WRITING

IELTS TASK 1
LEVEL 2 (U7-10)
 PART 2
TABLES-CORRELATION
MAPS- PROCESS

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 LESSON 7
TABLES
I-LANGUAGE
A- INTRODUCING PHRASES
Using appropriate introducing phrases in the report will improve your writing points:
-In general, there was an upward trend for the amount of waste production over a 20-year
period.
-Next, the cost of tuition increased to VND 12 million.
TASK 1: Match the following introducing phrases in A with B (some can be used again)
A B
1. As regards the first, a. From the first glance,
2. A closer look at the table shows that b. More specifically,
3. In terms of c. In regards with
4. To be more detailed, d. Interestingly,
5. As can be seen from the table, e. Whereas,
6. In contrast, f. In brief,
7. It is clear that g. It is obvious that
8. It is noticeable that h. Afterwards,
9. In addition, i. A remarkable point is that
10. With respect to j. First of all,
11. Overall, k. Moreover,
12. In conclusion, l. Finally,
13. One interesting point is that m. In general,
14. After that, n. It can be observed from the data
15. Last, that
16. Regarding o. As for…
17. Turning to the other side, p. In reference with

B-CONJUNCTIONS AND CLAUSES

A compound sentence is two or more independent clauses joined together, like two adults
joined together in marriage. Each clause is of importance and could stand alone. There are three
ways to join independent clauses to form a compound sentence.
a. Compound Sentences with Coordinators (coordinating conjunction)
Independent Clause, + Coordinator + Independent Clause

(comma) (FAN BOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)

-The Japanese have the longest life expectancy of any other people, for their diet is extremely
healthful.
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-Many Americans do not eat a healthy diet, nor do they get enough exercise.
-Many Japanese men smoke, yet the Japanese have long life expectancies.

b- Compound Sentences with Conjunctive Adverbs

Independent Clause; + Conjunctive Adverb, + Independent Clause

(semicolon) (see the table below) (comma)

Just like the FAN BOYS coordinators, conjunctive adverbs express the relationship of the second
clause to the first clause. The chart below shows the coordinators and conjunctive adverbs which
express similar relationships.
e.g -Many community colleges do not have dormitories; however, they provide
housing referral services

Coordinating Conjunctions Conjunctive Adverbs Meaning

and furthermore, besides, moreover, also additional ideas
but, yet however, nevertheless, still, nonetheless opposite idea
or otherwise choice; “or else”
so consequently, therefore, thus result

TASK 2
Use one of FANBOYS or a suitable conjunctive adverb to combine the pairs of sentences.
Punctuate them correctly and change some phrases to improve the sentences.
1. The consumption of gas experienced a plateau for the first two years. It continued leveling
out the following five years.
2. Overall, the number of experts from Asian countries to Vietnam increased considerably.
The number of experts from European countries to Vietnam showed a marginal change.
3. The traffic means used in our country has increased too quickly in the past ten years. No
measures have been given to address the problem.
4. Most of the female students did not like swimming as an extra subject at high school. Most
of the male students did not like it.
5. The price of imported milk is increasing remarkably. The number of milk consumers is
decreasing strongly.

II. PROCEDURE

Task Achievement

In order to do well in Task 1, you must remember that you are required to write a ‘summary’ of
the information, selecting the main features and making comparisons where possible. Many
students fall into the trap of trying to write about every single piece of information shown in the
table/chart etc. By doing this, you are not summarizing the information and you will run out of
time in the exam.

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 Lexical Resource

It is important to use your own words as far as possible, and to use a range of vocabulary
accurately. You should paraphrase the question in your introductory paragraph.

A-SAMPLE TOPIC
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The table below shows the change in some household types in Great Britain from 1971 to 2007.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.

