IELTS Writing Guide

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Reaching Band 7+

Academic Task 1 asks you to describe visual data — a graph, chart, table, map or process — in 150+ words in about 20 minutes. This guide covers the four criteria, the overview that decides your Task Achievement band, and the mistakes that hold candidates at Band 6.

In short

Describe and compare the data factually in 150+ words, ~20 minutes — no opinions, no reasons for the data.
A clear overview of the main trends is the single biggest factor for Band 7 — without it, Task Achievement caps around Band 5.
Select and group significant figures to illustrate key features; do not list every number.

The 4 criteria at Band 6, 7 and 8

Each criterion is 25% of your Task 1 score. The overview drives Task Achievement — it is what most Band 6 responses are missing.

Criterion (25% each)	Band 6	Band 7	Band 8
Task Achievement	Covers the task; overview unclear or detail mechanical/inaccurate.	Clear overview of main trends; key features selected and illustrated.	All features covered; key features well-selected, clearly and accurately detailed.
Coherence & Cohesion	Information arranged coherently; cohesion can be faulty.	Logical organisation; clear progression; range of cohesive devices.	Sequenced logically; cohesion managed so it attracts no attention.
Lexical Resource	Adequate vocabulary; some errors in word choice or spelling.	Some less common vocabulary; awareness of collocation; occasional errors.	Wide resource used fluently and precisely; rare slips.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	Mix of simple and complex forms; errors rarely impede meaning.	Variety of complex structures; majority of sentences error-free.	Wide range; vast majority of sentences error-free.

Summarised from the public IELTS Academic Task 1 band descriptors (British Council / IDP / Cambridge Assessment English).

A reliable 4-paragraph structure

Introduction

Paraphrase the question in one sentence — say what the visual shows, including units and time frame. Do not copy the prompt word-for-word.

Overview

State the two to four most important trends, differences, or stages in general terms — no specific figures. This paragraph decides your Task Achievement band.

Detail paragraph 1

Describe and quantify the first group of key features. Group logically (e.g. the highest categories, or the first time period) and compare.

Detail paragraph 2

Describe the remaining key features with supporting figures. Compare across categories rather than listing each in isolation.

Maps and process diagrams use the same shape: introduction, overview (overall change, or number of stages and direction), then two paragraphs of sequenced detail using the passive voice and sequencers for processes.

What caps most candidates at Band 6

No overview, or an overview buried in detail — the most common reason Task Achievement stays at Band 5–6.
Listing every number with no grouping or comparison.
Giving opinions or reasons for the data — Task 1 is factual description only.
Copying the question wording instead of paraphrasing it.
Writing under 150 words, which is penalised on Task Achievement.
Only simple sentences — Band 7 needs a variety of accurate complex structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is IELTS Academic Task 1 and how many words?

You have about 20 minutes for Academic Task 1 and must write at least 150 words. Task 1 is worth roughly one-third of your Writing band, so do not overspend the time you need for Task 2's essay.

What is IELTS Academic Writing Task 1?

You describe visual information — a line graph, bar chart, pie chart, table, map, or process diagram — in your own words. You report and compare the key features factually. You must not give opinions or explanations for the data.

Do I need an overview in Task 1?

Yes. A clear overview of the main trends or stages is the single most important element for Band 7 on Task Achievement. Without an overview that identifies the key features, your Task Achievement score is usually capped at Band 5.

What does Band 7 look like in Academic Task 1?

A Band 7 response covers the requirements, presents a clear overview of main trends or differences, highlights and illustrates key features, and uses a range of accurate complex sentences with some less common vocabulary and only occasional errors.

Should I include every number from the chart?

No. Select and group the most significant figures to support the key features — listing every data point with no overview lowers your score on both Task Achievement and Coherence. Choose the comparisons that matter and quantify those.

Can I get my Task 1 response marked?

Yes. The Writing Correction Service marks IELTS Task 1 and Task 2 against all four official criteria with line-by-line feedback and a predicted band score, returned in 48 hours.

IELTS Writing Correction

Get your Task 1 response marked against all four criteria

Submit a Task 1 response and receive line-by-line feedback and a predicted band score from experienced teachers in 48 hours — including whether your overview is doing its job.

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