The Writing part of IELTS is different in General Training and Academic modules.

Task 1 in General IELTS is writing a letter and in Academic module it’s a graph or diagram description.

Task 2 in both modules is an essay. However, essay topics are usually different.

In this article, IELTS Game will focus on basic principles that you should know to successfully complete the Writing part in Academic IELTS, particularly task 1, and how to describe a bar chart in IELTS.

In addition, you will find 15 recent IELTS writing task 1 bar charts exercises with sample answers band 9.

IELTS Writing Task 1

In this part of Writing you will have to describe some kind of a visual information. It can be:

• Pie Chart;
• Line Graph;
• Bar Graph;
• Table;
• Process Diagram;
• Map;
• Combination of several visuals (e.g. Pie Chart + Table).

How to Describe a Bar Chart in IELTS Exam?

No matter what type of a visual you are given in this part of the test, you always should keep to the following rules when you complete Writing Task 1:

• It’s better to concentrate only on significant features of the graph. You shouldn’t try to give reasons for the elements shown in the graph or describe every detail.
• At the beginning of you answer you should write an introduction in your own words using information from the question and the headings.
• After the introduction, you need to write a brief overview of the objects and their purpose.
• In body paragraphs, you should focus on how the object works or significant similarities and differences between the objects.
• Try to use a wide range of vocabulary and structures. You should know some specific vocabulary to describe IELTS bar charts and graphs. e.g. vocabulary for changes (rise, fall, increase, etc.)
• Don’t express your opinion! Avoid using such phrases like I think, as we can see, in my opinion, etc.