IELTS process writing sample

In this IELTS process writing sample, the manufacture of tea is described.
A process diagram is different to a graph or chart and requires some different language structures (though you still need to compare and contrast the various stages in the process where possible).
Particular language structures that you need to be aware of are the passive and time phrases.

Now, take a look at this question and the tea process below, and then study the model answer and comments below.

 IELTS Process - Tea Production

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The diagram shows how tea leaves are processed into five tea types. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

IELTS process writing sample answer
The diagram presents the manufacture of five different types of tea. It is immediately apparent that although all the teas are produced from the same leaf, the differences in the manufacturing process result in five different types of tea. 

The first three stages of manufacture are the same for all of the five teas. The leaves are grown, they are then plucked, and following this withering of the leaves occures. The final stage is also the same, which sees all the leaves dried in an oven. However, in the stages in between this, differing methods of production are employed.
To begin, white tea is unique as it involves no other processing. In contrast, green, oolong and large leaf black tea are all rolled as part of the process. However, while green tea is steamed before being rolled but is not fermented, the other two teas are first rolled and then both fermented (oolong only slightly but large leaf black completely). Finally, small leaf black tea is neither steamed nor rolled, but is crushed before being fully fermented.

_________________________________________

Comments

This IELTS process writing sample is a well-organized response that covers all the important features of the diagram.

It is easy to follow as it discusses each tea in turn, but not only this, it also groups similar processes together and identifies the differences.
For example:

Similarities:

The first three stages of manufacture are the same for all of the five teas.

…green, oolong and large leaf black tea are all rolled as part of the process.

Differences:

…white tea is unique as it involves no other processing.
However, while green tea is steamed before being rolled but is not fermented, the other two teas are first rolled and then both fermented.

The candidate decides to mention the first three stages and the last one together in one paragraph as they are exactly the same for every tea, and the differing stages in the middle following this.
This may seem odd to mention the stages in this order, and it is likely that when you describe a process you will discuss each stage in turn, but for this particular process it works well as the candidate can then focus on the differences.
The appropriate voice is also used in the description, which is the passive. 
When we write about a process, we are interested in the actions, NOT who is doing them. In this case we use the passive voice. Here are some examples of the passive voice from this IELTS writing sample process:

...the teas are produced from the same leaf

The leaves are grown, they are then plucked

...differing methods of production are employed

It may not always be possible, but if you can you should also try to use synonyms for some of the words from the diagram rather than copying them all.
For example, ‘completely’ fermented is used instead of ‘fully’.

Make sure you also make use of a mix of ‘time’ transitions to guide the reader through the description:

…they are then plucked, and following this withering of the leaves occures.

…the other two teas are first rolled and then both fermented

The candidate also demonstrates the ability to accurately use a mix of complex structures necessary to achieve above a band 6 for ‘grammatical range and accuracy’:

Noun Clauses:
It is immediately apparent that although all the teas are produced from the same leaf...

Relative Clauses:

The final stage is also the same, which sees all the leaves dried in an oven.

Adverbial Clauses:

…although all the teas are produced from the same leaf

…white tea is unique as it involves no other processing.

…while green tea is steamed before being rolled but is not fermented,

IELTS - Example of a bar chart

Here you can view an example of a bar chart for the IELTS test.
This bar chart shows the levels of spending of a family on three household items - gas, food and clothing.
You should note first of all that the bar chart is over time which means you need to use the language of change.
You should also make sure that you are comparing and contrasting the items too.
Take a look at the graph and model answer, then view the comments below on the response in order to see how you can improve your answers.

 

Example of a bar chart

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The bar chart shows the monthly spending in dollars of a family in the USA on three items in 2010. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Model Answer
The bar chart depicts the monthly expenditure on food, gas and clothing of a family living in the USA in 2010. Overall, it can be seen that levels of expenditure fluctuated over the period.

To begin, in January the most money was spent on food, at approximately $500 per month.  Although expenditure on food increased slightly the following month, it then fell to account for the lowest expenditure of all the items at the end of the period at just over $300.

Gas appeared to follow the opposite pattern to food spending. It started lower at about $350 per month, falling in the following month, and then increasing significantly to finish at just under $600 in April.

