In Task 1 of the Academic IELTS Writing test, you are given a visual (graph, chart, map, table, or diagram) and asked to write a 150-word report summarizing the main trends, comparisons, or stages.

You are not required to give opinions or interpret reasons — just describe what you see in an objective, organized way.

• Task Achievement: Covers key trends and makes accurate comparisons.

• Coherence & Cohesion: Logical structure with linking devices (e.g. overall, in contrast, respectively).

• Lexical Resource: Variety of vocabulary for data description (e.g. rose sharply, plateaued, significantly higher).

• Grammar Range & Accuracy: Mix of complex and simple structures; correct use of tense (usually past).

1. Introduction – Paraphrase the question.

The chart illustrates the percentage of people attending cultural events by age group in 2010.

2. Overview – One or two sentences describing the overall trend.

Overall, younger people attended concerts and cinemas more, while older groups preferred museums.

3. Body Paragraphs – Group key comparisons logically.

Attendance at theatres was highest among the 16–24 group, whereas cinema visits declined with age.

• Use past simple for charts with a specific year.

• Practice comparatives and superlatives: higher than, the most popular...

• Use passive voice when needed: ...was attended by over 60%...

• Trends: rose sharply, remained steady, declined gradually

• Comparisons: compared to, whereas, respectively

• Connectors: overall, in contrast, notably

The line graph illustrates how the number of international students enrolled at three Australian universities — University A, University B, and University C — changed between 2000 and 2020.

Overall, the total number of international students increased at all three institutions, with University A experiencing the most significant growth. In contrast, University C saw only a modest rise.

In 2000, University B had the highest enrollment, starting at around 12,000 students, while University A and C followed with approximately 8,000 and 6,000 students, respectively. Over the two-decade period, University A’s figures surged dramatically, reaching nearly 30,000 by 2020. University B experienced moderate growth, peaking at 20,000 in 2015 before stabilizing. Meanwhile, University C's numbers rose steadily but slowly, ending at about 10,000.

Notably, from 2010 onwards, University A overtook the others and maintained the lead, indicating a shift in preference among international students.

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The diagram illustrates the continuous process of the natural water cycle, outlining the stages through which water circulates in the environment.

Overall, the cycle is composed of three main phases: evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, all of which contribute to the movement of water from the earth’s surface to the atmosphere and back.

Initially, solar energy heats up water in oceans, lakes, and rivers, causing evaporation. This transforms liquid water into water vapor, which rises into the air. As the vapor ascends, it undergoes condensation due to cooler temperatures at higher altitudes. This leads to the formation of clouds.

Eventually, the accumulated water in clouds falls back to the earth in the form of precipitation—either as rain, snow, or hail. A portion of this water is absorbed into the ground, replenishing groundwater. Some of it forms surface runoff, which flows into rivers and eventually returns to the ocean, completing the cycle.

This entire process is repetitive and self-sustaining, ensuring the constant redistribution of water across different parts of the environment.

(Word count: 180)

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The two maps illustrate how a public park is planned to change between 1990 and 2030.

Overall, the park is expected to undergo significant modernization and restructuring, with a strong focus on accessibility, leisure facilities, and open design. While some original features will be retained, others are set to be relocated or removed entirely.

In 1990, the park featured a central fountain, two separate entry gates (north and south), a stage for concerts on the west side, and a rose garden in the northeast. There were also seating areas and a small café adjacent to the entrance.

By 2030, the concert stage is expected to be replaced by a modern amphitheater, and the fountain will be substituted with an open water feature. Notably, the original rose garden will be relocated to the center, becoming a focal point, while the café will be expanded into a full restaurant. Additionally, bicycle paths and a new children's play area will be added, indicating a shift toward family-friendly and sustainable design.

These changes reflect a broader trend toward enhancing visitor experience while promoting green transport and community engagement.

The two pie charts illustrate the percentage distribution of five types of energy production in a specific country in 1990 and 2010.

Overall, coal remained the largest energy source in both years, while the share of renewable energy grew significantly. In contrast, nuclear and natural gas saw a decline in their contribution to the total energy mix.

In 1990, coal accounted for 35% of the country’s energy production, followed by natural gas at 25% and nuclear at 20%. Renewable sources, such as solar and wind, made up only 10%, and oil contributed 10%.

By 2010, the proportion of energy from coal increased slightly to 38%, while renewable sources doubled to 20%, reflecting a shift toward sustainable energy practices. However, nuclear and natural gas usage both dropped to 15% each, and oil remained unchanged at 10%.

In summary, the country diversified its energy production by increasing reliance on renewables while decreasing its dependence on nuclear and natural gas.

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The two pie charts and the table illustrate the proportional use of five transport modes among university students in a particular city in 2010 and 2020, as well as commute time and cost for each transport type in 2020.

Overall, there was a clear shift in transport preferences over the decade, with increased reliance on bicycles and public transport, and a decline in car usage. In 2020, buses offered the most cost-effective option, while cars remained the most time-efficient.

In 2010, private cars were the most common mode of transport, accounting for 40% of all student commutes. However, this figure dropped significantly to 20% by 2020. In contrast, the use of bicycles and buses both increased notably, rising from 15% to 30% and 10% to 25%, respectively. The proportion of students walking remained unchanged at 10%, while train usage saw a minor rise from 5% to 15%.

According to the table, car journeys were the fastest, taking an average of 18 minutes, but were also the most expensive, costing $2.80 per trip. Bus and train rides were more affordable, at $1.50 and $1.80 respectively, though they required 25–30 minutes on average. Cycling, despite being the cheapest mode at just $0.20, took 22 minutes, while walking was free but the slowest option, requiring 35 minutes.

In summary, the data reflect a shift toward more economical and environmentally friendly modes, with students appearing to prioritize affordability over speed.

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Each exercise below presents an official-style IELTS Writing Task 1 question with its visual.
To get the most benefit:

1. Set a timer for 20 minutes — just like in the real test.

2. Carefully analyze the visual(s) and identify key trends, comparisons, or stages.

3. Write at least 150 words, focusing on clarity, coherence, and task achievement.

4. Optionally, compare your response with the Band 9 sample answers linked above.
   
   

🔁 You can repeat each task multiple times to improve structure, vocabulary, and accuracy.

• Avoid personal opinions — stay objective.

• Group related data and use paragraphs.

• Use accurate tense and comparative language.