IELTS Writing Task 1: Question
Try this process diagram question about the manmade process of
hydroelectricity.
The diagram shows how electricity is generated by a
hydroelectric dam.
Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer explaining how
the process works.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer
The diagram illustrates the basic principles of hydroelectric power.
The process requires the construction of a large dam connected to a
powerhouse. The dam creates a large reservoir and the powerhouse is
where the electricity is generated.
First of all, water trapped in the reservoir behind the dam is forced
through an intake. It then flows into a narrow chamber called a
penstock, where the resulting high pressure turns a turbine. The
turbine is connected to a generator in the powerhouse above, and this
is where the movement of the turbine is converted into electricity. The
resulting electricity leaves the powerhouse via cables that carry it
over long distances to where it can be used.
It is interesting to note that a hydroelectric dam creates no harmful
byproducts and relies entirely on natural forces to produce electricity.
After the turbine stage, water flows out through a second channel and
into a river. The process is renewable, thanks to the water cycle in
nature.
(163 words, IELTS 8.0)
Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS
Band 8 score?
Task achievement: The introduction paraphrases the question and
describes the constituent parts of the process. The body describes
each stage of the process in sequence.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer has an introduction, body
and conclusion. Sequencing expressions such as first of
all, then and after are used appropriately. The
articles a and the are used effectively to introduce and refer back to
different elements of the process.
Lexical resource: The labels in the diagram are well integrated into
the model answer and appropriate verbs such
as converted, flows and leaves are used throughout. Less-common
words such as byproducts and renewable are introduced by the
writer. Spelling is always accurate.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The writer uses the present simple
tense and has good control of subject-verb agreement and
active/passive forms. A good balance of simple and complex
sentences is used throughout.
Teacher’s Notes
This IELTS Writing Task 1 question asks you to
describe a process. Usually the process diagram will include some
technical vocabulary. The challenge is how well you can integrate the
vocabulary into a coherent report. The examiner is also looking at how
you use sequencing expressions to show the order of events. Finally,
remember that most processes happen at any time, so use only the
present simple tense.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Question
You might see a line graph like this one in Task 1. The ability to
describe changes over time is a key skill in line graph tasks.
The diagram shows the consumption of renewable energy in the
USA from 1949-2008.
Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer identifying the
main trends and making comparisons where relevant.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer
The line graph shows growth in the consumption of renewable energy
during the period 1949-2008 in the USA. The results are also broken
down by source.
The first thing to note is that renewable energy use more than doubled
over the period, with particularly strong growth in biofuels. This sector
did not exist in 1980 but experienced a steep rise during the 2000s to
over one quadrillion Btu per year. This made biofuels a serious
challenger to both wood and hydroelectric power, which both saw only
limited growth overall. The former grew steadily between 1975 and
1985, but then slipped back to around its original level of 1.8
quadrillion Btu. The latter began the period at the same level as wood
but experienced more substantial growth. However, it also fell back to
around 2 quadrillion Btu, with a particularly sharp drop in the late
1990s.
Finally, wind power emerged late in the period but showed a gradual
rise to around 0.5 quadrillion Btu, suggesting that it, along with
biofuels, will replace wood and hydroelectricity as the main sources of
renewable every in the future.
(184 words, IELTS 8.0)
Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS
Band 8 score?
Task achievement: The model answer describes the overall trend
first, followed by an analysis of the different energy sources.
Numerical evidence is used sparingly to illustrate the trends. The main
trends are used as the basis of a prediction in the final sentence.
Coherence and cohesion: Trends are explained in general terms first,
followed by supporting figures. Some energy sources are grouped
together for ease of understanding. It and this are used throughout
as cohesive devices, and the writer uses the former and the latter to
refer back to information in a previous sentence.
Lexical resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary to
describe change, including adjectives and adverbs such
as limited, substantial and particularly sharp, and verbs such
as doubled, slipped and emerged.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer is free from
grammatical errors. Sentence forms are complex and include relative
clauses and linking words such as with. The candidate makes use of
past, present and future tenses. Punctuation is also used carefully
and accurately throughout.
