IELTS Writing Samples

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: 12 Band 8.5 Model Responses

12 complete Task 1 samples covering all visual types — bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, tables, process diagrams, maps, and mixed charts — with Band 8.5+ model essays, Band 6.0 contrast responses, and full examiner annotations.

Last updated: 2026 · 12 complete samples · 40 min read

How to Use These Task 1 Samples

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 requires you to describe visual data in 150+ words in 20 minutes. Each sample below shows the task prompt, the visual data in text form, a Band 8.5+ model response, a Band 6.0 contrast response showing common errors, and a vocabulary list from the model answer.

The four-paragraph formula for every Task 1

Para 1 — Introduction

Paraphrase the task. Never copy. Change vocabulary AND sentence structure.

Para 2 — Overview

2–3 sentences. The most important paragraph. State big-picture trends with NO data figures.

Para 3 — Detail 1

Most significant feature with specific data and comparisons.

Para 4 — Detail 2

Second feature or contrasting aspect with specific data.

Visual Types Covered in These Samples

Bar Chart

Samples 1, 7

Line Graph

Samples 2, 8

Pie Chart

Samples 3, 11

Table

Sample 4

Process Diagram

Samples 5, 10

Map

Samples 6, 12

Mixed Charts

Sample 9, 11

Flow Chart

Sample 10

Sample 1: Bar Chart — Electricity Generation by Source

Task Prompt

The bar chart below shows the percentage of electricity generated from different energy sources in four countries (Germany, France, Brazil, and Australia) in 2022. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Visual Data Summary

Germany: coal 30%, natural gas 15%, nuclear 6%, renewables 44%, other 5%. France: coal 2%, natural gas 10%, nuclear 70%, renewables 17%, other 1%. Brazil: coal 4%, natural gas 12%, nuclear 3%, renewables 78%, other 3%. Australia: coal 55%, natural gas 18%, nuclear 0%, renewables 25%, other 2%.

Band 8.5 Model Response191 words

The bar chart compares the proportion of electricity produced from five energy sources across four nations in 2022. Overall, the most striking contrast is between the countries' reliance on renewable energy versus fossil fuels. Brazil leads in renewable generation at 78%, while Australia is heavily dependent on coal at 55% — the highest fossil fuel reliance of any country shown. France stands out for its exceptional nuclear share at 70%, a figure unmatched by the other three nations. Examining renewables more closely, Brazil and Germany generate 78% and 44% of their electricity from renewable sources respectively, compared to just 25% in Australia and 17% in France. This suggests a clear division between countries that have prioritised low-carbon transitions and those that have not, with Australia lagging considerably behind. In terms of fossil fuel use, Australia's coal dependency at 55% dwarfs that of Germany (30%), France (2%), and Brazil (4%). Natural gas usage is broadly similar across three of the four countries, ranging from 10% to 18%, with Germany falling in the middle at 15%. France's near-total absence of coal generation (2%) is notable, reflecting its historic investment in nuclear infrastructure rather than fossil fuels.

Examiner Commentary

✓Introduction successfully paraphrases the task without copying any of the original wording
✓Overview paragraph identifies two key contrasts (renewables vs. fossil fuels; nuclear outlier) before any data — correctly structured
✓'The most striking contrast' signals a well-chosen overview point, not a random data selection
✓The phrase 'a clear division between countries that have prioritised low-carbon transitions' goes beyond data description to identify a meaningful pattern
✓Natural gas comparison uses a range ('10% to 18%') rather than listing each figure individually — shows data grouping skill
✓France's near-absence of coal is flagged specifically as 'notable' — selectivity of emphasis is correct

Task Achievement

Band 8.5

Clear overview; all key features selected and compared

Coherence

Band 8.5

Logical progression; clear paragraph purpose

Lexical Resource

Band 8.5

Dwarfs; exceptional; dependency; prioritised

Grammar

Band 8.5

Varied structures; no errors

Band 6.0 Response164 words

The chart shows information about electricity production in Germany, France, Brazil and Australia in 2022. Germany produces 44% of its electricity from renewables and 30% from coal. France produces 70% from nuclear power which is very high. Brazil also has a lot of renewables at 78%. Australia produces most electricity from coal at 55%. Looking at fossil fuels, Australia uses the most coal. Germany also uses coal but less. France uses very little coal at only 2%. For natural gas, the percentages are Germany 15%, France 10%, Brazil 12% and Australia 18%. Overall, the countries have very different energy mixes. Some countries use more renewables and some use more fossil fuels.

What would improve this to Band 7.5+

→Introduction copies 'electricity production' from the prompt and adds no paraphrase — should use different wording
→No overview paragraph — the response goes directly into data without stating overall patterns first
→Data is listed country by country rather than organized by meaningful comparisons — charts should be discussed by trend or pattern, not in country-by-country order
→Paragraph 3 lists all four natural gas figures as raw numbers with no comparison or grouping — not analytical
→The 'Overall' sentence at the end is too vague to function as a real overview — 'very different energy mixes' says nothing specific
→Missing: comparison of Brazil vs. Australia on renewables; comparison of France vs. others on nuclear uniqueness

Key Vocabulary in This Sample

dwarf— X dwarfs Y — X is much larger than Y

exceptional / unmatched— for highlighting the highest or most extreme value

broadly similar— when values are close but not identical

ranging from X to Y— for grouping similar figures into a range

near-total absence— when a category is nearly zero

notable / noteworthy— signals you are drawing attention to a significant feature

Sample 2: Line Graph — University Enrollment by Gender

Task Prompt

The line graph below shows the percentage of male and female students enrolled in higher education in a European country from 1980 to 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Visual Data Summary

Males: 1980: 55%, 1990: 50%, 2000: 48%, 2010: 44%, 2020: 40%. Females: 1980: 30%, 1990: 38%, 2000: 50%, 2005: crossover point ~48%, 2010: 56%, 2020: 62%. The two lines cross around 1999–2000.

