Academic Writing Course: Task 1

📊 IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Scoring Explained

Understand how your report is graded to maximize your band score

The 4 Scoring Criteria

1. Task Achievement +

This criterion evaluates how well you summarize and report the visual information:

Provide a clear overview of main trends/features
Present accurate data from the visual
Cover all key features without irrelevant details
Write at least 150 words

2. Coherence & Cohesion +

This assesses how logically organized your report is:

Use clear paragraphs (introduction, overview, details)
Use linking words appropriately (however, similarly, in contrast)
Present information in logical sequence
Use referencing effectively (this, that, which)

3. Lexical Resource +

This evaluates your vocabulary use for data description:

Use appropriate academic vocabulary (fluctuate, plateau, surge)
Show range in describing trends and numbers
Avoid repetition through synonyms (increase-rise-grow)
Maintain accurate spelling

4. Grammatical Range & Accuracy +

This assesses your grammar skills in data reporting:

Use variety of sentence structures (simple, complex, compound)
Use appropriate tenses (past for completed periods, present for current)
Maintain subject-verb agreement
Use correct prepositions (to, by, of, at)

🔍 Band 6 vs Band 8 Comparison

Click the tabs below to compare sample overview paragraphs

Band 6 Overview

Band 8 Overview

The graph shows information about electricity production from different sources between 1980 and 2010. Overall, fossil fuels were the highest and renewables were the lowest. Coal increased but hydro stayed the same.

Band 6 Features:

Basic overview with some key features
Simple vocabulary with repetition (“the”)
Limited grammatical range (simple sentences)
Some inaccuracies (“stayed the same”)

The line graph illustrates changes in electricity generation by energy source in four countries from 1980 to 2010. The most striking feature is that fossil fuels dominated production throughout the period, accounting for approximately 70% of total output by 2010, while renewable sources remained negligible at under 5%. Notably, coal usage experienced steady growth, particularly after 1990, whereas hydroelectric production remained relatively stable despite minor fluctuations.

Band 8 Features:

Clear overview highlighting key trends
Precise vocabulary (“dominated”, “negligible”, “fluctuations”)
Varied sentence structures with accurate complex sentences
Specific data references where appropriate

Wipe to Reveal: Good vs Bad Data Description

👆 Wipe to reveal the analysis

Description A (Band 5-6)

In 1990, the number was 20%. Then it went up to 30% in 2000. After that, it went down a little to 25% in 2010.

Analysis:

Task Achievement: Reports data but lacks precision
Coherence: Simple sequence but no linking words
Vocabulary: Basic verbs (“went up/down”) with repetition
Grammar: Only simple past tense sentences

Check Your Knowledge: 3 MCQs

1. What is the most important paragraph in Academic Task 1?

a) Introduction

b) Overview

c) First detail paragraph

d) Conclusion

2. Which tense should you primarily use when describing data from past years?

a) Past simple

b) Present continuous

c) Future perfect

d) Present perfect

3. What should you avoid in Academic Task 1 writing?

a) Reporting key features

b) Using linking words

c) Giving an overview

d) Giving personal opinions

IELTS Academic Writing Band Descriptors (Task 1)

Band	Task Achievement	Coherence & Cohesion	Lexical Resource	Grammatical Range
9	Fully satisfies all requirements with clear, fully developed overview	Skillfully manages paragraphing; seamless cohesion	Sophisticated, precise vocabulary for data description	Wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
7	Clear overview with key features appropriately highlighted	Logical organization; good use of cohesive devices	Sufficient range of vocabulary for the task	Variety of complex structures with some flexibility
6	Presents overview with some appropriately selected information	Adequate organization; some cohesive devices	Adequate range of vocabulary for the task	Mix of simple and complex sentence forms
5	Recounts detail mechanically with no clear overview	Basic organization may be lacking; limited cohesion	Limited range of vocabulary with frequent errors	Only basic sentence structures with limited accuracy

Remember: Each criterion is worth 25% of your total score.

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