What is IELTS Academic Writing Task 1?

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 requires test takers to describe, summarise, or explain information presented in a graph, table, chart, or diagram.

How can I improve my IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 score?

To improve your score, focus on structuring your response, using the right vocabulary, and accurately describing trends in visual data.

The graph below shows the percentage of part-time workers in each country of the United Kingdom in 1980 and 2010. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre

The bar chart illustrates the percentage of individuals engaged in part-time employment across four countries in the United Kingdom—namely England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland—in the years 1980 and 2010.

Overall, part-time work was more common in Wales and England during both years, while Scotland and Northern Ireland consistently reported lower figures. Additionally, all regions except Northern Ireland experienced a noticeable increase in part-time employment over the 30-year period.

In 1980, Wales had the highest proportion of part-time workers, with approximately 32% of its workforce employed in such roles. England followed, registering around 25%. In comparison, Northern Ireland and Scotland reported significantly lower figures, with about 15% and just above 10%, respectively.

By 2010, Wales maintained its lead, with the proportion of part-time employment rising slightly to around 35%. England also experienced growth, with approximately 31% of workers employed part-time. Scotland saw the most marked increase, nearly tripling its 1980 figure to just under 30%. Conversely, Northern Ireland was the only country to record a decline, dropping marginally to around 13%.

Here is a list of high-scoring vocabulary used in the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 response, along with their meanings in simple English:

🔤 Vocabulary List with Meanings

Illustrates – shows something clearly (especially in a visual form like a chart or diagram).
Example: The bar chart illustrates the data.
Proportion – a part or share of a whole, often given as a percentage.
Example: A large proportion of people worked part-time.
Engaged in – involved in or doing a particular activity.
Example: Individuals engaged in part-time employment.
Part-time employment – working fewer hours than a full-time job, usually less than 35 hours a week.
Consistently – regularly or steadily over a period of time.
Example: Scotland consistently reported lower figures.
Reported / Recorded – showed or presented (in data or results).
Example: Northern Ireland recorded a decline.
Figures – numerical data or statistics.
Example: The figures increased in 2010.
Notable / Noticeable – easy to see or clearly significant.
Example: A noticeable increase in part-time workers.
Approximately – nearly or around a certain number.
Example: Approximately 32%. This is useful to avoid too much precision.
Followed / Followed closely – came next in order.
Example: England followed closely behind Wales.
In contrast – showing a clear difference.
Example: In contrast, Scotland had low part-time rates.
Significantly – greatly or importantly.
Example: Scotland increased significantly.
Tripling – becoming three times as much.
Example: Nearly tripling its 1980 figure.
Conversely – in the opposite way.
Example: Conversely, Northern Ireland saw a decline.
Marginally – slightly, by a small amount.
Example: Dropping marginally to 13%.
Maintained its lead – continued to be in the top position.
Example: Wales maintained its lead in 2010.
Roughly / Around – about; not exact.
Example: Roughly 13%. Similar to “approximately.”