Band 8.5 Model Response196 words

The line graph illustrates changes in higher education enrolment rates for males and females in a European country over a forty-year period from 1980 to 2020. Overall, the most significant trend is a reversal of the gender gap in university enrolment. In 1980, male enrolment was substantially higher; by 2020, the situation had completely inverted, with female enrolment overtaking male enrolment around 1999–2000 and continuing to widen thereafter. In 1980, male enrolment stood at 55%, compared to just 30% for females — a gap of 25 percentage points. Over the following two decades, however, male figures declined gradually, falling to 48% by 2000, while female enrolment grew sharply, rising from 30% to 50% over the same period. This convergence produced a near-equal rate at the turn of the millennium. After 2000, the trends continued in their respective directions, with the gap widening in the opposite direction. By 2020, female enrolment had climbed to 62%, while male enrolment had declined further to 40% — a reversal of 22 percentage points compared to 1980. The consistently downward male trajectory and upward female trajectory suggest a structural shift in educational attainment patterns rather than a temporary fluctuation.

Examiner Commentary

✓'Reversal of the gender gap' is the correct overview — identifies the big picture trend immediately
✓The 1980 gap ('25 percentage points') is calculated and named precisely — not just listing the two figures
✓'Convergence' is precise vocabulary for when two lines approach each other
✓The crossover point ('around 1999–2000') is identified and named as a key event
✓The final sentence makes an interpretive observation ('structural shift rather than temporary fluctuation') — appropriate analytical language for Task 1
✓The two time periods (1980–2000; 2000–2020) are treated as separate phases — good organizational structure

Task Achievement

Band 9

Crossover identified; overview excellent; all trends covered

Coherence

Band 8.5

Two-phase organization; clear signals

Lexical Resource

Band 8.5

Trajectory, convergence, inverted, structural shift

Grammar

Band 8.5

Past perfect used correctly; no errors

Band 6.0 Response158 words

The graph shows male and female university enrolment percentages from 1980 to 2020. In 1980, male enrolment was 55% and female enrolment was 30%. After this, the male enrolment went down and female enrolment went up. In 1990, males were 50% and females were 38%. In 2000, both were around 48-50%. After 2000, female enrolment continued to increase. It reached 62% in 2020. Male enrolment continued to fall. It was 40% in 2020. Overall, female enrolment increased a lot and male enrolment decreased. The lines crossed around 2000.

What would improve this to Band 7.5+

→Introduction copies 'university enrolment percentages' almost verbatim — needs paraphrase
→No overview paragraph — the graph's most significant feature (the reversal/crossing) is mentioned only in the final sentence
→The response describes data chronologically year by year rather than by trend — this is the most common Band 6 organizational error
→The crossover point is mentioned at the end rather than being used as the organizing principle
→Vocabulary is repetitive: 'enrolment' appears 7 times; 'went up/went down' are informal and imprecise
→No calculation of the gap sizes — misses the opportunity to show 25 percentage point gap shrinking and reversing

Key Vocabulary in This Sample

reversal of the gender gap— for line graph crossover points

converge / diverge— when lines move toward or away from each other

trajectory— direction of a line over time

overtake— when one line surpasses another

percentage points— for differences between percentages (e.g., 55% vs. 30% = 25 percentage points)

at the turn of the millennium— time reference for around year 2000

Sample 3: Pie Chart — Household Expenditure

Task Prompt

The pie charts below show how average household expenditure was divided across different categories in a developed country in 1990 and 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Visual Data Summary

1990: Housing 25%, Food 30%, Transport 10%, Healthcare 8%, Entertainment 12%, Education 5%, Other 10%. 2020: Housing 35%, Food 20%, Transport 12%, Healthcare 14%, Entertainment 10%, Education 7%, Other 2%.

Band 8.5 Model Response188 words

The two pie charts compare how average household spending was distributed across seven categories in a developed country in 1990 and 2020. Overall, the most notable changes over the thirty-year period were a significant rise in the housing share and a marked decline in food expenditure, while healthcare also grew considerably. Together, these shifts suggest that households allocated a larger portion of income to essential fixed costs in 2020. In 1990, food represented the largest single expenditure category at 30%, followed by housing at 25%. By 2020, however, these two categories had exchanged positions: housing had risen substantially to 35% — the largest category — while the food share had fallen by 10 percentage points to just 20%. This represents the most dramatic change between the two years. Healthcare more than doubled its share over the period, growing from 8% in 1990 to 14% in 2020, reflecting rising medical costs in many developed countries. Education also increased modestly, from 5% to 7%. In contrast, entertainment declined slightly from 12% to 10%, and the 'Other' category shrank dramatically from 10% to just 2%, which may reflect improved data classification in the later survey rather than a genuine spending reduction.

Examiner Commentary

✓Overview correctly identifies the three most significant changes (housing up, food down, healthcare up) without citing data figures
✓The interpretive observation ('households allocated a larger portion to essential fixed costs') is appropriate for Task 1
✓The exchange of positions between housing and food is identified as a structural relationship, not just two separate facts
✓'More than doubled' is precise and compact vocabulary for the healthcare change
✓The caveat about 'Other' category ('may reflect improved data classification') shows critical awareness of data limitations — advanced Task 1 skill
✓Data is organized by type of change (rising, falling) rather than chronologically — correct approach for pie chart comparison

Task Achievement

Band 8.5

Overview identifies key exchanges; most significant changes covered

Coherence

Band 8.5

Organized by change direction; clear paragraphing

Lexical Resource

Band 8

Substantially; marked; reflect; modest; dramatic

Grammar

Band 9

Complex structures used accurately throughout

Band 6.0 Response156 words

These pie charts show household spending in 1990 and 2020. In 1990, the biggest spending was food at 30%. Housing was 25%, entertainment 12%, transport 10%, other 10%, healthcare 8% and education 5%. In 2020, housing became the largest at 35%. Food went down to 20%. Healthcare increased to 14%. Transport was 12%, entertainment 10%, education 7% and other was only 2%. Overall, housing and healthcare increased between 1990 and 2020. Food spending decreased the most.

