IELTS Academic:Types Of Writing Task 1 Questions
One reason is the diversity of exam questions, including bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, tables, maps, diagrams, and more. Understanding the various sorts of questions and how to approach them will help you score well.
This blog article covers all IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 question categories. We will also provide examples and recommendations on how to approach each question type so you may feel confident and prepared on test day.
Types of IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Questions
Paraphrase the question to begin:It is advisable to formulate your responses by paraphrasing the query. This can be accomplished by modifying the query formulation and employing alternative synonyms.
Overview:The overview necessitates the selection of three to four essential characteristics from the data presented in the query in order to convey the essence. Avoid making any data references in the overview.
Critical Data with supplied data:After giving an overview, support the major points with question information in the next paragraph.
Grammar and spelling mistakes:Grammar and spelling problems should be eliminated from the final piece of writing. Recheck the whole article for factual and typographical problems.
Writing Task 1 Questions
1-Pie Chart Questions
Question 1
The distribution of diverse energy sources in a specific country between 1995 and 2005 is illustrated in the pie charts. When considering the situation holistically, it becomes clear that the production of the two primary energies (coal and gas) experienced a slight increase, whereas petrol witnessed a substantial decline. Although ‘other’ and nuclear production remained less popular in both years, they also expanded substantially.
Fuel accounted for approximately 29% of total energy production in 1995, with coal, gas, and petrol each contributing marginally more. By 2005, the proportions for gas and coal had increased marginally (30.93 and 30.31 percent, respectively), whereas the utilization of petrol had decreased to 19.55 percent of all sources.
The data pertaining to the remaining categories was significantly diminished, with ‘other’ comprising 4.9% of energy production at the onset of the period and nuclear accounting for an alarmingly high 6.4%. The proportion of respondents identifying as ‘other’ nearly doubled to 9.1% by 2005, while the proportion utilizing nuclear energy increased at a slower rate of 10.1%.
Question 2
From 1972 to 2012, the pie charts detail the genre-by-genre sales of a bookseller. When considering the genre as a whole, it becomes immediately apparent that adult fiction surpassed the genres that experienced a decline in popularity — namely, travel, biography, and others. Additionally, interest in children’s fiction grew.
These specific bookseller sold an approximately equal amount of each genre in 1972: 25% for others, 20% each for adult fiction, children’s fiction, and biography, and 15% for travel. Adult fiction had increased by 5% by 1992, whereas biography and other genres had decreased by the same amount. Children’s and travel literature increased by 2% and 3%, respectively.
Children’s fiction increased marginally to 25% in the final year surveyed, while adult fiction surged to 45%. In contrast to the ascent of adult fiction, the remaining genres experienced precipitous declines, with others reaching a mere 12%, travel 10%, and biography 8%.
2-Line Graph Questions
Question 1
Averaging the annual expenditures of American consumers on fixed and mobile phone services for a decade is depicted in the line graph.
Over the course of a decade, mobile service adoption skyrocketed, whereas expenditures on residential phone services decreased dramatically. In addition, both services coincided with the same record in 2006.
Mobile phone service expenditures commenced at a mere $200 in 2001, whereas residential phone service expenditures averaged around $700 per year. During the subsequent five years, outlays for landline phone services progressively declined to less than $600, while outlays for mobile phone services increased marginally to just over $500.
Cell phones surpassed landline phones in 2006, and the two services’ annual client expenditures of approximately $550 became equivalent in popularity. The cost of a cell phone then increased to around $750 in 2010, representing a nearly fourfold increase compared to its 2001 level. In contrast, expenditures on residential phone services declined significantly in 2007 and remained in a consistent decline throughout the subsequent period.
Questions 2
Beginning in 1970 and extending through 2040, the line graph illustrates population trends in relation to urban housing in four Asian nations. When considering the situation holistically, it becomes indisputable that urbanization will increase in each country, but especially in Malaysia and the Philippines. By the end of the specified time period, the majority of Malaysia’s population will reside in urban areas.
Comparable percentages of urban residents resided in the Philippines and Malaysia in 1970 (31% and 30%, respectively), as did Thailand and Indonesia (19% and 12%). Malaysia’s percentage fluctuated and increased over the subsequent two decades, shifting positions with the Philippines around the 40% mark before launching a dramatic surge in 1990, which is projected to continue until it reaches a plateau at approximately 80% by 2040. In contrast, the Philippines experienced a moderate decline following 1980; however, it is anticipated that this figure will rebound and peak at over 50% by 2040.
Indonesia has surpassed both Thailand (at 28%) and the Philippines (42%), as evidenced by its urban residency statistics significantly increasing over time. Predictions indicate that this trend will continue, with the final percentage of 55% being the second highest among all nations. Thailand, on the other hand, has witnessed the most incremental and consistent growth, which has reached around 30% as of the present and is projected to surpass 40% within the following seventeen years.
