Writing Task 01
1. Vocabulary for Describing Trends (Graphs, Charts, Tables)
Increase
Rise
Grow
Increase
Surge
Climb
Soar (sharp increase)
Peak (highest point)
Decrease
Decline
Fall
Drop
Decrease
Plummet (sharp fall)
Sink
No Change
Remain constant
Stay the same
Maintain stability
Stabilize
Fluctuations
Fluctuate
Vary
Oscillate
Experience ups and downs
2. Vocabulary for Comparisons
Similarities
Similar to
Almost the same as
Likewise
Equally
Identical
Differences
In contrast
Compared to
However
Whereas
While
3. Vocabulary for Process Descriptions
Sequencing Words
First, then, next, after that, finally
Subsequently
At the next stage
Following this
Once completed
Passive Voice for Processes
Is collected
Is transported
Is processed
Is converted
Is distributed
4. Vocabulary for Maps (Describing Changes)
Additions
Was built
Was constructed
Was added
Was expanded
Removals
Was demolished
Was removed
Was replaced by
Was cleared
Transformations
Was converted into
Was transformed into
Became
5. Useful Adverbs and Adjectives
Adverbs (to describe intensity or frequency)
Gradually
Steadily
Dramatically
Sharply
Rapidly
Slightly
Adjectives (to describe changes)
Significant
Substantial
Minimal
Moderate
Marginal
6. Vocabulary for Overall Trends (Overview Paragraph)
Overall
In general
It is evident that
As a whole
The main trend is
A noticeable feature is
7. Advanced Cohesive Devices
Moreover
Furthermore
In addition
Conversely
On the other hand
Despite this
1. Understand the Assessment Criteria
To score high, focus on the four key criteria:
1. Task Achievement (25%)
o Fully answer the question.
o Accurately summarize main trends, comparisons, or stages.
o Avoid unnecessary details.
2. Coherence and Cohesion (25%)
o Use paragraphs effectively.
o Link ideas logically with cohesive devices (e.g., "similarly,"
"however").
3. Lexical Resource (25%)
o Use a range of vocabulary with precision.
o Avoid repetition and spelling errors.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%)
o Use varied sentence structures (e.g., complex, compound).
o Avoid grammatical mistakes.
2. Writing Model for Different Types of Tasks
A. For Graphs, Charts, or Tables
Introduction:
Paraphrase the task description.
E.g., The bar chart illustrates the percentage of adults who participated in
different activities across three years.
Overview (2 sentences):
Highlight key trends, patterns, or differences without numbers.
E.g., Overall, participation in outdoor activities increased, while indoor
activities declined.
Body Paragraph 1:
Focus on specific trends or comparisons in the first part of the data.
E.g., In 2000, 50% of adults engaged in outdoor activities, which rose to 70%
by 2020.
Body Paragraph 2:
Cover remaining trends or data, focusing on comparisons.
E.g., Conversely, indoor activities dropped from 40% in 2000 to 20% in 2020.
B. For Processes (Diagrams)
Introduction:
Paraphrase the task description.
E.g., The diagram demonstrates the process of recycling plastic bottles.
Overview (2 sentences):
Summarize the main steps or overall flow.
E.g., The process involves six main steps, beginning with collection and
ending with reuse.
Body Paragraph 1:
Describe the first half of the process in sequence.
E.g., Initially, bottles are collected and transported to recycling plants.
Body Paragraph 2:
Explain the remaining steps.
E.g., The processed plastic is then shaped into pellets, which are reused.
C. For Maps
Introduction:
Paraphrase the task description.
E.g., The maps compare the layout of a city center in 2000 and 2020.
Overview (2 sentences):
Highlight main changes or patterns.
E.g., Significant urbanization occurred, with new residential and commercial
areas.
Body Paragraph 1:
Focus on changes in one part of the map.
E.g., The northern region was transformed from farmland to a residential
zone.
Body Paragraph 2:
Cover remaining changes.
E.g., In the south, a new shopping mall replaced the industrial area.
3. Essential Tips for Band 8/9
Task Achievement
Stick to 150–180 words.
Avoid personal opinions.
Summarize and compare effectively.
Coherence and Cohesion
Use linking words naturally (e.g., "in contrast," "meanwhile").
Organize ideas logically.
Lexical Resource
Use synonyms for common words (e.g., increase → rise, grow).
