IELTS WRITING TASK 1: HOW TO ORGANISE YOUR ANSWER

This is a quick guide on how to organize an IELTS Writing Task 1 answer into
paragraphs. This applies only to the Academic module in which Task 1 involves
describing a diagram or set of data. Note that the organization of the answer may
change depending on the question type.
First paragraph: Introduction
Key technique: Be direct.
When writing an introduction to Task 1, get straight to the point as you only have 20
minutes to write your answer. One or two sentences are often sufficient. Two things
you should try to include in the introduction are:
Paraphrase of the question: What does the diagram show? (Dont describe the
results yet!)
General description: Are the differences great or small, many or few? Is there one
very obvious trend or feature that stands out?
Hint: Many people make the mistake of continuing with all the details. Stop here and
begin your first body paragraph.
Body paragraphs
Key technique: Divide the body into two or three paragraphs.
Use a logical way to divide the body of your report into two or three paragraphs. Are
there two or more sets of data? Great, then write a paragraph about each one. Is there
only one set of data? Count the variables and divide them into two or three groups.
You can divide by natural similarity (e.g. some academic subjects are sciences; others
are arts.) Or you can divide by similarity of results (e.g. some exam scores went up;
others went down.) Or you can divide a process, a time period or age range into two
or three stages (e.g. the 20th Century can be divided into the early, mid, and late 20th
Century.)
Now that you have a paragraphing system, make sure each paragraph is organised as
follows:
Link to the previous paragraph: By contrast, turning to, finally, etc.
Topic sentence: Describe the main point, change or comparison in general terms
without giving specific information.
Supporting sentence(s): Quote a figure or other evidence that supports the claim
made in the topic sentence.
Hint: If you find yourself writing more than two consecutive supporting sentences,
include a general sentence (e.g. There were also significant differences in) to guide
the reader, or consider starting a new paragraph.
Final paragraph: Conclusion
Key technique: Add overall coherence.
Due to lack of time, many people will omit the conclusion from Task 1. However,
there are several reasons you should write a conclusion. One is that writing a
summarizing sentence takes very little time and may push you past the 150-word
limit. Another is that a good summary can add coherence to your answer, which
could rescue your score if you have drifted a lot. Finally, since the purpose of Task 1
is usually to compare, the conclusion allows you to make direct comparisons of the
different sets of data, which is especially important if you have described them in
separate body paragraphs. Here are some things that can go in the conclusion to Task
1:
Concluding signal: In conclusion, in summary, overall, etc.
Summary: Paraphrase the overall trend or the two or three main points made in the
body. Never include statistics or other evidence in the conclusion.
Direct comparison: If there are several sets of data, here is your chance to make a
connection between them. Dont go into too much detail.
Prediction: If the data includes a timeframe, you could make a prediction about
what is likely to happen next.
Concluding comment: If you really need some extra words, you could add a
comment on the data. Is it surprisingly, alarming, expected? Comments such as
these are not required by the question but are better than incurring a penalty for not
meeting the word requirement.
Hint: You dont need to include all of the above in your conclusion. Two sentences
are generally enough.
See model IELTS Writing Task 1 answers for examples of how to use paragraphing
in practice.



IELTS WRITING TASK 1: CYCLE DIAGRAM WITH
SAMPLE ANSWER
Task 1 Question
The diagram below illustrates the carbon cycle in nature.
Write a 150-word description of this diagram for a university lecturer.

The National Center for Atmospheric Research
Model Answer
The diagram shows how carbon moves through various stages to form a complete cycle.
This report will give a brief description of the main stages in this cycle.
First, we can see that energy from the sun is transformed into organic carbon through a
process in plants known as photosynthesis. This organic carbon is then transferred underground
when plants, and the animals that feed on them, die and decay. Some of this carbon is trapped
underground in the form of fossils and fossil fuels.
Carbon is also released back into the atmosphere, however, through various means. One is
when animals and plants respire, and another is when humans burn fossil fuels in cars and factories.
All this carbon enters the atmosphere as CO2. It is then reabsorbed by plants, and the cycle begins
again.
Overall, we can see that carbon moves in a natural cycle, although human factors may now
be affecting the balance.
(154 words, IELTS 8.0)

IELTS WRITING TASK 1: LINE GRAPH WITH SAMPLE ANSWER
Task 1 Question
The diagram shows the consumption of renewable energy in the USA from 1949-2008.
Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer identifying the main trends and making
comparisons where relevant.

Model Answer
The line graph shows growth in the consumption of renewable energy during the period
1949-2008 in the USA. The results are also broken down by source.
The first thing to note is that renewable energy use more than doubled over the period, with
particularly strong growth in biofuels. This sector did not exist in 1980 but experienced a steep rise
during the 2000s to over one quadrillion Btu per year. This made biofuels a serious challenger to
both wood and hydroelectric power, which both saw only limited growth overall. The former grew
steadily between 1975 and 1985, but then slipped back to around its original level of 1.8 quadrillion
Btu. The latter began the period at the same level as wood but experienced more substantial growth.
However, it also fell back to around 2 quadrillion Btu, with a particularly sharp drop in the late
1990s.
Finally, wind power emerged late in the period but showed a gradual rise to around 0.5
quadrillion Btu, suggesting that it, along with biofuels, will replace wood and hydroelectricity as the
main sources of renewable every in the future.
(184 words, IELTS 8.0)

IELTS WRITING TASK 1: BAR CHART WITH SAMPLE
ANSWER
IELTS WRITING, SAMPLE ANSWERS, TASK 1 JULY 10, 2012 3 COMMENTS
Task 1 Question
The bar chart shows the relative electricity consumption and cost per year of various
household devices.
Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer explaining the data and making
comparisons where relevant.


