IELTS Academic
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: Essay | Complete Guide
What is IELTS Academic Writing Task 2? The Essay is Task 2 of the IELTS Academic Writing test. You are given a …
What is IELTS Academic Writing Task 1?
The Visual Report is Task 1 of the IELTS Academic Writing test. You are shown a visual - a line graph, bar chart, pie chart, table, diagram, map, or process flowchart - and you have 20 minutes to write a 150-word summary describing the main features, comparing the data, and identifying significant trends.
This is a factual, neutral piece of writing. You are not arguing a position. You are not allowed to give an opinion about whether the trends are good, bad, fair, or unfair. The examiner wants to see whether you can read a visual accurately and report it in formal academic English.
Marvel’s IELTS Companion sums it up like this:
“The Writing Task 1 of the IELTS Academic test requires you to write a summary of at least 150 words in response to a particular graph (bar, line or pie graph), table, chart, or process. This task tests your ability to select and report the main features, to describe and compare data, identify significance and trends in factual information, or describe a process. In task 1, you have to give a fairly technical description.”
Task 1 is worth one third of your Writing band score. Task 2 is worth two thirds. That weighting tells you exactly how much time to spend on each.
Task Format
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Task type | Factual report describing a visual |
| Word count | At least 150 words (aim for 160-180) |
| Recommended time | 20 minutes |
| Visual types | Line graph, bar chart, pie chart, table, map, process diagram, mixed chart |
| Register | Formal academic English. No contractions. No personal pronouns. |
| Opinion? | No. Task 1 is purely descriptive. |
| Weighting | 1x (Task 2 is 2x) |
| Marking criteria | Task Achievement, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range & Accuracy |
If you write fewer than 150 words you lose marks on Task Achievement, and you cannot score above a certain band even if the rest of the writing is perfect. Counting your average words per line during practice helps you stay inside the limit without padding.
The 4-paragraph structure that scores Band 7+
Marvel teaches a simple, repeatable structure for every Task 1 visual, no matter the type.
Paragraph 1 - Introduction (paraphrase the prompt)
One sentence is enough. Replace the verb (shows, illustrates, depicts, gives information about), replace nouns where possible, and keep all the data anchors (years, places, units).
Stems to use:
- The graph illustrates…
- The chart provides information on…
- The pie charts show the proportion of…
- The table compares… in terms of…
- The diagram shows how…
- The map shows the changes that took place in…
Avoid the phrase according to the graph. Marvel’s tip explains why:
“Avoid using the phrase: according to the graph. This is because the phrase according to generally means that the information comes from another person or source, and not from our own knowledge. In the case of a graph or table that is shown, the information is there right in front of you, the writer, and also the reader, and so you know it does not come from another source.”
Paragraph 2 - Overview (no details, no numbers)
The overview is the most important sentence in your whole report. It identifies the main trend, the biggest contrast, or the largest category - in plain language, without specific figures. This single paragraph is what lifts Task Achievement from Band 6 to Band 7 or higher.
Stems to use:
- Overall, it can be seen that…
- Overall, it is evident from the data that…
- Overall, the data indicate that…
- Overall, according to the figures, it is evident that…
Paragraph 3 - Detail body 1
Cover the biggest, highest, or most important category first. Group similar items together. Use comparison phrases. Quote specific numbers (with units).
Stems to use:
- At first glance, it is crystal clear that…
- The greatest proportion of…
- In contrast, …
- … accounted for …% of the total
Paragraph 4 - Detail body 2
Cover the remaining categories, smaller items, or the second half of the time period. Always make comparisons. Never just list numbers.
Stems to use:
- Going forward, it is interesting to note that…
- Shifting attention towards the remaining information, …
- On the other hand, …
- Furthermore, …
Band 9 model answer: pie chart
Prompt: The pie charts below show the average household expenditures in Japan and Malaysia in the year 2010.
