The learner can structure a Task 1 answer with an introduction, a clear overview, and grouped key features, and knows what NOT to do.
How to structure a Task 1 answer
The three-part structure of Task 1
A strong Academic Task 1 answer has three distinct parts. First, write a short introduction (1–2 sentences) that paraphrases the question — restate what the chart or diagram shows using your own words. Do NOT copy the question directly. Second, write an overview paragraph that summarises the most important trends or biggest features you can see in the data — this is the most important paragraph in the whole answer. Third, write one or two body paragraphs that group key features together with specific data and comparisons. Aim for at least 150 words; the suggested time is around 20 minutes.
Task 1 is marked on four equally weighted criteria: Task Achievement (have you covered the main features and written an overview?), Coherence and Cohesion (is the answer logically organised with good linking?), Lexical Resource (is your vocabulary accurate and varied?), and Grammatical Range and Accuracy (do you use a variety of grammatical structures correctly?). Note that Task 2 is worth more marks overall, so budget your time accordingly: approximately 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2.
There are several common mistakes to avoid. Do NOT express your personal opinion or add a conclusion as you would in Task 2. Do NOT list every single number from the chart — select the most significant data only. Do NOT write body paragraphs without any overview, as this is the most penalised error for Task Achievement. A worked outline might look like this: Introduction (paraphrase the title) → Overview (the highest category is X; there is a general upward trend over the period) → Body 1 (compare the two highest values with supporting data) → Body 2 (describe the lowest values and any notable exceptions).
Lesson notes
The three-part structure of Task 1
A strong Academic Task 1 answer has three distinct parts. First, write a short introduction (1–2 sentences) that paraphrases the question — restate what the chart or diagram shows using your own words. Do NOT copy the question directly. Second, write an overview paragraph that summarises the most important trends or biggest features you can see in the data — this is the most important paragraph in the whole answer. Third, write one or two body paragraphs that group key features together with specific data and comparisons. Aim for at least 150 words; the suggested time is around 20 minutes.
Task 1 is marked on four equally weighted criteria: Task Achievement (have you covered the main features and written an overview?), Coherence and Cohesion (is the answer logically organised with good linking?), Lexical Resource (is your vocabulary accurate and varied?), and Grammatical Range and Accuracy (do you use a variety of grammatical structures correctly?). Note that Task 2 is worth more marks overall, so budget your time accordingly: approximately 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2.
There are several common mistakes to avoid. Do NOT express your personal opinion or add a conclusion as you would in Task 2. Do NOT list every single number from the chart — select the most significant data only. Do NOT write body paragraphs without any overview, as this is the most penalised error for Task Achievement. A worked outline might look like this: Introduction (paraphrase the title) → Overview (the highest category is X; there is a general upward trend over the period) → Body 1 (compare the two highest values with supporting data) → Body 2 (describe the lowest values and any notable exceptions).