IELTS Sample Charts for Writing Task 1
Below are sample charts so that you can practice writing a report for IELTS writing task
1 (the academic paper). This collection represents the main types of charts that you can
be given in writing task 1 (bar chart, line graph, table, pie charts, diagram, map and
multiple types).
Sample Bar Charts
The bar chart below shows the estimated percentage of car trips taken by drivers in
2005.
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Dr. Michael R. Davis, Writing part 1, Version 2 .0 December 9, 2016
Bar Chart 1
The bar chart below shows the participation of children in selected leisure activities in
Australia.
These top 12 tips are for the IELTS academic writing paper.
1. Understanding Task 1
write an academic report on a chart of graph (see below for all types of task 1)
write over 150 words (the examiner will count your words and there will be a penalty for
being under the word count). Write your report in 20 mins (don’t take more time because
task 2 is worth double the marks)
2. Practice Tests
Get the Cambridge IELTS Practice test books. There are 9 books which have been
published by IELTS. Each books contains 4 full IELTS tests which are authentic (real)
past exam papers.
3. Task 1 Band Scores and Marking Criteria
Understand the band scores for each criterion in writing task 1. The IELTS examiner will
mark you on:
Task Achievement (25%)
Coherence and Cohesion (25%)
Vocabulary (25%)
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%)
Get to know the requirements for each criterion for the band score you are aiming for.
Here’s a link to the IELTS writing task 1 public band score descriptors which are
published by IELTS. The examiner will give you a band score for each individual criterion
above and then your final score for writing task 1 is the average of the 4.
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Dr. Michael R. Davis, Writing part 1, Version 2 .0 December 9, 2016
4. Types of Task 1
Learn the 6 main types of charts that can be given in writing task 1 (maps, diagrams, bar
charts, tables, line graphs and pie charts). You should practice writing reports for all
types of task 1 by using sample IELTS charts. It is also possible to get a combination of
two types, for example a bar chart with a pie chart.
5. Introduction Paragraph
Practice writing the introduction statement. Here are two examples, which one do you
think it best?
Here we can see that the graph represented information regarding the number of sales
of two companies in two years
The chart illustrates the number of sales of two companies (Marks Ltd and Bumper
Store) in 2000 and 2010.
Answers
The introduction is usually very quick to write and quite formulaic (standard) in content.
6. Overviews for Writing Task 1
Practice identifying key features for all kinds of charts. The key features make up the
content of the overview which is the most essential paragraph in your task 1 report. The
key features for most charts are the highest and lowest categories as well as the most
significant differences between categories.
7. Vocabulary
Get a list of useful vocabulary for each type of writing task. This is particularly important
for line graphs, maps and pie charts. The line graph is the type of writing task 1 which
has the biggest range of possible vocabulary that can be used. To get a good score in
writing task 1, it is important to use a range of words which means you need to
paraphrase when possible. However, as mistakes can cause you to lose points, it is
important not to take chances with your vocabulary. Spelling is also checked so make
sure you don’t make mistakes with your spelling.
8. Grammar
To get a good score, you will also need to work on complex sentence structures. For
students aiming for band score 6 and above, this is essential. Luckily sentence
structures for task 1 can be learnt and then adapted to fit each individual task (to some
extent). Here’s a link to the 4 main sentence structures for a line graph. Along with
grammar is accuracy. The more mistakes you make the lower your score will be so
getting rid of common errors is important.
9. Structure for Writing Task 1
You need to make sure you structure your report correctly as the examiner will pay
attention to the organisation of information and paragraphing.
10. Linking Devices
Linking is also very important. You will need to show the examiner a range of linking
devices that connect information together and compare information in a coherent way.
Again, linking is very easy to learn so make sure you pay attention to this. Different
charts use different linkers so make sure you review each type of task to see the best
linking devices to use.
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Dr. Michael R. Davis, Writing part 1, Version 2 .0 December 9, 2016