Write flawlessly focused on the task statements in your responses to the letter and report writing tasks. Paraphrase more accurately, think more broadly, and effectively brainstorm ideas for the essay outline and opinion statements.
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IELTS Writing Task 1 Question Types: line graph, bar chart, pie chart, table, correlation, map and process diagram.
Question analysis:
The IELTS report writing task 1 question comprises several components, which includes a background situation, a task statement, and the visual material containing data sets that you are required to describe.
The task statement, however, remains fixed and unchanging for all IELTS report writing task 1 questions. It always directs you to:
"Summarize the information (referring to the information in the visual material) by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparison where relevant."
Write at least 150 words.
Line Graph
The charts below show the changes that took place in three different areas of crime in Newport city center from 2003 - 2012.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparison where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Model Answer
The line graph illustrates how crime rate altered in Newport inner city during the period 2003 - 2012.
We can immediately see that the greatest changes occurred in the number of burglaries, while incidents of theft remain low but steady.
In 2003, we can see that burglaries was the most common crime with approximately 3,400 reported cases. The figure rose to around 3,700 in 2004, but then there was a downward trend until 2008. At this point, the figure stood at just over 1000 incidents. This rose slightly in 2009, then continued to fluctuate for the remaining period.
In 2003, the number of cars being stolen stood at around 2,800 and followed a similar trend to robbery until 2006. At this point the number rose standing at around 2,200 in 2007. There was a marginal decrease in the following year but from then on, the trend was generally upward.
Bar Chart
The bar chart below shows the top ten countries for the production and consumption of electricity in 2014.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparison where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Model Answer
The bar charts illustrates top ten highest electricity production and consumption countries in 2014.
It is clear that all countries, with the exception of Germany, produced marginally more than they consume. The two top countries, the United States and particularly China, were strong outliers while the remaining countries had similar numbers and lagged far behind in both production and consumption in comparison to China and the United States.
China produced and consumed the most, at 5,398 billion and 5,322 billion kwh, respectivey. The next nearest country in terms of both statistics was the US, where residents consumed 3,886 kilowatts an hour and produced slightly more at 4,099 kwh.
Russia led the rest of the nations in producing 1057 kwh and consuming 1,038 kwh followed by Japan with 9,362 kwh for production and 856.7 kwh for consumption. India and Canada ranked 5th and 6th with India producing 871 kwh and consuming 698.8 kwh, while Canada was slightly lower with both 618.9 kwh and 499.9 kwh. In the 7th and 8th spots were France, producing 561.2 kwh and consuming 462.9 kwh and Brazil, which recorded numbers at 530.7 kwh and 455.8 kwh for production and consumption respectively. In the final two positions were Germany and the republic of Korea with Germany having higher production than Korea at 526.6 to 485.1 kwh as well as consumption 582.5 kwh compared with 449.5 kwh.
Pie Chart
The pie charts below shows the online sales for retail sectors in New Zealand in 2003 and 2013.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparison where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Model Answer
The pie chart compare the percentages of online sales across different retail sectors in NewZealand in 2003 and 2013.
For three of the sectors, it is evident that over this time frame there was significant change in the proportion of online transactions.
At 36% we can see that the travel sector accounted for majority of the online sales in 2003, but this dropped to 29% by 2013. However, across the same ten-year period, an increasing number of people chose to purchase films and music online, and we can see that transactions increased from just 21% to 33% making it the retail sector with the highest overall share of online market.
In 2003, the clothing industry boasted an impressive 24% of total online sales in New Zealand. Nonetheless, by 2013, the figure had fallen considerably to 16%. Interestingly, online sales of books eventually overtook sales of clothes, although books still represented only 22% of the market.
Table
The table below sgives information about changes in modes of travel in England between 1985 and 2000.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparison where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Model Answer
The table shows the average distances that people in England covered using different forms of transport from 1985 and 2000.
It is evident that the total miles traveled by English residents across all modes of transport increased significantly between 1985 and 2000, with the car remaining the predominant choice in both years.
In 1985, the average distance traveled by car was 3,199 miles, which surged to 4,806 miles by 2000. Other transport modes, including trains, long-distance buses, taxis, and others, also saw an increase in average miles traveled during this period. Notably, taxi usage showed the most dramatic rise, more than tripling from 13 miles per person per year in 1985 to 42 miles in 2000.
Conversely, there was a decline in the average distances for the three forms of transport: walking, cycling, and local buses. In 1985, the average person walked 255 miles, but this figure decreased by 18 miles by 2000. Cycling also saw a reduction, with average distances dropping from 51 miles to 41 miles. The most significant decline occurred in local bus usage, where average miles per person fell sharply from 429 to 274 over the 15-year span.
