IELTS Writing Task 1: How to Describe Graphs, Charts, and Maps

Article Level: B1-B2

Explanation:This article guides IELTS candidates on how to describe graphs, charts, and maps effectively in Writing Task 1. It covers vocabulary, grammar, organisation, and key tips to achieve a higher band score with clear and accurate descriptions.

Commonly Used Words from the Article

1. Trend /trɛnd/ (noun): A general direction in which something changes.

   The graph shows an upward trend in internet use.

2. Decline /dɪˈklaɪn/ (verb): To decrease or reduce in number or quality.

   Bus usage declined steadily after 2000.

3. Expand /ɪkˈspænd/ (verb): To become larger or increase in size.

   The city expanded into the surrounding countryside.

4. Overview /ˈəʊvəvjuː/ (noun): A short general description of something.

   The overview should summarise the main features of the chart.
   
   
5. Fluctuate /ˈflʌktjʊeɪt/ (verb): To change frequently in amount or level.
   
   Prices fluctuated throughout the year.
   
   

Read more: IELTS Writing Task 1: How to Describe Graphs, Charts, and Maps

IELTS Writing Task 1: How to Describe Graphs, Charts, and Maps

When preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 1, one of the most important skills is the ability to describe graphs, charts, and maps clearly and accurately. This task often asks you to summarise visual data, highlight key trends, and compare differences. To succeed, you need to use the right vocabulary, organise your writing, and follow a logical structure.

Understanding the Task

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you will usually see a graph, table, chart, or diagram. In IELTS General Training, Task 1 is often a letter, but it is still useful to know how to describe data. Your main goal is not to give personal opinions but to report the information in a formal, objective way.

Describing Graphs and Charts

When describing line graphs, bar charts, or pie charts, focus on trends and patterns rather than single details. For example, instead of writing, “In 2010, sales were 100 units,” you should say, “Sales increased steadily between 2005 and 2010.” Use verbs such as rise, fall, increase, decrease, remain stable, or fluctuate. Adverbs like gradually, sharply, and slightly make your descriptions more precise.

It is also important to compare information. For instance, you could write, “While the number of car owners rose sharply, the number of bus users declined slightly.” Linking words such as while, whereas, and in contrast help connect ideas smoothly.

Describing Maps

Sometimes IELTS Writing Task 1 gives you maps that show changes over time. The key is to describe the transformation clearly. Use phrases like “was replaced by,” “was expanded into,” or “was converted into.” For example, “The farmland was replaced by a new residential area.” Passive voice is very useful here, as it focuses on what happened rather than who did it.

Organising Your Answer

A strong Task 1 answer usually has four parts:

1. Introduction – Paraphrase the question.

2. Overview – Summarise the main trends or changes.

3. Details (Paragraph 1) – Describe the first set of data.

4. Details (Paragraph 2) – Explain the second set of data or make comparisons.

The overview is especially important because it shows the examiner that you can see the bigger picture. Avoid listing every small number. Instead, highlight general patterns, such as “Overall, the population of the city increased, while the amount of green space decreased.”

Useful Tips

• Use a range of vocabulary to avoid repeating the same words.

• Be careful with tenses: use the past tense if the data is from the past, and the present tense if it is current.

• Keep your writing formal and academic—avoid personal opinions.

By practising regularly, you will build confidence in describing different types of visual data. Clear organisation, accurate grammar, and precise vocabulary will help you achieve a higher band score in IELTS Writing Task 1.

Grammar Notes

Passive Voice

The article uses passive voice, especially when describing maps. Example: “The farmland was replaced by a residential area.”

• Form: be + past participle

• Use: When the action is more important than the subject.

Linking Words

The article uses linking words such as while, whereas, and in contrast to compare ideas.

• Example: “While car ownership increased, bus usage declined.”

• Tip: Linking words make writing cohesive and clear.

 

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Five Questions Based on the Article

• What is the main purpose of IELTS Writing Task 1?

• Which words can you use to describe trends in a graph?

• Why is the overview an important part of your answer?

• How can linking words improve your description of charts?

• Which tense should you use when describing past data?
  
  

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