In Academic Writing Task 1 you have 20 minutes to write at least 150 words describing, in your own words, the key information in a graph, table, chart, process diagram or map. For band 7 the single most important part is a clear overview: the main trends and differences in one paragraph. Below: a 4-paragraph structure, the language each type needs and a sample plan.
The basic requirements
- At least 150 words. Writing more is not penalised, but it eats into Task 2 time.
- Spend no more than 20 minutes: the whole Writing test is 60 minutes and Task 2 needs 40.
- Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1, yet a weak Task 1 still drags your Writing band down.
- Full sentences only: notes or bullet points are not accepted.
- Academic or neutral style with no personal opinion - you describe the data, you do not judge it.
Task 1 types
The official description: one or more graphs, charts or tables, or a diagram of an object, device, process or event. Map tasks appear in official practice materials.
| Type | What it shows | Key language |
|---|---|---|
| Line graph | Change over time | rose, fell, peaked, fluctuated, remained stable |
| Bar chart | Comparison of categories, sometimes over time | higher than, twice as many, the lowest |
| Pie chart | Shares and percentages | accounted for, a quarter, the majority |
| Table | A grid of figures | pick out the highest and lowest values |
| Process diagram | Stages of a process | passive voice: is heated, is then transported |
| Map | How a place changed | was replaced by, was extended, to the north of |
| Mixed | Two visuals together | an overview that links both |
The 4-paragraph structure
Task 1 does not need a conclusion - the overview does that job. Putting it right after the introduction makes sure the examiner sees it.
| Paragraph | Content | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Introduction | Paraphrase the task: what, where, when | 1-2 sentences |
| 2. Overview | The 2 main trends or differences, no figures | 2 sentences |
| 3. Details 1 | First group of data with figures | 3-4 sentences |
| 4. Details 2 | Second group of data with figures | 3-4 sentences |
Why the overview decides band 7
The official band descriptors (May 2023) for Academic Task 1 say a band 7 response presents a “clear overview”, categorises the data appropriately and identifies the main trends or differences. At band 6 an overview is only “attempted”. At band 5 the writer may focus on details without referring to the bigger picture.
Listing every number will not raise your band. Pick the highest, the lowest and the fastest-changing values and compare them.
Sample plan: a line graph
Task (example): the share of residents using public transport in three cities, 2000-2020. The data are illustrative.
- Introduction: “The line graph illustrates the proportion of residents who used public transport in three cities between 2000 and 2020.”
- Overview: “Overall, usage rose in City A and City B, while it declined in City C. City A had the highest figure throughout the period.”
- Details 1: the growth in City A and City B - start and end figures, the period of fastest growth.
- Details 2: the fall in City C and the year City B overtook it.
- Length: about 170-190 words - enough, with nothing wasted.
Tips for processes and maps
- Process: give the number of stages and the start and end in the overview (“The process consists of six stages, beginning with... and ending with...”).
- Use the passive voice and sequencers: first, next, after that, once, finally.
- Map: the overview names the biggest changes (“the area became more residential”, “the park was replaced by...”).
- Directions: to the north of, next to, opposite, in the centre. Choose tenses carefully: past simple, or future for plans (“will be built”).
The most common mistakes
- No overview, or an overview that just repeats figures.
- Copying the task word for word - copied words are not counted and hurt Lexical Resource.
- Personal opinion or reasons (“this is because people became richer”) - the graph does not say that.
- Repeating one word: vary “increase” with “rise”, “growth”, “climb”.
- Under 150 words: Task Achievement drops.
- Missing units: percent, million, tonnes belong next to every figure.
A 20-minute plan
| Time | What you do |
|---|---|
| 0-3 min | Analyse the visual: the biggest change, 2 key features, split the data into 2 groups |
| 3-17 min | Introduction, overview and 2 detail paragraphs |
| 17-20 min | Check figures, units, tenses and articles |
Frequently asked questions
- Does Task 1 need a conclusion? Not necessarily - the overview is enough. If you add one, do not repeat the overview word for word.
- Will I lose marks for writing more than 150 words? No, there is no penalty, but you lose time for Task 2.
- Do I have to mention every figure? No - select the key features and support them with figures.
- Is there a graph in General Training? No, General Training Task 1 is a letter.
