Writing Task 1 · module 4 of 8
Free IELTS Writing Task 1 lessons
Graphs, charts, tables, processes and maps: write a clear overview and accurate, well-selected comparisons.
12 lessons · about 6.4 hours
- 1Task 1: what examiners wantLearn what Academic Writing Task 1 asks for, how the four marking criteria separate band 6, 7 and 8, the four-paragraph structure examiners reward, and the habits that cap your band.25 min · Foundation
- 2Analysing the visual and writing the introductionUse a two-minute analysis (what, where, when, units, categories) to read any visual correctly, then write a one-sentence introduction that paraphrases the prompt accurately and naturally.30 min · Foundation
- 3The overview: your most important paragraphThe overview is the key to band 7+ for Task Achievement. Learn to find the main trends, extremes and striking changes in any visual, and express them in two precise sentences with no specific numbers.30 min · Intermediate
- 4Line graphs and the language of trendsMaster the verbs, nouns, adverbs, prepositions and tenses that describe change precisely, learn to group lines and select key points, and study a fully annotated band 9 line graph answer.35 min · Intermediate
- 5Bar charts and comparison languageBar charts test one skill above all: comparing. Learn the structures examiners reward (twice as many as, whereas, the largest share), how to group categories so you don't end up listing numbers, and how to handle bar charts that show one moment and bar charts that show change over time.35 min · Intermediate
- 6Pie charts and proportionsPie charts are about shares of a whole. Learn the fractions and proportion phrases examiners expect (just under a quarter, the vast majority), the difference between percentages and percentage points, and how to compare two or three pies, whether they show different years or different groups.30 min · Intermediate
- 7Tables: selecting the key dataA table can hold 30 numbers or more, and copying them is the fastest route to band 5. Learn a six-move method for finding the story in a table (totals, extremes, row patterns, the outlier), how many figures to include, and how to group rows into two clear body paragraphs.30 min · Intermediate
- 8Two charts togetherWhen Task 1 gives you two visuals, such as a line graph with a bar chart or a pie chart with a table, you still have 20 minutes and about 180 words. Learn to find the link between the visuals, write one overview that covers both, choose the right paragraph plan and manage your time.30 min · Advanced
- 9Process diagrams: sequencing and the passiveA process diagram has no numbers to compare, so the examiner judges your overview, your sequencing and your passive voice. Learn a 3-minute analysis routine, study an annotated band 9 model on how jute bags are made, master the passive and participle clauses, then describe how paddy becomes packaged rice.35 min · Advanced
- 10Maps: describing changeMap tasks have no numbers. The examiner wants a clear overview of the main changes, exact location language and precise verbs of change in the right tense. Study an annotated model on a riverside town, learn the vocabulary of development, then describe a seafront redevelopment plan.35 min · Advanced
- 11Accuracy: numbers, approximation and articlesMany Task 1 answers that have a good overview still score 6 because of small, repeated slips: ‘the number of students were’, ‘rose by’ instead of ‘rose to’, ‘3 millions’, a missing ‘the’. Learn the exact rules for numbers, approximation, number/amount/proportion, articles and prepositions, then drill them until they are automatic.30 min · Intermediate
- 12Band 8 Task 1 masterclassThree complete band 8–9 answers (a line graph, a table and a process diagram) dissected sentence by sentence, with examiner commentary on all four criteria, a self-assessment checklist and a timed bar chart task with a band 9 model.40 min · Advanced
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