The pie charts show the proportion of money spent on various household expenses in Malaysia and Japan in 2010. Overall, the data indicate that in both cases food, housing and other goods and services were the main expenses, but that in Japan, transport and other goods and services took up a higher proportion of total expenditure than in Malaysia. At first glance, it is crystal clear that in Malaysia the greatest proportion of expenditure (34%) was on housing, while in Japan housing accounted for just 21% of the total. In contrast, in Japan, the greatest single expense was other goods and services at 29%, compared with 26% in Malaysia. Shifting attention towards the remaining information, food came in second place in Japan, at 24%, while in Malaysia the actual proportion was higher (27%). In Japan, another major expense was transport, at 20%, but this was much lower in Malaysia (10%). In both countries, the smallest percentage of expenditure was on health care. (167 words)
Notice how the answer follows the structure exactly: paraphrased intro, then Overall… overview, then At first glance… for the first detail block, then Shifting attention… for the second.
Band 9 model answer: bar chart
Prompt: The chart shows the percentages of boys and girls who were successful in their high school competency exams from 2010 to 2011, by subject.
The bar chart shows the percentages of boys and girls who were successful in their high school competency exams in the period from 2010 to 2011, by subject. Overall, according to the figures, it is evident that during the period in question, girls performed better in most subjects in the competency exams than boys. At first glance, it is crystal clear that students of both sexes performed best in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Foreign Languages, with approximately 54%, 49% and 47% respectively. Results for boys and girls were roughly comparable in Computer Science and Mathematics. In other subjects, however, there were some significant differences. Going forward, it is interesting that girls achieved by far their best results in Computer Science, with a pass rate of 56.3%, which was considerably higher than the boys. The difference was even more marked in Chemistry, where over 16% more girls passed. The only subject where boys’ results were better than girls was Geography, where they achieved a pass rate of 30.4%, 10% higher than the figure for girls. (188 words)
Band 9 model answer: table
Prompt: The table below shows the worldwide market share of the notebook computer market for manufacturers in the years 2006 and 2007.
The table gives information on the market share of notebook computer manufacturers for two consecutive years, 2006 and 2007. Overall, it can be seen that in both years, HP was clearly the market leader, selling the highest proportion of notebooks, in contrast to Fujitsu-Siemens, which showed the least market share. At first glance, it is crystal clear that HP sold 31.4% of all notebook computers in 2006, and slightly more (34%) in 2007. This was a greater market share than its two closest competitors, Dell and Acer, added together. Dell increased its market share from 16.6% in 2006 to 20.2% in 2007. In contrast, Acer saw its share of the market decline slightly from 11.6% to 10.7%. Going forward, it is interesting that the other companies listed each had a much smaller share of the market. Toshiba’s share increased from 6.2% in 2006 to 7.3% in 2007, whereas Lenovo’s decreased slightly from 6.6% to 6.2%. Fujitsu-Siemens’ share more than halved from 2006 to 2007, from 4.8% to only 2.3%. (186 words)
Band 9 model answer: process diagram
Prompt: The flowchart illustrates the production of coloured plastic paper clips in a small factory.
There are four main stages in the production of plastic paper clips from this small factory. Two of these stages involve actual preparation of the clips, while the other two consist of quality control before the clips are sent out from the factory to the retailers. Overall, it is evident from the data that the three coloured moulds have different functions, and after going through the whole procedure clips are manufactured and dispatched. At first glance, it is crystal clear that molten plastic is poured into three different moulds depending on the colour required: red, blue and yellow. Once these clips emerge from the moulds, a quality control machine checks them for strength. Unsatisfactory clips are rejected. Going forward, it is interesting to note that in the third stage of the process the clips are sorted by hand into two groups: mixed and single colours. When this stage is complete, the groups are checked a second time to ensure that the colour mixtures are divided correctly into single colours and mixed colour batches. Finally, the clips are packed and dispatched to the markets. (194 words)
For process diagrams, notice the use of passive voice (is poured, are checked, are dispatched) and sequence linkers (Once, in the third stage, When, Finally).
Band 9 model answer: map
Prompt: The diagrams show Queen Mary Hospital at three different stages in its development: 1960, 1980 and 2000.
