POSSIBLE STEPS FOR IELTS WRITING TASK 1 (continued)
(graphs, charts, tables)
 Time distribution
Step 1 Plan 5 minutes
Step 2 Write 12 minutes
Step 3 Revise 3 minutes
 Detail
STEP 2 WRITE
- Write the Introduction
Tell the reader what you will write about (specifically what you will summarize and
compare)
* Write the topic sentence (tell what the graphic is about by paraphrasing the task and
graphic title using other phrases and synonyms)
* Make a statement about comparison (tell what comparisons you will make)
- Write the paragraphs
Write ONE paragraph for each comparison.
For each paragraph you will do as follows.
+ Write the Main Idea
Begin each paragraph with a main idea that summarizes the comparison you are making
+ Write the supporting details
The main idea of each paragraph is followed by details that support it.
+ Describe trends (up, down, no change)
- Write the conclusion
You sum up the ideas you developed in your essay by restating the general statement about
the comparisons you made in the Introduction. Remember to use transitions like “In general,
Overall”

Sample:
Introduction:
The bar graph shows how many servings of certain food items sold on average every day in
two different seasons at the Vista Café. The average number of sales of each item changed
with the season.
Conclusion:
In general, the average daily sales of each food item changed depending on the season.
Certain items were more popular in the winter and certain others were more popular in the
summer.