3-Table Chart Questions
Questions 1
The table provides information on the tonnage of cocoa beans produced in six distinct regions of the globe between 1992 and 1998.
Cocoa production in Asia and Oceania increases consistently every two years, according to the data. The levels of production in other regions are highly volatile. Africa’s production decreased substantially to 25,000 tons in 1998.
Over time, cocoa bean production has increased in the regions of Oceania and Asia. In contrast to Asia, the figures in Oceania are comparatively lower. Asia witnessed an increase in production from 119,000 tons in 1992 to 436,000 tons in 1998. In contrast, cocoa production in Oceania peaked at 40,000 tons in 1992 and declined to 77,000 tons in 1998.
Conversely, the data pertaining to cocoa bean production in North and Central America in 1998 and 1992 are identical. The productivity in this particular region decreased by nearly half in 1994 before increasing consistently until 1998. Although cocoa bean production in other regions remains relatively constant from year to year, Africa experienced a significant decline in cocoa bean production in 1998.
Questions 2
Each city’s metro system’s annual passenger count in millions, opening date, and total distance traveled are detailed in the table. When viewed as a whole, it is evident that older underground railways have a propensity to be longer and currently transport a greater number of passengers annually than their more modern counterparts. Tokyo is notable for accommodating the greatest number of passengers, while London is the oldest and largest.
The inaugural metro in London (1863) spans an area of nearly double that of the second largest, which debuted in Paris in 1900 and is 199 kilometers in length (394% vs. 294%). In contrast, the current passenger count in Paris is 1,191,000,000 in comparison to 775,000,000 in London. Tokyo was the second-oldest, having been established in 1927, and its circuits spanned a total of 155 kilometers, carrying 1,928,000,000 passengers annually.
Kyoto (1981), Washington D.C. (1976), and Los Angeles (2001) have the most contemporary metro systems. DC is the most expansive of the three, spanning 126 kilometers and handling 144,000,000 passengers annually. Kyoto, spanning an area of 11 kilometers, caters to a comparatively modest population of 45 million individuals. Similarly, the annual passenger volume of the Los Angeles Metro is only 50,000,000 and its cumulative length is 18 kilometers.
4-Map Questions
Questions 1
Since 1958, the floorplan illustrates the transformation of the structure. Upon a comprehensive examination, it becomes evident that the structure has been utilized for both commercial and residential objectives, with the kitchen being the sole area that has remained unaltered. Comparatively, the floral shop’s current configuration is more open than it was when it housed an apartment and office.
The building was operational as an office in 1958, featuring a meeting room situated in the upper left corner of the floorplan, a secretary’s and assistant’s office below it, and a restroom in the lower left corner. The meeting room was expanded and converted into a living room in 1985, while the offices and lavatory were replaced with a spacious bathroom and shower. A play area was located in the lower left corner of the florist store, above a large open area for flowers, and a gift card room was situated in the upper left.
Consisting of all ground floor iterations, the kitchen situated in the upper corner on the right side remained unchanged. A manager’s office was situated to the right, while a reception area was situated in the lower corner. Formerly designated as dormitories, these areas have been converted into an office and an additional space for flora in the apartment.
Questions 2
Changes to a science park that occurred in 2008 are detailed on the maps. It is immediately apparent, when viewed as a whole, that the park has undergone an expansion to incorporate additional spaces designated for educational purposes, research, and enhanced accessibility.
Prior to 2008, a substantial expanse of pristine natural land comprised the northern terminus of the park. However, that land has since been transformed into a research and development center. Additionally, the reception area was demolished to make way for a university core; the adjacent offices have remained unchanged.
Beyond these newly constructed establishments, there has been no alteration to the business units, a reduction in the size of the parking lot, and a substantial expansion of the cyber security structure, which now occupies land that was previously undeveloped.
The innovation center has been established in the southern section of the park, which formerly housed a circular IT center. Additionally, the southernmost tracks of a new train station feature walkways that lead to a variety of facilities. Ultimately, an eastern road provides access to supplementary bicycling paths that traverse the park’s core, passing by the car park, newly constructed structures, and a bus station situated on the eastern side of the campus.
5-Process Diagram Questions
Question 1
The process by which plastic bottles are recycled is illustrated in the diagram above. Upon a comprehensive examination, it becomes evident that this iterative procedure comprises three primary phases: initial collection and sifting; processing and cleansing; and ultimately reconstitution into a fresh material suitable for subsequent applications.
Recycling initiates when an individual deposits their refuse in a specifically designated recycling receptacle, before it is transferred to specialized waste vehicles. Once the plastic bottles have been transported to the recycling center, they are manually sorted, compressed into blocks, and subsequently cleansed after being reduced to tiny fragments.
Transformation into a reusable material constitutes the subsequent phases. Plastic fragments are initially fed into a mechanism that transforms them into granules. Following the heating of these granules, a basic material is produced that finds application in the production of an extensive array of goods, including but not limited to clothing, bottles, containers, and pencils. These components are recyclable in and of themselves, and the cycle is repeated.