Correlation
The pie chart below shows the main reasons why agricultural land becomes less productive. The table shows how these causes affected three regions of the world during the 1990s.
Summarize the information by selecting nd reporting the main features and make comparison where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Model Answer
The pie chart outlines the key factors as to why land used for agriculture produces less over time while the table gives a breakdown of the effect these causes had on agricultural land in three regions during the 1990s.
Overall, over-grazing, deforestation, and over-cultivation are all significant causes of land degradation globally, but the cause of less productive land in specific regions varies.
Overgrazng by livestock is the most significant factor in land becoming degraded with 35% of land being affected this way. However, this is closely followed by deforestation at 30% and over-cultivation at 28% with the remaining 7% being made up of other causes.
With respect to the table, it is clear that in the 1990s the North American region had the lowest amount of degraded land at just 5%. Of this land, about two-thirds was damaged by over-cultivation, just under a third by over-grazing, and a minimum amount by deforestation. In contrast at the same time, almost a quarter (23%) of arable land in Europe was degraded. Unlike the American region, the main factor in Europe was deforestation, with 9.8% of total land affected in this way. Moreover, over-cultivation (7.7%) and over-grazing ( 5.5%) were also majorly responsible for the deterioration of land quality. In the final region, Oceania, the main cause of land degradation was clearly overrating with 11.3% of land being affected by this out of a total of 13% of land degraded on total. Conversely, over-cultivation appears to play no role in this part of the world, while deforestation affected only a relatively small amount (1.7%).
Map
The maps shows the village of stockford in 1930 and in 2019.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparison where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Model Answer
The given maps present the village of Stockford in 1930 and 2010.
Overall, while the main road, as well as river stoke, remained the same, the farmland was replaced by massive residential development .(Opening statement)
River Stoke runs from North East to South West and it maintained this course during the 80 years. Also, the road that runs through the village from North to south direction along with the bridge remained the same. (Things that stayed the same)
During this period, the farmlands in the south and north-east were replaced by a number of houses. There was an expansion of the road network on both sides of the main road and all houses were constructed along the roads. Moreover, the shops were replaced with houses.While the primary school was expanded, the garden was reduced to 50 percent and it gave way to road and residential development. Furthermore, the large house in the garden was changed to a retirement. (Things that changed during this period)
Skill requirements
1. Paraphrase the background situation to get a high score in lexical resources: https://ielts.idp.com/prepare/article-boost-your-ielts-writing-score
UK telephone calls, by category, 1995 - 2002
2. Writing a great overview section requires identifying and summarizeing the main or key features presented in the visual material, as well as make comparison where relevant:
Bad example:
Overall, there are many significant changes in this figure.
Good example:
In general, the duration of national and international fixed line calls and mobile calls increased whereas the local fixed line calls rose then fell over the the period.
NB: Mobile calls increased exponentially, while national and international calls increased gradually but you don't have to put in all the details in the overview or any information with data in it.
Great example:
Overall, although local fixed line calls were still the most popular in 2002, the gap between the three categories had narrowed considerably over the second half of the period.
NB: This is an effective way of looking at not just what happened but what is important. The second point of the overview summarizes the trend with the gap becoming much more similar or narrowed. What makes this more interesting is that it, not only captures the trend but also the rank so as you think of writing your overview, think of the possibility of incorporating both these elements to provide a comprehensive analysis.
3. For the body paragraphs, being familiar with the language for describing data sets, such as graphs or charts, table, maps & process diagrams is important.
Useful language for describing data sets : table: line, bar, pie, correlation & table
Map Vocabulary Table
More useful lanaguage for describing data sets
When summarizing or writing an overview of trends in data sets, it is important to use appropriate language to accurately convey the information.
Here are some common phrases and vocabulary that can be used:
1. Overview:
- The data shows...
- Overall...
- In summary...
- In general...
- As a whole...
- Based on the data...
- The main trend/pattern is...
Example: The data shows a clear increase in the number of smartphone users over the past decade.
2. Describing increases and decreases:
- The number/percentage has increased/decreased...
- There has been a rise/fall...
- An upward/downward trend...
- A gradual/steep increase/decrease...
- Growth/decline...
Example: The number of people using public transportation has increased steadily over the past few years.
3. Comparing data:
- Compared to...
- In contrast to...
- Similarly/differently...
- By comparison...
- In comparison...
Example: The number of men enrolled in post-secondary education is higher compared to women.
