What Is Task 1?
- 1You describe visual data: a graph, chart, table, map, or process diagram.
- 2Minimum 150 words โ aim for 170โ190.
- 3You have 20 minutes. Spend 3 min planning, 14 min writing, 3 min checking.
- 4Task 1 is worth ONE-THIRD of your Writing score.
- 5You do NOT give opinions or say why the data exists โ only describe what you see.
4 Scoring Criteria
- 1Task Achievement (TA) โ Did you cover the key features and write an overview?
- 2Coherence & Cohesion (CC) โ Is it logically organized with good linking?
- 3Lexical Resource (LR) โ Do you use a wide, accurate range of vocabulary?
- 4Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA) โ Do you use complex, accurate grammar?
Universal Structure
Para 1 โ Introduction
Paraphrase the question. Never copy it word for word. Change vocabulary and grammar structure.
Para 2 โ Overview
The most important paragraph! Describe the 2โ3 BIGGEST trends or differences. No numbers here.
Para 3 โ Detail Group 1
Describe the first main group with specific data, numbers, dates, and comparisons.
Para 4 โ Detail Group 2
Describe the second main group. Compare back to Para 3 where relevant.
Time Strategy
- 10โ3 min: Analyse the data. What is the overall trend? What stands out?
- 23โ5 min: Plan your overview (Para 2) first โ this is your anchor.
- 35โ18 min: Write all 4 paragraphs.
- 418โ20 min: Check tenses, articles (the/a), and prepositions.
Tip: Never skip the overview. Examiners look for it first. A missing overview = Band 5 maximum for Task Achievement.
What NOT To Do
- 1Do NOT copy the question โ always paraphrase.
- 2Do NOT give your opinion or explain WHY the data changed.
- 3Do NOT describe every single number โ select the most important.
- 4Do NOT write under 150 words โ automatic band penalty.
- 5Do NOT write "In conclusion" โ use "Overall" or "In summary" instead.
Common Error: Writing "The graph shows..." as your opening is extremely common and immediately signals low LR. Use "The line graph illustrates...", "The bar chart compares...", "The data depicts..."
Band Score Guide
Covers main features but may be inaccurate. Limited vocabulary. Frequent errors.
Covers key features with some detail. Mostly accurate. Some range in vocabulary.
Clear overview. Well-organized. Good range of vocabulary. Minor errors only.
Fully addresses task. Sophisticated vocabulary. Wide grammar range. Near-error-free.
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