Teacher’s Notes
A line graph question in IELTS Writing task 1 will
typically ask you to compare the performance of several different
things over time, in this case renewable energy sources. Maximise
your score by making good use of reference links such as ‘the
former/latter’ and ‘respectively’. Even though you are only supposed to
describe what is shown in the graph, a nice way to end is to make a
prediction about the future based on the current trend.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Question
Bar charts often appear very simple but they can also contain a lot of
information. It’s up to you to decide which information from the bar
chart is important enough to go in your answer.
The bar chart shows the relative electricity consumption and
cost per year of various household devices.
Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer explaining the
data and making comparisons where relevant.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer
The bar chart compares the energy consumption and expense of
operating 16 different items of household equipment. Overall, we can
see significant differences in both cost and consumption.
To begin with, there are some common household items which
consume relatively little energy. These include an electric blanket
(approx. $10 or 100kwh/year), a microwave oven (approx. $15 or
150kwh/year) and a television (approx. $17 or 170kwh/year).
By contrast, devices that might be classified as ‘luxury’ items such as
a pool pump or spa are comparatively expensive and energy-intensive,
at nearly $125 or 1500kwh/year and around $190 or 2225kwh/year
respectively.
It is interesting to note that even among household items normally
considered alike, such as a microwave and refrigerator, there are
enormous discrepancies in cost and energy use. The former uses only
around $15 or 150kwh/year, while the latter consumes at least six
times that amount at $90 or 1150kwh/year.
In conclusion, it appears that there is no clear pattern in the relative
energy consumption of domestic equipment, although households had
better be aware of the high running costs of luxury items such as a
pool pump and spa.
(187 words, IELTS 9.0)
Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS
Band 9 score?
Task achievement: The model answer presents an overall description
first, followed by key supporting details that illustrate the main trend.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer is divided into clear
paragraphs and each paragraph contains one main idea. There are
cohesive links between paragraphs. A variety of reference links are
used throughout, including the former, the latter, and respectively.
Lexical resource: The language in the question is effectively
paraphrased. Synonyms are introduced for key concepts such
as electricity consumption > energy use and cost > expense. Some
less-common words such as discrepancies and energy-intensive are
used.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer is free from
grammatical errors. Sentences tend to consist of multiple clauses.
Paragraphs contain a variety of sentence structures.
Teacher’s Note
Don’t panic when you see a lot of things to write
about in Task 1, as in the bar chart above. You won’t lose marks if you
omit a few of the items in the bar chart from your answer. The most
important thing is to identify two or three general patterns and write
about these. General patterns could be similar items with similar
results. It’s also good to note an exception. But remember, you don’t
need to describe every single item in order to get a high score.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Question
This IELTS Task 1 diagram is a great chance to practice your
comparing skills. How many differences can you spot and which
differences are most significant?
The diagram shows the skeletal systems of two ancestors of
modern human beings.
Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer describing the
diagram and making comparisons where relevant.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer
Variations in the skeletal systems of two early types of human are
illustrated in this diagram. Overall, we can see that australopithecus
afarensis had a heavier body and much longer arms, while homo
erectus was slimmer and had more developed joints.
To begin with the upper half of the body, australopithecus afarensis
had a much broader chest and waist than homo erectus, giving it a
rounder appearance. The former had much longer arms and larger
hands, which would have been useful for climbing trees.
As for the lower half of the body, we can see that homo erectus had
proportionately longer legs and larger hip, knee and ankle joints. The
feet of homo erectus were also smaller and more arched, with shorter
toes. These differences meant that homo erectus was better suited to
long-distance running.
In conclusion, we can see significant changes in the development of
early humans from the diagram. Homo erectus is more similar to
contemporary human beings with its long legs and arched feet. The
physical differences are clearly related to differences in the lifestyles
of tree climbers and endurance runners.
(183 words, IELTS 9.0)
Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS
Band 9 score?
Task achievement: The model answer selects only the most important
information from the Task 1 diagram and uses this to make several
direct comparisons. The model answer also explains the link between
the creatures’ respective lifestyles and their physical differences. The
model answer is more than 150 words.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer is divided into clear
paragraphs with a logical separation between the body paragraphs.