What would improve this to Band 7.5+

→No overview paragraph — the summary at the end is too brief and placed incorrectly
→Paragraphs 2 and 3 list all seven categories in order for each year — this produces an exhaustive list, not a meaningful analysis
→No direct comparisons between the two charts — figures for each year are described separately rather than contrasted
→The exchange between housing and food (which swapped positions as the largest category) is not highlighted
→Healthcare doubling is not noted — 'increased to 14%' misses the significance of the change relative to the starting value
→The 'Other' category's dramatic drop from 10% to 2% is listed without comment

Key Vocabulary in This Sample

exchanged positions— when two items swap their relative ranking

more than doubled— compact way to describe ~100%+ increase

fell by X percentage points— precise measurement of decrease

the most dramatic change— signals the single most significant finding

modestly / slightly / considerably— adverbs to qualify the degree of change

Sample 4: Table — International Tourism Statistics

Task Prompt

The table below shows the number of international tourist arrivals (in millions) and tourism revenue (in US$ billions) for six countries in 2019 and 2022. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Visual Data Summary

Country / Arrivals 2019 / Arrivals 2022 / Revenue 2019 / Revenue 2022: France 90m / 79m / $68bn / $56bn. Spain 84m / 71m / $80bn / $64bn. USA 79m / 70m / $214bn / $179bn. China 65m / 24m / $36bn / $12bn. Mexico 45m / 42m / $24bn / $22bn. Turkey 52m / 51m / $34bn / $46bn.

Band 8.5 Model Response194 words

The table compares international tourist arrivals and the revenue generated by tourism in six countries across two years: 2019 and 2022. Overall, the data reflects the significant disruption caused by the global pandemic, with most countries recording lower arrivals and revenue in 2022 than in 2019. The most notable exception is Turkey, which saw revenue increase substantially despite only a marginal change in visitor numbers. In 2019, France received the highest number of tourists at 90 million, followed closely by Spain at 84 million and the USA at 79 million. By 2022, all three had declined, though the USA retained a strong revenue advantage due to high per-visitor spending: despite receiving fewer visitors than France or Spain, the USA generated $179 billion in tourism revenue — more than double France's $56 billion. China experienced the most severe decline by far, with arrivals dropping from 65 million in 2019 to just 24 million in 2022, and revenue falling proportionally from $36 billion to $12 billion. Mexico showed the most resilience, with arrivals falling only marginally from 45 to 42 million. Turkey's case stands out: arrivals were almost unchanged (52 million to 51 million), yet revenue increased from $34 billion to $46 billion — a 35% rise that may reflect currency effects or a shift toward higher-spending visitor demographics.

Examiner Commentary

✓The pandemic disruption framing in the overview is appropriate contextual knowledge that helps interpret the data
✓Turkey as the notable exception is identified in the overview — correct selection of the outlier
✓The USA revenue vs. arrivals comparison ('double France's revenue despite fewer visitors') is an analytical insight derived from comparing columns
✓China's decline is correctly identified as the most severe — the 'by far' qualifier is justified by the data
✓The Turkey revenue increase is noted with possible explanations ('currency effects or higher-spending demographics') — appropriate hedged speculation
✓Revenue per visitor is computed implicitly (USA has much higher per-visitor spending) — shows analytical skill

Task Achievement

Band 9

All key features identified; Turkey exception highlighted; cross-column analysis

Coherence

Band 8.5

Logical organization; exceptions appropriately flagged

Lexical Resource

Band 8.5

Resilience; proportionally; marginal; demographics

Grammar

Band 8.5

Complex and simple sentences mixed effectively

Band 6.0 Response169 words

The table gives information about tourists and revenue in 6 countries. France had the most tourists in 2019 with 90 million. Spain had 84 million and USA had 79 million. China had 65 million, Turkey 52 million and Mexico 45 million. In 2022, all countries had less tourists. France dropped to 79 million, Spain to 71 million, USA to 70 million, China to 24 million, Turkey to 51 million and Mexico to 42 million. Revenue also mostly went down. The USA had the highest revenue at $214 billion in 2019 and $179 billion in 2022. Overall, tourist arrivals and revenue decreased in most countries between 2019 and 2022.

What would improve this to Band 7.5+

→Introduction is vague — 'gives information about' adds nothing; should paraphrase more specifically
→No overview paragraph — the summary is placed at the end and is too generic
→The response describes arrivals for 2019, then arrivals for 2022, then revenue separately — does not compare 2019 vs 2022 directly for each country
→Turkey's revenue INCREASE is not mentioned despite being the most notable exception in the table
→USA's exceptionally high revenue relative to arrivals (the per-visitor spending insight) is not mentioned
→China's exceptional decline (arrivals dropped by 63%) is presented with the same weight as smaller declines

Key Vocabulary in This Sample

notable exception— for the country/category that contradicts the main trend

resilience— showing a country/category that held up well

by far— emphasizes the most extreme difference

proportionally— revenue fell proportionally — in the same ratio as arrivals

retained / maintained— held a position despite changes elsewhere

Sample 5: Process Diagram — Paper Recycling

Task Prompt

The diagram below shows the process of recycling paper. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Visual Data Summary

Stage 1: Used paper collected from homes/offices → Stage 2: Sorted by type (newspaper, cardboard, office paper) → Stage 3: Transported to recycling facility → Stage 4: Paper shredded into small pieces → Stage 5: Mixed with water and chemicals to create pulp → Stage 6: Pulp screened and cleaned (removes ink, staples, debris) → Stage 7: Pulp dried and pressed into new paper sheets → Stage 8: New paper rolls packaged and distributed to manufacturers.

Band 8.5 Model Response186 words

The diagram illustrates the eight-stage process by which used paper is collected, processed, and transformed into new paper products for redistribution. Overall, the process can be divided into two broad phases: an initial collection and preparation phase, followed by a chemical and mechanical transformation phase that converts raw collected material into usable paper. The process begins when used paper is gathered from domestic and commercial sources and then sorted by category — newspapers, cardboard, and office paper are separated to allow for appropriate processing. The sorted paper is subsequently transported to a recycling facility, where it is shredded into small fragments to facilitate the next stage. At the facility, the shredded material is combined with water and chemicals to produce a pulp mixture. This slurry is then subjected to a screening and cleaning process, during which contaminants including ink residue, metallic items such as staples, and other debris are removed. The purified pulp is subsequently dried and mechanically pressed into continuous sheets of paper. In the final stage, the newly manufactured paper is formed into large rolls, which are then packaged and dispatched to manufacturers for use in producing paper-based products. The entire cycle effectively transforms post-consumer waste into commercially viable raw material.