4. Describing proportion and percentage:
- A significant/large/small proportion/percentage of...
- A majority/minority of...
- Almost/nearly...
- 50% higher/lower than...
Example: A significant proportion of the population over the age of 65 have retired from the workforce.
5. Describing patterns:
- A consistent pattern...
- Irregular/fluctuating pattern...
- Peaks and troughs...
- A cyclic pattern...
Example: There is a consistent pattern of increasing greenhouse gas emissions over the past few decades.
6. Describing conclusions:
- Based on the data...
- Therefore...
- To conclude/reach a conclusion...
- It can be inferred/concluded that...
Example: Based on the data, it can be concluded that the number of people participating in organized sports has declined over the past decade.
By using these phrases and vocabulary, you can accurately summarize or write an overview of trends in data sets, enhancing the clarity and effectiveness of your presentation.
For the body paragraphs, it is crucial to use appropriate language to describe the data sets presented. Remember that data sets can only exhibit three behaviors: increase, decrease, or fluctuate. Additionally, you will need to use specific descriptors to indicate the extent of these changes. Therefore, it is important to have a range of vocabulary and expressions for describing data sets at your disposal.
Superlatives & Comparatives:
In the English language, comparatives and superlatives can be formed in different ways based on the number of syllables in the adjective. Here are the three main patterns:
1. One-syllable adjectives:
Comparative: Add "-er" to the adjective.
Superlative: Add "-est" to the adjective.
Example:
- Adjective: tall
Comparative: taller
Superlative: tallest
2. One-syllable adjectives ending in "e":
Comparative: Add "-r" to the adjective.
Superlative: Add "-st" to the adjective.
Example:
- Adjective: large
Comparative: larger
Superlative: largest
3. Adjectives with two or more syllables:
Comparative: Add "more" before the adjective.
Superlative: Add "most" before the adjective.
Example:
- Adjective: beautiful
Comparative: more beautiful
Superlative: most beautiful
It's important to note that there are some irregular forms of comparatives and superlatives that do not follow these patterns. For instance, "good" has the comparative form "better" and the superlative form "best." Similarly, "bad" has the comparative form "worse" and the superlative form "worst." It's always a good idea to consult a dictionary or grammar reference for irregular forms.
However, there are some adjectives in English that have irregular comparative and superlative forms and do not follow the pattern of adding "er" or "est." Here are a few examples:
1. Good - better (comparative) - best (superlative)
- This restaurant has good food, but the one across the street is better.
- I've read many novels, but this one is the best I've ever read.
2. Bad - worse (comparative) - worst (superlative)
- The weather yesterday was bad, but today is even worse.
- Losing my job was bad, but the car accident was the worst thing that happened to me.
3. Far - farther/further (comparative) - farthest/furthest (superlative)
- The train station is far from here, but the bus stop is even farther.
- We walked for hours, but the last point we reached was the farthest we had ever gone.
4. Little - less (comparative) - least (superlative)
- I have little money, but my friend has even less.
- Of all the options, this is the one with the least amount of risk.
5. Many/much - more (comparative) - most (superlative)
- I have many books, but my sister has more.
- Among all the candidates, she received the most votes.
These irregular adjectives often have distinct forms for their comparative and superlative degrees, so it's important to learn and remember them individually.
The most powerful comparative and contrastive words in the English language and why you most use them in your essays:
1. On the one hand, it could be argued that ____, but on the other hand, it could also be argued that ____.
Example: On the one hand, a vegetarian diet may be more environmentally sustainable, but on the other hand, a meat-based diet may provide more essential nutrients.
2. While ___ may be important, ___ is arguably even more crucial.
Example: While job security is important for workers, fair wages and benefits are arguably even more crucial for ensuring well-being and productivity.
3. Whereas ___ offers certain advantages, ___ has its own unique benefits.
Example: Whereas public transportation offers low-cost and environmentally friendly options for commuting, personal vehicles have the benefit of providing more convenience and flexibility.
4. Although ___ has its drawbacks, it is still preferable to ___.
Example: Although online shopping has its drawbacks, such as potential security risks and delay in delivery, it is still preferable to in-person shopping due to its convenience and accessibility.
5. While both ___ and ___ have their pros and cons, the benefits of ___ outweigh those of ___.
Example: While manual labor and automation both have their advantages and disadvantages, the increased efficiency and safety of automation outweighs the potential loss of jobs and skills.
6. However: Used to show a contrast between two ideas. It can help highlight a counterargument or a different perspective on the topic.