There is a general overview in paragraph 1 and a summary in
paragraph 4. A reference link, the former, is used to avoid over-
repetition of complex scientific names.
Lexical resource: The model answer adds more vocabulary not in the
diagram such
as lifestyle, proportionately, suited, appearance and contemporary.
There are many examples of paraphrasing
including wide > broad and endurance > long-distance.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer uses a range of
comparative structures accurately. The model answer also uses a
range of grammatical forms to produce complex sentences. These
include clauses beginning with with, which and -ing forms.
Teacher’s Notes
You might panic when you see this IELTS Writing
Task 1 diagram due to the number of words. However, it isn’t
necessary to describe every feature. Instead, highlight only the most
interesting points for comparison. In this example, we would definitely
want to mention the width of the body and the length of the legs. A
high-scoring answer will also include some kind of overview or general
statement. In this case, the physical differences between our
ancestors are clearer connected to their different lifestyles, as
mentioned in the headings.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Question
A cycle diagram is a variation on the process diagram in which the
process repeats itself. So it’s a good idea to make that point in your
answer.
The diagram below illustrates the carbon cycle in nature.
Write a 150-word description of this diagram for a university
lecturer.
© The National Center for Atmospheric Research
IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer
The diagram shows how carbon moves through various stages to form
a complete cycle. This report will give a brief description of the main
stages in this cycle.
First, we can see that energy from the sun is transformed into organic
carbon through a process in plants known as photosynthesis. This
organic carbon is then transferred underground when plants, and the
animals that feed on them, die and decay. Some of this carbon is
trapped underground in the form of fossils and fossil fuels.
Carbon is also released back into the atmosphere, however, through
various means. One is when animals and plants respire, and another is
when humans burn fossil fuels in cars and factories. All this carbon
enters the atmosphere as CO2. It is then reabsorbed by plants, and
the cycle begins again.
Overall, we can see that carbon moves in a natural cycle, although
human factors may now be affecting the balance.
(154 words, IELTS 8.0)
Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS
Band 8 score?
Task achievement: The model answer selects and describes most
components of the cycle diagram except for waste products and
ocean uptake. There is an overall description of the cycle followed by
a clearly sequenced and divided description of the stages. The
summary identifies something noteworthy about the diagram. The
length is sufficient.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer is divided into clear
paragraphs with a logical separation between the body paragraphs and
connective markers first, then, however, and overall. There is a
general overview in paragraph 1 and a summary in paragraph 4.
Referencing techniques such as ellipsis (one is…) are used to avoid
over-repetition of key words.
Lexical resource: The writer makes good use of the language in the
cycle diagram and is also able to change forms in the case
of respiration > respire. The writer also introduces a range of verbs for
describing a process or cycle such
as transform, transfer and release.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer uses a wide
range of forms accurately including countable/uncountable nouns,
active/passive structures, and transitive/intransitive verbs.
Teacher’s Notes
Cycle diagrams are almost always natural processes:
nature is one big wheel after all. Usually you will find that the labels on
the diagram contains lots of unfamiliar scientific nouns. If you think
you know the verb forms, then use them as this will definitely
contribute to a higher score. Otherwise you’ll have to rely on phrases
such as “in a process known as Animal Respiration”.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Question
Today’s example of a process diagram is just for fun. It’s unlikely that
you would be asked to describe a process this difficult in the real test!
The illustration below shows the process of tying a bow tie.
Write a report explaining to a university lecturer how to tie his
bow tie.
Write at least 150 words.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer
The diagram illustrates how to knot a bow tie in eight stages.
To begin with, the tie should be placed around the neck, with one end
slightly longer than the other. Then place the longer end over the other
and pass it upwards and behind the point where the two ends cross.
Next, take the other end of the tie and bend it twice to form an ‘S’
shape. Bring the longer end down and in front, so that it holds the ‘S’
curve in place. Now comes the trickiest part of the process. Take the
long end of the tie and form a similar ‘S’ shape before passing it
through the narrow gap behind the other end. This creates a knot and
the bow should now be held securely in place.