Examiner Commentary

✓Passive voice is used consistently throughout — correct for process diagrams ('is gathered', 'are separated', 'is shredded')
✓The two-phase overview ('collection and preparation' vs. 'chemical and mechanical transformation') groups stages meaningfully
✓The process vocabulary is varied: 'subsequently', 'at the facility', 'in the final stage' — not just 'then' and 'next'
✓Technical vocabulary: 'pulp', 'slurry', 'contaminants', 'residue', 'mechanically pressed' — appropriate for process content
✓The final sentence adds an interpretive note ('effectively transforms post-consumer waste into commercially viable raw material') — appropriate analytical closure
✓Word count of 186 is within the optimal range for process diagram responses

Task Achievement

Band 8.5

All 8 stages covered; overview identifies phases

Coherence

Band 9

Excellent use of process sequencing language

Lexical Resource

Band 8.5

Slurry, residue, dispatched, contaminants, viable

Grammar

Band 8.5

Consistent passive voice; no active voice errors

Band 6.0 Response158 words

The diagram shows how paper is recycled. First, people collect the used paper from houses and offices. Then they sort the paper into different types. After sorting, they transport the paper to the recycling factory. At the factory, workers shred the paper. Then they mix it with water and chemicals to make pulp. After this, they clean the pulp to remove ink and other things. Next, they dry the pulp and press it into sheets of paper. Finally, the paper is put into rolls and sent to factories. This is the end of the recycling process. Overall, paper recycling involves many steps from collection to making new paper.

What would improve this to Band 7.5+

→Active voice is used throughout ('people collect', 'they sort', 'workers shred') — process diagrams require passive voice
→No overview in the correct position — the summary is at the end and is too vague
→'Other things' is imprecise — should name ink residue, staples, and debris
→Sequencing vocabulary is limited to 'first, then, after, next, finally' — Band 8 responses use more varied sequencing language
→The final sentence ('This is the end of the recycling process') adds nothing analytical
→'People' and 'they' are vague agents — passive voice eliminates the need to name an agent at all

Key Vocabulary in This Sample

is collected / are sorted— passive voice for process stages

subsequently / following this— advanced sequencing instead of just 'then'

pulp / slurry— technical vocabulary for the mixed paper-water material

contaminants / residue / debris— types of material removed in the cleaning stage

the process begins / concludes with— opening and closing a process description

Sample 6: Map Comparison — Town Development

Task Prompt

The maps below show the town of Hillbrook in 1990 and 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Visual Data Summary

1990: Central area had a market square, surrounded by small shops on the main road. A hospital in the northwest. A school in the southeast. Farmland occupied most of the eastern and southern areas. A river ran along the northern boundary. 2020: Market square replaced by a shopping mall. Small shops replaced by a hotel and restaurants. A new road bridge crosses the river in the north. The hospital has expanded. The school has been relocated to the southwest. Former farmland in the east converted to a housing estate. A new park created in the south.

Band 8.5 Model Response194 words

The two maps illustrate significant changes that occurred in the town of Hillbrook between 1990 and 2020, reflecting substantial urban development and expansion over the thirty-year period. Overall, the most notable transformation is the replacement of traditional commercial and agricultural land uses with modern infrastructure. The town centre was comprehensively redeveloped, while formerly rural eastern areas were converted to residential use. In the town centre, the market square that occupied the central area in 1990 has been replaced by a shopping mall, and the small shops along the main road have given way to a hotel and restaurant facilities. To the north, a new road bridge has been constructed across the river, improving connectivity with areas beyond the town's northern boundary. In terms of institutional development, the hospital in the northwest has been significantly expanded, while the school has been relocated from the southeast to the southwest — suggesting a need to accommodate population growth in the western parts of town. The most extensive land use change occurred in the east, where farmland has been converted into a housing estate, reflecting the town's residential expansion. A new park was created in the south, providing green space within what was previously agricultural land. These changes collectively suggest that Hillbrook evolved from a small market town into a more populous, commercially developed settlement during this period.

Examiner Commentary

✓The overview correctly identifies the type of change (traditional → modern; commercial/agricultural → modern infrastructure) without specific location data
✓Map vocabulary is varied: 'replaced by', 'has been relocated', 'converted to', 'has given way to' — not repeating 'changed to'
✓Past perfect is used correctly for completed changes ('has been replaced', 'has been converted')
✓The school relocation is linked to a reason ('suggesting a need to accommodate population growth') — appropriate interpretive observation
✓Directional language: northwest, southeast, southwest, eastern — consistent and accurate
✓Final sentence synthesizes the changes into an overall developmental narrative — excellent conclusion

Task Achievement

Band 9

All major changes identified; no key feature omitted

Coherence

Band 8.5

Grouped by area of town; logical organization

Lexical Resource

Band 8.5

Connectivity, institutional, comprehensively, facilitated

Grammar

Band 8.5

Past perfect used correctly for completed changes

Band 6.0 Response162 words

The maps compare Hillbrook in 1990 and in 2020 and show many changes. In 1990, there was a market square in the centre of the town. There were small shops on the main road. There was a hospital in the northwest and a school in the southeast. Most of the east was farmland. In 2020, the market square was changed to a shopping mall. The small shops became a hotel and restaurants. A bridge was built over the river. The hospital got bigger. The school moved to the southwest. The farmland in the east became a housing estate. A park was built in the south. Overall, Hillbrook changed a lot between 1990 and 2020. Many buildings were added and the town became bigger.