Clothing, which at just over $200 accounted for the lowest expenditure at the beginning of the period, fluctuated dramatically over the time frame. After reaching around the same levels as food in February (nearly $600), it dropped markedly in March, then jumped to just under $700 in the final month.

With the exception of an increase in March, average spending decreased slightly over the four months.

(183 words)

Comments

This example of a bar chart satisfies the requirements of the task.

The first paragraph introduces the graph (without copying from the rubric) and then identifies the main trends.

It is clearly organized, with each item clearly explained in each paragraph.
Importantly however, even though each item is described in turn, the description does not just describe each item in isolation. You will notice that comparisons are made between the items throughout the description.

For example:

...it then fell to account for the lowest expenditure of all the items at the end of the period...

Gas appeared to follow the opposite pattern to food spending.

Clothing, which at just over $200 accounted for the lowest expenditure at the beginning of the period,...

There is also evidence that the candidate knows how to write complex sentences:

Although expenditure on food increased...

Clothing, which at just over...

After reaching...

IELTS Task 1 Process

This is another example of an IELTS task 1 process.
This is a fairly simple example so it is good if you are new to processes. In the actual test it is likely to be a bit more difficult.
The important things to remember when you write about a process are:

1. Use the passive
2. Use time connectors
3. Change the word forms of the vocabulary given in the process diagram

IELTS Process - Chocolate Production

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The illustrations show how chocolate is produced. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

IELTS Task 1 Process - Model Answer
The diagram explains the process for the making of chocolate. There are a total of ten stages in the process, beginning with the growing of the pods on the cacao trees and culminating in the production of the chocolate.

To begin, the cocoa comes from the cacao tree, which is grown in the South American and African continents and the country of Indonesia.  Once the pods are ripe and red, they are harvested and the white cocoa beans are removed. Following a period of fermentation, they are then laid out on a large tray so they can dry under the sun. Next, they are placed into large sacks and delivered to the factory. They are then roasted at a temperature of 350 degrees, after which the beans are crushed and separated from their outer shell. In the final stage, this inner part that is left is pressed and the chocolate is produced.
(152 Words)

IELTS Tables

IELTS tables are another way of visually displaying comparative data.
This sample is comparing the spending of five countries in Europe.
What you should notice is that the table is not over time.
This means that you need to focus on the language of comparing and contrasting.
Remember to also see if there is any way that you can group the data - this will help you to write a well organized response.

Model Graph 14

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The table illustrates the proportion of monthly household income five European countries spend on food and drink, housing, clothing and entertainment. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Proportion of household income five European countries spend on food and drink, housing, clothing and entertainment.

	Food and drink	Housing	Clothing	Entertainment
France	25%	31%	7%	13%
Germany	22%	33%	15%	19%
UK	27%	37%	11%	11%
Turkey	36%	20%	12%	10%
Spain	31%	18%	8%	15%

IELTS Tables - Model Answer
The table shows the amount of household income that five countries in Europe spend per month on four items. Overall, it is evident that all five countries spend the majority of their income on food and drink and housing, but much less on clothing and entertainment.

Housing is the largest expenditure item for France, Germany and the UK, with all of them spending around one third of their income on this, at 30%, 33% and 37%, respectively. In contrast, they spend around a quarter on food and drink.  However, this pattern is reversed for Turkey and Spain, who spend around a fifth of their income on housing, but approximately one third on food and drink.

All five countries spend much less on the remaining two items. France and Spain spend the least, at less than 10%, while the other three countries spend around the same amount, ranging between 13% and 15%.  At 19%, Germany spends the most on entertainment, whereas UK and Turkey spend approximately half this amount, with France and Spain between the two.
(175 Words)

Sample IELTS Bar Chart

This is a sample IELTS bar chart showing the different transport modes used in a European city.