The diagrams show Queen Mary Hospital at three different stages in its development: 1960, 1980 and 2000. Overall, it is evident from the data that during this period, the hospital has increased in size and, in addition to a new nursing school, a cancer centre has been created and extended. Consequently, the capacity of the car park has been reduced by half. At first glance, it is crystal clear that in 1960, the hospital was built close to a main road and next to a shopping centre. A large area behind the hospital was turned into a car park, while the area behind the shopping centre was farmland. By 1980, the shopping centre had been demolished in order to make way for two additional hospital buildings which became a pharmacy and a cancer centre. Furthermore, the hospital gained the farmland and converted it into a nursing school. Going forward, it is interesting to note that in 2000, the main hospital building remained unchanged, but the cancer centre was extended to cover the entire nursing school. As a result, the original car park was divided into two. (200 words)
Maps and change-over-time diagrams need past simple (was built), past perfect (had been demolished), and present perfect (has increased) depending on the timeframe. Use direction words (to the north, behind, next to, opposite).
Vocabulary for describing trends
Verbs of change
| Direction | Verbs (past simple) | Verbs (noun form) |
|---|---|---|
| Up | rose, increased, climbed, grew, shot up, soared | a rise, an increase, growth, a surge |
| Down | fell, dropped, declined, decreased, plunged | a fall, a drop, a decline, a decrease |
| Stable | remained steady, levelled off, plateaued, stayed constant | stability, a plateau |
| Up and down | fluctuated, varied | a fluctuation |
| Peak | peaked, reached a peak, hit a high | a peak, a high point |
| Low | bottomed out, hit a low | a low, a trough |
Adverbs and adjectives of degree
| Strength | Adverbs (with verbs) | Adjectives (with nouns) |
|---|---|---|
| Strong | dramatically, sharply, significantly, rapidly | a dramatic, sharp, significant, rapid |
| Mild | slightly, gradually, gently, slowly, steadily | a slight, gradual, gentle, slow, steady |
| Sudden | suddenly, abruptly | a sudden, abrupt |
Marvel sentence-stem bank
| Function | Sentence stem |
|---|---|
| Introduce | The graph shows / indicates / depicts / illustrates… |
| Introduce | It can be seen from the graph that… |
| Overview | Overall, it is evident from the data that… |
| Overview | Overall, according to the figures, … |
| First detail | At first glance, it is crystal clear that… |
| Second detail | Going forward, it is interesting to note that… |
| Compare | In contrast, … / On the other hand, … |
| Add | Furthermore, … / In addition, … |
| Cause | As a result, … / Consequently, … |
| Highlight | The most striking feature is… |
Quantity language
| Proportion | Phrase |
|---|---|
| 100% | the entire / all / every |
| ~75% | the vast majority / three-quarters |
| ~66% | two-thirds |
| ~50% | half / one in two |
| ~33% | one-third / one in three |
| ~25% | a quarter / one in four |
| ~10% | one in ten / a small minority |
| <5% | a tiny fraction / a negligible proportion |
Time-management plan for 20 minutes
| Time | Action |
|---|---|
| 0:00 - 0:02 | Read the prompt. Identify visual type, units, time frame, categories. |
| 0:02 - 0:04 | Underline the biggest trend or contrast. Plan your overview. |
| 0:04 - 0:08 | Write introduction (1 sentence) and overview (1-2 sentences). |
| 0:08 - 0:14 | Write detail paragraph 1 (biggest features, with numbers). |
| 0:14 - 0:18 | Write detail paragraph 2 (remaining features, comparisons). |
| 0:18 - 0:20 | Check word count, spelling, plurals, percentages, tenses. |
Marvel’s tip on timing:
“During the actual exam, you should spend 6-7 minutes analysing the question, about 30 minutes writing your essay, and 3-4 minutes checking your essay for mistakes.”
For Task 1 specifically, compress that to roughly 2-3 minutes analysis, 15 minutes writing, 2-3 minutes checking.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
| Mistake | Why it costs marks | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Copying the prompt word-for-word | Copied text is ignored by the examiner | Paraphrase the verb and the units |
| No overview paragraph | Caps Task Achievement at Band 6 | Write Overall, … before any specific numbers |
| Giving an opinion | Task 1 is descriptive, not argumentative | Save opinions for Task 2 |
| Writing under 150 words | Automatic penalty on Task Achievement | Aim for 160-180 words |
| Using amount of with countable nouns | Grammar error | Use number of with countable, amount of with uncountable |
| Saying the per cent of | Wrong noun form | Use the percentage of without a number, X per cent with a number |
| Three hundred thousands | Plural error with numbers | Singular form: three hundred thousand |
| Listing every number | No comparison, no trend = low Lexical Resource | Compare, group, summarise |
| Using contractions (it’s, they’re) | Informal register | Use full forms (it is, they are) |
| Personal pronouns (we can see) | Informal register | Use passive or impersonal forms |
Marvel calls out two specific grammar traps:
“Amount and number: amount is used with uncountable nouns; the number is used with countable nouns. The amount of meat consumed in China between 1985 and 2010. NOT number of meat.”
