IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 requires test-takers to write a minimum of 150 words in response to a visual input, such as a chart, graph, table, map, or process diagram. The task is designed to evaluate your academic writing skills, particularly your ability to analyze, summarize, and compare data.
You are not expected to provide your opinion or make predictions; instead, your focus should be on reporting the information accurately and objectively.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 may present one of the following:
Bar charts
Line graphs
Pie charts
Tables
Maps
Process diagrams
Sometimes, two visuals may appear together, requiring you to compare and synthesize information from both sources.
You must write at least 150 words. Writing fewer than 150 words will result in a penalty. There is no maximum word limit, but writing significantly more than required may waste time and increase the chance of making grammatical errors.
Your response should have the following structure:
Introduction (Paraphrasing the task question)
Overview (Highlighting general trends or key features)
Body Paragraphs (Presenting specific details with data)
A well-structured response helps improve Coherence and Cohesion, one of the four scoring criteria.
Efficient time management is crucial, especially since Task 1 must be completed in around 20 minutes. This ensures you have enough time left for Task 2, which contributes more heavily to your final Writing band score.
2–3 minutes: Analyze the task and plan your response
13–15 minutes: Write your answer
2–3 minutes: Review and check for errors
Taking a couple of minutes to plan can:
Prevent repetition or disorganized ideas
Help identify what trends or data to prioritize
Ensure accurate use of vocabulary and grammar
Avoid writing long introductions
Group data logically before writing
Don’t try to describe every single figure—focus on important trends
Understanding the key differences between Task 1 and Task 2 can help you allocate your effort appropriately during the test.
Task 1: Describe visual data, report facts
Task 2: Present an argument or opinion, write an essay
Task 1: Minimum 150 words
Task 2: Minimum 250 words
Task 1: ~20 minutes
Task 2: ~40 minutes
Task 2 carries twice the weight of Task 1 in your final band score, which means poor performance in Task 1 can be somewhat compensated by a strong Task 2, but both are essential for a high overall Writing score.
Although Task 2 is more heavily weighted, a low score in Task 1 can pull down your total Writing band. Additionally, Task 1 builds core academic skills, such as:
Summarizing visual data
Using data-driven vocabulary
Organizing ideas with clarity and cohesion
Improving in Task 1 can indirectly improve your performance in Task 2 by sharpening your academic writing techniques.
Understanding the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 format, scoring, and time management strategies is the first step to success. Here’s a quick recap:
Write at least 150 words, and aim to complete Task 1 in 20 minutes
Focus on describing trends, comparing data, and summarizing visuals
Use a clear structure: Introduction, Overview, and Body Paragraphs
Understand the differences between Task 1 and Task 2 to plan accordingly
By mastering the basics outlined in this unit, you’ll lay a strong foundation for excelling in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1.