IELTS Writing Task 1: How to Describe Charts Clearly

Description: A step-by-step method for Task 1: Overview → Key Trends → Comparisons → Precise Details, plus models, language banks, and a 10‑minute routine.

Introduction

Task 1 asks you to describe visual data in about 150 words. Examiners want four things: a clear overview, logical organization, accurate comparisons, and precise language. This guide gives you a repeatable method that works for line graphs, bar charts, tables, and pie charts (and can be adapted to maps/process diagrams with small tweaks).

The 4‑Step Method

1) Introduction (1–2 sentences)
Paraphrase the task. Do not copy the prompt. Mention what, where, when.

The chart illustrates / The table compares / The pie charts show the proportion of…

2) Overview (2 sentences)
State the big picture without numbers: general increases/decreases, highest/lowest, notable contrasts or stability.

Overall, A increased steadily, while B declined. C remained relatively stable.

3) Key Comparisons (1–2 paragraphs)
Group data logically (by trend, category, or time). Make like‑for‑like comparisons. Use comparatives/superlatives and trend verbs.

By 2020, A overtook B; meanwhile, C consistently ranked lowest.

4) Precise Details (selective numbers)
Support comparisons with carefully chosen figures/years (no number dumps). Use approximations when appropriate (e.g., about, roughly, just over).

A rose from 1.2m to 2.8m, whereas B fell from 2.5m to 1.1m.

Language Bank

Trend verbs: rise, increase, grow, climb; fall, decline, drop, dip; fluctuate; remain stable/steady.
Adverbs: slightly, gradually, steadily, sharply, dramatically, significantly.
Comparisons: higher/lower than, overtook, lagged behind, roughly equal, by contrast.
Approximations: about, around, just under/over, nearly, approximately.

Sentence frames

  • X rose steadily from A to B between 2010 and 2020.
  • By 2018, Y had overtaken Z.
  • In contrast, C remained relatively stable at around 20%.

Model: Line Graph (Cars Sold, 2010–2020, Countries A/B/C)

Intro
The line graph compares car sales in Countries A, B, and C from 2010 to 2020.

Overview
Overall, sales in A increased substantially, while B declined. C showed minor fluctuations and ended slightly above its starting point.

Key Comparisons
In 2010, B recorded the highest figure (about 250k), followed by C (~150k) and A (~100k). However, A grew consistently and overtook B by 2016. From 2016 onwards, A maintained its lead, whereas B continued to fall.

Details
Specifically, A tripled from roughly 100k to nearly 300k by 2020. In contrast, B halved, dropping to around 120k. C hovered close to 150k for most of the period, ending near 170k. Thus, by 2020, the ranking was A first (~300k), B second (~120k), and C close behind (~170k).

Why this works: One paragraph gives the big picture; the next groups trends and selects only the most meaningful numbers.

What to Include vs Skip

Include:

  • Overall trends (up/down/stable)
  • Highest/lowest endpoints
  • Clear cross‑category comparisons
  • A few key data points to support claims

Skip:

  • Opinions/causes (Task 1 is descriptive, not argumentative)
  • Every single number (choose representative figures)
  • Informal language (went up a lot → rose significantly)

Common Pitfalls (and Fixes)

  • No overview → Always add a 2‑sentence overview after the intro.
  • Copying the question → Paraphrase with synonyms (illustrates/compares/shows).
  • Random number lists → Organize by trend or category; support with select figures.
  • Wrong tense/units → Use past tense if dates are past; repeat units (%, million, tonnes) consistently.
  • Comparing incomparable items → Compare like with like (same year, same metric).

10‑Minute Daily Routine

Minute 1–2: Read a chart. Underline what + when + units.
Minute 3–4: Write Intro + Overview (no numbers).
Minute 5–7: Draft Key Comparisons (2–3 sentences).
Minute 8–10: Add 2–4 precise figures and edit for clarity.

Checklist before submitting

  • One overview?
  • At least two comparisons?
  • Units and time references consistent?
  • No opinions or causes?

Conclusion

Task 1 is about clarity and selection. Use the 4‑step method, compare like with like, and support claims with a few strategic numbers—no more, no less. With a short daily routine, your descriptions will become precise, readable, and examiner‑friendly.

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