IELTS Writing Task 1 Band 9 Sample Reports: Charts, Maps & Processes

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 asks you to describe visual data in at least 150 words in 20 minutes. It is worth one third of your Writing score.

Every Band 9 report follows the same structure regardless of the visual type:

Introduction (1-2 sentences): Paraphrase the question
Overview (2-3 sentences): The main trends — the most important paragraph
Detail paragraph 1: Describe the first trend or group with figures
Detail paragraph 2: Describe the second trend or group with figures

This collection shows Band 9 model reports for all six visual types, with examiner notes explaining what scores.

Line Graph Sample Report

Question: The line graph shows the number of international students studying in the UK and Australia from 2010 to 2025.

The line graph illustrates how many international students enrolled in universities in the United Kingdom and Australia between 2010 and 2025.

Overall, both countries saw substantial growth over the period, although the trends differed in the early years. The UK consistently hosted more international students, but Australia's numbers grew at a faster rate and narrowed the gap considerably.

In 2010, the UK had approximately 400,000 international students, a figure that rose steadily to a peak of 600,000 in 2019. After a brief decline to around 520,000 during the pandemic years of 2020-2021, the figure recovered and reached 580,000 by 2025.

Australia began much lower, at roughly 250,000 students in 2010, and fluctuated around that level until 2015. From 2016 onwards, however, numbers climbed sharply, passing 450,000 by 2020 and reaching approximately 500,000 in 2025.

Why this scores Band 9: The overview captures both key trends (growth + narrowing gap). Data is grouped by time period rather than listed year by year. Precise trend language: "rose steadily," "fluctuated," "climbed sharply," "narrowed the gap."

Bar Chart Sample Report

Question: The bar chart shows the percentage of people in four countries who shopped online in 2015 and 2025.

The bar chart compares the proportion of online shoppers in four countries — China, Germany, Brazil, and South Africa — in 2015 and 2025.

Overall, online shopping increased across all four countries over the decade, and the gap between the leading and trailing countries narrowed.

China had the highest rate in both years, with 55% shopping online in 2015, rising to 88% in 2025. Germany followed, growing from 40% to 62% over the same period.

By contrast, the two developing economies started far lower. In Brazil, the proportion rose from 18% to 54%, while South Africa, despite the lowest starting point at 12%, recorded the most dramatic increase, more than tripling to 45% by 2025.

Why this scores Band 9: The overview identifies the two central trends (universal growth + narrowing gap). Data is grouped logically, not listed country by country. Comparison language is precise: "by contrast," "despite the lowest starting point," "more than tripling."

Pie Chart Sample Report

Question: The pie charts show the sources of electricity in the UK in 2010 and 2025.

The pie charts compare the sources of electricity generation in the United Kingdom in 2010 and 2025.

Overall, the energy mix changed dramatically, with renewable sources growing from a minority to roughly half of the total, while fossil fuels more than halved.

In 2010, coal and gas together produced 70% of UK electricity, with coal alone accounting for 40%. Renewables, including wind and solar, contributed just 10%.

By 2025, the picture had reversed. Renewables expanded to 50% of the mix, wind being the largest single source at 32%. Coal had virtually disappeared, falling to 3%, while gas remained significant at 25%.

Why this scores Band 9: Strong proportion language: "growing from a minority," "accounting for," "expanded to 50%." The overview captures the dramatic reversal. Specific percentages are tied to trends rather than listed.

Table Sample Report

Question: The table shows the percentage of households in five countries with internet access in 2005 and 2025.

The table presents the proportion of households with internet access in five countries — Iceland, South Korea, Brazil, India, and Ethiopia — in 2005 and 2025.

Overall, internet access rose dramatically across all five countries over the twenty-year period, and the disparities between developed and developing nations narrowed substantially.

In 2005, access was near-universal in developed countries, with Iceland leading at 95% and South Korea at 89%. By 2025, both had reached 99%, reflecting market saturation.

The most significant growth occurred in developing countries. Brazil rose from 21% to 87%, India from 7% to 74%, and Ethiopia, despite the lowest starting point, recorded the largest relative increase, climbing from under 1% to 38% by 2025.