“Per cent and percentage: per cent is always used with a number; the percentage is used on its own without a number. The percentage of male teachers in the UK. NOT the per cent of male teachers.”
Visual-type cheat sheet
Each Task 1 visual type has its own grammar and vocabulary fingerprint. Knowing this in advance saves planning time on exam day.
Line graph
- Tense: usually past simple if dates are in the past; present perfect if data runs to today
- Vocabulary: trend verbs (rose, fell, fluctuated, plateaued) with adverbs of degree
- Structure: time-based - describe periods chronologically or group similar trends together
- Common stems: The graph shows the trend in… / Between X and Y, … rose sharply.
Bar chart
- Tense: depends on the time frame; if no dates, use present simple
- Vocabulary: comparison phrases (higher than, twice as much as, the same as)
- Structure: rank-based - start with the largest or most striking category
- Common stems: The most striking feature is… / X was significantly higher than Y.
Pie chart
- Tense: present simple if a single year; past if historical; future if predicted
- Vocabulary: proportion language (a quarter, two-thirds, the majority)
- Structure: largest segment first, group small segments together at the end
- Common stems: X accounted for nearly half of… / The smallest proportion was…
Table
- Tense: matches the time frame; tables often span multiple years
- Vocabulary: similar to bar chart but with more emphasis on exact figures
- Structure: identify the dominant row or column, then describe the standouts
- Common stems: The table compares… in terms of… / The most notable difference is…
Map
- Tense: past for historical maps; present perfect for changes that have happened; future for proposals
- Vocabulary: direction words (north, south, east, west, beside, opposite, behind)
- Structure: describe the original layout, then the changes - or for proposed sites, describe each location in turn
- Common stems: The shopping centre was demolished… / A new hospital wing was built to the north of…
Process diagram
- Tense: present simple passive (is poured, is mixed, are packaged)
- Vocabulary: sequence linkers (first, next, then, after that, finally)
- Structure: count the stages in the overview, then walk through them in order
- Common stems: There are X main stages in the production of… / At the first stage, …
Mixed charts
- Tense: depends on each visual
- Vocabulary: combine the language of both visual types
- Structure: introduce both visuals together, write an overview covering both, then dedicate one body paragraph to each
- Common stems: The first chart shows… while the second chart provides information on…
Sample paraphrase exercises
The introduction is often the slowest part of Task 1. Practising paraphrase makes it automatic. Compare these original prompts with their paraphrased introductions.
| Original prompt | Paraphrased introduction |
|---|---|
| The graph shows the number of books read by men and women at Burnaby Public Library from 2011 to 2014. | The line graph gives information about Burnaby Public Library, illustrating how many books people borrowed over a four-year period. |
| The pie charts show the average household expenditures in Japan and Malaysia in 2010. | The two pie charts illustrate the proportion of money spent on various household expenses in Malaysia and Japan in 2010. |
| The table shows the worldwide market share of the notebook computer market for manufacturers in 2006 and 2007. | The table provides information on the market share of notebook computer manufacturers for two consecutive years, 2006 and 2007. |
| The diagrams show Queen Mary Hospital at three different stages in its development. | The maps depict Queen Mary Hospital at three different stages: 1960, 1980, and 2000. |
| The flowchart illustrates the production of coloured plastic paper clips. | The process diagram outlines the four-stage production of coloured plastic paper clips in a small factory. |
Notice that the paraphrase changes the verb (shows becomes illustrates, provides information on, outlines) and the visual name (graph becomes line graph, pie chart stays but is more specific). Specific information like dates and place names is not paraphrased.