Example: The government-backed the use of electric cars. However, some argue that the power generated to run electric cars is still mostly produced by fossil fuels and therefore not completely eco-friendly.
7. Similarly: Used to show a comparison between two ideas. It can help to link two different concepts and draw attention to their similarities.
Example: Countries are implementing strict measures to reduce carbon emissions. Similarly, many businesses are now working towards sustainability to reduce their carbon footprint.
8. On the other hand: Used to show a contrast between two ideas. It helps to highlight the alternative perspective or argument.
Example: Some believe that social media has brought people closer together. On the other hand, others argue that it has become a source of cyberbullying and manipulation.
9. In contrast: Used to show a strong contrast between two ideas. It helps to emphasize the differences between the two concepts.
Example: Many young people enjoy playing video games for entertainment. In contrast, older generations may not find it as appealing.
10. Likewise: Used to show a comparison between two ideas. It can help to connect two different but similar concepts.
Example: People who enjoy reading books also tend to have a love for learning new things. Likewise, people who enjoy watching documentaries are often curious about the world.
Tips for Writing Answers To IELTS Writing Task 1
1. Adhere to Task Guidelines:
Ensure you spend 20 minutes on this task and write at least 150 words. This will allow you to fully develop your response without falling short of the word count, which is crucial for meeting the task requirements.
2. Familiarize Yourself with Band Score Criteria:
Your work is evaluated based on several factors: task achievement, coherence, vocabulary, and grammar. Understanding these criteria will help you focus on what examiners are looking for and improve your overall performance.
3. Master Different Question Types:
Be well-versed in various question types such as line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, tables, correlation diagrams, process diagrams, and maps. Each type requires a specific approach to interpretation and description, so practice analyzing and describing each one accurately.
4. Interpret Trends Effectively:
Develop your ability to understand and interpret trends. You should be able to discern the main trends and changes over time, providing a concise overview of the data presented. This skill is vital for demonstrating comprehension and analytical ability.
5. Craft Your Response with Structure and Linking Words:
When writing your answer, ensure it is well-structured. Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly, which enhances readability and coherence. A clear, logical flow will make your essay more compelling and easier to follow.
When it comes to the report writing task 1, there are several common mistakes that IELTS candidates often make, leading to lower scores in all four assessment criteria specific to this task. Here are the itemized mistakes:
1. Limited understanding of the visual data: Many candidates fail to fully comprehend the information presented in the graph, chart, or table. This often results in misinterpretation or omission of key details in their reports.
2. Inaccurate or incomplete data description: Candidates sometimes provide incorrect or incomplete descriptions of the visual data. They may overlook specific figures, fail to identify trends, or misinterpret the data, leading to imprecise reporting.
3. Inadequate use of paragraphing: Poor structuring of paragraphs, including the absence of clear topic sentences and logical organization, can affect the coherence and cohesion of the report. This can make it difficult for the reader to follow the information presented.
4. Lack of data comparison and contrast: Some candidates fail to effectively compare and contrast the data, missing out on opportunities to highlight significant trends or patterns. This can result in a shallow analysis of the information provided.
5. Limited range of vocabulary and language use: Some candidates rely on repetitive vocabulary or use simplistic language, neglecting to demonstrate a wide range of lexical resources. This can hinder their ability to convey information accurately and concisely.
6. Overemphasis on specific data points: Candidates may focus excessively on individual data points that seem significant to them, ignoring the overall trends or patterns presented in the visual data. This can lead to an imbalanced or skewed analysis.
7. Neglecting to summarize and highlight key features: Candidates often fail to provide a clear summary of the main features or trends depicted in the visual data. This omission can weaken their report's overall effectiveness and coherence.
8. Limited time management: Poor time management during the exam can result in rushed writing or inadequate analysis of the visual data. Candidates need to allocate sufficient time for planning, organizing, and revising their reports.
9. Ignoring the task requirements: Some candidates may not address all the requirements outlined in the task prompt, such as including a specific number of paragraphs or presenting data in a particular format. This can lead to a lower score in task response.
10. Lack of proofreading and error correction: Candidates who do not review their reports for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes can leave a negative impression on the examiner. This lack of attention to detail can result in lower scores in the language criterion.
By avoiding these common mistakes, IELTS candidates can improve their performance and increase their chances of scoring higher in the assessment criteria specific to the report writing task 1.
Further reading & practice links:
IELTS Training Online: https://ieltstrainingonline.com/practice-cam-18-reading-test-02-with-answer/#
Find e-book pdf download link below:
IELTS Writing Task 1 Questions
Line
Bar
Pie
Table
Correlation
Map
Process Diagram
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