What would improve this to Band 7.5+

→No overview — the summary is placed at the end and says only 'changed a lot' and 'became bigger'
→The response describes 1990 in full, then 2020 in full, rather than comparing features directly
→Vocabulary is repetitive: 'there was/were' appears four times; 'changed' appears twice; no map-specific language
→'The hospital got bigger' is too informal — should use 'was expanded' or 'was significantly enlarged'
→'The farmland became a housing estate' — should use 'was converted to' or 'was developed into'
→No grouping of related changes — the response lists all features in geographic order without identifying themes or patterns

Key Vocabulary in This Sample

has been replaced by / has given way to— something that existed before is now gone

was converted to / was developed into— land use change

has been relocated— a building or facility has moved

has been constructed / erected— a new building or infrastructure was built

was significantly expanded / enlarged— a facility grew in size

to the north/south/east/west of— directional positioning language

Sample 7: Bar Chart — Employment by Sector

Task Prompt

The bar chart below shows the percentage of the workforce employed in five economic sectors in three countries (Japan, Nigeria, and Sweden) in 2021. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Visual Data Summary

Agriculture: Japan 3%, Nigeria 54%, Sweden 2%. Manufacturing: Japan 24%, Nigeria 8%, Sweden 16%. Services: Japan 68%, Nigeria 28%, Sweden 70%. Construction: Japan 8%, Nigeria 6%, Sweden 8%. Mining/Natural Resources: Japan 1%, Nigeria 4%, Sweden 4%.

Band 8.5 Model Response187 words

The bar chart compares the distribution of the workforce across five economic sectors in Japan, Nigeria, and Sweden in 2021. Overall, the most striking difference between the three countries is Nigeria's exceptional agricultural employment, which contrasts sharply with the services-dominated economies of Japan and Sweden. The latter two countries share a broadly similar employment structure, while Nigeria's profile is fundamentally different. Regarding services — the dominant sector in two of the three economies — Japan and Sweden show remarkably comparable figures, at 68% and 70% respectively. Nigeria, by contrast, employs only 28% of its workforce in services, a figure less than half that of the two wealthier nations. Agriculture illustrates the most dramatic contrast in the chart: while Japan and Sweden allocate just 3% and 2% of their workforce to the sector, Nigeria employs more than half of its population in agriculture at 54%. This single difference encapsulates the structural divergence between Nigeria's predominantly agrarian economy and the post-industrial economies of Japan and Sweden. Manufacturing shows less divergence, with Japan leading at 24%, Sweden at 16%, and Nigeria at just 8%. Construction is consistently low across all three nations, ranging from 6% to 8%, as is mining and natural resources, which accounts for no more than 4% of employment in any country.

Examiner Commentary

✓Overview identifies the key structural contrast (Nigeria agriculture vs. Japan/Sweden services) without any specific data
✓The phrase 'encapsulates the structural divergence between' is sophisticated academic language that adds analytical depth
✓Services paragraph leads with the finding ('remarkably comparable') before the data — correct analytical order
✓The manufacturing paragraph groups the remaining lower-variation sectors together efficiently
✓'Post-industrial economies' is an appropriate technical term that demonstrates socioeconomic knowledge

Task Achievement

Band 9

All sectors covered; key structural contrast identified

Coherence

Band 8.5

Organized by sector importance; clear overview

Lexical Resource

Band 8.5

Agrarian, divergence, encapsulates, predominantly

Grammar

Band 8.5

Complex comparisons used accurately

Band 6.0 Response161 words

The chart shows employment in different sectors in Japan, Nigeria and Sweden. In Japan, the most people work in services (68%). Manufacturing is 24%, construction is 8%, agriculture is 3% and mining is 1%. Nigeria is different. Agriculture is 54% which is very high. Services is 28%, manufacturing 8%, construction 6% and mining 4%. Sweden is similar to Japan. Services is 70%, manufacturing 16%, construction 8%, agriculture 2% and mining 4%. Overall, Japan and Sweden have mostly service workers. Nigeria has mostly agricultural workers. This is the biggest difference.

What would improve this to Band 7.5+

→No overview paragraph — the summary is at the end and only restates the most obvious finding
→Three separate paragraphs listing all five sectors for each country in turn — not comparative
→Japan and Sweden are described separately despite being similar — they should be compared directly
→'Is different' and 'is similar to' are too vague — should specify what is different and by how much
→Missing: the structural interpretation (why Nigeria's profile is different — agrarian vs. post-industrial economies)
→No vocabulary variation: uses 'is' for every data point rather than varied reporting vocabulary

Key Vocabulary in This Sample

encapsulates / illustrates— for the single most revealing data point

agrarian / post-industrial— economic descriptors for country types

structural divergence— fundamental difference in economic organization

remarkably comparable— very similar — stronger than 'similar'

Sample 8: Line Graph — CO₂ Emissions per Capita

Task Prompt

The line graph below shows CO₂ emissions per capita (in tonnes) for four countries — the United States, Germany, India, and Brazil — from 2000 to 2022. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Visual Data Summary

USA: 2000: 20t, 2010: 17t, 2022: 14.5t (steady decline). Germany: 2000: 11t, 2010: 9.5t, 2022: 8t (steady decline). India: 2000: 1.1t, 2010: 1.7t, 2022: 2.4t (steady increase). Brazil: 2000: 2.3t, 2010: 2.5t, 2015: peak at 2.8t, 2022: 2.2t (slight rise then decline).

Band 8.5 Model Response193 words

The line graph tracks per capita CO₂ emissions in four countries over a twenty-two year period from 2000 to 2022. Overall, the United States and Germany both recorded consistent reductions in per capita emissions throughout the period, while India showed a steady upward trajectory. Brazil's pattern was more volatile, peaking around 2015 before declining in subsequent years. The United States had by far the highest emissions across the entire period, beginning at 20 tonnes per capita in 2000 and declining to 14.5 tonnes by 2022 — a reduction of approximately 28%. Germany followed a similar downward path, dropping from 11 tonnes in 2000 to 8 tonnes in 2022, though its figures remained substantially lower than the USA's throughout. India's trajectory was the inverse of the two Western nations: emissions per capita grew steadily from just 1.1 tonnes in 2000 to 2.4 tonnes in 2022 — a more than doubling over the period. Despite this growth, India's 2022 figure of 2.4 tonnes remained well below Germany's 8 tonnes, illustrating the persistent gap between developed and developing nation emissions levels. Brazil's data showed the least consistent trend, rising gently from 2.3 tonnes in 2000 to a peak of approximately 2.8 tonnes in 2015, before declining to 2.2 tonnes by 2022 — slightly below its 2000 starting point.

