How many words should IELTS Writing Task 1 be?

At least 150 words. Around 170 to 190 words is a comfortable target that leaves time to check your writing.

Should I include every number in Task 1?

No. Select the key figures that support your comparisons. Listing every number makes the report harder to follow.

Do I need a conclusion in Task 1?

You need an overview, not an opinion-based conclusion. The overview can go after the introduction or at the end.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic: How to Describe Charts, Graphs, Tables and Maps

A step-by-step method for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, tables, maps and processes, with an overview formula and useful language.

By IELTSora teaching team · Updated 5 November 2026 · 2 min read

What the examiner is looking for

Task 1 asks you to summarise visual information in at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. You are not asked for opinions or reasons. The examiner checks whether you select the key features, compare data accurately and give a clear overview.

The single most important sentence is the overview. Reports without a clear overview are usually limited in Task Achievement, however accurate the details are.

A four-paragraph plan for any chart

Use the same structure for every visual so you never waste time deciding:

Introduction: paraphrase what the chart shows, including what, where and when.
Overview: two or three main trends or the biggest differences, with no numbers.
Body 1: the first group of key details with figures and comparisons.
Body 2: the second group of details, for example the remaining categories or the later time period.

Line graphs and bar charts over time

Focus on direction and size of change: rose, fell, fluctuated, levelled off, peaked. Group lines that behave similarly instead of describing each one separately. Mention start and end points and the highest and lowest values.

Use the past tense for past years, and phrases such as 'is projected to' or 'is expected to' for future projections.

Pie charts and tables

There is often no time movement, so compare proportions: the largest share, the smallest share, and categories that are roughly equal. For tables, pick the extremes and patterns; do not copy every number.

Maps and process diagrams

For maps, describe what was added, removed, expanded or replaced, usually in the passive voice: 'A car park was built to the north of the station.' For processes, count the stages, state where it begins and ends, and use sequencing words such as first, next, once and finally.

Overview sentences you can adapt

Overall, the proportion of X increased considerably, while Y remained relatively stable.

Overall, the area became far more residential, with most of the farmland replaced by housing.

Overall, the process consists of six stages, beginning with harvesting and ending with packaging.

Frequently asked questions

How many words should IELTS Writing Task 1 be?: At least 150 words. Around 170 to 190 words is a comfortable target that leaves time to check your writing.
Should I include every number in Task 1?: No. Select the key figures that support your comparisons. Listing every number makes the report harder to follow.
Do I need a conclusion in Task 1?: You need an overview, not an opinion-based conclusion. The overview can go after the introduction or at the end.

Put this tip into practice

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