A summary of this web-page is available as a PDF Acrobat document.

This checklist is a guideline. There is not set format imposed by IELTS for this part of the exam.

Introduction paragraph

1.     Include an introduction paragraph that states the type of diagram that you analyze.

        This opening statement may be very brief.

2.    The opening sentence in your introduction paragraph immediately tells the reader

        the ‘big picture’ of what this diagram set aims to inform the reader.

3.    To earn higher credit for your vocabulary, you should paraphrase the title and

        words shown in the diagram in cases where perfect word substitutes are available.

4.    State the names of items measured on graphs, pie charts and data tables.

        Example: This line graph shows the average salary in Peru, Laos and Fiji in 2015. 

        State the scale or scales against which the items are measured.

        Example: The average salaries have been converted to USD$ (U.S. Dollars).​

Overview: key features paragraph

1.    You must include an overview paragraph that summarizes the key features in the

       diagram or collection of diagrams that you analyze.

2.    Open with a word such as ‘overall’ to clearly identify it as the overview paragraph.

Data analysis body paragraphs

1.    Include at least two data analysis body paragraphs.

2.    Use a logical structure to organize your data analysis body paragraphs.

           For example,

           The first body paragraph may analyse a time period that is significant on the diagram.

           The second body paragraph may analyse the long trend for two or more items in the series.

There is no one template model that you can apply for every task. You need to think rationally and identify at least two major ways to analyze the diagram or diagram set. 


3.    The opening sentence in each data analysis body paragraph informs the reader of

        the dominant pattern that you analyze in this paragraph.

4.    Discuss no more than two major patterns in each data analysis body paragraph.

         Examples : long term-trends, increases, decreases, volatile fluctuations.

        This step may require you to add, subtract, divide or multiply.

        Please see:   http://www.thefreeschool.education/task-1-math-skills.html

5.    Compare at least two items in each data analysis body paragraph.

        Examples of comparative discussion:

        (i)  The numerical values at different points in time for the same item.

        (ii) The numerical values for different items at the same point in time.

6.     Refer to an item and its quantity at least twice in each data analysis paragraph.

7.     Do not discuss more than six numbers in each data analysis paragraph.

         Do not overwhelm the reader with a 'sea of numbers'. Limit discussion to key patterns. 

8.    Only discuss the facts that can be ascertained from the diagram/s.

        Do not speculate why the diagram contains the patterns you discuss.

N.b. steps 4., 5. and 6. are not always mutually exclusive. You may combine these steps.

General points

1.     Avoid repeating verbs and adjectives in each paragraph where possible to earn a

        higher band score for the vocabulary component of the assessment rubric.

        Apply your vocabulary skills to select suitable synonymous substitute words.

2.    Avoid repeating verbs and adjectives across each paragraph where possible.

       Apply your vocabulary skills to select suitable synonymous substitute words.

3.    Do not repeat discussion verbatim or repeat discussion using paraphrasing.

4.    Your writing structure should connect sentences and not write in bullet point form.

5.    Do not include a conclusion paragraph.

6.    Discussion must contain the minimum number of words (150 words). 

         Do not write down the question and include this in your word count.


7.     Do not ‘pad’ your word count with unnecessary discussion such as outlining the

         structure of your paper.

An example of an acceptable structure*

1.    Introduction

       Two sentences: 30 words.

2.    Overview summary

       Three sentences: 60 words.

3.    Data analysis: major pattern 1

       Four sentences: 60 words

4.    Data analysis: major pattern 2

        Four sentences: 60 words

210 words

* To earn band score 8.5 to 9.

It is difficult to earn a band score of 8.5 or 9 in less than 200 words.

An example of a Band 9 paper for writing Task 1 shall be uploaded in later March 2017.


 The      ree  School