IELTS Writing Task 1 Introduction: Steps and Examples

Mastering the IELTS Writing Task 1 introduction is essential for achieving a higher writing band score. This guide provides step-by-step instructions, practical templates for every task type, and sample introductions from Band 6 to Band 9 to help you improve with confidence.

I. How to Write an IELTS Writing Task 1 Introduction

The introduction in IELTS Writing Task 1 plays a crucial role in setting up your response. A well-crafted opening signals to the examiner that you understand the task, can paraphrase effectively, and are able to approach the data logically and clearly. While this section is often short—typically just one or two sentences—it lays the foundation for a structured, coherent response.

Examiners expect to see two key things in your introduction: an accurate rephrasing of the task question and an initial orientation to the data. Paraphrasing shows your linguistic flexibility and understanding of the topic, while the introduction helps organize your writing and prevent repetition later.

An effective introduction usually contains:

• A paraphrased version of the given task statement.

• A short opening that logically introduces what the visual data shows (mentioning the type of chart, subject, time period, units of measurement if relevant).

You are not expected to describe details in the introduction. Avoid including data, comparisons, or summary findings at this stage. This should be reserved for the overview and detail paragraphs.

Specific figures and comparisons are more appropriately developed in IELTS writing task 1 body paragraph sections.

How to Write the Introduction: Step-by-Step

Step 1 – Identify the Task Type and Key Features

Begin by understanding the type of visual data you are describing. Is it a bar chart, line graph, table, map, or process diagram? Identify key information such as:

• What is being measured or compared?

• Over what time period?

• What units are used (e.g. percentages, millions, years)?

Recognizing these aspects will help you form a complete and accurate paraphrasing.

This step is particularly important when dealing with diagrams, as explained in IELTS writing task 1 process.

Step 2 – Paraphrase the Question Effectively

Take the original task prompt and rewrite it in your own words. Aim to change the structure and some vocabulary, while keeping the meaning intact. For example:

Task prompt: "The bar chart shows the number of international students in four countries in 2020."
Paraphrased version: "The given bar chart illustrates how many international students were studying in four different countries as of the year 2020."

Use synonyms only when they're appropriate. Precision is more important than variation.

Step 3 – Place the Overview or Leave It Separate

There is some flexibility: some candidates may choose to end the introduction with an overview sentence, while others prefer placing the overview in a separate paragraph. Either approach is acceptable under IELTS criteria, as long as the structure is logical and natural.

If you do choose to include a one-sentence overview in the introduction, make sure it provides a general summary of the main trend or feature, without including numerical data or specific comparisons.

II. IELTS Writing Task 1 Introduction Templates

Using flexible, high-quality templates can help IELTS candidates structure their introductions more confidently and consistently, especially under timed exam conditions. However, templates should never be memorized word-for-word without understanding. They must be adapted to suit the specific data presented in each task.

General Template for Any Visual Chart

This is a universal sentence structure that can be applied to most graph-based tasks:

“The [type of chart] illustrates/shows/displays information about [topic] over a period of [time, if mentioned] in [location, if applicable].”

Example:
“The bar chart illustrates the number of vehicles produced in three different European countries between 2010 and 2020.”

Key elements to adapt:

• Type of chart (e.g. bar chart, table, pie chart)

• Subject matter (e.g. car production, population growth)

• Time frame, location, unit, or category as relevant

Templates by Task Type

Below are suggested templates tailored for various types of visual data. These should be adjusted to suit the specific topic and vocabulary of the task.

Tips for Using Templates Wisely

• Always modify vocabulary and sentence structure to reflect the specific task prompt.

• Don’t include trends, comparisons, or data in your introduction.

• Never copy the task wording verbatim—your paraphrasing must show comprehension and lexical range.

• Practice adapting each template to a variety of sample tasks during preparation.

III. Sample Introductions (Band 6 – Band 9)

Understanding what separates a Band 6 introduction from a Band 9 can help you identify specific areas to improve and target your writing more strategically. Below are example introductions from different band levels, each followed by a short analysis of why it fits a particular score range according to IELTS descriptors such as task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range.

Band 6 Introduction

Example: The chart shows information about the number of people who went to different cinemas in three countries from 2000 to 2010.