Questions 2
Iron ore, manganese ore, and carbon are initially gathered for use in the production of steel rods as basic materials. Following this, between 1300 and 1500 degrees Celsius, the unprocessed material is heated in a melting fissure to dissolve. Following this, the molten bulk is conveyed to a smelting chamber for refining. The candescent metal is then poured into ingots using a pouring machine.
Following this, the ingots are linked to a reservoir for chilling, where the temperature is reduced to 60–100 °C. As the metal cools after passing through specialized nozzles, it forms filaments. The metal filaments are then passed through rollers, which alter their form. Following this, a thermal machine is utilized to subject the products to heat treatment. A measurement automaton subsequently performs a superficial inspection of the products.
The IDs of the metal rods are then stamped and they are sized using specialized cutters. After undergoing inspection, the products are deemed suitable for use.
6-Bar Chart
Questions 1
The bar graph depicts the proportional percentage contributions to the Indian economy from 1960 to 2000 by the agricultural, industrial, and service sectors.
The importance of services increased decade by decade during the entire time period, while agriculture’s significance progressively declined. An alternative trend surfaced in the industrial sector, which initially exhibited a gradual growth rate but subsequently reached a plateau starting from 1980.
Agriculture dominated the gross domestic product (GDP) in 1960, reaching its greatest point at 62%. However, from that year until 2000, its contribution steadily declined, coming in at 12%. Conversely, the service sector exerted a comparatively insignificant influence on the economy during the year 1960. Initially evolving incrementally, this circumstance’s proportional contribution increased from 28% to 43% from 1980 to 1990. It mirrored the agricultural sector’s peak in 1960 by the year 2000, indicating a reversal of the general trend.
During the entire period, industry continued to be a consistent source of prosperity for India. Its sectoral growth was marginal, increasing from 16% in 1960 to precisely a quarter in 1980, before remaining stagnant for the subsequent two decades and sustaining an unchanged proportion of the total GDP.
Questions 2
The age-based bar chart illustrates the factors that have the greatest impact on employee performance at a particular organization. When considering the factors collectively, it becomes evident that they are generally consistent. However, younger employees place greater importance on prospects for advancement, opportunities for personal growth, and a laid-back work environment. Priorities for both age cohorts were salary and team cohesion, with work environment and job security being comparatively less significant.
60% of individuals of both ages place a high value on team cohesion, while 30% believe their work performance is influenced by the environment, according to the categories with the greatest degree of similarity. The reported data for job satisfaction (55 percent for those aged 18–30 and 60 percent for those aged 45–60), respect from coworkers (38 percent for younger workers and 42 percent for their older counterparts), compensation (73 percent for younger workers and 70 percent for older workers), and competent supervisors (nearly 50 percent for both groups) is also comparable.
The degree to which opportunities for personal development impact work performance varies considerably, with older workers having a mere 38% impact compared to the 18–30 percent impact for employees. Likewise, younger generations prioritize advancement opportunities (80% to approximately 48%), job security (40% to 20%), and a laid-back work environment (85% to 30%).
7-Multiple Graphs
Question 1
The table describes how three distinct regions were impacted by these detrimental factors in the 1990s, whereas the pie chart depicts the principal causes of land degradation worldwide.
From the pie chart, it is evident that overgrazing is the primary cause of decreased farmland productivity. According to the data presented in the table, Europe exhibited the highest proportion of degraded land during the specified time period, surpassing both North America and Oceania.
Two additional significant factors contributing to the decline in agricultural land productivity are illustrated in the pie chart. Overcultivation and deforestation are two examples. While tree clearance can cause comparable damage to excessive animal grazing, its 30% reduction in impact is 5% less severe than that of overgrazing. The least problematic aspect is excessive cultivation, which accounts for slightly more than a quarter of the total.
The table illustrates that these detrimental practices impacted 23% of the agricultural land in Europe. This was nearly double the proportion in Oceania, the region following Oceania in terms of severity. North America exhibited the most minimal decline in productivity, at a mere 5% of its overall agricultural land.
Questions 2
The purpose of and destinations of the international travel of United Kingdom citizens from 1994 to 1998 are illustrated in the two tabular charts.
Vacations constituted the primary reason for international travel throughout the entire five-year period, followed by business-related excursions and visits to friends and family. Following a modest decline in 1995, holiday visits increased by approximately 30% until 1998, whereas figures for other objectives increased marginally. The peak number of international visits by citizens of the United Kingdom occurred in 1998.
Beyond that, in the five years prior to the increase of about 25 percent, Western Europe emerged as the most favored destination among British citizens who travelled abroad. From 1994 to 1998, the number of visits to North America doubled, from 919 to 1823.
Travel for pleasure was the leading cause of international travel, with Western Europe being the most popular destination.