Examiner Commentary

✓Four distinct trends are accurately characterised in the overview: USA/Germany declining; India rising; Brazil volatile
✓'By far the highest' is correctly applied to USA's consistently dominant position
✓'More than doubling' is the precise summary for 1.1 to 2.4 tonnes
✓The India comparison to Germany ('India's 2022 figure remained well below Germany's 8 tonnes') shows cross-country comparative analysis
✓Brazil's pattern is correctly described as peaking and then declining — not just 'went up and down'
✓'Persistent gap between developed and developing nation emissions levels' — analytical interpretation adds value

Task Achievement

Band 9

All four trends captured; cross-country comparison excellent

Coherence

Band 8.5

Logical grouping; clear paragraph structure

Lexical Resource

Band 8.5

Trajectory, volatile, persistent, inverse

Grammar

Band 9

Error-free; varied and accurate structures

Band 6.0 Response155 words

The graph shows CO₂ per person in four countries between 2000 and 2022. The USA has the most emissions. It was 20 tonnes in 2000 and went down to 14.5 tonnes in 2022. Germany also went down from 11 tonnes to 8 tonnes. India's emissions went up from 1.1 tonnes to 2.4 tonnes. This is an increase. Brazil's emissions went up and then came down. It was 2.3 tonnes in 2000 and 2.2 tonnes in 2022. Overall, the USA and Germany decreased their emissions. India increased. Brazil did not change much.

What would improve this to Band 7.5+

→No overview — the summary at the end is accurate but too brief and placed incorrectly
→USA and Germany are described as separate paragraphs despite having identical trends — should be compared directly
→India's doubling is described as 'This is an increase' — understates the significance
→Brazil's peak in 2015 is not mentioned — 'went up and then came down' is vague
→No cross-country comparisons — India's 2022 figure vs. Germany's, for example, is analytically important
→Vocabulary is limited: 'went down', 'went up', 'did not change' — should use trajectory vocabulary

Key Vocabulary in This Sample

trajectory / path— direction of a trend over time

volatile / fluctuating— for inconsistent or up-down patterns

peaked at / reached a peak of— the highest point in a graph

inverse of— exact opposite direction trend

throughout the period— consistent during the entire time frame

Sample 9: Mixed Charts — Migration Data

Task Prompt

The charts below show (1) the total number of immigrants arriving in a country per year from 2010 to 2020, and (2) the top five source countries as a percentage of total immigration in 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Visual Data Summary

Line graph: 2010: 180,000; 2012: 210,000; 2014: 240,000; 2016: peak at 320,000; 2018: 280,000; 2020: 195,000. Pie chart (2020): India 28%, Philippines 17%, China 14%, Mexico 11%, Nigeria 9%, Other 21%.

Band 8.5 Model Response190 words

The two charts present complementary information about immigration to a country: a line graph tracking annual arrival numbers from 2010 to 2020, and a pie chart showing the proportion contributed by the five largest source countries in 2020. Overall, immigration numbers rose substantially during the early part of the decade, reaching a peak in 2016 before declining, while in the same year, Asian countries — particularly India — dominated the composition of incoming migrants. Regarding the line graph, annual immigration grew from 180,000 in 2010 to a high point of approximately 320,000 in 2016, representing an increase of nearly 80% over six years. From this peak, numbers declined to 280,000 by 2018 and fell further to 195,000 in 2020 — a figure only marginally above the 2010 starting point, potentially reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pie chart reveals that immigration was highly concentrated geographically in 2020. India alone accounted for over a quarter of all arrivals at 28%, and together with the Philippines (17%) and China (14%), these three Asian nations comprised nearly three-fifths of the total. Mexico and Nigeria contributed smaller but still significant shares of 11% and 9% respectively, while all remaining source countries collectively accounted for 21%.

Examiner Commentary

✓'Complementary information' accurately describes the relationship between two charts in a mixed visual task
✓The overview addresses both charts: the trend from the line graph and the concentration from the pie chart
✓'Only marginally above the 2010 starting point' is a precise observation that connects start and end values
✓The COVID-19 reference is appropriate contextual knowledge for 2020 data ('potentially reflecting')
✓The three Asian nations are grouped together with their combined share ('nearly three-fifths') — analytical grouping
✓The phrase 'highly concentrated geographically' is a strong analytical statement before the data

Task Achievement

Band 8.5

Both charts addressed; combined insight offered

Coherence

Band 8.5

Clear paragraph per chart; overview covers both

Lexical Resource

Band 8.5

Complementary, marginally, comprised, concentrated

Grammar

Band 8.5

Gerundive and relative clauses used correctly

Band 6.0 Response160 words

The charts show immigration information. The first chart shows numbers from 2010 to 2020 and the second shows where immigrants come from in 2020. Immigration went up from 2010 to 2016. In 2010 it was 180,000. In 2016 it reached 320,000. After 2016, immigration went down. In 2020 it was 195,000. For the pie chart, India had the most immigrants at 28%. Philippines was 17% and China 14%. Mexico was 11% and Nigeria 9%. Other countries were 21%. Overall, immigration increased and then decreased. India is the biggest source country.

What would improve this to Band 7.5+

→Introduction doesn't explain the relationship between the two charts — just describes each separately
→No overview that addresses both charts — the summary at the end is too brief and only mentions one finding from each
→The line graph section describes points chronologically without summarizing the overall trend shape
→The pie chart paragraph lists all five countries without grouping or comparing — should note the Asian countries total
→Missing: the COVID-19 context for the 2020 decline; the combined Asian country share; comparison of peak to start/end

Key Vocabulary in This Sample

complementary charts / data— two charts that show different aspects of the same topic

dominated / concentrated— when one group has a disproportionately large share

collectively accounted for— the combined total of multiple smaller categories

comprising / composed of— made up of these components

potentially reflecting— hedged interpretation of what a figure might mean

Sample 10: Flow Chart — Water Treatment Process

Task Prompt

The flow chart below illustrates the process of treating municipal water from source to tap. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Visual Data Summary

Source water intake (river/reservoir) → Screening (large debris removed by metal grids) → Coagulation/flocculation (chemicals added; particles cluster into flocs) → Sedimentation (flocs settle to bottom of tank) → Filtration (water passes through sand/gravel layers) → Disinfection (chlorine or UV light added) → pH adjustment (lime added if needed) → Storage in treated water reservoir → Distribution to homes/businesses via pressurized pipes.