TASK 3: Paraphrase the question in your introductory paragraph

Word from the Questions Words in you introduction

Words in the table Words in your description

Coherence and Cohesion

To score well for coherence and cohesion, you must organize your ideas logically into
paragraphs. To do this, you must spend a couple of minutes before you write drawing up a simple
plan. Try to use a range of cohesive devices to link your sentences and paragraphs together:
However / While / But / In contrast / Whilst/ Whereas….
TASK 4: Read the following samples and make an outline for these:

Sample 1: Complete a plan for the report in Sample 1:

 Paragraph 1: …………………………………………
 Paragraph 2: …………………………………………
 Paragraph 3: ………………………………………….
 Paragraph 4: ………………………………………….
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 The table provides data on the percentage changes regarding five different family home set-ups
in Britain between 1971 and 2007.
Overall, it can be seen that over the 36-year period, there was a moderate increase in the number
of people living by themselves, couples without any offspring and single parents. However, the
number of couples with children under 18 decreased significantly.
A closer look at the table shows that in 1971, only 4 percent of homes were occupied by a one-
parent family, while just 2 percent more were inhabited by either a man or a woman. By 2007,
both of these household types had shown a similar upward trend, resulting in an 8 and 6
percentage point increase respectively.
In terms of the couples, the number of those living with their adult children rose slightly in
1991, but there was an overall 1 percentage point decrease by 2007. Couples without any
children climbed 6 percentage points going from 19 percent in 1971 to 25 percent in 2007. In
contrast, whilst still the most popular household type for both 1971 and 2007, the number of
couples with younger children dropped substantially from 52 percent to 36 percent, representing
a decrease of 16 percentage points. (203 words)
Sample 2:
Sample 1: Complete a plan for the report in Sample 1:
 Paragraph 1: …………………………………………
 Paragraph 2: …………………………………………
 Paragraph 3: ………………………………………….
 Paragraph 4: ………………………………………….

The table illustrates the changes in in some household patterns in the UK in the period between
1971 and 2007.
Overall, as can be seen from the table, in general, the proportion of all household types changed
noticeably over the 40-year period.
To be more detailed, there is a steady increase in households without children. One person
households, for example, double from 6% in 1971 to 12% in 2001 and 2007, whilst the
percentage of couple family with no children rose from 19% to 25% between 1971 and 2001,
then leveled off till 2007.
When it comes to couples with dependent children, the changes in percentage was even more
significant. It decreased steeply from 52% in 1971 to only 36% in 2007. In contrast, the
percentage of lone parent household trebled over the same period, increasing from 4% in 1971
to 12% in 2001 and 2007. Interestingly, the proportion of non-dependent children has remain
nearly unchanged, standing at 10% from 1971 to 1981, rising only 1% over the next decade,
before falling back insignificantly to 9% in 2007.
(178 words)
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
In order to score well, you must use a variety of sentence constructions correctly. Here are a few
of the constructions used in the task:
-There was a moderate increase in the number of people living by themselves… (adjective +
noun)
-… the number of couples with children under 18 decreased significantly. (adverb + verb)
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 -… both of these household types had shown a similar upward trend, resulting in an 8 and 6
percentage point increase… (participle clause)
You must analyze the question to determine what verb tenses you should be using: the dates in
the table range from 1971 to 2007, so we mainly used the past simple tense. This is because we
use the past simple tense to refer to completed actions in the past. There are also a few instances
of the past passive.
Once you have finished writing, you must check your answer for grammatical mistakes and
punctuation errors. The more accurate your answer, the higher your score will be.
TASK 5: Write a report based on the following outline for the table given in Task 4:
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: Overview
Paragraph 3: An upward trend
Paragraph 4: A downward trend

TASK 6: Make an outline and then describe the following table with at least 5 sentences with
coordinators.
The table below shows the sales at a small restaurant in a downtown business district.
You should write at least 150 words.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Sales: week of October 7-13
Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.

