Course
Academic Writing Task 1
Learn how to describe graphs, tables, charts and diagrams clearly and accurately. Work through the five lessons in order. Each one takes 30 to 60 minutes.
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
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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
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.