Model Graph 13

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The following bar chart shows the different modes of transport used to travel to and from work in one European city in 1960, 1980 and 2000. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

IELTS Bar Chart - Model Answer
The bar chart shows the changing patterns of transport use in a European city during the period from 1960 to 2000. In brief, the chart shows that the use of the car as a means of transport dramatically increased over the period shown, while the others fell.
In detail, in 1960 the motor car was used least as a method of transport with only about 7% of the population using this method but car use grew steadily and strongly to finally reach about 37% of the population by 2000. This was a massive 5-fold increase in use.
Over this same period, however, the popularity of walking, which had been the most popular means of transport with 35% of the population in 1960 having it as their preferred way of getting around, fell to 10%. Bicycle use also fell from a high of about 27% in 1960 to just 7% in 2000.
On the other hand, bus use was more erratic being popular with almost 20% of the population in 1960 and rising to a peak of about 27% in 1980 before falling back to about 18% in 2000.
(188 Words)

IELTS Pie and Bar Chart

This model answer is for an IELTS Pie and Bar Chart combined.

Model Graph 12

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The pie chart shows the percentage of persons arrested in the five years ending 1994 and the bar chart shows the most recent reasons for arrest. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

IELTS Pie and Bar Chart - Model Answer
The pie chart illustrates the percentage of males and females who were arrested from 1989 to 1994, while the bar chart compares the main reasons that the different genders were arrested most recently. It is evident from the charts that males were arrested more than females and that public drinking was the most common reason for arrest for both.
To begin, the proportion of males arrested was much greater than for females.  32% were arrested compared to only 9% for women. Turning to the reasons for the most recent arrests, there were some clear differences between men and women. Men were twice as likely to be arrested for drink driving than women, at 26% and 14% respectively. Breach of order, assault, and other reasons were also slightly higher for men, all standing at around 12-18%.   Interestingly though, women experienced a higher percentage of arrest rates for assault and public drinking. The figures for assault were fairly similar at approximately 18%, whereas public drinking represented the main reason for arrest, with women at a massive 38%, compared to 31% for men.
(180 Words)

IELTS Line Graph Examples

Continuing with the sites IELTS line graph examples, this is an example of a line graph comparing car theft.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The line graph shows thefts per thousand vehicles in four European countries between 1990 and 1999. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

IELTS Line Graph Examples - Model Answer
The line graph compares the number of car thefts per thousand of the population in four countries from 1990 to 1999. Overall, it can be seen that car thefts were far higher in Great Britain than in the other three counties throughout the whole time frame.
To begin, car thefts in Sweden, France and Canada followed a fairly similar pattern over the first five years, all remaining at between 5 and 10 per thousand. The general trend though for France and Canada was a decline in the number of vehicles stolen over the period, with both at around 6 in 1999. In contrast, Sweden experienced an upward trend, starting the period at approximately 8, and finishing at just under 15.
Interestingly, car thefts in Great Britain started at 18 per thousand, which far exceeded that of the other countries. It then fluctuated over the next nine years, reaching a peak of 20 thefts per 1000 in 1996, and ending the period slightly lower than where it began, at approximately 17 per thousand.
(Words 173)

IELTS Line and Bar Chart

This is an example of two graphs together - a line and bar chart.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The line graph shows visits to and from the UK from 1979 to 1999, and the bar graph shows the most popular countries visited by UK residents in 1999. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

IELTS Line and Bar Chart - Model Answer
The line graph illustrates the number of visitors in millions from the UK who went abroad and those that came to the UK between 1979 and 1999, while the bar chart shows which countries were the most popular for UK residents to visit in 1999. Overall, it can be seen that visits to and from the UK increased, and that France was the most popular country to go to.
To begin, the number of visits abroad by UK residents was higher than for those that came to the UK, and this remained so throughout the period. The figures started at a similar amount, around 10 million, but visits abroad increased significantly to over 50 million, whereas the number of overseas residents rose steadily to reach just under 30 million.
By far the most popular countries to visit in 1999 were France at approximately 11 million visitors, followed by Spain at 9 million. The USA, Greece, and Turkey were far less popular at around 4, 3 and 2 million visitors respectively.
(Words 171)

Sample IELTS Bar Graph

Here is an IELTS sample bar graph on the topic of British emigration.
This chart is over time, so it uses the language of change as well as language of comparison and contrast.