Lunch $2,400 $2,450 $2,595 $2,375 $2,500 $1,950 $1,550

Dinner $3,623 $3,850 $3,445 $3,800 $4,350 $2,900 $2,450

TASK 7: Complete the report and analyze its organization:

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TASK 8: Write a report based on the thinking process suggested below

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TASK 9: Write a report based on the thinking process suggested below:

FURTHER PRACTICCE
TASK A
The table shows the Proportions of Pupils Attending Four Secondary School Types between 2000
and 2009.
Secondary School Attendance
2000 2005 2009
Specialist Schools 12% 11% 10%
Grammar Schools 24% 19% 12%
Voluntary-controlled Schools 52% 38% 20%
Community Schools 12% 32% 58%

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TASK B
The table shows source of student income over a five-year period in the United States. Write a
report for a college lecturer describing the information shown below.

TASK C

TASK D
Write a report to describe the following table
The table below gives information about the underground railway systems in six cities.

Underground Railways Systems

Passengers per
Kilometres of
City Date opened year
route
(in millions)

London 1863 394 775

Paris 1900 199 1191

Tokyo 1927 155 1927

Washington DC 1976 126 144

Kyoto 1981 11 45

Los Angeles 2001 28 50

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 LESSON 8
CORRELATING CHARTS
I- LANGUAGE
A- COMPLEX SENTENCES
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one (or more) dependent clause. It is
like a mother with one or more children depending on her. In a complex sentence, one idea is
generally more important than the other one. The more important idea is placed in the
independent clause, and the less important idea in the dependent clause.
E.g.
1. Although women could own property, they could not vote.
2. Last summer we rented a house in Luxembourg, which is a small country in Europe.
3. What he did doesn’t surprise me.
(Note: the clauses in bold and italic are dependent clauses)
There are three kinds of dependent clauses used in complex sentences: NOUN CLAUSE,
ADVERB CLAUSE, and ADJECTIVE CLAUSE.

TASK 1: Use a suitable subordinator to combine the pairs of sentences. Punctuate them correctly
and change some phrases to improve the sentences.
1. The consumption of gas experienced a plateau for the first two years. It continued leveling
out the following five years.
2. Overall, the number of experts from Asian countries to Vietnam increased considerably.
The number of experts from European countries to Vietnam showed a marginal change.
3. The traffic means used in our country has increased too quickly in the past ten years. No
measures have been given to address the problem.
4. Most of the female students did not like swimming as an extra subject at high school. Most
of the male students did not like it.
5. The price of imported milk is increasing remarkably. The number of milk consumers is
decreasing strongly.

TASK 2: Complete the following sentences with relative clauses based on the data given

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 1- The people who……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
2- South Asia……………………………………………….which……………………………………………………………
3- It is noticeable that developed countries are the areas where……………………………………….
4- That................................................................………………………………………………………………
5- Arab States whose………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

II- CORRELATING DATA

In the previous pages we have looked at some of the language needed to describe a graph, chart or
table for Task 1. However, it is common in Task I to have more than one set of data to describe.
How to describe two different charts in 4 paragraphs:
1. Mention each chart in the introduction. Sometimes it's easier to write a sentence for each.
2. Describe the first chart.
3. Describe the second chart.
4. Summarize the main feature of each chart. If there is a connection between the charts,
describe it.
Example:
The graph below shows the demand for electricity in England during typical days in winter and
summer. The pie chart shows how electricity is used in an average English home.

Introduction:
Paragraph 1 – Introducing the first chart and the second chart
The line graph compares daily electricity consumption in England during the winter and
summer, while the pie chart shows information about the different uses of this electricity in
an average English household.
Description:
Paragraph 2 – Analyzing data source 1 (table)
 A sentence describing the first data source and the broad trend it depicts
 A sentence outlining the minor and minute details of the data source

