Quick answer: Every IELTS Writing Task 1 response needs: (1) a paraphrased introduction, (2) an overview of key features without numbers, (3) two detail paragraphs with specific data. The 6 Task 1 types are: Line Graph, Bar Chart, Pie Chart, Table, Process Diagram, and for General Training — Formal Letter.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Samples Band 7 vs Band 9 Openings for Every Type
Oleksii VasylenkoIELTS 8.0
Founder & IELTS Preparation Specialist
The opening paragraph of your Task 1 response sets the tone for everything that follows. Below are Band 7 and Band 9 introductions for every Task 1 type — see the difference in vocabulary, specificity, and precision.
Line Graph: Band 7 vs Band 9
Shows trends over time. Look for overall direction, peaks, troughs, and crossing points.
Prompt
The graph below shows the percentage of people using public transport in four cities from 2000 to 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Band 7 Opening
The line graph illustrates the proportion of commuters using public transportation in four metropolitan areas over a 20-year period, from 2000 to 2020.
Band 9 Opening
The line graph compares the percentage of daily commuters relying on public transport systems across four major cities — London, Paris, Tokyo, and New York — between 2000 and 2020.
Key features to include
- Overall trend (up/down/stable)
- Highest and lowest points
- When lines cross or diverge
- Notable changes over time
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Bar Chart: Band 7 vs Band 9
Compares categories at a point in time. Identify highest, lowest, and significant gaps.
Prompt
The chart below shows the number of books read by men and women in different age groups in the UK in 2023. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Band 7 Opening
The bar chart compares how many books were read by males and females across five age categories in the United Kingdom during 2023.
Band 9 Opening
The bar chart presents a gender-based comparison of reading habits in the UK in 2023, showing the average number of books read per year across five distinct age groups, from 16-25 to 65 and over.
Key features to include
- Highest and lowest categories
- Gender differences
- Overall pattern
- Notable exceptions
Pie Chart: Band 7 vs Band 9
Shows proportions of a whole. Compare percentages and identify dominant segments.
Prompt
The pie charts below show the breakdown of household expenditure in a European country in 2010 and 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Band 7 Opening
The pie charts compare how households in a European country spent their money in two different years, 2010 and 2020.
Band 9 Opening
The pair of pie charts illustrate the distribution of household spending across six expenditure categories in a European nation, comparing data from 2010 with that from 2020.
Key features to include
- Largest and smallest segments
- Changes between years
- Stable categories
- Biggest increase/decrease
Table: Band 7 vs Band 9
Presents data in rows and columns. Find patterns, rank items, compare extremes.
Prompt
The table below shows the percentage of the population aged 65 and over in three countries in 1980, 2000, and 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Band 7 Opening
The table shows the proportion of elderly people (65+) in three countries — Japan, Sweden, and the USA — over three different years: 1980, 2000, and 2020.
Band 9 Opening
The table provides demographic data on the percentage of the population aged 65 years and above in Japan, Sweden, and the United States at three points in time: 1980, 2000, and 2020.
Key features to include
- Overall trend across time
- Country with highest/lowest
- Rate of change
- Surprising data points
Process Diagram: Band 7 vs Band 9
Shows a sequence of steps. Use passive voice and sequencing language.
Prompt
The diagrams below show the process of making cement for use in concrete. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Band 7 Opening
The diagrams show how cement is produced and then used to make concrete in the construction industry.
Band 9 Opening
The two diagrams illustrate the multi-stage process of cement manufacturing, from the extraction of raw materials to the final product, followed by its application in concrete production for construction purposes.
Key features to include
- Number of stages
- First and last steps
- Input and output materials
- Cyclical vs linear process
Formal Letter: Band 7 vs Band 9
Write a letter for a specific purpose. Cover all 3 bullet points. Use appropriate tone.
Prompt
You recently stayed at a hotel and had a problem with your room. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter: describe the problem, explain what you did about it at the time, say what action you would like the manager to take.
Band 7 Opening
Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with my recent stay at your hotel from 15 to 18 March, during which I experienced a number of issues with my room.
Band 9 Opening
Dear Mr Thompson, I am writing to bring to your attention several concerns regarding my stay at the Grand Hotel between 15 and 18 March 2026, during which I encountered a persistent problem with the air conditioning in Room 412.
Key features to include
- Clear purpose in opening
- All 3 bullets covered
- Appropriate formal tone
- Specific request in closing
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What Separates Band 6 from Band 8 in Task 1?
| Criterion | Band 6 Response | Band 8 Response |
|---|---|---|
| Task Achievement | Reports data mechanically; overview may be unclear or missing | Presents a clear overview; selects and highlights key features accurately |
| Coherence & Cohesion | Arranges information with some progression; linking may be mechanical | Logically organizes information; uses a range of cohesive devices naturally |
| Lexical Resource | Uses adequate vocabulary; some errors in word choice or spelling | Uses a wide range of vocabulary fluently and flexibly; rare errors only |
| Grammatical Range | Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences; some errors | Uses a wide range of structures; most sentences are error-free |
The single biggest difference is the overview paragraph. Band 6 candidates often skip it or write one that lists numbers instead of summarizing trends. Band 8 candidates write 2-3 sentences that capture the most significant patterns — no numbers needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words should I write for IELTS Writing Task 1?
The minimum is 150 words. Aim for 170-190 words — enough to cover all key features without repeating yourself or including irrelevant detail. Task 1 is worth one-third of your total Writing score, so spend about 20 minutes on it.
Should I give my opinion in Task 1?
No. Task 1 requires you to report facts from the data, not to interpret or evaluate them. Your overview paragraph should summarize what the data shows, not explain why it shows it. Save opinions for Task 2.
What is the 'overview' paragraph in Task 1?
The overview is a 2-3 sentence summary of the most important trends, comparisons, or stages in the data — without specific numbers. It typically appears after the introduction paragraph and before the detail paragraphs. Without a clear overview, you cannot score above Band 5 in Task Achievement.
How is Task 1 different for Academic vs General Training?
Academic Task 1 asks you to describe visual data (graphs, charts, diagrams, tables). General Training Task 1 asks you to write a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal). The scoring criteria are the same, but the task types are completely different.
What's the difference between a Band 6 and Band 8 Task 1 response?
A Band 6 response reports the data mechanically, often listing numbers without grouping or comparing. A Band 8 response selects the most significant features, groups data logically, makes clear comparisons, and uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately. The Band 8 writer tells a story with the data; the Band 6 writer reads it out loud.
Can I use the same words as the prompt?
You can use some words from the prompt, but you should paraphrase the question in your introduction. Examiners look for your ability to restate the question in your own words — this is part of your lexical resource score. A good paraphrase uses synonyms, changes word forms, or restructures the sentence.