IELTS Writing Task 1 - Example 9

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The chart shows British Emigration to selected destinations between 2004 and 2007. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

IELTS Bar Chart Model Answer
The bar chart shows the number of British people who emigrated to five destinations over the period 2004 to 2007. It is evident from the chart that throughout the period, the most popular place to move to was Australia.
Emigration to Australia stood at just over 40,000 people in 2004, which was approximately 6,000 higher than for Spain, and twice as high as the other three countries. Apart from a jump to around 52,000 in 2006, it remained around this level throughout the period.
The next most popular country for Britons to move to was Spain, though its popularity declined over the time frame to finish at below 30,000 in 2007. Despite this, the figure was still higher than for the remaining three countries. Approximately 20,000 people emigrated to New Zealand each year, while the USA fluctuated between 20-25,000 people over the period.
Although the number of visitors to France spiked to nearly 35,000 in 2005, it was the country that was the least popular to emigrate to at the end of the period, at just under 20,000 people.
(Words 179)

Sample Pie Chart - IELTS Task 1

This is a sample pie chart for IELTS task 1.
In this example, there are four pie charts that you have to compare.

Model Graph 8

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The pie charts show the electricity generated in Germany and France from all sources and renewables in the year 2009. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Sample Pie Chart - Model Answer
The four pie charts compare the electricity generated between Germany and France during 2009, and it is measured in billions kWh. Overall, it can be seen that conventional thermal was the main source of electricity in Germany, whereas nuclear was the main source in France.
The bulk of electricity in Germany, whose total output was 560 billion kWh, came from conventional thermal, at 59.6%. In France, the total output was lower, at 510 billion kWh, and in contrast to Germany, conventional thermal accounted for just 10.3%, with most electricity coming from nuclear power (76%). In Germany, the proportion of nuclear power generated electricity was only one fifth of the total.
Moving on to renewables, this accounted for quite similar proportions for both countries, at approximately 15% of the total electricity generated. In detail, in Germany, most of the renewables consisted of wind and biomass, totaling around 75%, which was far higher than for hydroelectric (17.7%) and solar (6.1%). The situation was very different in France, where hydroelectric made up 80.5% of renewable electricity, with biomass, wind and solar making up the remaining 20%.
(Words 183)

Sample IELTS Bar Graph

This is a model of an IELTS bar graph. The topic is team scores.

Example 7

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The bar chart shows the scores of teams A, B and C over four different seasons. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

IELTS Bar Graph - Model Answer

The bar chart shows the scores of three teams, A, B and C, in four consecutive seasons. It is evident from the chart that team B scored far higher than the other two teams over the seasons, though their score decreased as a whole over the period.
In 2002, the score of team B far exceeded that of the other two teams, standing at a massive 82 points compared to only 10 for team C and a very low 5 for team A. Over the next two years, the points for team B decreased quite considerably, dropping by around half to 43 by 2004. In contrast, team A’s points had increased by a massive 600% to reach 35 points, nearly equal with team B. Team C, meanwhile, had managed only a small increase over this time. In the final year, team B remained ahead of the others as their points increased again to 55, while team A and C saw their points drop to 8 and 5 respectively.
(Words 168)

IELTS Sample Bar Chart

IELTS Writing Task 1 - Example 6

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The chart shows components of GDP in the UK from 1992 to 2000. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Gross Domestic Product in the UK

Model Answer

The bar chart illustrates the gross domestic product generated from the IT and Service Industry in the UK from 1992 to 2000. It is measured in percentages. Overall, it can be seen that both increased as a percentage of GDP, but IT remained at a higher rate throughout this time.
At the beginning of the period, in 1992, the Service Industry accounted for 4 per cent of GDP, whereas IT exceeded this, at just over 6 per cent. Over the next four years, the levels became more similar, with both components standing between 6 and just over 8 per cent. IT was still higher overall, though it dropped slightly from 1994 to 1996.
However, over the following four years, the patterns of the two components were noticeably different. The percentage of GDP from IT increased quite sharply to 12 in 1998 and then nearly 15 in 2000, while the Service Industry stayed nearly the same, increasing to only 8 per cent.
At the end of the period, the percentage of GDP from IT was almost twice that of the Service Industry.
Words 182

Comments

This answer meets the requirements of the task.
The introduction explains what the graph is about, and gives an overview of the main points.
The body paragraphs are ordered logically and clearly. The first body paragraph discusses the first three years, where the patterns are fairly similar. This is contrasted in the second body paragraph, where the GDP of each country diverges noticably.
There are a wide variety of sentence structures and the language of change is correctly used. The correct tense - the past - is used.

