Lesson: IELTS Writing Task 1 - Selecting Key Features from the Graph
Selecting key features in IELTS Writing Task 1 is crucial to achieving a high band score. This lesson will focus on two
methods of selection: a simple method for candidates aiming for Bands 6.0-7.0, and an advanced method for
candidates aiming for Bands 8.0-9.0. We will also explore how these methods apply to different types of Task 1
reports: trend graphs, comparative graphs, maps, and processes.
Simple Selection Method (Bands 6.0-7.0)
Logic Behind the Simple Selection Method: The simple selection method focuses on identifying the most obvious
and easily identifiable data points. This approach is accessible to candidates with basic analytical skills. The primary
goal is to ensure clarity and accuracy in describing the data.
Steps for Simple Selection:
1. Identify Extremes: Look for the highest and lowest points in the data.
2. Identify Trends: Note any clear trends or patterns.
3. Identify Major Changes: Highlight significant increases or decreases.
4. Limit Details: Focus on a few key data points rather than trying to describe everything.
Application to Different Task 1 Report Types:
Trend Graphs:
1. Extremes: Identify the highest and lowest points on the graph.
o Example: If a line graph shows the number of tourists visiting a country from 2000 to 2020, you
might note that the highest number was in 2018, and the lowest was in 2002.
2. Trends: Note any overall upward or downward trends.
o Example: There was a general upward trend in tourist numbers from 2000 to 2018.
3. Major Changes: Highlight any significant spikes or drops.
o Example: There was a sharp increase in tourist numbers between 2010 and 2012.
Comparative Graphs:
1. Extremes: Identify the highest and lowest categories.
o Example: If a bar chart compares the sales of different products, note that Product A had the highest
sales and Product C the lowest.
2. Trends: Identify any clear comparisons, such as one category consistently outperforming others.
o Example: Product A consistently had higher sales than the other products over the five-year period.
3. Major Changes: Highlight any significant differences.
o Example: Sales of Product B increased significantly in 2017 compared to 2016.
Maps:
1. Extremes: Identify the most noticeable changes or features.
o Example: A map showing the development of a town might note the addition of a new residential
area and the removal of a factory.
2. Trends: Note any general changes over time.
o Example: The town expanded westward over the period.
3. Major Changes: Highlight any significant developments.
o Example: The construction of a new school in the northwest corner of the town.
Processes:
1. Extremes: Identify the start and end points of the process.
o Example: In a diagram showing the water cycle, note that it starts with evaporation and ends with
precipitation.
2. Trends: Describe the sequence of steps.
o Example: Water evaporates from the sea, forms clouds, and then falls as rain.
3. Major Changes: Highlight any key stages.
o Example: The stage where water vapor condenses to form clouds.
Advanced Selection Method (Bands 8.0-9.0)
Logic Behind the Advanced Selection Method: The advanced selection method involves a more sophisticated
analysis of the data, focusing on subtle patterns, relationships, and comparisons. This approach requires a higher
level of analytical skill and the ability to synthesize information.
Steps for Advanced Selection:
1. Identify Key Patterns: Look for patterns that are not immediately obvious.
2. Compare Data Points: Make detailed comparisons between data points.
3. Highlight Trends and Anomalies: Describe trends and note any anomalies or outliers.
4. Synthesize Information: Combine different pieces of data to provide a comprehensive overview.
Application to Different Task 1 Report Types:
Trend Graphs:
1. Key Patterns: Identify less obvious patterns, such as seasonal variations.
o Example: There are seasonal peaks in tourist numbers every summer.
2. Compare Data Points: Make detailed comparisons between different periods.
o Example: Tourist numbers in July 2015 were 20% higher than in July 2014.
3. Trends and Anomalies: Describe long-term trends and note any outliers.
o Example: Despite an overall upward trend, there was an unexpected drop in 2008.
4. Synthesize Information: Provide a comprehensive overview.
o Example: Overall, tourist numbers increased, with notable peaks during summer months and
significant growth around major events.
Comparative Graphs:
1. Key Patterns: Look for patterns across categories.
o Example: Product A's sales peak every December.
2. Compare Data Points: Make detailed comparisons within categories.
o Example: Product B's sales were consistently higher than Product C’s across all regions.
3. Trends and Anomalies: Describe trends and note anomalies.
o Example: Despite steady sales for most products, Product D's sales dropped unexpectedly in 2019.
4. Synthesize Information: Combine data for a comprehensive analysis.
o Example: Overall, Product A consistently leads in sales across all quarters, showing strong
performance in both domestic and international markets. In contrast, Product B, despite steady
sales, shows a noticeable drop in the third quarter.
Maps:
1. Key Patterns: Identify patterns in the spatial layout.
o Example: Commercial areas are concentrated in the town center.
2. Compare Data Points: Compare different time periods or regions.
o Example: The new residential area is twice the size of the old one.
3. Trends and Anomalies: Describe general trends and note anomalies.
o Example: The industrial area remained the same size despite overall town growth.
4. Synthesize Information: Combine different changes for a comprehensive view.
o Example: The town’s expansion westward, with significant residential growth, reflects the
population trend, while the industrial sector remains static.
Processes:
1. Key Patterns: Identify recurring themes or steps.
o Example: In the water cycle, evaporation and precipitation are the main recurring steps.
2. Compare Data Points: Make detailed comparisons between stages.
o Example: Compare the amount of water vapor at different stages of the cycle.
3. Trends and Anomalies: Describe overall trends and note any anomalies.
o Example: An unexpected increase in precipitation in certain areas due to climate change.
4. Synthesize Information: Provide a comprehensive overview of the process.
o Example: The water cycle is a continuous process driven by temperature and weather patterns, with
key stages of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
“By using these simple and advanced selection methods, candidates can effectively analyze and describe key features
in different types of Task 1 reports, thereby enhancing their performance and achieving higher band scores in the
IELTS Writing Task 1.”
