Writing Task 1 — Academic
In Academic Task 1 you are given a visual — a bar chart, line graph, pie chart, table, map or process diagram — and asked to describe it in your own words. You have 20 minutes and must write at least 150 words. This is a report, not an essay: you describe what the data shows, you never give your opinion.
How to write a Band 7+ report
- 1 · IntroductionParaphrase the question in one sentence — say what the visual shows, where and when. Change the words, not the meaning. Never copy the prompt.
- 2 · OverviewState the two or three biggest trends or features — the highest, the lowest, the overall change. No specific numbers here. This single paragraph earns the most marks, so never skip it.
- 3 · Body paragraphsGroup the data logically into one or two paragraphs and support each point with accurate figures. Compare and contrast — don't just list every number.
- 4 · Accuracy & languageUse the right tense for the time period, vary your trend vocabulary (rose, declined, levelled off, peaked), and link ideas clearly. There is no conclusion in Task 1.