Finally, adjust both sides of the bow to make it symmetrical and
prepare to be the envy of your friends.
(152 words, IELTS 9.0)
Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS
Band 9 score?
Task achievement: The model answer fully satisfies all requirements
of the task by describing each stage in the process.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer uses a range of
sequencing expressions to describe the order in which the actions
should be carried out. The answer is divided into several paragraphs
for ease of understanding, with the inclusion of a general sentence
– Now comes the trickiest part of the process – to aid coherence.
Lexical resource: A range of appropriate vocabulary is introduced,
including action verbs such as knot, bend, pass and adjust.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The correct forms – imperatives,
modals – are used to give instructions. Sentence patterns vary and are
always grammatically accurate.
Teacher’s Notes
As I mentioned in my introduction above, this IELTS
Writing Task 1 question is not entirely serious. It would be quite
shocking to have to describe a process like this one in the real exam.
It does illustrate a serious point though. Almost every diagram in
IELTS Writing Task 1 contains some vocabulary in the form of labels.
The vocabulary is there to help you, not to make the task more
complex. So be grateful for all those labels!
IELTS Writing Task 1: Question
A map diagram in IELTS Writing Task 1 is likely to be a before/after
street plan that requires you to compare past and present. In this
case, however, it’s present and future that you need to compare.
The diagram shows proposed changes to Foster Road.
Write a 150-word report describing the proposed changes for a
local committee.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer
The diagram shows proposals to transform Foster Road between SE
84th and 85th Avenue into a tree-lined avenue that is safer for
pedestrians and cyclists.
First of all, the planners propose to widen the sidewalk on both sides
of the road and add bicycle lanes. This will mean reducing the number
of lanes for cars and other vehicles. A pedestrian crossing will also be
installed at the lower end of the street, near the gas station. This
crossing will include an island in the middle where people can wait in
safety.
In addition to the safety measures above, planners also want to plant
trees along both sides of the road. These trees will transform the
appearance of the neighbourhood as well as provide vital extra shade
for pedestrians.
To summarise, under these proposals, the needs of local residents will
be better served by making Foster Road a safer and more pleasant
environment.
(152 words, IELTS 9.0)
Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS
Band 9 score?
Task achievement: The candidate writes at least 150 words and
describes all of the proposed changes. The changes are summarised
at the beginning and end, and described in detail in the body of the
report. The changes are connected to their function and their location
on the map is also clearly described.
Coherence and cohesion: The body of the report is divided into two
paragraphs, one describing the changes that will improve safety, and
another describing changes that will improve the environment. These
paragraphs are clearly linked (“In addition to the safety measures
above,…”). There are several uses of reference links such
as this and these to refer back to a previous sentence.
Lexical resource: The candidate introduces relevant vocabulary not
on the original maps such as pedestrian, cyclist, measures, and tree-
lined. The candidate transforms certain words as in proposed >
proposal and installation > installed. There are no spelling mistakes.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer includes a range
of complex sentence structures. Tense is always used correctly to
show that the changes will occur in the future. There are no
grammatical errors.
Teacher’s Notes
When describing changes to a map in IELTS Writing
Task 1, you will usually start by comparing the diagrams, identify four
or five changes that seem important, and write about these. But it’s
worth taking 1-2 minutes first to reflect on why the changes are
significant and if there is a common theme or themes. Being able to
identify a common theme or tendency is one way to get a high score
for Task Achievement.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Question
A natural process diagram is another common question type in IELTS
Writing Task 1. Here’s an example of one with nine stages that really
challenges you to describe the whole process in just 150 words.
The diagram shows the growth cycle of a volcanic island. Write a
150-word report for a university lecturer describing the main
features of the cycle.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer
The diagram illustrates a natural process in which a volcanic island
grows from beneath the sea, explodes, and then eventually sinks to
become an underwater reef. The process is divided into nine stages.
In the first two stages, called the ‘preshield’ and ‘protoshield’ stages, a
mountain gradually builds under the surface of the sea. In the third or
‘explosive’ phase, hydro-explosions occur which deposit a cone of ash.