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  Another sentence outlining the minor and minute details of the data source (if
needed)
The given illustration shows that in winter, electricity demand in England rise up to almost
48,000 units and drops to nearly 30,000 units. It is generally observed that the demand
increases after the evening time. While in summer, the electricity demand rises up to 20,000
units in the noon time and drops to almost 12,000 in the early morning.
Paragraph 3 – Analyzing data source 2 (graph)
 A sentence describing the second data source and the broad trend it depicts
 A sentence outlining the minor and minute details of the data source
 Another sentence outlining the minor and minute details of the data source (if
needed)
The given pie chart demonstrates that more than half of the electricity is utilised for the
purpose of heating rooms and water which is 52%. The second major proportion of
electricity, 18%, is utilised for using ovens, kettles and washing machines. Lighting, TV and
radio utilise 15% electricity while the remaining 15% goes for the vacuum cleaner, food
mixers, and electric tools.
Overview:
Paragraph 4 – Brief description of the relationship between the data types
 A sentence summarizing the main points of the two charts, and explaining the
relationship between the sources.
In brief, the line graph exhibits that electricity demand in winter is significantly higher than
that in summer, which results in that more than half of the electricity is consumed for the
purpose of heating rooms and water.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
It is not sufficient to simply describe each set in turn – you should show the examiner that you
know how the information correlates (the connection or effect they have on each other). Although
writing about correlations is important when presented with different sets of data, do not feel that
you have to think of an explanation as to why they might be correlated.
Here is some language that you can use to correlate data:
a-(X) increased dramatically, while (Y) decreased considerably.
b-(X) experienced a stability, and (Y) trended upward slightly during the period.
c- (X) appears to have a direct impact on (Y).
d- A rise in (X) causes an attendant increase in (Y).
e- There is an inverse relationship between (X) and (Y).
f- There is a direct relationship between (X) and (Y).
g- There is a direct correlation between (X) and (Y).
h- An increase in (X) resulted in a decrease in (Y).
i- Closely linked to (X), it can be seen that (Y)…
k- As a result of the decline in (X), (Y)
l-A sharp increase in (X) contributed to a significant decrease in the whole consumption of (Y).
m-The total number of (X) showed an upward trend thanks to an impressive increase in (Y)

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TASK 3: Look at the two graphs below. What correlation do they show?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
TASK 4: What correlation do you see here?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
TASK 5: Analyze the overviews for the report on the charts and then complete the given report
to describe the charts
The graphs below show the Expenditure on Health & Education, UAE as percentages of
GDP and Infant mortality and life expectancy.

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5.1 How different between these overviews?
a-Overall, UAE administrator spent more ratio of their budget on education than they did on
health care. The improvement Emiratis achieved to prevent child death cases was remarkable.
b-In summary, the UAE's budget for health and education sector increased over the period and
as a result, the infant mortality rate reduced while the life expectancy improved.
c-As is evident, the UAE government spent more on healthcare and education in 1990 than they
did in the past, while citizens’ life expectancy enhanced along with the declining infant mortality
rate.
d-According to the diagram, investment in both health and education in the UAE grew over the
time and infant mortality together with life expectancy scenario were improved.

5.2 Complete the following description for the above charts:

The bar graph compares (1)…………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………….while the line graph shows
(2)………………………………………….of the infant mortality and (3)
…………………………………………from 1970 to 1992.
As clearly seen in the bar chart, the UAE administration spent (4)
………………………………………… on the health sector in 1985, while their spending
on public health was (5) …………………………………………the counterpart. After 5
years, (6) …………………………………………on education made it (7)
……………………………the expenditure in health division with (8)
…………………………………………. Interestingly, although in comparison with the two
previous years, the UAE’s spending on education was (9)
………………………………than on health in the last year, both (10)
……………………… and (11) ………………………still accounted for a higher proportion
of GDP than (12) ………………………………, at nearly 15% and 10% respectively.
The line graph represents that while (13) …………………………in the UAE was just 60
years in 1970, it (14) …………………………70 in 1992. (15) …………………………,
fortunately the infant mortality rate decreased to just 20% in 1992 from (16)
…………………………in 1970.
All in all, (17) …………………………of spending in the UAE had (18)
…………………………on their (19) ……………… citizens’ life expectancy and (20)
……………………… infant's mortality rate.

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TASK 6: Write a report to describe the following charts

TASK 7: Write a report to describe the following charts

The line graph below shows the number of annual visits to Australia by overseas residents. The table below
gives information on the country of origin where the visitors came from. Write a report for a university lecturer
describing the information given.