Analysis:

• Strengths: Basic meaning is conveyed clearly; correct use of grammar and vocabulary at a functional level.

• Limitations: Vocabulary is limited (“shows information” is vague), and there is little attempt to paraphrase the question.

• Why Band 6: Adequately addresses the task, but lacks variation in expression and demonstrates limited lexical flexibility.

Band 7 Introduction

Example: The bar chart illustrates the number of cinema-goers in three different countries between the years 2000 and 2010.

Analysis:

• Strengths: Paraphrases the prompt moderately well, uses more appropriate verbs (“illustrates”), and provides relevant time frame and subject.

• Limitations: Vocabulary is accurate but still somewhat predictable. Could benefit from more precise language (e.g. “cinema attendance” instead of “cinema-goers”).

• Why Band 7: Generally clear and more accurate paraphrasing, with good coverage of the question. Minor shortcomings in lexical range.

Band 9 Introduction

Example: The given bar chart compares cinema attendance figures across three nations over a ten-year period, from 2000 to 2010.

Analysis:

• Strengths: Fully paraphrases the prompt with a high level of sophistication. Demonstrates precise lexical choices (“attendance figures,” “three nations,” “over a ten-year period”).

• Why Band 9: This introduction is concise, clear, and academically appropriate. It exhibits a high degree of grammatical control and lexical resource. The sentence structure is varied yet natural, and fully meets the expectations of the task.

Key Takeaways

• As the band increases, paraphrasing becomes more accurate, vocabulary becomes more precise, and grammar becomes more flexible and error-free.

• A Band 9 introduction is not necessarily longer, but it is more refined in its word choice and structure.

These distinctions directly reflect the descriptors used in IELTS Writing band scores.

IV. Common Mistakes in IELTS Writing Task 1 Introductions

Writing the introduction for IELTS Writing Task 1 might seem simple, but many candidates lose marks early by making basic strategic or structural mistakes. Below are some of the most common pitfalls that test takers should avoid, along with explanations and quick guidelines on how to correct them.

Repeating the Task Question Word-for-Word

Mistake: Candidates sometimes copy the exact wording from the prompt without attempting to rephrase.

Example: “The graph shows the number of people who visited museums in five cities in 2020.”
(Identical to the question)

Why it hurts your score:

• Shows no lexical flexibility.

• Suggests weak task engagement.

• May result in penalties under the “task achievement” and “lexical resource” criteria.

How to fix it: Paraphrase using synonyms and sentence restructuring.

Revised version: “The graph illustrates museum attendance figures in five different cities in the year 2020.”

Including Specific Data Too Early

Mistake: Some candidates present figures or detailed comparisons in the introduction.

Example: “In 2020, New York had the highest number of museum visits, followed by Tokyo.”

Why it hurts your score:

• Distracts from the purpose of the introduction.

• Breaks the logical structure of the essay.

• Risks repetition in the body paragraphs.

How to fix it: Save figures, comparisons, and trends for the overview or detailed paragraphs. Keep the introduction general and focused on context only.

Writing an Overly Long Introduction

Mistake: An introduction that tries to do too much—summarizing data, giving opinions, or including more than needed.

Why it hurts your score:

• Reduces time and word count available for more important analytical sections.

• Can appear unfocused and redundant.

How to fix it: Keep the introduction concise—usually one to two sentences (around 25–35 words). Focus only on paraphrasing and basic orientation.

Using Inaccurate or Over-Complicated Vocabulary

Mistake: Attempting to sound academic by using complex or inappropriate expressions that distort original meaning.

Example: “The upward segment of the schematic articulates cultural interaction frequencies via institution visitation.”

Why it hurts your score:

• Obscures meaning and confuses the examiner.

• Demonstrates poor control of high-level vocabulary.

How to fix it: Clarity always comes first. Use precise, topic-appropriate vocabulary. Reserve complexity for where it adds value.

Correcting your introduction could be the most efficient way to raise your writing score—it's the first impression you give the examiner, and it's worth doing right.

Above is the full article by PREP on how to write an effective introduction for IELTS Writing Task 1. We hope this guide helps you understand the role of the introduction, apply key sentence structures with confidence, and feel more prepared to begin your Task 1 responses with clarity and control. Keep exploring with PREP to strengthen your academic writing, step by step.