Include precise terms related to data (e.g., percentage, trend).
Avoid memorized phrases.
Grammatical Range
Include complex sentences:
E.g., While outdoor activities gained popularity, indoor activities witnessed a
decline.
Use passive voice where applicable:
E.g., Bottles are collected and transported.
4. Sample answer templates
1. Line Graph Template
Task Question Example:
The line graph shows the percentage of renewable energy used in four different
countries from 1990 to 2020.
Answer:
The line graph illustrates the proportion of renewable energy consumption in four
countries (Country A, Country B, Country C, and Country D) over a 30-year period
from 1990 to 2020.
Overall, the use of renewable energy increased in all four countries, with Country A
showing the most significant rise. Conversely, Country C had the lowest proportion
throughout the period.
In 1990, renewable energy use was highest in Country A, at 40%, while Country B
and Country D both stood at around 20%. Country C lagged behind with only 10%.
Over the next two decades, usage in Country A rose steadily, reaching 70% by 2010,
before stabilizing at 80% by 2020.
Similarly, renewable energy consumption in Country B and Country D experienced
moderate growth, peaking at 50% and 45%, respectively, by the end of the period. In
contrast, Country C showed minimal growth, rising to just 20% in 2020.
2. Bar Chart Template
Task Question Example:
The bar chart shows the average number of hours worked per week in five countries
in 2000 and 2010.
Answer:
The bar chart compares the average weekly working hours in five countries (Country
A, Country B, Country C, Country D, and Country E) in 2000 and 2010.
Overall, the average number of working hours declined in most countries over the
period, with Country A experiencing the largest reduction. However, Country C saw a
slight increase.
In 2000, Country A recorded the highest average at 50 hours per week, which fell
sharply to 40 hours by 2010. Country B also experienced a decline from 45 hours to
38 hours during the same period. In contrast, Country C's average working hours
increased marginally from 30 to 32 hours.
Meanwhile, Countries D and E both maintained relatively stable averages, with slight
decreases of around 2 hours, ending at 36 and 34 hours per week, respectively.
3. Process Diagram Template
Task Question Example:
The diagram shows the process of recycling used paper.
Answer:
The diagram illustrates the steps involved in recycling used paper. The process
consists of six main stages, beginning with the collection of used paper and ending
with the production of new paper products.
Overall, the process is cyclical, and each stage plays a crucial role in transforming old
paper into reusable materials.
First, used paper is collected from households, offices, and businesses before being
transported to recycling plants. Once there, the paper is sorted to remove
contaminants such as plastic and metal. Next, the clean paper is shredded and soaked
in water to create a pulp.
The pulp is then filtered and pressed to remove excess water, forming large sheets of
raw paper. Finally, these sheets are dried and rolled into new paper products, which
are distributed for reuse.
4. Map Template
Task Question Example:
The maps show the layout of a small town in 2000 and 2020.
Answer:
The two maps illustrate how the layout of a small town changed between 2000 and
2020.
Overall, the town underwent significant urbanization, with new residential and
commercial areas replacing open spaces and farmland.
In 2000, the northern part of the town was dominated by farmland, while the south
contained a large forest. By 2020, the farmland was transformed into a residential
area, and the forest was replaced by a shopping mall.
Additionally, a new school was constructed in the eastern part of the town, while the
central park remained unchanged. A new highway was built to the west, improving
connectivity. These developments reflect the town’s transition to a more urbanized
environment.
5. Pie Chart Template
Task Question Example:
The pie charts show the percentage of energy sources used to produce electricity in a
country in 1990 and 2010.
Answer:
The two pie charts compare the percentage of energy sources used to generate
electricity in a country in 1990 and 2010.
Overall, the use of renewable energy sources increased significantly over the period,
while the reliance on fossil fuels declined.
In 1990, fossil fuels accounted for the largest share of electricity production at 70%,
followed by nuclear energy at 20%. Renewable sources, including wind and solar,
made up only 10%. By 2010, the share of fossil fuels had dropped to 50%, while
renewable energy had risen to 35%, overtaking nuclear energy, which fell slightly to
15%.
This shift indicates a growing emphasis on sustainable energy production over the two
decades.
How to Adapt These Templates
Replace the specific data (numbers, years, categories) with details from your
question.
Adjust the overview statement to match the main trends in your task.
Use varied vocabulary for trends (from the vocabulary section above).
