IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Reporting Writing

IELTS Report Writing

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 requires you to write a report of at least 150 words based on visual information such as a line graph, bar chart, pie chart, table, map, or process diagram. You normally have about 20 minutes.

Time: About 20 minutes
Minimum: 150 words
Weight: Task 1 is worth about one-third of the Writing score.

Types of Report Writing

Task: Describe and summarize visual information such as:

• • 📊 Bar charts

    Example    ||     Practice Real Exam Question

• • 📈 Line graphs

    Example    ||     Practice Real Exam Question

• • 🥧 Pie charts

    Example    ||     Practice Real Exam Question

• • 📋 Tables

    Example    ||     Practice Real Exam Question

• • 🗺️ Maps/plans / diagram comparison

    Example    ||     Practice Real Exam Question

• • 🔄 Processes/diagrams processes

    Example    ||     Practice Real Exam Question

• • Two different chart

    Example    ||     Practice Real Exam Question

Recommended structure

Introduction

• Paraphrase the question.
• Say what the chart/diagram shows.

Overview

• Give the main trends or important features.
• Don’t include too many numbers.
• This is very important for a high band score.

Body Paragraph 1

• Describe the first group of important details.
• Include relevant figures/comparisons.

Body Paragraph 2

• Describe the remaining important details.
• Make comparisons where appropriate.

What examiners assess

You are scored on four areas:

1. Task Achievement – Did you answer the question fully and accurately?
2. Coherence & Cohesion – Is your report logically organized?
3. Lexical Resource – Did you use a good range of vocabulary?
4. Grammatical Range & Accuracy – Are your sentences varied and grammatically correct?

Important tips

• Don’t give your opinion in Academic Task 1.
• Don’t explain why something happened unless the diagram itself provides that information.
• Focus on comparisons, trends, highs/lows and significant differences.
• Use appropriate tense: past data → usually past tense; predictions → future/modal forms.
• Don’t describe every single number. Select the most important information.
• Always include a clear overview.

A simple formula to remember is:

Introduction → Overview → Details 1 → Details 2

If you’re preparing for the exam, I can also explain how to write a Band 7+ Task 1 report, including useful vocabulary and a model answer.