide to apply for it. Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. In your letter

  • Introduce yourself
  • Explain what experience and special skills you have
  • Explain why you are interested in the job

Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses.

IELTS Writing Samples

Sample Answer (High Band Score)

Dear Sir/Madam 

I am a second-year student at London University. I am writing this letter in response to your advertisement in today’s newspaper for a part-time job at ‘For All’ restaurant. I have been in London for two years and earlier also I have done part-time jobs during my holidays. My last job was at the City Museum. Now, I am looking forward to another as I have my holidays for a month from next week. The part-time job gives me an opportunity to interact with the locals as well as tourists from across the world. Additionally, it provides me with the chance to practice my communication skills in English. This part-time job will also help me financially as by working during my holidays, I will be able to earn some money to support myself here. I am open to working different shifts. Please let me know when I can come for the interview.

I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Yours faithfully

Sample Answer (Low Band Score)

Dear Sir/ Madam 

I am a second-year student at London University. I am writing this letter in response to your advertisement in today’s newspaper for a part-time job at ‘For All’ restaurant. I am in London for two years and earlier also I have done part-time jobs during my holidays. My last job was at the City Museum. The part-time job gives me an opportunity to interact with the locals as well as tourists from across the world. Additionally, it provides me with the chance to practice my communication skills in English. This part-time job will also help me financially as by working during my holidays, I will be able to earn some money to support myself here. 

I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Yours faithfully

IELTS Writing Tips

  • Read the instructions carefully to decide the type of letter.
  • Spend 3-4 minutes on planning the letter type and the details to be included.
  • Your language and vocabulary must suit the type of letter.
  • Plan what information you are going to include to support your points in each paragraph.

Types of Questions

  • Application letter
  • Apology letter
  • Amendment letter
  • Complaint letter
  • Letter to a friend
  • Invitation letter
  • Instruction letter
  • Request letter

IELTS Writing Task 1 FAQs:

Is Task 1 the same for the General IELTS Writing and the Academic IELTS Writing?

No, it is different for both. In the General Writing Task 1, you are asked to write a letter whereas, in Academic Writing task 1, you are required to write a report or a summary on the basis of the information provided to you in the form of a graph, chart, table, etc.

What is the worth of writing task 1 as compared to writing task 2?

Writing task 2 has double the worth of Writing task 1.

Is Academic Task 1 marked the same way as General Task 1?

No, the criterion is slightly different on the basis of task achievement.

How much time should I take for Task 1?

You get 20 minutes for task 1 and you should not take more than 20 minutes for it.

Do the spellings matter in Task 1?

Yes, the spellings matter in Task 1. The examiner will penalize you for the wrong spelling.

What type of letters comes in General Task 1?

You can be asked to write a formal, semi-formal, or formal letter, such as a letter to a friend, a letter for inquiry, and a letter to complain.

What type of questions comes in Academic Task 1?

In Academic Task 1, you are asked to write a report or a summary based on the information provided to you. In General Task 1, you are asked to write a formal/ semi-formal/ formal letter.

Will I have to write a conclusion in Task 1?

In Academic Task 1, you should not write a conclusion as you have an overview paragraph. In the General Writing Task 1, you are asked to write a letter. 

Will I be penalized if I write under 150 words?

Yes, you will be penalized if you write under 150 words.

How many paragraphs should I have in Task 1?

You should have 4-5 paragraphs in Task 1.

FAQs of the IELTS Comprehensive Course

Are all these group classes or will I get 1-to-1 instruction too?

Our instruction is divided between group classes and one-to-one. For conceptual topics, we generally deliver group classes but we use one-to-one sessions for writing feedback, speaking practice, and mock test feedback analysis. To compare exactly how many group and one-to-one sessions are there in each of our courses, refer to the course comparison page

Are these courses specific to IELTS Academic or General?

Both types of test takers can enroll in any of the above courses. Since most of the content is similar to IELTS Academic and IELTS General exams, there will be common group classes. At the same time, trainers will ensure that there are separate classes whenever required. So you can enroll for any of these courses without worry whether you are preparing for the Academic or the General version of the IELTS exam.

Can I attend classes from my phone?