IELTS Process Diagram Sample

This page illustrates an example of an IELTS process. Occasionally you will have to desribe a process in the test instead of a graph.Although this type of diagram is less common to see in the test, it is still important to have an understanding of how to tackle this should it arise. This is an example of the process of making bricks.A sample answer is below the diagram.

 IELTS Writing Task 1 - Example 5

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The diagram illustrates the process that is used to manufacture bricks for the building industry. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

The Brick Manufacturing Process

IELTS Process Model Answer

The diagram explains the way in which bricks are made for the building industry. Overall, there are seven stages in the process, beginning with the digging up of clay and culminating in delivery.
To begin, the clay used to make the bricks is dug up from the ground by a large digger. This clay is then placed onto a metal grid, which is used to break up the clay into smaller pieces. A roller assists in this process.
Following this, sand and water are added to the clay, and this mixture is turned into bricks by either placing it into a mould or using a wire cutter. Next, these bricks are placed in an oven to dry for 24 – 48 hours.
In the subsequent stage, the bricks go through a heating and cooling process. They are heated in a kiln at a moderate and then a high temperature (ranging from 200c to 1300c), followed by a cooling process in a chamber for 2 – 3 days. Finally, the bricks are packed and delivered to their destinations.
Words 173

IELTS Map - Model Task 1 Answer

Below is a Writing Task 1 IELTS map. Below the map is a model answer that has been written by an IELTS instructor.
When you write about a map, you need to focus on describing where things are in location to each other. Language such as 'to the left', 'next to', 'north of', 'behind' etc will be important.

 

IELTS Map - Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Below is a map of the city of Brandfield. City planners have decided to build a new shopping mall for the area, and two sites, S1 and S2 have been proposed. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

 

Map of Brandfield with two proposed sites for a shopping mall

 

Model Answer

The map illustrates plans for two possible sites for a shopping mall in the city of Brandfield. It can be seen that the two sites under consideration are in the north and the south east of the town.
The first possible site for the shopping mall, S1, is just north of the city centre, above the railway line, which runs from the south east of the city to the north west. If it is built here, it will be next to a large housing estate, thus providing easy access for those living on the estate and in the city centre. It will also be next to the river, which runs through the town.
The site in the south east, S2, is again just by the railway line and fairly close to the city centre, but it is near to an industrial estate rather than housing.
There is a main road that runs through the city and is close to both sites, thus providing good road access to either location. A large golf course and park in the west of the town prevents this area from being available as a site.
190 words

IELTS Writing Task 1 Table

Below is an IELTS Writing Task 1 Table. Below the table is a model answer.
With a table, you need to do much the same as you would for any other question that requires you to write about data.
In this case, the table is over time, so you would treat it like a line graph and describe the changes.
 

IELTS Writing Task 1 Table

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The table shows the Proportions of Pupils Attending Four Secondary School Types Between Between 2000 and 2009 Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

 

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%

 

Model Answer

The table illustrates the percentage of school children attending four different types of secondary school from 2000 to 2009. It is evident that the specialist, grammar and voluntary-controlled schools experienced declines in numbers of pupils, whereas the community schools became the most important providers of secondary school education during the same period.
To begin, the proportion in voluntary-controlled schools fell from just over half to only 20% or one fifth from 2000 to 2009. Similarly, the relative number of children in grammar schools -- just under one quarter -- dropped by half in the same period. As for the specialist schools, the relatively small percentage of pupils attending this type of school (12%) also fell, although not significantly.
However, while the other three types of school declined in importance, the opposite was true in the case of community schools. In fact, while only a small minority of 12% were educated in these schools in 2000, this figure increased to well over half of all pupils during the following nine years.
Words 170

IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample: Pie Chart

This IELTS writing task 1 sample is a pie chart. Below the pie chart is a model answer written by an IELTS instructor.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample 2

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The pie chart shows the amount of money that a children's charity located in the USA spent and received in one year. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Revenue Sources and Expenditures of a USA Charity in one year.