NUMBER OF VISITORS (million)

1975 2005
SOUTH KOREA 2.9 9.1

JAPAN 3.2 12.0

CHINA 0.3 0.8

USA 0.4 1.1

BRITAIN 0.9 2.9

EUROPE 1.1 4.5

Total 8.8 30.4

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TASK 8: Write a report to describe the following charts
The graphs shows the Glasgow age demographics in 1998 and the average number of
annual hospital visits per capita among Glasgow residents

TASK 9: The graph below shows the demand for electricity in England during typical days in
winter and summer. The pie chart shows how electricity is used in an average English home.

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 LESSON 9
MAPS
A- MAP

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When describing the location of something on a map you should use phrases like:
 to the north of / to the east of / to the south of
 in the west
 north west of
Example sentences:
 The trees to the north of the river were cut down and a new office block was
built.
 A railway was constructed to the east of the housing estate with the introduction
of a new train station.
 The forest to the west of the park was cut down and a new housing complex
was constructed.
 The industrial area to the south west of the station was expanded.

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TASK 1:

TASK 2: A time in the past and now:

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TASK 3: Two times in the past:

10. In 2002, the meeting hall ………………………(stand) in the centre of the campus. However, in 2010 it
…………………….locate south to the campus.
11. Ten years before there…………………….(be) a building near the bridge, but in 2010 it
……………………(demolish) to make room for a car park.
12. A pier …………………………………(run) along the road, but in the next five years it …………………….(erase).

Notice the verbs used with "in" and "by":

 We use "in" with the past simple "was" to talk about what happened in one year only
(2002).
 We use "by" with the past perfect "had risen" to talk about an increase that happened in
the years before 2007 (from 2002 to 2007).
Look at the following description:
 In 2002, the cost of an average house in the UK was£130,000. By 2007, the average
house price had risen to almost £190,000.

TASK 4:

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TASK 5:

TASK 6:

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TASK 7:

TASK 8:

house experienced noticeable factories development

comparison residential corner facilities construction

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TASK 9:
Look at the map and fill the blanks with the phrases below:

-a relocation -a future plan

- in the north-east corner -to take over
-adjacent to -no change
-Improvements had been made to -was extended

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TASK 10:

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TASK 11: The two maps below show the changes in the town of Denham from 1986 to the present
day. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make
comparisons where relevant.’

TASK 12

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FURTHER PRACTICE
A-

B-

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 LESSON 10
PROCESS

/ Flow chart

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 Technical diagram

Organizational chart

Introduction
There are several ways in which you can write an introduction to a process:
 The pictures illustrate how tea is produced
 The pictures show the steps involved in producing potato chips.
 The diagram highlights the process by which potato chips are produced.
 The diagram shows how to produce potato chips.
 The pictures show how people get a driving licence.

TASK 1: Write an introduction to introduce the following diagram

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 Highlight the Main Points

An IELTS process diagram is different to a line, bar, pie chart or table in that there are
not usually key changes or trends to identify. However, you should still give an
overview of what is taking place.

The ‘public band descriptors’ state that to achieve a band 6 or more for ‘task
response’ the student must provide an overview in a task 1.

As there are no trends to comment on, you can make a comment on, for example,
the number of stages in the process and how it begins and ends:

Overall, there are eight stages in the process, beginning with the digging up of clay and
culminating in delivery.

TASK 2:

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TASK 3:
Write at least 5 sentences tow describe the process to produce tea in the diagram in TASK 1

Giving extra information about a stage

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TASK 4:

TASK 5: Write 5 sentences to describe how chocolate is produced

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TASK 6: Complete the description

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TASK 7: Read the description and fill the blanks:

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TASK 8: Write a report to describe the following process:

TASK 9:

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FURTHER PRACTICE
TASK A

TASK B: The diagram illustrates the process that is used to manufacture bricks for the building industry.

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TASK C: The diagram below shows how a hot air balloon ascends and descends.

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