IELTS Sample Charts for Writing Task 1 (Bar Graph, Table, Pie Chart)

IELTS Sample Charts for Writing Task 1 : Students have to write a report of at least 150 words for the writing task on the IELTS in answer to a given graph (bar, line, or pie graph), table, chart, or process. An examiner tests your writing task performance by asking you to recognize and summarize the key aspects of the provided graph.

IELTS Sample Charts for Writing Task 1

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you are presented with a visual representation of data and asked to write a descriptive report of at least 150 words. You are expected to:

• Describe the main features

• Identify significant trends or comparisons

• Avoid personal opinions or explanations

You should complete Task 1 in approximately 20 minutes, as Task 2 carries more weight in scoring.

Types of IELTS Sample Charts for Writing Task 1

1. Bar Graphs

Bar charts use rectangular bars to represent quantities. They are useful for comparing:

• Different groups or categories

• Changes over time

• Male vs. female data

• Country-based comparisons

Example:
A bar graph showing the number of students enrolled in five different university courses in 2020.

2. Line Graphs

Line graphs display changes or trends over a period of time. They typically show:

• Increases or decreases

• Sharp rises or gradual declines

• Comparisons between multiple lines

Example:
A line graph showing the unemployment rate in three countries from 2000 to 2020.

3. Pie Charts

Pie charts represent parts of a whole. Each sector is a percentage of the total.

Key uses:

• Show proportion

• Compare share sizes

• Highlight dominant categories

Example:
Two pie charts showing the sources of energy production in 1990 and 2020.

4. Tables

Tables display data in rows and columns. They may include words, numbers, or a combination.

Table tasks require you to:

• Summarise numerical data

• Compare categories

• Identify high or low values

Example:
A table showing the population, GDP, and literacy rate of five countries in a given year.

5. Process Diagrams

These show a step-by-step flow of a linear or cyclical process. They test your ability to describe actions, sequence, and relationships.

Example:
A process diagram showing how glass bottles are recycled.

6. Maps

Maps compare changes in geographical locations over time. Tasks often involve:

• Describing changes to land use

• Highlighting construction, removal, or development

• Comparing layouts

Example:
Two maps showing a coastal town in 1990 and 2020.

7. Mixed or Combination Charts

Sometimes, you’ll get two different types of visuals in one task, such as:

• Bar chart + pie chart

• Line graph + table

• Map + process diagram

Example:
A bar graph showing car sales in four countries and a pie chart showing the market share of each country.

IELTS Sample Charts for Writing Task 1 Instruction

• You have to write 150 words or more.
• Writing less than 150 words will not meet the marking criteria, so you are unlikely to receive a grade higher than a Band 5 for "task achievement."
• You will have around 20 minutes to organize and write your report.
• You have to write formally.
• Task 1 makes up half of the total points that Task 2 makes up. Task 1 makes up 33% of the Writing exam's final score.

Unlock Your IELTS Exam Success with PW Online Course – Join Today!!

Types of IELTS Sample Charts for Writing Task 1

Bar charts

Line graph

Table

Pie chart

Diagram or process

Map

Combination of the above (multiple tasks)

• Bar chart + bar chart
• Pie chart + pie chart
• Table + table
• Life cycle + life cycle
• Line graph + line graph
• Map + map

• Bar chart + pie chart
• Bar chart + line graph
• Bar chart + tabled
• Pie chart + line graph
• Pie chart + table
• Life cycle + flowchart

Vocabulary for Describing Charts

Use appropriate vocabulary to describe trends, changes, and comparisons:

Guidance of PW IELTS

Physics Wallah offers multiple online IELTS courses for all students. Follow the IELTS pages to better prepare for the exam.