All You Need To Know About IELTS Writing Task 1: How to Analyse Charts, Graphs, and Tables

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If you’re preparing for the IELTS exam, you’ve probably come across IELTS Writing Task 1. For many students, this part can feel tricky, but don’t worry we’ve got you covered! In this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll learn how to analyse charts, graphs, and tables like a pro. Whether you’re taking IELTS classes in London or studying on your own, this blog will help you improve your skills. So, grab a cup of tea, and let’s learn!

What is IELTS Writing Task 1?

IELTS Writing Task 1 is part of the Academic IELTS test. You’ll be given a visual representation of information, such as a graph, chart, or table, and you’ll need to write a summary of at least 150 words. You only have 20 minutes, so time management is key!

Your Task:

Summarise the main trends, patterns, or differences.
Compare key points in the data.
Use clear and formal language.

Types of Visuals You Might See:

Line Graphs – Show trends over time.
Bar Charts – Compare data across categories.
Pie Charts – Display proportions or percentages.
Tables – Provide detailed numerical data.
Mixed Visuals – Combine two or more types, like a bar chart with a table.

What the Examiner Looks For:

Your writing is assessed based on four criteria:

Task Achievement: How well you summarise and compare the data.
Coherence and Cohesion: The structure and flow of your writing.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary you use.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The variety and accuracy of your sentence structures.

How to Approach IELTS Writing Task 1

Let’s break the process into five clear steps.

1. Read and Understand the Task

Before you start writing, take 1–2 minutes to study the visual carefully. Ask yourself:

What is the topic?
What does the data show?
Are there any trends, patterns, or significant differences?

For example, if you’re given a line graph showing internet usage from 2000 to 2020, identify whether usage is increasing, decreasing, or fluctuating.

2. Write an Introduction

The introduction is the simplest part! Just rephrase the question to show you understand the task.

Question Example:

“The bar chart shows the number of tourists visiting three cities in Europe from 2010 to 2020.”

Introduction Example:

“The chart illustrates the number of visitors to three European cities—Paris, Rome, and Barcelona—between 2010 and 2020.”

This tells the examiner you’ve understood the main topic without copying the question directly.

3. Provide an Overview

The overview is the most important part of your answer. It’s where you summarise the main trends or key points. Avoid including specific numbers here—save those for later!

Overview Example for a Line Graph:

“Overall, the number of tourists visiting all three cities increased over the period, with Paris seeing the highest growth and Barcelona experiencing the slowest rise.”

Tips for Writing a Good Overview:

Use words like overall, in general, or it is clear that.

Focus on big trends, not small details.

4. Write Body Paragraphs

Now, dive into the details. Divide the information into 2–3 paragraphs and organise it logically.

How to Describe Data:

Group Similar Trends: If two cities show similar growth, describe them together.

Use Comparisons: Highlight differences and similarities.

Example for a Bar Chart:

“In 2010, Paris received 5 million tourists, the highest among the three cities. By 2020, this number had more than doubled to 12 million. Similarly, Rome experienced steady growth, increasing from 4 million to 10 million over the same period. In contrast, Barcelona’s growth was slower, rising from 3 million in 2010 to 6 million in 2020.”

例如

“Internet usage increased sharply from 20% in 2000 to 80% in 2020.”

“The number of students studying abroad remained steady at 10,000.”

Useful Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 1

Common Visuals and How to Analyse Them

1. Line Graphs

Line graphs show changes over time. Focus on:

Where the line goes up or down.
The biggest and smallest values.

Example:

“The line graph shows that smartphone usage rose steadily from 30% in 2010 to 90% in 2020.”

2. Bar Charts

Bar charts compare categories. Look for:

The tallest and shortest bars.
Any noticeable patterns.

Example:

“In 2020, London had the highest car sales at 5,000, compared to Birmingham’s 3,000.”

3. Pie Charts

Pie charts show proportions. Use percentages and comparisons.

Example:

“In 2020, 40% of the population preferred online shopping, while 30% chose in-store shopping.”

4. Tables

Tables are full of numbers, so summarise the most important data points.

Example:

“The table shows that Germany had the highest car production in 2020, with 10,000 units, while France produced only 5,000.”

5. Mixed Visuals

When two types of visuals are combined, describe them in separate paragraphs.

应避免的常见错误

Describing Everything: Don’t write about every single number. Focus on the key points.
Using Personal Opinions: Task 1 is factual, so avoid phrases like “I think” or “In my opinion.”
Repeating Words: Use a variety of vocabulary to describe trends.
Forgetting the Overview: Always include a summary of the main trends.
Copying the question: Always paraphrase it in your own words.
Using informal language: Keep it academic but simple.

Sample Answer

Here’s a complete sample for a table:

Question:

The table shows the number of students attending language schools in five cities in 2020.

Answer:

The table illustrates the number of students enrolled in language schools in London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, and Rome in 2020.

Overall, London had the highest number of students, while Berlin had the lowest. Most cities had similar enrolment figures, except for London, which stood out significantly.

In 2020, London had 10,000 students, far higher than the other cities. Paris and Madrid followed with 5,000 and 4,500 students, respectively. Meanwhile, Rome had 4,000 students, and Berlin recorded the lowest enrolment at just 3,000.

Why Take an IELTS Course in London?

If you’re serious about improving your writing skills, taking an IELTS course in London is a fantastic choice. Studying in London gives you access to experienced teachers, real-life English practice, and a multicultural environment. At ES London, our IELTS preparation class focuses on building your confidence and teaching you the skills you need to succeed. Whether you’re aiming for a top university or a better job, IELTS London can open the door to exciting opportunities.

Ready to start your IELTS journey? Join ES London’s IELTS classes in London today and take the first step towards your dreams!

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