The most detailed and comprehensive list of IELTS Writing Task 1 question types

Are you facing difficulties in completing the IELTS Writing test, especially IELTS Writing Task 1? Do you not know how to effectively self-study Writing at home? However, you should remember that the types of Writing Task 1 are relatively easier compared to these of IELTS Writing Task 2. Let's refer to the article below to grasp these IELTS Writing Task 1 question types.

I. Overview of the IELTS Writing test

The IELTS Writing test consists of two main components. All topics in the IELTS Writing test may be interesting to test-takers. Additionally, the IELTS Writing test is suitable for candidates planning to study at the university level or beyond. The writing style presented in both Writing tasks should be formal. You can learn more about the IELTS Writing test and the IELTS Writing Task 1 question types:

1. IELTS Writing Task 1 

In IELTS Writing Task 1, you will be presented with a graph, table, chart, or diagram and asked to describe, summarize, or explain the information in your own words. You may be required to describe and present data, describe stages of a process, explain how something works, or describe an object, plan, or design.

2. IELTS Writing Task 2  

You will be asked to write an essay in response to an opinion, argument, or issue. You will support your viewpoint with relevant examples from your knowledge and experience.

II. Comprehensive compilation of IELTS Writing Task 1 question types

How many IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 question types are there? Which IELTS Writing Task 1 types of questions frequently appear in real test papers? Refer to the detailed content below to familiarize yourself with the various types of Writing Task 1 essays.

1. Pie Chart

The pie chart in English is similar to the pie chart in our Geography subject. A pie chart is a circle divided into sections, with each section representing a proportion of the whole.

The pie chart is divided into sectors or "slices" that typically illustrate percentages. The size of each slice indicates the relative amount of the data it represents. Together, the slices form a complete circle.

2. Multiple Graphs/ Charts

Multiple Graphs/Charts (Mixed Charts) consist of two charts representing different information. These two charts can be of the same type or different types. To effectively complete this type of Writing Task 1, you need to provide specific comparisons of the data. Additionally, you should note similarities and differences between the two charts and conclude the correlation between them.

3. Line Graph

Line graphs contain one or more lines representing the changes in a specific factor over multiple time points within a given period. Therefore, the task of the candidate in this Writing Task 1 type is to write a paragraph of at least 150 words describing the information in the graph.

4. Map

The Map task in IELTS Writing Task 1 typically includes three main types:

• Describing a map at present.
• Describing two maps - one at present and one in the future.
• Describing a map - in the past and at present.

5. Process (Diagram)

The Process (Diagram) task requires candidates to describe a process or procedure based on a given diagram or illustration. This type of Writing Task 1 is quite common in the test and can be relatively challenging.

6. Table

Table task is one of the question types in IELTS Writing Task 1. The Table Task presents data in the form of a table, showing a significant amount of information related to specific objects or categories.

Although the Table Task does not have the same format as a chart, it still uses the Language of Comparison and Language of Change - the language to describe changes (if there are two or more time points). The expression of this data table is not different from the usual charts. Candidates can also transform this data table into other types of charts if desired.

7. Bar Chart

The Bar Chart task in IELTS Writing Task 1 is used to represent data of multiple objects at a specific time point for comparison. Additionally, the Bar Chart in Task 1 also shows the changes in the objects over a certain period. The bar chart has a vertical and horizontal axis, similar to the line chart in Writing Task 1.

Furthermore, it's important to note that the bar chart can also be displayed as stacked or horizontal instead of vertical. Although there are different forms, it does not affect the implementation of the IELTS Writing Task 1 essay and the presentation of the candidate's data.

III. Conclusion

This article has provided a comprehensive and detailed compilation of the various IELTS Writing Task 1 question types. Hopefully, the information provided by PREP in the above article will help you conveniently apply it to the IELTS Writing test.

If you are looking for a comprehensive IELTS preparation course that covers all four skills, make sure to check out Prep's IELTS preparation course. Our teachers are always there to accompany you!