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Academic Task 1 — overview: IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic — Overview. This page gives the exam question and a band 9 model answer, with tips on selecting and comparing the key data. Aim for at least 150 words in about 20 minutes.
Summarise the key facts about IELTS Academic Writing Task 1.
You have one hour for the whole writing test (Task 1 and Task 2 combined). IELTS recommends spending no more than 20 minutes on Task 1, but you manage your own time — you may do Task 2 first if you prefer.
The instructions require at least 150 words; aim to write over 150 words. Task 1 is a report, not an essay. It counts for about one third of your writing score.
Four marking criteria each carry 25%: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
Six visual types can appear (sometimes combined): bar charts, line graphs, tables, pie charts, diagrams (process or cycle), and maps. Your job is to summarise the main features and make comparisons where relevant — never give opinions.
Task 1 is often why candidates miss Band 7 — invest time in report structure, overview, and accurate data language before chasing Task 2 essays.
Band 9 model essays, letters and templates from the Writing library. Browse all 118 in the Learning Hub.
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