A large number of cinder cones then pile up to form a ‘shield’ on top of
the volcano.
This shield gradually erodes and subsides to form reefs below the
surface of the sea. However, there may be ongoing volcanic activity
including lava flows. By the time of the ‘coral atoll’ stage, the original
form of the volcano has disappeared, and the whole structure sinks
further under the sea during the ‘guyot’ stage.
In summary, huge volcanoes rise and fall under the sea in a natural
process known as the volcanic island growth cycle.
(194 words, IELTS 9.0)
Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS
band 9 score?
Task achievement: The candidate describes a complex nine-part
natural process in fewer than 200 words by grouping some stages
together and leaving out small details where possible. The
introduction includes an overall description that clearly signals what
the body of the report will contain.
Coherence and cohesion: The body of the report groups the natural
process into two paragraphs rather than attempt to describe each of
the nine stages separately. Events are clearly sequenced and
summarised.
Lexical resource: The candidate uses vocabulary from the diagram
but transforms it where necessary to fit a sentence: erosion > erodes;
subsidence > subsides. The model answer also introduces other
relevant vocabulary not in the diagram such
as deposits, surface and structure.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The candidate writes in complex
sentences using conjunctions and relative pronouns. Most of the
sentences have multiple clauses. There are no grammatical mistakes.
In addition to the present simple tense, the present perfect tense is
used to show how events are related in time: the original form of the
volcano has disappeared.
Teacher’s Notes
This natural process diagram includes nine stages,
which are difficult to describe in detail in so few words. Therefore, you
should take this opportunity to practice grouping stages together and
summarising where possible. It’s not a good idea to write nine
sentences to describe each of the nine stages. You will simply not
have the time. Writing skills like grouping and summarising will come
in very handy in the real test.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Table with Sample Answer
November 25, 2015 IELTSAcademic
IELTS Writing Task 1: Question
A table of data is a familiar sight in IELTS Writing Task 1. Try this
example which looks at student funding in the US. A sample answer
follows below.
The table below shows the primary funding sources of
international students in the US during the years 2003/04 and
2013/14. Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer
describing the data and make comparisons where relevant.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Sample Answer
The table shows how international students in the US funded their
studies in the years 2003/04 and 2013/14. Overall, there was a
noticeable trend towards sponsorship by foreign governments, foreign
universities, and current employers over the ten-year period.
First of all, the period 2003/04 to 2013/14 witnessed a significant rise
in the number of international students in the US, from 572,509 to
886,052, a rise of more than 50%. Given the large increase, were there
any changes in how foreign students paid for their studies?
The table shows that the two main funding sources were ‘Personal and
Family’ and ‘US College or University’, which together accounted for
90% of funding in 2003/2004. However, taken together, these two
sources had dropped to 84% by 2013/14.
At the same time, there was substantial growth in the numbers of
students funded by ‘Foreign Government or University’ and ‘Current
Employer’, which saw increases of 383% and 390% respectively. Even
though they still accounted for only a small minority of funding, both
sources became more important to foreign students during the period.
(177 words, IELTS 9.0)
Why Does This Task 1 Answer Get IELTS 9.0?
Task achievement: The sample answer identifies a major point of
interest in the data and supports this with relevant figures from the
table.
Coherence and cohesion: The sample answer is organised into
paragraphs which are connected logically. There is an overall
description at the beginning and end of the answer.
Lexical resource: The sample answer uses vocabulary appropriate to
comparing data such as ‘accounted for’ and ‘witnessed a significant
rise’. Native-like collocation is used throughout the model answer.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The sample answer includes many
examples of complex sentences that combine a main point with
supporting evidence in two clauses.
Teacher’s Note
This IELTS Writing Task 1 answer is a great example
of how a focus on one particular trend can result in a high impact and
high score. The writer identifies a growth in two funding sources and
uses this as the whole basis of the report. Notice how it’s repeated in
the introduction, body and conclusion. When describing a table in Task
1, it’s easy to become ‘lost in data’. Highlight the one trend that sticks
out and make it the basis of your answer.
