IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 evaluates the test taker’s ability to describe data which can be in the form of a graph, chart, process, flow chart or a diagram. The objective of the task is to be able to describe the trends, changes, similarities and dissimilarities in 150 words, without being repetitive. So having a good lexical resource, along with the right grammatical structure, can get you the desired score.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 follows a specific format. It requires an introduction, summary, comparison and conclusion. Being equipped with the necessary vocabulary can help complete the task easily and efficiently.
The introduction
The given chart/ the graph provided/ supplied/ shown
Representation type
Bar graph/ bar chart/ pie chart/ line graph/ table data/ tabular chart/ map/ process/ diagram/ flow chart
Verb
Represents/ shows/ illustrates/ delineates/ outlines/ describes/ indicates/ gives information on/ presents/ depicts/ gives/ provides
It is always a good strategy to correctly paraphrase the introduction. It not only helps you showcase your English proficiency, but also makes a good first impression on the examiner.
Reporting Details
Verbs reporting upward trends
To rise/ increase/ surge/ grow/ climb/ peak/ rocket/ soar/ leap
Here, the words rise, increase, surge, grow show increase. These can be used with good adverbs to further emphasis their upward trajectory whereas rocket, soar, leap are strong words which describe a sudden change. These words don’t need adverbs to support the message. The words climb and peak are neutral. Peak often denotes the highest point.
Verbs reporting downward trends
To dip/ fall/ decrease/ decline/ drop/ plunge/ plummet
Verbs showing stability
To remain stable/ static/ unchanged/ constant/ steady/ to plateau/ level out
Adverbs to support trends
Rapid change in trend
Dramatically/ sharply/ significantly/ tremendously/ substantially/ noticeably/ considerably
Moderate change in trend
Gradually/ moderately/ sequentially
Steady change in the trend
Consistently/ steadily/ constantly
Words or phrases to show approximation
Around/ about/ approximately/ nearly/ roughly
As a test taker you will be evaluated on four parameters- Task Achievement; Coherence and Cohesion; Lexical resource; Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Therefore, using correct synonyms, as well as a wide range of vocabulary, in a precise and accurate manner will help you get that desired band score. Best of luck!