Band 8.5 Model Response192 words

The flow chart outlines the nine-stage municipal water treatment process, from the initial extraction of source water through to its distribution to end users. Overall, the process can be divided into three broad functional phases: physical removal of visible impurities, chemical treatment to eliminate dissolved particles and pathogens, and final quality adjustment before distribution. The process is initiated when raw water is drawn from a natural source such as a river or reservoir. It is first passed through metal screening grids that remove large physical debris, after which a coagulation and flocculation stage takes place: chemicals are introduced that cause microscopic suspended particles to aggregate into larger clusters known as flocs. These flocs are then allowed to settle out of suspension during the sedimentation stage, before the water is directed through sand and gravel filtration layers to remove any remaining fine particulate matter. In the chemical treatment phase, disinfection is carried out using either chlorine compounds or ultraviolet light to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms. This is followed by a pH adjustment step in which lime may be added if the acidity of the treated water falls outside the acceptable range. The treated water is then transferred to a storage reservoir, from which it is pressurised and distributed through a pipe network to residential and commercial properties.

Examiner Commentary

✓The three-phase overview ('physical removal', 'chemical treatment', 'quality adjustment') is analytical and original — not just listing stages
✓Passive voice is used correctly throughout: 'is drawn', 'are introduced', 'is carried out', 'is directed'
✓Technical vocabulary: 'flocs', 'aggregate', 'coagulation', 'flocculation', 'pathogenic microorganisms', 'pH adjustment' — appropriate and accurate
✓'Are allowed to settle out of suspension' is particularly precise passive voice
✓Stages are grouped by function (physical → chemical → storage/distribution) rather than just numbered
✓Word count is optimal at 192 — sufficient detail without over-description

Task Achievement

Band 9

All 9 stages covered; three-phase overview excellent

Coherence

Band 9

Grouped by function; seamless sequencing language

Lexical Resource

Band 8.5

Flocculation, aggregate, pathogenic, pressurised

Grammar

Band 9

Consistent passive voice; no errors

Band 6.0 Response162 words

This diagram shows how water is cleaned for drinking. First, workers take water from a river or lake. Then they remove big things using screens. After this, they add chemicals to make particles stick together. Then the particles fall to the bottom. Next, they filter the water through sand. After filtering, they add chlorine to kill germs. They also adjust the pH. Then they store the water and send it to houses. Overall, there are 9 steps to clean water. The process involves physical and chemical methods.

What would improve this to Band 7.5+

→Active voice used throughout ('workers take', 'they add', 'they filter') — process diagrams require passive voice
→No overview paragraph — the summary at the end is accurate but too brief and placed at the end
→'Big things' is imprecise — should say 'large physical debris'
→'Make particles stick together' misses the technical term 'coagulation/flocculation' and the concept of flocs
→'Kill germs' is informal — should say 'eliminate pathogenic microorganisms' or 'disinfect the water'
→Sequencing language is limited to 'first, then, after this, next' — no variety

Key Vocabulary in This Sample

aggregate into / cluster into— particles joining together

settle out of suspension— particles falling to the bottom of liquid

pathogenic microorganisms— formal term for disease-causing germs

filtration / disinfection— technical stage names

pressurised distribution— water pushed through pipes under pressure

Sample 11: Pie Chart + Table — Media Consumption

Task Prompt

The pie chart shows how adults in a country spent their media consumption time in 2022, divided across five categories. The table shows the average hours per week spent on each medium by different age groups. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Visual Data Summary

Pie chart (% of total media time): TV 38%, Streaming 25%, Social media 18%, Online news 10%, Print/other 9%. Table (hours/week by age group): Age 18–34 / 35–54 / 55+: TV: 8 / 20 / 35. Streaming: 18 / 12 / 5. Social media: 15 / 10 / 5. Online news: 5 / 8 / 7. Print: 1 / 3 / 9.

Band 8.5 Model Response197 words

The pie chart and table present different dimensions of media consumption patterns among adults in 2022: the former shows the overall distribution of media time, while the latter breaks this down by age group to reveal generational differences. Overall, television dominates total media time at the population level, while a clear generational divide exists — younger adults favour streaming and social media, whereas older adults are substantially more reliant on television and print. According to the pie chart, TV accounts for the largest share of media consumption at 38%, followed by streaming (25%) and social media (18%). Online news and print/other represent smaller but still measurable shares of 10% and 9% respectively. The table reveals that these aggregate figures mask stark generational differences. The 18–34 age group spends only 8 hours per week on TV but dedicates 18 hours to streaming and 15 hours to social media — by far the highest usage of both digital categories. Conversely, adults aged 55 and over spend a substantial 35 hours weekly on television — more than four times the youngest group's TV consumption — and 9 hours on print, compared to just 1 hour for the youngest cohort. The middle age group (35–54) presents an intermediate profile, with TV consumption (20 hours) falling between the extremes. Their streaming and social media usage is lower than the youngest group but substantially higher than the oldest, suggesting a gradual generational transition rather than an abrupt shift.

