IELTS Writing - Academic Task 1 Types of Charts

In the IELTS Academic Task 1, you must be able to identify, understand and describe
various types of graphic information. This is considered an important academic skill,
because it shows you can intelligently and clearly interpret and describe data
presented in charts, tables, graphs and diagrams. If you have written your answer
very well, even someone who cannot see the graphic should be able to understand
what happened.
5 STEPS TO MASTERING ACADEMIC TASK 1
To prepare yourself to complete Task 1, follow the five steps below:
1. Learn to recognize and identify different graphic forms, such as line graphs,
bar charts, pie charts, etc.
2. Know what key information, comparisons and trends to look out for.
3. Practice using the specific vocabulary required to describe those trends.
4. Learn how to follow a plan to start, complete and finish your answer. Use
sample Task 1 questions, included on this website, to practice writing out a
full response. At first, do not time yourself. Later, once you've got the hang of
it, time yourself and make sure you finish in 20 minutes.
5. Know what NOT to include in your response.
By following the steps above, you will be prepared and confident, no matter what
type of question appears in Task 1 of your actual IELTS exam.
STEPS 1 & 2 IDENTIFY TYPES OF CHARTS, LOOK FOR TRENDS
BAR CHARTS
A bar chart consists of rectangular bars arranged horizontally or vertically from the
x or y axis.
The length of a bar shows the values it represents. The values are listed on one axis
and each bar shows what is being measured on the other axis. Bar charts are useful
for comparing data. In studying a bar chart, you may want to look for the following
information:
Which is the tallest bar?
Which is the shortest bar?
Have the bars changed over time? How?
How do the bars compare to each other?
PIE CHART
A pie charts is a circular chart divided into sectors or pie slices. It presents
information in segments of a circle or pie, which together add up to 100%. Here's an
example:
Ask yourself:
Which is the largest segment?
Which is the smallest segment?

How do the segments compare with each other?

LINE GRAPH
A line graph plots the changes in data over time:
Ask yourself:

What is the highest level / point?

What is the lowest level / point?

Is there a point till when the trend was increasing or decreasing?

When did the trend change?

When did the trend change?

TABLES
A table presents information in different categories, making it easy to compare.
The sample table below shows the percentage of students who came to college on
foot, by car, bicycle or public transportation, at Williams College in the year 20052006.
Method of Student Travel to College by Percentage
Walking

12

Bicycle

20

Car

25

Public Transport

43

Look out for the following:

What is the highest figure?
What is the lowest figure?
What is second highest, etc.?
STEP 3 VOCABULARY OF TRENDS
To get high marks on the Academic Task 1, you must show the examiner that you
know how to use a range of vocabulary to describe and interpret visual information.
You must be able to use the appropriate verbs, nouns, adjectives and adverbs to
provide precise descriptions.
For a detailed list of essential vocabulary, check the section of this website on
Vocabulary for Task 1.
STEP 4 WRITE YOUR ANSWER ACCORDING TO A PLAN
To be able to complete Task 1 in 20 minutes or less, write your answer according to
the following plan:

1. Write one sentence to introduce the subject and graphic.

2. Write one or two sentences to show the relationship between the data or to
comment on the main trend.
3. Write an in-depth description of the information given. Include details from
the most important to the least important, depending on time.
4. Write one sentence to conclude your answer.
STEP 5 - WHAT NOT TO WRITE
Only describe the data. Do not give your interpretation of it. You are not being asked
why you think the data in the chart is the way it is, so do not write about that.