Why this scores Band 9: The overview identifies the two key patterns (universal rise + narrowing gap). Data is grouped into developed and developing countries rather than listed. "Market saturation" and "largest relative increase" show sophisticated data interpretation.

Map Sample Report

Question: The maps show a seaside town in 2010 and how it looks today.

The maps illustrate the development of a seaside town between 2010 and the present day, showing significant modernization of the waterfront area.

Overall, the town has become a larger and more tourism-oriented destination, with new transport connections and a rebuilt coastal zone, while the surrounding residential areas have changed comparatively little.

In 2010, the seafront consisted of a small beach, a single pier, and a few houses facing the water. Today, the beachfront has been transformed into a promenade with a hotel and several restaurants, and the pier has been extended to include a café at its end.

The most visible infrastructure change is the new train station and dual-lane road built to the north of the town, replacing the former farmland. In contrast, the residential district in the south-east remains largely unchanged, with only a handful of new houses added.

Why this scores Band 9: Location language is precise: "to the north of," "at its end," "facing the water." The overview identifies the central theme (tourism-driven modernization). Both changed and unchanged areas are described for balance.

Process Diagram Sample Report

Question: The diagram shows the process of producing chocolate from cocoa beans.

The diagram illustrates the ten stages involved in manufacturing chocolate, from the harvesting of cocoa beans to the finished product.

Overall, the process is a linear sequence divided into three phases: the preparation of raw cocoa, the production of cocoa mass, and the final manufacturing of chocolate.

In the first phase, cocoa beans are harvested from trees and left to dry in the sun. They are then roasted and crushed to separate the shells, producing cocoa nibs, which are ground into a cocoa mass.

The manufacturing phase begins when the cocoa mass is mixed with sugar and water. The mixture is heated and poured into molds, where it is cooled and solidified. Finally, the chocolate is wrapped and prepared for distribution.

Why this scores Band 9: Clear sequence language: "In the first phase," "then," "finally." Passive voice used correctly for processes: "are harvested," "is heated," "is wrapped." The overview divides the process into logical stages rather than listing all ten.

The 7 Mistakes That Cost a Band Score in Task 1

1. No overview. The biggest mistake. Always summarize the main trends before the details.

2. Listing instead of comparing. Task 1 is a comparison task. Group related data and compare, don't list figures one by one.

3. Using opinion. "This is a good trend" loses marks. Task 1 is objective description.

4. Copying the question. Paraphrase the prompt. "The chart shows" becomes "the chart illustrates."

5. Repeating every number. Select key data points instead of reproducing every figure.

6. Writing a conclusion. Task 1 uses an overview, not a conclusion.

7. Mixing tenses. Use past tense for historical data, present tense for current or timeless processes.

How to Practice With These Samples

Step 1 — Deconstruct the structure. For each report, identify the overview and how it summarizes the whole visual. This is the hardest part — study it first.

Step 2 — Write your own. Choose a practice question, set a 20-minute timer, and write 160-190 words. Start with the introduction, write the overview second, then details.

Step 3 — Get scored. Submit your report for AI feedback on all four criteria. Check whether your overview captured the main trends.

Step 4 — Repeat per type. Write one report for each of the six visual types before your exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure of a Band 9 Task 1 report?

Four paragraphs: Introduction (paraphrase the question in 1-2 sentences), Overview (summarize the 2-3 main trends or most striking features), Detail paragraph 1 (describe the first trend or group with specific figures), Detail paragraph 2 (describe the second trend or group). 150-190 words, no conclusion.

Why is the overview so important in Task 1?

The overview proves you understood the big picture, not just isolated data points. A report without an overview is capped at Band 6 for Task Achievement regardless of your English. Always summarize the main trends before describing details.

Do I need a conclusion in Task 1?

No. Task 1 uses an overview instead of a conclusion. The overview appears after the introduction and summarizes main trends. Do not write a concluding paragraph that introduces new information.

How many words should a Task 1 report be?

At least 150 words. Most Band 9 reports are 160-190 words. Going over 200 words wastes time you need for Task 2, which is worth double the marks.

Should I write about every data point?

No. Select and group key data. Band 9 reports compare and highlight the most significant figures rather than listing every number. Grouping related data and describing the most striking features scores higher than comprehensive listing.