Examiner Commentary

✓The introduction correctly characterises the two charts as showing different 'dimensions' of the same topic
✓Overview identifies the population-level finding (TV dominant) AND the generational divide — covering both charts
✓'Masks stark generational differences' is a sophisticated phrase connecting the aggregate pie chart to the detailed table
✓The 18–34 group's TV figure (8 hours) is contrasted with their streaming (18 hours) — shows within-group comparison skill
✓The 55+ group's TV figure is compared to the 18–34 group: 'more than four times' — precise calculation
✓The conclusion about 'gradual generational transition' is an original analytical observation

Task Achievement

Band 9

Both charts synthesized; generational pattern identified

Coherence

Band 8.5

Charts addressed in logical order; overview covers both

Lexical Resource

Band 8.5

Cohort, aggregate, intermediate, substantially, mask

Grammar

Band 8.5

Varied complex sentences; no errors

Band 6.0 Response163 words

The pie chart shows media consumption in 2022. The table shows hours by age group. From the pie chart, TV is the biggest at 38%. Streaming is second at 25% and social media is 18%. Online news is 10% and print is 9%. In the table, old people watch more TV. The 55+ group watches 35 hours of TV. Young people (18-34) watch only 8 hours. Young people prefer streaming at 18 hours. For print media, the 55+ group uses 9 hours and the 18-34 group uses only 1 hour. This is very different. Overall, TV is the most popular media. Old people prefer TV and young people prefer streaming and social media.

What would improve this to Band 7.5+

→Introduction describes the two charts separately without explaining their relationship
→No overview before the data — the summary at the end is adequate but should appear second, not last
→The pie chart paragraph simply lists all five values in order — no grouping or pattern identification
→The table section is better but focuses on individual data points rather than the overall generational pattern
→Missing: the 35–54 group's intermediate position; calculation of the ratio between 55+ and 18–34 TV hours
→'Very different' is too vague — should quantify: '9 times more' or 'a gap of 8 hours'

Key Vocabulary in This Sample

masks / conceals— aggregate data hiding underlying differences

stark / pronounced differences— strong differences

intermediate profile— a group that falls between two extremes

gradual transition vs. abrupt shift— distinguishing types of change patterns

Sample 12: Map — Museum Layout Changes

Task Prompt

The diagrams below show the floor plan of a city museum in 2005 and 2025. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Visual Data Summary

2005: Ground floor has main entrance, gift shop (left), temporary exhibition room (right), permanent collection rooms (north wing). First floor: lecture hall (east), storage rooms (west), restrooms (center). Garden: small café, seating area. 2025: Main entrance expanded with new accessible ramp. Gift shop enlarged and relocated to right. Temporary exhibition room converted to interactive digital gallery. New café inside the building (where lecture hall was). Lecture hall moved to an extension built on the north. Storage rooms converted to additional gallery space. Rooftop terrace added above original building. Garden redesigned with outdoor sculpture garden replacing the small seating area.

Band 8.5 Model Response193 words

The two floor plans illustrate the transformation of a city museum between 2005 and 2025, revealing a comprehensive modernisation of the facility over the twenty-year period. Overall, the changes reflect a shift in the museum's orientation from storage and passive display to interactive visitor engagement and expanded capacity. The most significant additions are the new north wing extension and the rooftop terrace, while several internal spaces have been repurposed. On the ground floor, the main entrance has been expanded and fitted with an accessible ramp — a notable improvement in disability access. The gift shop has been enlarged and relocated from the left to the right of the entrance, and the temporary exhibition room has been converted into an interactive digital gallery, indicating a move toward technology-enhanced visitor experiences. The first floor has undergone more substantial reconfiguration. The lecture hall, which previously occupied the east of the first floor, has been relocated to a purpose-built north wing extension, allowing the original lecture hall space to be converted to an indoor café. The former storage rooms on the west side have been repurposed as additional gallery space, effectively increasing the museum's exhibitable area. Outside, the garden has been redesigned: the modest seating area has been replaced by an outdoor sculpture garden. A rooftop terrace has been added to the building's exterior, providing additional visitor amenity space.

Examiner Commentary

✓The overview correctly identifies the thematic change ('storage and passive display → interactive engagement') — not just listing individual changes
✓The accessible ramp is flagged with an interpretive comment ('notable improvement in disability access') — appropriate observation
✓The lecture hall relocation is connected to its cause ('allowing the original space to be converted') — causal reasoning
✓Changes are organized by floor (ground floor, first floor, outside) — logical spatial organization
✓'Purpose-built north wing extension' is precise architectural vocabulary
✓The final paragraph covers the exterior/garden changes efficiently without over-describing

Task Achievement

Band 8.5

All major changes covered; thematic overview

Coherence

Band 8.5

Organized by floor; logical sequencing

Lexical Resource

Band 8.5

Repurposed, reconfiguration, orientation, amenity

Grammar

Band 8.5

Passive voice correct; relative clauses used well

Band 6.0 Response165 words

The plans show a museum in 2005 and 2025. Many things changed. In 2005, the museum had a gift shop on the left, a temporary exhibition room on the right, and permanent collections in the north. On the first floor there was a lecture hall, storage rooms, and restrooms. Outside there was a small café and seating. In 2025, the entrance has a new ramp. The gift shop moved to the right side and got bigger. The exhibition room is now a digital gallery. The café moved inside the building. The lecture hall moved to a new extension. Storage rooms are now gallery spaces. There is a new rooftop terrace and sculpture garden outside. Overall, the museum changed a lot. Many spaces were improved and expanded.

What would improve this to Band 7.5+

→No overview — the summary at the end ('changed a lot, many spaces improved') is too vague
→The response describes 2005 in full, then 2025 in full — should compare changes directly
→The lecture hall relocation is mentioned but the connection to why (to free up space for the café) is not made
→'Got bigger' is informal — should use 'was enlarged' or 'was expanded'
→The thematic meaning of the changes (modernisation, interactive focus) is not identified
→No spatial/directional language used — no references to north/south/east/west of the plans

Key Vocabulary in This Sample

has been repurposed as— a space is now used for a different function

has been relocated to— something moved from one place to another

purpose-built— designed and built specifically for this use

reconfiguration— a major reorganization of a layout

reflect a shift from X to Y— the changes together show a directional change in priorities

Practice IELTS Writing Task 1 with AI scoring against all four official criteria.

Take a Free Practice Exam →

AI scoring · Task 1 and Task 2 · Instant band-level feedback

← IELTS Writing Guide Task 2 Writing Samples →