IELTS Writing Task 1

Now Let’s start dealing with the first task of the writing section.

 It lasts 20 minutes
 You must write at least 150 words ( preferably no more than 200).
 The test taker is usually required to analyze a bar chart , a line graph , a pie chart , a
table, a process or a map and sometimes two of these at the same time.
 To do this task successfully , you should practice different types of language such as
the language of change (increased sharply , dropped dramatically……….), the
language of comparison and contrast ( more than , less than , the most , the least , in
contrast , similarly , whereas ….), the active and the passive voice ( they spent
money on, money was spent on …)

* You are also required to follow the following essay structure:

a)Introduction : It is the easiest paragraph of the essay . It contains one or two

sentences . All you have to do is to paraphrase the information given in the EILTS

test. Generally the introduction is constructed in the following pattern:

=) The type of chart + Verb + Topic + date

Example: The pie chart shows / represents/ demonstrates/ lists/ illustrates the
changes in sales/ purchase of consumers goods / laptops from 2000 to 2006 /
between 2000 and 2004. It is measured in dollars / pounds

b) Overview . It is most important paragraph and you score or band highly depends on

this part. You can write it either after the introduction or at the end of the essay.
You have to summarize the main features or information (2 or 3) you deduced from
the chart ( highs /lows/ trends ……) exclude unnecessary details and avoid
mentioning figures or numbers.
It usually start with: overall………
c) Body paragraph 1 d) Body paragraph 2
The two body paragraphs should be organized logically and supported with data
( numbers, figures)
A sample of ELTS Writing Task 1 ( First a gap -filling essay to familiarize with the
appropriate language and structure. Then gradually you will develop the task on your own).

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The chart shows the percentage of drugs taken by girls and boys in a school in New Zealand.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons
where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.

Place the right word into the space to compete the essay.

at
school
approximately the least are similar gender
children
8%

at the same
in percentages more than equal percentages for
level

bar chart
at only 5% around 33% is exactly 4% for
illustrates
The 1.  information on the quantity of drugs 2.   in New

Zealand take, divided by 3.   and measured 4.  . Overall, it

is immediately apparent that hashish or marijuana is used 5.   any of the
other drugs, whereas LSD and medical drugs are used 6.   . At first glance
we can see that boys take more drugs than girls for 6 out of 7 of the drugs listed, however
an 7.   number of boys and girls take cocaine.

To begin with, boys use more hashish or marijuana than girls at 8.   and

29% respectively. Following this, boys take heroin, opium or morphine 9.   

but girls 10. 

On the other hand, the 11.   amphetamines and

solvents 12.   for both boys and girls at 2% and 3% for girls

and 13.   both drugs for boys. Next, the pattern for LSD and medical

drugs 14.   the same for both genders at 1% for girls and 3% for boys.
Finally, boys and girls take cocaine 15.   , 4%.
Bar Chart Exercise - Answer
The 1. bar chart illustrates information on the quantity of drugs 2. school
children in New Zealand take, divided by 3. gender and measured 4. in
percentages. Overall, it is immediately apparent that hashish or marijuana is
used 5. more than any of the other drugs, whereas LSD is used 6. the least. At first
glance we can see that boys take more drugs than girls for 6 out of 7 of the drugs
listed, however an 7. equal number of boys and girls take cocaine. 

To begin with, boys use more hashish or marijuana than girls at 8. around 33% and
29% respectively. Following this, boys take heroin, opium or morphine 9. at
approximately 8%, but girls 10. at only 5%.

On the other hand, the 11. percentages for amphetamines and solvents 12. are

similar for both boys and girls at 2% and 3% for girls and 13. 4% for both drugs for
boys. Next, the pattern for LSD and medical drugs 14. is exactly the same for both
genders at 1% for girls and 3% for boys. Finally, boys and girls take cocaine 15. at
the same level, 4%.