Linking devices that lift your Coherence band
Coherence and Cohesion is 25% of your Task 1 band. Strong essays do not just use firstly, secondly, finally - they use a variety of cohesive devices.
| Function | Linker examples |
|---|---|
| Addition | in addition, furthermore, moreover, similarly, also |
| Contrast | however, in contrast, on the other hand, whereas, while |
| Result | as a result, consequently, therefore, hence, accordingly |
| Time | initially, subsequently, by the end of, throughout the period, over the next decade |
| Sequence | firstly, secondly, then, after that, finally, lastly |
| Example | for instance, for example, namely, in particular |
| Reference | this trend, this pattern, these figures, the former, the latter |
Marvel’s tip on linking:
“One of the most useful strategies for linking points between sentences is to use the demonstrative this or these. This or these can be used either on its own or followed by a summary word which captures the main point of the preceding sentence.”
For example: The number of cars on the road increased by 40%. This trend is likely to continue. Here this trend refers back without repeating increase in cars on the road, which keeps the writing concise.
How examiners score Task 1
Each criterion is worth 25% of your Task 1 band.
1. Task Achievement
- Did you cover all the main features?
- Is there a clear overview?
- Did you write at least 150 words?
- Are your numbers accurate?
2. Coherence and Cohesion
- Are paragraphs logically organised?
- Are linking words used appropriately?
- Does the reader follow the flow easily?
3. Lexical Resource
- Range of vocabulary for trends, comparisons, and quantities
- Accuracy of word choice
- Use of paraphrase
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
- Mix of simple and complex sentences
- Correct tenses for the time frame
- Accurate articles, plurals, and prepositions
Your final Writing band combines Task 1 and Task 2 with Task 2 weighted double: (Task 1 band + 2 x Task 2 band) divided by 3.
IELTS vs LanguageCert vs PTE - writing comparison
| Aspect | IELTS Academic Writing | LanguageCert Academic Writing | PTE Academic Writing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tasks | Task 1 visual report + Task 2 essay | Part 1 report + Part 2 essay | Summarise written text + Write essay |
| Total time | 60 minutes | 75 minutes | ~50 minutes |
| Word counts | 150 + 250 | 150-200 + 250 | 5-75 + 200-300 |
| Scoring | Human-marked, 4 criteria | AI + human, 4 criteria | AI-only, multiple traits |
| Feedback turnaround | Bands in 3-13 days | 5 working days | 2-5 working days |
| Visual types | Charts, graphs, maps, processes | Data tables, charts | Not applicable (summary task is text-based) |
| Spelling autocorrect | None | None | None |
If you also plan to take LanguageCert, the LanguageCert Discursive Essay guide walks through the 250-word essay format used in Part 2.
Practice on the real CD IELTS interface
IELTS Academic Writing is now delivered on computer at most test centres. Typing on the real interface is a separate skill from handwriting a report. The Marvel Edu CD IELTS practice software gives you:
- The exact computer-delivered interface used in the official test
- On-screen word counter that updates as you type
- Full cut, copy, paste, and undo functionality
- AI band-score prediction on all 4 criteria (Task Achievement, Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammar)
- Sentence-level grammar and vocabulary feedback
- Band-9 model answers from the Marvel IELTS Companion for every visual type
- Sample prompts across line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, tables, maps, processes, and mixed charts
Start Free Trial of CD IELTS Practice Software
Quick reference checklist
Before you press submit, run through this list:
- Introduction paraphrases the prompt (no copied phrases)
- Overview paragraph identifies the main trend without numbers
- At least 150 words written (160-180 is ideal)
- No personal opinion anywhere in the report
- No contractions, no first-person pronouns
- At least 3 trend verbs used (rose, fell, fluctuated, etc.)
- At least 2 comparison phrases (in contrast, on the other hand)
- All numbers and units are accurate
- Tense matches the time frame on the axis
- No spelling mistakes on common words (their, government, environment, percentage)
- Plurals on countable nouns checked
Next steps
- Read all 6 model answers above and notice the repeated sentence stems
- Build a personal vocabulary bank of 10 trend verbs, 10 adverbs of degree, 5 paraphrase verbs
- Time yourself writing one Task 1 every day for two weeks
- Get AI feedback on each one so you fix grammar gaps before exam day
- Practise every visual type - many candidates only train on bar charts and freeze when a process appears
Start your timed practice on the CD IELTS practice software. Pair this guide with the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 essay guide for the full Writing module.