Common difficulties with describing IELTS visuals

In Writing Task 1 of the IELTS Academic test, a test taker must summarise and compare information from a bar or pie chart, line graph, table, diagram, map or a combination of these.

The work is assessed based on four criteria, each contributing a quarter of your grade:

Let’s examine some of the challenges a test taker might have when trying to meet each of these criteria.

This criterion measures whether the visual information in the task is accurately described and whether all parts of the task are covered.

Inadequate time management

It is recommended to spend 20 minutes on Writing Task 1.

Giving your personal opinion

You must analyse the given data without expressing your attitude to it.

This criterion checks how well ideas are organised and connected. 

It looks at the logical flow, paragraph structure, and use of linking words.

Not breaking your response into paragraphs

It is recommended to structure your response into the following four paragraphs:

Typically, the overview follows the introduction, but it can also be placed at the end of your report after the body paragraphs.

Not organising your answer in a logical way

Each paragraph should have a clear central idea and be easy for a reader to follow. 

Let’s illustrate this with an example of a bar graph.

Overusing linkers 

While linking words (e.g., Firstly, Nonetheless, Additionally) help show relationships between paragraphs and sentences, it isn’t necessary to start every sentence with them.

Not using referencing words

We can use referencing devices to refer to things mentioned earlier and in this way avoid repeating the same words.

Example

the former = engineering

the latter = medicine

The criterion checks how well a student uses appropriate words and phrases to describe visual information clearly and effectively.

Not using a formal register

The writing task must be written formally.

Compare:

Not using specific terminology 

It’s essential to master the relevant vocabulary for describing visuals.

Example of describing a trend:

Not paraphrasing the task

Do not copy the wording of the task in your introduction. 

Instead, paraphrase it. 

Otherwise, you will lose marks.

Example:

Let’s look at the paraphrased task in the introduction.

Some words can’t be paraphrased, such as chart or 2010.

This criterion assesses the variety and correctness of grammatical structures used by test takers.

Not using grammatically correct sentences

Let’s analyse some of the grammar in the extract below.

Not using accurate spelling 

To enhance accuracy, consider rewriting sample reports and creating your own, using spell check in word processing programs to identify errors and revising until no errors remain.

According to IELTS IDP, test takers often make errors with words that require doubled consonants, such as parallel, occurrence, and dropped. 

Some commonly confused words include:

Not using commas correctly

Use commas:

1, 750, 484

In 2020, the company saw growth in sales revenue, market share and customer satisfaction.

The data reveals a significant increase in the number of urban, highly-educated professionals.

The graph shows the annual revenue of the company, which experienced a sharp increase in 2022, and provides a clear picture of its financial growth over the years.

The chart illustrates the distribution of household incomes in various regions, which highlights significant disparities between urban and rural areas.

The survey results indicate a decline in urban pollution. However, rural areas have seen a steady increase.

The survey results indicate a decline in urban pollution; however, rural areas have seen a steady increase.

The survey results indicate a decline in urban pollution. Rural areas have seen a steady increase, however.

The number of international students increased significantly in 2020, and the data clearly indicate that scholarship programs have improved.

But

The number of domestic and international students increased.

Write your tasks on paper if you’re taking a paper-based test, or use a computer if computer-based. 

Note the volume of the handwritten text it takes to meet the word count criteria (at least 150 words). 

Use the word count feature to keep track of the number of words typed on a computer. 

At the actual test, the programme in the computer-based version will display the number of words you've typed.

Recreate the test conditions by completing the report in 20 minutes and all parts of the test within 2 hours and 45 minutes.