This template checklist for IELTS Academic writing task 1 is most suitable for those who require a band score of 7.0 or higher for writing.

1. 1
http://www.thefreeschool.education/
IELTS 9 Project
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
Diagram Analysis and Discussion Checklist
An extended version of this document that offers illustration examples is available at:
http://www.thefreeschool.education/task-1-template.html
Introduction paragraph
1. Include an introduction paragraph that states the type of diagram that you analyze.
This opening statement may be very brief.
2. The opening sentence in your introduction paragraph immediately tells the reader
the ‘big picture’ of what this diagram set aims to inform the reader.
3. To earn higher credit for your vocabulary, you should paraphrase the title and
words shown in the diagram in cases where perfect word substitutes are available.
4. State the names of items measured on graphs, pie charts and data tables.
State the scale or scales against which the items are measured.

2. 2
Overview: key features paragraph
1. You ​must​ include an overview paragraph that summarizes the key features in the
diagram or collection of diagrams that you analyze.
2. Open with a word such as ‘overall’ to clearly identify it as the overview paragraph.
Data analysis body paragraphs
1. Include at least two data analysis body paragraphs.
2. Use a logical structure to organize your data analysis body paragraphs.
3. The opening sentence in each data analysis body paragraph informs the reader of
the dominant pattern that you analyze in this paragraph.
4. Discuss no more than two major patterns in each data analysis body paragraph.
Examples : long term-trends, increases, decreases, volatile fluctuations.
This step may require you to add, subtract, divide or multiply.
See: ​http://www.thefreeschool.education/task-1-math-skills.html
5. Compare at least two items in each data analysis body paragraph.
Examples of quantitative comparative discussion:
(i) The numerical values at different points in time for the same item.
(ii) The numerical values for different items at the same point in time.

3. 3
6. Name item and state its numerical value at least twice in each analysis paragraph.
7. Do not discuss more than six numbers in each data analysis paragraph.
8. Only discuss the facts that can be ascertained from the diagram/s.
Do not speculate why the diagram contains the patterns that you discuss.
N.b. steps 4., 5. and 6. are not always mutually exclusive. You may combine these steps.
General points
1. Avoid repeating verbs and adjectives in each paragraph where possible to earn a
higher band score for the vocabulary component of the assessment rubric.
Apply your vocabulary skills to select suitable synonymous substitute words.
2. Avoid repeating verbs and adjectives across each paragraph where possible.
3. Do not repeat discussion ​verbatim or repeat discussion using paraphrasing.
4. Your writing structure should connect sentences and not write in bullet point form.
5. Do not include a conclusion paragraph.
6. Discussion must contain the minimum number of words (150 words).
7. Do not ‘pad’ your wordcount with unnecessary discussion such as outlining the
structure of your paper or explaining the purpose of your writing.

4. 4
An example of an acceptable structure​*
1. Introduction
Two sentences: 30 words.
2. Overview summary
Three sentences: 60 words.
3. Data analysis: major pattern 1
Four sentences: 60 words
4. Data analysis: major pattern 2
Four sentences: 60 words
210 words
* To earn band score 8.5 to 9.
It is difficult to earn a band score of 8.5 or 9 in less than 200 words.
An example of a Band 9 paper for writing Task 1 has been uploaded at:
http://www.thefreeschool.education/task-1.html
This checklist is a guideline. ​There is not set format imposed by IELTS​ for this part of
the exam.