Course
Writing Task 1
Learn how to describe graphs, tables, charts and diagrams, or how to write a letter for General Training. Academic students should work through Lessons 1 to 6 in order. General Training students should go to Lesson 7, which teaches letter writing.
Before you start
What is Academic Writing Task 1?
In Task 1 you are given a graph, table, chart or diagram, and you describe and summarise the information in your own words. You might need to describe and compare data, explain the stages of a process, describe how something works, or describe an object or event.
You should write at least 150 words in a formal, academic style, and spend about 20 minutes on the task. Remember that Task 2 is worth more, so try not to go over time.
A simple structure that works
| Paragraph | What to write |
|---|---|
| Introduction | One sentence saying what the visual shows, written in your own words. Don't copy the question. |
| Overview | Two or three sentences on the main trends or most important features. No detailed numbers here. (Lesson 1) |
| Body paragraph 1 | Describe one group of key features with supporting data. (Lessons 2–5) |
| Body paragraph 2 | Describe the other key features, and make comparisons where they are relevant. |
Lessons
Course lessons
Your progress is saved in this browser when you mark a lesson as complete.
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1
30–40 min
Writing the overview
Pick out the main trends and key features, and summarise them in a clear overview.
✓ Completed -
2
30–40 min
Describing data and making approximations
Describe increases and decreases accurately, and use approximations when exact numbers don't work.
✓ Completed -
3
45–60 min
Developing grammatical range and vocabulary
Avoid repetition by switching between verb + adverb, adjective + noun, and active and passive forms.
✓ Completed -
4
60–75 min
Describing diagrams and processes
Use language for purpose, cause and result, and relative clauses to explain how things work.
✓ Completed -
5
60–90 min
Describing maps
Describe how places change over time and compare sites on a single map, using clear structure, compass directions and the passive.
✓ Completed -
6
60–75 min
Writing a complete chart answer
Group the data, compare figures, write a clear overview and put everything together in a complete answer.
✓ Completed -
7
60–75 min
General Training: writing letters
Formal, semi-formal and informal tone, openings, small talk, closings and letters of complaint.
✓ Completed
Polish your language. Six lessons in the Task 2 course apply to Task 1 as well: Paraphrasing, Qualified language and academic style, Formal, objective and supported writing, Accuracy, Cohesion and Collocation.
Resources
Band descriptors
Task 1 is marked on Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Keep the band descriptors open while you study, so you can see what each band requires.