IELTS Writing Task 1 Questions 2026: Charts, Maps & Processes with Sample Answers

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.

There are 6 question types, and each has its own structure. This guide shows all 6 with 2026-style questions, sample answers, and examiner notes on what scores.

The 6 Task 1 Question Types

Type	What It Shows	Key Skill
Line graph	Change over time	Trend language (increased, fluctuated, peaked)
Bar chart	Comparison between groups	Comparing quantities
Pie chart	Proportions of a whole	Percentage language (a quarter, a majority)
Table	Precise figures	Selecting key data, comparing
Map	Change over time or comparison	Location language, transformation
Process diagram	How something works	Sequence language (first, then, finally)

The Universal Task 1 Structure

Every Task 1 report follows the same skeleton:

Paragraph 1 — Introduction (1-2 sentences): Paraphrase the question. "The chart shows..." becomes "The line graph illustrates...".

Paragraph 2 — Overview (2-3 sentences): The 2-3 biggest trends or most striking features. This is the most important paragraph — a missing overview caps you at Band 6 for Task Achievement.

Paragraph 3 — Details (3-4 sentences): Describe the first trend or group with specific figures.

Paragraph 4 — Details (3-4 sentences): Describe the second trend or group with specific figures.

Target: 150-190 words. No conclusion needed.

Line Graph Sample

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: Clear overview in paragraph 2. Specific figures used throughout. Strong trend vocabulary: "rose steadily," "narrowed the gap," "fluctuated," "climbed sharply." Logical grouping of time periods. 170 words.

Bar Chart Sample

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: Overview identifies the two key trends (universal growth + narrowing gap). Data is grouped logically rather than listed country by country. Precise comparison language: "by contrast," "despite the lowest starting point," "more than tripling." 150 words.

Pie Chart Sample

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 shift. Specific percentages tied to trends. 130 words — slightly short, aim for 150+.

Map Sample

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 used precisely: "to the north of," "at its end," "facing the water." The overview identifies the central theme (tourism-driven modernization). Balanced detail between changed and unchanged areas. Transformation vocabulary: "transformed into," "replaced."

Process Diagram Sample

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." Overview divides the process into logical stages. 145 words.

The 7 Mistakes That Cost a Band Score in Task 1

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

2. Describing 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, not opinion.

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

5. Repeating numbers unnecessarily. Select key data points instead of repeating every figure.

6. Writing a conclusion. Task 1 uses an overview, not a conclusion. The last paragraph must not introduce new information.

7. Mixing tenses. Use past tense for historical data, present tense for current or timeless processes. Keep them consistent within a sentence group.

Practice These Question Types

Write one report for each of the 6 types before your exam. Use a 20-minute timer, target 150-190 words, and check: Is there an overview? Did I compare rather than list? Did I paraphrase the question?

Then get AI feedback on all four IELTS criteria to see where your reports lose marks.

Need the argumentative side too? See the 2026 Task 2 question bank and the Band 7+ essay structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the question types in IELTS Writing Task 1?

There are 6: line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, tables, maps (for changes over time), and process diagrams (for how something works). Task 1 Academic requires you to describe the visual in at least 150 words.

How much is IELTS Writing Task 1 worth?

Task 1 is one third of your Writing score and Task 2 is two thirds. You should spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. Task 1 requires at least 150 words.

Do I need a conclusion in IELTS Writing Task 1?

No. Task 1 reports use an overview instead of a conclusion. The overview summarizes the main trends in 2-3 sentences and is the most important part of the report — it is required for a high Task Achievement score.

What is the structure of a Task 1 report?

Introduction (paraphrase the question), Overview (main trends), Body paragraph 1 (detail the first trend or group), Body paragraph 2 (detail the second trend or group). 3-4 paragraphs in 150-190 words.

Do I get a conclusion in Task 1 maps or processes?

No. For maps, your overview describes the overall transformation; for processes, it divides the process into stages. Neither uses a conclusion paragraph.

Is Task 1 harder for Academic or General Training?

Academic Task 1 (charts, maps, processes) and General Training Task 1 (letters) are scored equally. Students often find Academic harder because describing data requires precise vocabulary, while letters require tone control. Practice the format that matches your test.