Model Answer

The pie charts show the amount of revenue and expenditures over a year of a children’s charity in the USA. Overall, it can be seen that donated food accounted for the majority of the income, while program services accounted for the most expenditure. Total revenue sources just exceeded outgoings.
In detail, donated food provided most of the revenue for the charity, at 86%. Similarly, with regard to expenditures, one category, program services, accounted for nearly all of the outgoings, at 95.8%.
The other categories were much smaller. Community contributions, which were the second largest revenue source, brought in 10.4% of overall income, and this was followed by program revenue, at 2.2%. Investment income, government grants, and other income were very small sources of revenue, accounting for only 0.8% combined.
There were only two other expenditure items, fundraising and management and general, accounting for 2.6% and 1.6% respectively. The total amount of income was $53,561,580, which was just enough to cover the expenditures of $53,224,896.
Words 164

How to Write an IELTS Writing Task 1

On the following pages you can see model answers for IELTS writing task 1 questions.
There are examples of all the different types of task which include line graphs, pie charts, tables, processes, diagrams and maps.
First, on this page, you’ll get an overview of how to answer a task 1.
Answers will always vary depending on the type of graph or diagram, and the type of language will vary, but there is a certain structure that they all follow.
Once you have studied the general structure, you can view other examples by following the links in the right hand column.

How do I answer an IELTS writing task 1?

To analyse this, we’ll look at a line graph. Look at the following question and the graph.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The line graph below shows changes in the amount and type of fast food consumed by Australian teenagers from 1975 to 2000. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

There are three basic things you need to structure an IELTS writing task 1.

1. Introduce the graph
2. Give an overview
3. Give the detail

We’ll look at each of these in turn.

1) Introduce the Graph

You need to begin with one or two sentences that state what the IELTS writing task 1 shows. To do this, paraphrase the title of the graph, making sure you put in a time frame if there is one.
Here is an example for the above line graph:

The line graph illustrates the amount of fast food consumed by teenagers in Australia between 1975 and 2000, a period of 25 years.

You can see this says the same thing as the title, but in a different way.

2) Give an Overview

You also need to state what the main trend or trends in the graph are. Don’t give detail such as data here – you are just looking for something that describes what is happening overall.
One thing that stands out in this graph is that one type of fast food fell over the period, whilst the other two increased, so this would be a good overview.

Here is an example:

Overall, the consumption of fish and chips declined over the period, whereas the amount of pizza and hamburgers that were eaten increased.

This covers the main changes that took place over the whole period.
You may sometimes see this overview as a conclusion. It does not matter if you put it in the conclusion or the introduction when you do an IELTS writing task 1, but you should provide an overview in one of these places.

3) Give the Detail

You can now give more specific detail in the body paragraphs.
When you give the detail in your body paragraphs in your IELTS writing task 1, you must make reference to the data.
The key to organizing your body paragraphs for an IELTS writing task 1 is to group data together where there are patterns.
To do this you need to identify any similarities and differences.
Look at the graph – what things are similar and what things are different?
As we have already identified in the overview, the consumption of fish and chips declined over the period, whereas the amount of pizza and hamburgers that were eaten increased.
So it is clear that pizza and hamburgers were following a similar pattern, but fish and chips were different. On this basis, you can use these as your ‘groups’, and focus one paragraph on fish and chip and the other one on pizza and hamburgers.
Here is an example of the first paragraph:

In 1975, the most popular fast food with Australian teenagers was fish and chips, being eaten 100 times a year. This was far higher than pizza and hamburgers, which were consumed approximately 5 times a year. However, apart from a brief rise again from 1980 to 1985, the consumption of fish and chips gradually declined over the 25 year timescale to finish at just under 40 times per year.

As you can see, the focus is on fish and chips. This does not mean you should not mention the other two foods, as you should still make comparisons of the data as the questions asks.
The second body then focuses on the other foods:

In sharp contrast to this, teenagers ate the other two fast foods at much higher levels. Pizza consumption increased gradually until it overtook the consumption of fish and chips in 1990. It then leveled off from 1995 to 2000. The biggest rise was seen in hamburgers, increasing sharply throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, exceeding fish and chips consumption in 1985. It finished at the same level that fish and chips began, with consumption at 100 times a year.

