In this tutorial, we discuss a model answer for an Academic Writing Task 1 question with ex-IELTS examiner Robert.

We look at:

Why Academic Task 1 is difficult to teach and grade

The difference between Band 7 and Band 6 Academic Task 1 answers

The best way to tackle Academic Task 1 Questions

Model Answer to IELTS Academic Task 1 Question

Why Academic Task 1 is difficult to teach

Academic Task 1 is one of the most difficult IELTS modules to teach and grade. There are two main reasons for this, namely:

* The task in itself appears to be so straightforward. All we have to do in at least 150 words is to describe what we see, whether that be information from graphs, pie charts, plans, maps, processes and so several features are most often used in our descriptions. These include comparatives and superlatives, linking words to show sequence, similarities and differences and so on. Also, you must describe the data without any attempt to use “outside” or “world” knowledge to explain anything.

* The second reason is that, because of this apparent straightforwardness, we tend to reduce our description to something somewhat mechanical, a series of statements that never go beyond the mere facts.

The difference between Band 7 and Band 6 Task 1 Answers

If you read through the band descriptors for this part of the writing test, pay special attention to the word “overview”. 

It is asking you to work out what the data really means so you need to find the overall trends in the data provided either at the beginning of your answer or in the final concluding paragraph. You must make sure you state this clearly. That would help you towards at least a 7.0 for Task Achievement: “presents a clear overview of main trends, differences or stages”, compared to a 6.0 where the essay only “presents an overview with information appropriately selected” or a 5.0 where there is “no clear overview”. 

The overview is not the same as just saying what the data shows, something most Task 1 essays start off with. 

The best way to tackle Task 1 Questions

The best way to tackle this type of task is to follow a plan, structuring your essay into 4 paragraphs, each one with a definite aim.

* Paragraph 1 describes what the graphic information is presenting

* Paragraphs 2 and 3 go on to describe the details, pointing out the main features

* Paragraph 4 is the concluding paragraph which sums everything up – our overview. 

This formula works and it is a very good idea to frame everything around a few basic structures which will give your reader (the examiner!) a very clear understanding of the data.

After studying the task for a couple of minutes and probably noting down the main points, read the Task 1 essays with one thought in mind: does this make sense to me?

In other words, check with the data to work out what the writer was trying to say.

Re-read with the idea of judging the particular aspects- coherence and cohesion, lexical resource and grammatical range and accuracy. 

Sample IELTS Academic Task 1 question

Let’s take an example. Our Task 1 aim is to summarise the information from a pie chart and table which provide data comparing the total number of migrants in five different countries in the years 2000 and 2020 and the percentages of migrants in each of these countries in 2017. 

Read the question below

The chart below shows the total number of international migrants in five countries between 2000 and 2020. The table shows the share of migrants in the population of each country in 2017. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make relevant comparisons.

Write at least 150 words.