Model Answer
The bar chart compares the energy consumption and expense of operating 16 different items
of household equipment. Overall, we can see significant differences in both cost and consumption.
To begin with, there are some common household items which consume relatively little
energy. These include an electric blanket (approx. $10 or 100kwh/year), a microwave oven (approx.
$15 or 150kwh/year) and a television (approx. $17 or 170kwh/year).
By contrast, devices that might be classified as luxury items such as a pool pump or spa
are comparatively expensive and energy-intensive, at nearly $125 or 1500kwh/year and around
$190 or 2225kwh/year respectively.
It is interesting to note that even among household items normally considered alike, such as
a microwave and refrigerator, there are enormous discrepancies in cost and energy use. The former
uses only around $15 or 150kwh/year, while the latter consumes at least six times that amount at
$90 or 1150kwh/year.
In conclusion, it appears that there is no clear pattern in the relative energy consumption of
domestic equipment, although households had better be aware of the high running costs of luxury
items such as a pool pump and spa.
(187 words, IELTS 8.5)

IELTS WRITING TASK 1: PROCESS DIAGRAM WITH SAMPLE ANSWER
Task 1 Question
The diagram shows how electricity is generated by a hydroelectric dam.
Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer explaining how the process works.

Model Answer
The diagram illustrates the basic principles of hydroelectric power. The process requires the
construction of a large dam connected to a powerhouse. The dam creates a large reservoir and the
powerhouse is where the electricity is generated.
First of all, water trapped in the reservoir behind the dam is forced through an intake. It then
flows into a narrow chamber called a penstock, where the resulting high pressure turns a
turbine. The turbine is connected to a generator in the powerhouse above, and this is where the
movement of the turbine is converted into electricity. The resulting electricity leaves the
powerhouse via cables that carry it over long distances to where it can be used.
It is interesting to note that a hydroelectric dam creates no harmful byproducts and relies
entirely on natural forces to produce electricity. After the turbine stage, water flows out through a
second channel and into a river. The process is renewable, thanks to the water cycle in nature.
(163 words, IELTS 8.0)

IELTS WRITING TASK 1: DESCRIBING A PROCESS
Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The illustration below shows the process of tying a bow tie.
Write a report explaining to a university lecturer how to tie his bow tie.
Write at least 150 words.

Model Answer
The diagram illustrates how to knot a bow tie in eight stages.
To begin with, the tie should be placed around the neck, with one end slightly longer than
the other. Then place the longer end over the other and pass it upwards and behind the point where
the two ends cross.
Next, take the other end of the tie and bend it twice to form an S shape. Bring the longer
end down and in front, so that it holds the S curve in place. Now comes the trickiest part of the
process. Take the long end of the tie and form a similar S shape before passing it through the
narrow gap behind the other end. This creates a knot and the bow should now be held securely in
place.
Finally, adjust both sides of the bow to make it symmetrical and prepare to be the envy of
your friends.
(152 words, IELTS 9.0)

IELTS WRITING TASK 1: COMPARISON DIAGRAM WITH SAMPLE ANSWER
Task 1 Question
The diagram shows the skeletal systems of two ancestors of modern human beings.
Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer describing the diagram and making
comparisons where relevant.

Model Answer
Variations in the skeletal systems of two early types of human are illustrated in this diagram.
Overall, we can see that Australopithecus aphaeresis had a heavier body and much longer arms,
while homo erectus was slimmer and had more developed joints.
To begin with the upper half of the body, Australopithecus aphaeresis had a much broader
chest and waist than homo erectus, giving it a rounder appearance. The former had much longer
arms and larger hands, which would have been useful for climbing trees.
As for the lower half of the body, we can see that Homo erectus had proportionately longer
legs and larger hip, knee and ankle joints. The feet of Homo erectus were also smaller and more
arched, with shorter toes. These differences meant that Homo erectus was better suited to long-
distance running.
In conclusion, we can see significant changes in the development of early humans from the
diagram. Homo erectus is more similar to contemporary human beings with its long legs and arched
feet. The physical differences are clearly related to differences in the lifestyles of tree climbers and
endurance runners.
(183 words, IELTS 8.0)


IELTS WRITING TASK 1: USEFUL LANGUAGE
Some IELTS test-takers memorize a stock of useful phrases for both writing tasks. This is not
cheating learning expressions by heart and reproducing them in an appropriate context is one of
the most fundamental ways to improve in a second language. The key is to stick to learning
effective signposting phrases; that is, expressions whose only function is to link ideas and which
can therefore be used when writing about any topic. See the list below for suggestions for IELTS
Writing Task 1. For each function, the language is graded for level, from regular use (Bands 5-6) to
higher-level use (Bands 7-9).
Introducing the topic
The graph shows / The table reveals
The chart displays / The diagram illustrates
Some interesting facts concerning are revealed in the diagram.
Several key trends are revealed by the graph showing
Introducing the first set of data
Beginning with the
To begin with the
Let me begin by describing the
Introducing the second set of data
Meanwhile, the shows that
As for the , it shows that
Turning to the , it can be seen that
Introducing the first major trend
First of all, it is clear that
Most noticeably of all, it can be seen that
The first result worth pointing out is that
Introducing lesser trends
Another trend that can be observed is that
It is also worth pointing out that
Also worth noting is that
Exceptions to the main trend
However, this was not always the case.
However, it should be pointed out that
There was one noticeable exception, however.
Comparing and contrasting
Similarly, / By contrast,
A similar trend can be observed in
The results for , however, reveal a markedly different trend.
Adding figures
The figures were X and Y respectively.
, at X. / , with Y. (Usage note: use at when you mean the figure was; use with when you
mean something had)
, at/with X and Y respectively.
Concluding and summarising
To sum up, / In summary, / In short,
Overall, / On the whole,
The main thing that can be observed here is that