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Full Model Answer:

The line graph illustrates the amount of fast food consumed by teenagers in Australia between 1975 and 2000, a period of 25 years. Overall, the consumption of fish and chips declined over the period, whereas the amount of pizza and hamburgers that were eaten increased.
In 1975, the most popular fast food with Australian teenagers was fish and chips, being eaten 100 times a year. This was far higher than Pizza and hamburgers, which were consumed approximately 5 times a year. However, apart from a brief rise again from 1980 to 1985, the consumption of fish and chips gradually declined over the 25 year timescale to finish at just under 40 times per year.
In sharp contrast to this, teenagers ate the other two fast foods at much higher levels. Pizza consumption increased gradually until it overtook the consumption of fish and chips in 1990. It then leveled off from 1995 to 2000. The biggest rise was seen in hamburgers, increasing sharply throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, exceeding fish and chips consumption in 1985. It finished at the same level that fish and chips began, with consumption at 100 times a year.
(191 words)

IELTS FAQs

 

IELTS FAQs

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		What can I bring into the examination room?

Only your ID, PENCILS, ERASER.. Correction fluid must not be used. You must leave anything which you do not need, or which is not allowed, either outside the examination room, or as instructed by the supervisor. Mobile phones and pagers must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated by the supervisor. Any candidate who does not switch off their phone/pager, or who retains one in their possession, will be disqualified.

		Is the IELTS test completed in one day?

	The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and in this same order. The Speaking test can be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date.

		What kind of accents will I hear in the Listening and Speaking tests?

	As IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents are used in both of these examinations.

		Will the listening tape provide me with all the necessary instructions and pauses?

Yes. At the beginning of the test, candidates receive instructions and hear a sample question. Next, candidates read Section One questions and then listen to Section One and answer the questions on the question paper as they listen. The same procedure follows for Sections Two, Three and Four. This takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. In the final ten minutes, candidates transfer their answers onto the answer sheet.

		Is there a similar period of ten minutes at the end of the Reading test for the transfer of answers?

	No. The Reading test is one hour, and you must write all your answers on the answer sheet in this time.

		Can I complete the Listening and Reading answer sheet in pen?

	No. The answer sheet is scanned by a computer which cannot read pen.

		Can I make some notes on the Listening and Reading Question paper?

	Yes. The examiner will not see your question paper.

		What is the Speaking test?

	The Speaking test is conducted as a one-to-one interview with a certified examiner, which is recorded on an audiocassette.

		What should I bring for the Speaking test?

	You need to bring the same identification documents you supplied on registration, as these must be checked again against the information on the application form. These documents will be checked by the administrator and the Speaking examiner prior to you entering the interview room.

		What happens if I lose my Test Report form?

At any time within two years of the date of the examination, you can apply to the centre which administered the test to be sent 5 copies of the original Test Report Form free of charge. These Test Report Forms will not be sent to you, but will go directly to the university, Embassy or Consulate that require them. For any further copies, there is an administration charge of W5,000 per copy. Please contact us for further details.

		When will I receive my results?

	Under normal circumstances, you will receive your Test Report Forms approximately three weeks after you complete the test.

		What help is available for disabled candidates?

Test centres make every effort to cater for the special needs of any disabled candidates, to enable them to best understand questions and tasks and to give their answers. It is our aim for the language level of all candidates, irrespective of disability, to be assessed fairly and objectively. Candidates with special needs should inform us when applying so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

		What happens if I am delayed by circumstances beyond my control (e.g. a transportation strike)?

	We will offer you an alternative test date as soon as possible.

		What happens if I want to postpone or cancel my application?

	Check our Cancellation and Postponement pages for full details.

		What happens if I am absent on the day of the test without giving prior notice?

	You will lose your full test fee. However, if you can provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date then 75% of the fee will be refunded or you can register for a later IELTS test date.

		What can I do if I am unhappy with my results?

	You can apply for your test to be re-marked within four weeks of receiving your results. There is a fee for this which is refunded should your band score change.