Yes, you can. Zoom works on all sorts of devices but we highly recommend that you attend classes from your PC (desktop or laptop) because the instructor would show you different things during the class and the mobile screen is too small to study well. However, we have several students who attend the classes on their mobile phones and are happy about it.

Can I get a discount?

We offer our courses at very low prices compared to the rest of the industry. So we don’t usually offer discounts. If you are someone who cannot afford to pay the full amount because you truly have financial constraints, please contact us at [email protected].

Do I get a free demo of the live class?

Yes, you will be able to attend up to two demo classes, for free and then decide if you would like to enroll in the course.

Do I have to buy any books or course materials?

No, all course material will be provided to you by us. We will be sending you the book called, “The Official Cambridge Guide To IELTS Student’s Book With Answers With DVD ROM” to practice full-length mock tests. This book is part of the course fee. We will deliver the book to your doorstep during the second week of the course. In addition to that, you can access our free resources for IELTS Writing Task 1 anytime.

Do I have to use some special software?

We use Zoom software for our live classes. It’s free to use and works just like Skype. It works both on a PC as well as on mobile phones. If you haven’t installed it already, please install it from this link: https://zoom.us/support/download

Do you guarantee a particular band score?

Getting your target band score depends on your current level of English and the target you have in mind. We are the experts in IELTS training and what we guarantee is that you will not find a better quality, more rigorous course anywhere else. We cannot guarantee you any specific score but you will make a significant improvement in your score. Please check our student testimonials. Anyone who guarantees you a target score is lying to you.

How can I pay?

A payment link will be shared with you. You can pay online and securely by clicking on the payment link and using various modes of payment like credit cards, debit cards, Net Banking, UPI, and various wallets.

How do online classes work?

Today’s live video technology allows us to bring the best instructor right to your computer. Live online classes happen virtually, over the internet, with real instructors where you and the instructor are connected via live video. It’s like a video call but with more features required for a great learning experience. You can attend classes for free during the trial period to experience if they will work for you.

How many hours of self-study do I need to plan?

You should be able to spend about 1 hour to 90 minutes each day on self-study. All the self-study material will be provided to you by your trainer.

How will listening practice happen?

While our trainers will deliver group classes to explain what concepts are important to improve your listening skills, each learner will practice from tens of available listening practice tests. The tests are online and can be accessed at…. You will be asked to attempt several of these tests on a weekly basis.

How will you help with the Speaking module?

There will be sub-groups formed, of 3-4 learners each, to practice the speaking skill. There will be weekly speaking practice classes where each learner will be asked to speak on a specific topic and the trainer will give him/her feedback on how he/she can improve.

How will you help with the Writing module?

You will get writing assignments from the trainer that you will write in Google docs (Google docs are free to use. All you need is a free Gmail account). Once you write your assignment, the trainer will check your assignment and mark up improvements. The trainer will then schedule a 1-to-1 live class with you to discuss it further with tips and suggestions on how you can improve.

I don’t have a broadband connection at home. Will my mobile internet work?

Yes, these days mobile connections are great too, especially if you have a 4G (or an LTE) connection. You can also ‘tether’ (also called hotspot) your phone connection with your PC and attend classes on your PC. Learn about tethering on Android and Learn about using iPhone as a hotspot.

What are the advantages of live online classes over in-person classes?

  • You study from the comfort of your home
  • You study from the best instructor
  • There’s more interaction in classes
  • You save time by not having to travel
  • You meet other students who are from different parts of the world

What if I miss a class?

Well, studying from a real instructor means that you should attend all the classes so you don’t miss any concepts. However, if you still miss a class or two because of an unavoidable reason, you can watch the recordings, or request your instructor to re-do the class for you. We are happy to help whenever you need it.

What will the homework assignments be like?

There will be different homework assignments for each of the skills required. Example homework assignments will be like taking practice tests, watching videos, reading articles, and writing assignments based on topics given to you by the trainer.

Who do I get in touch with if I want to learn more about your courses?

Feel free to write to us at [email protected] or call us at +91-7827181269

Will there be one-to-one help available?

Yes, while there will be daily group classes, there will be 1-to-1 classes available depending on your weak areas. For example, feedback about your writing assignments and speaking practice will often be in 1-to-1 classes.

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